Get the Look: Royal Wedding Hair

All eyes are on Kate Middleton today, from her Cartier tiara down to her ivory satin and lace Alexander McQueen shoes. Beneath the tiara borrowed from the Queen, Kate wore her gorgeous brunette locks in a classic half-up, half-down style with long, loose curls cascading down her neck. The regal look was created by her mainstay stylist James Pryce of the Richard Ward Salon and Metrospa.

Seeing as how the royal couple's highly-anticipated nuptials have dominated the bridal world since news of their engagement broke, it's likely that Kate's classic style lent some inspiration to the Fall/Winter 2011 Bridal Fashion Week hairstyles, which really seemed to take a fresh approach to embrace a more modern, youthful bride. 

Redken Session Stylist Giovanni Giuntoli created the distinct looks at several well-known bridal fashion houses, including Christos, Kenneth Pool, and Amsale. These fresh takes on waves reflected an edgier, younger bride and can serve as a great guide to achieve the perfect look for your big day or any formal event. 

Check out these three terrific hairstyles and a step-by-step guide on how to get the looks. Whether it's for your own wedding, prom, or any formal event, Giovanni has a little something for everyone.

  End-of-Day Waves - Seen at Christos
"This season, the traditionally preppy Christos look evolved for the next generation, and the hair embraces this edgier attitude," Giovanni says. This is a youthful, casual style that's flattering and flirty.

To achieve the look, prep hair to add texture and extra hold with a texturizing spray. Part the hair wherever it best reflects the face shape (left, right or center). Set the curls with a one-inch curling iron and pin in place. Let the curls out and pull until you have soft waves, finishing the style with hairspray to achieve a silky matte finish.   

Cutting Edge Pleat -Seen at Kenneth Pool
"This up-do reflects the high-end Kenneth Pool look and so we created a striking, contemporary up-do that pushes the envelope," Giovanni says. 

To create this look, prep the hair before blow drying by applying mousse at the roots and through the ends of hair for all-over body. Fold all of the hair except for the front section two inches from the crown into a pleat. Curl small sections of the front two inches with a one-inch barrel and pin each up in place atop the head. "The curls add a softer silhouette for height and a light, airy texture that you can almost see through," Giovanni says. For added shine and hold, finish off with Redken Pure Force 16 Non-Aerosol Fixing Spray.

Statment Pony - Seen at Amsale
For the Amsale collection, Giovanni created a natural, youthful ponytail with soft with volume at the crown for added glamour.

Get the look by first sectioning off the hair at the crown, misting with spray and then back brushing for height. "Play with the shape and height at the crown to keep it tailored to your face shape," Giovanni explains. Next, gather the hair into a pony and wrap a one-inch section around the elastic.  Leave a natural wave in the ponytail and mist with a glistening mist for a glossy, polished look. 

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