Why Natural Curls Are Wedding-Ready: A Love Letter to Curly Brides

For generations, we’ve been taught—explicitly and implicitly—that the way our hair naturally grows out of our heads isn’t professional, elegant, or formal enough. And when it comes to major events like weddings, the pressure to “tame” our curls can feel overwhelming. But let’s get one thing straight: curly hair is formal-ready. In fact, it’s perfect for your wedding day.

As a curly hairstylist and recent bride myself (yes, I wore my natural curls when I got married in August 2024!), I want to start a conversation that challenges outdated beauty standards and uplifts natural hair for what it truly is—beautiful, versatile, and powerful.

Why Is Natural Hair Still Viewed as "Unprofessional"?

The idea that curly hair isn't suitable for formal events or professional settings is deeply rooted in racism and assimilation. During the Industrial Revolution and World War I, as more women—including Black women—entered the workforce, new “professional” beauty standards emerged. For Black women, this meant straightening their hair using hot combs or chemical relaxers to appear “polished” enough for the workplace. Straight hair became synonymous with professionalism—while curls were unfairly labeled unkempt or wild.

Fast forward to today, and while we’ve made progress, that bias still lingers. The discomfort around natural textures isn’t just outdated—it’s discriminatory. Thankfully, we now have laws like the CROWN Act, introduced in 2020, which fights for the right to wear natural hair in schools and workplaces without fear of punishment or discrimination. As of now, it's been passed in 27 states and counting.

But Let’s Talk About Curls and Weddings...

Weddings are emotional. They're once-in-a-lifetime. And they are a time when we should feel the most like ourselves. That’s why I wore my natural curls on my big day. I wanted to look back at my wedding photos and see me. I wanted my daughter—and future grandchildren—to see me as I truly am, not a version of myself shaped by outdated expectations.

There were other practical reasons too. If you’ve got curls, you know humidity can make or break a style. The idea of flat-ironing or pressing my hair only for it to puff up halfway through the day? Absolutely not. My curls were set, secured, and celebrated—and they held up beautifully.

My Curly Wedding Hair Formula (Yes, It Works!)

Whether you're a bride, a bridesmaid, or attending a formal event, here’s how I prep curls for long-lasting, stunning styles:

1. Fresh is best.Curly hair thrives when it’s clean, conditioned, and detangled. Unlike other hair types that may benefit from being a little "lived-in," curls should be styled on freshly washed hair for the best results.

2. High-hold products, applied in small sections.I use strong gels and creams section by section to lock in definition. I don’t break the cast until the very end—right before photos or styling.

3. Heat styling with purpose.I always diffuse or hood-dry curls. Air drying is unpredictable, and wedding days are not the time for surprises.

4. Anti-humidity armor.My go-to is Kenra’s Anti-Humidity Spray. I don’t just mist—I saturate in layers to ensure protection from root to tip.

5. Secure styles with high-hold hairspray.For updos, I use a strong-hold hairspray to keep every curl in place without losing movement or bounce.

Curls Belong at Every Celebration

If you’re thinking about wearing your natural curls to your wedding or any formal event, here’s my advice: do it. You don’t have to compromise your identity to look elegant, beautiful, or put-together. Curls are professional. Curls are formal. Curls are a statement—and a celebration.

So wear them proudly. Dance with them. Marry the love of your life with them. Because there’s nothing more beautiful than being yourself.