Sofia Richie’s Wedding Hair: The Timeless Bun That Stole the Show

Sofia Richie’s Wedding Hair: The Look, the Details, the Inspiration

When Sofia Richie married Elliot Grainge on April 22, 2023, in the South of France (Antibes, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc), one element of her bridal look that stood out for its elegance, simplicity, and polish was her hairstyle. Her hair was styled by longtime friend and hairstylist Kathleen Riley, who created a look that perfectly matched Sofia’s bridal vision: timeless, clean, and sophisticated.

Key Features of Her Wedding Hair

Here’s what made Sofia’s hair such a standout bridal style:

1. The Classic Low Ballerina Bun with a Center Part

   • For her ceremony, Sophia wore a middle-parted, low bun, a style often described as a ballerina bun. It was sleek, smooth, and polished.

   • The center part kept the look symmetrical and clean, balancing her facial features.

2. Clean, Sleek Finish

   • There were hardly any flyaways; the sides were kept neat and smooth. Riley used strong hold products—a clip-in extension (to help with layers), Got2Be Glued Hairspray, etc. for that sleek look.

   • The idea was to keep the hair off the face entirely so nothing distracts from her features, the dress, or the overall vibe.

3. Subtle Texture & Detail

   • While the main style is sleek, there were tiny touches of texture: a rope braid worked into the bun, some wispy strands left loose around the ears. These soften the look and add a romantic touch.

   • For other events (like rehearsal and after-party), variations were used: sleeker or more textural, ponytails, etc.

4. Product & Technique Secrets

   • Clip-in extensions from SHAE Hair were used to balance her layers and ensure the bun looked full and smooth.

   • Products: strong hold hairspray, Got2Be Glued Gel, UNITE U Oil for shine and polish.

   • The bun was built in sections, with a rope braid forming part of it, then twisted and pinned up for a clean finish.

5. Style Variation Across the Weekend

   • Her bridal looks weren’t limited to the wedding ceremony. For the rehearsal dinner, after-party, and other events, there were changes—sleeker vs more textural hair, sometimes hair up, sometimes down, always elegant. These variations helped her looks feel cohesive but also give breathing room depending on the moment.

Why It Worked

• Timeless & Age-Appropriate: The style doesn’t chase trends so much as embody classical elegance. It parallels her dress choice: elevated, young but not overly ornate.

• Harmony with the Dress & Venue: The sleek bun paired beautifully with her custom Chanel gowns (which had high necklines, beading, intricate details). By keeping the hair simple, the overall look stayed balanced. The French Riviera setting also added to that polished, luxurious aesthetic.

• Function + Form: Practicality in her styling was also considered. For example, her stylist noted that she considered her hair going up so it won’t get caught in the beading of her gown. And for outdoor, possibly humid conditions, sleek styles with strong hold help avoid frizz.

How You Can Use Sofia’s Look as Inspiration

If you love the vibe of Sofia Richie’s wedding hair, here are ways to adapt the style for your own wedding:

• Choose a middle/center part: Even if you normally wear a side part, this straighter, symmetrical line gives a clean, elegant frame.

• Go for a low bun: Sitting at the nape or just above it helps elongate the neck and works well with beaded or high-neck dresses.

• Use extensions if needed: If you have lots of layers or shorter pieces, clip-ins can help make the bun smooth and evenly full.

• Keep it polished but add softness: A few loose strands around the face or ear, a braid-detail, or textured pieces can make the look romantic rather than severe.

• Invest in strong-hold product + shine serum/oil: to keep everything sleek, tame flyaways, and give a luminous finish.

Sofia Richie’s wedding hair is a master class in marrying simplicity, glam, and timeless beauty. It shows that you don’t need overly complicated details to make a lasting impression—what matters is that the style complements the rest of your bridal vision and makes you feel like you.