Worry-free wedding hair | How to secure a bridal hair comb

Knowing how to properly secure a metal hair comb is key to ensuring it stays in place throughout your special day.

Have you ever wondered how to make a metal hair comb stay in your hair? Do you have a hairstyle where combs just seem to fall right out? Whether you’re planning to tuck a bridal hair comb into an updo, a half-up style or loose waves, knowing how to secure a comb is key to ensuring it stays in place. We share our tips on how to best secure a comb in your hair, complete with styling advice to help you achieve a flawless look.

Step 1: Choose the right comb for your hairstyle

Before you begin, it’s important to choose a bridal hair comb that complements your hairstyle.

For updos: A smaller, delicate comb works well for intricate updos, while a larger, more ornate comb can add drama and elegance.
For half up styles: A medium sized comb is ideal for half up styles as it will sit comfortably in the middle of your hairstyle. Look for designs that balance the volume and texture of your hair.
For loose waves: Consider a lightweight, less elaborate comb that won’t pull on your hair or feel too heavy. A side comb is a perfect option for loose waves and Hollywood-inspired looks.

Step 2: Prep your hair

Preparing your hair properly is crucial for ensuring the comb stays securely in place. We recommend these 3 methods to ensure your comb stays securely in place.

The Tease: Also known as backcombing, this method involves lifting a layer of hair and gently teasing the underside with a fine tooth comb. It adds security to the security of hair where you plan to place the comb. It creates a cushioned base for the comb to sit and provides extra hold. Lower your section of hair and use bobby pins across the teeth of the comb to secure it into place.
Elastic bands: If you have short hair, your hairstylist may use small clear elastic bands to create miniature ponytails in the area where you intend to position the comb. The tiny ponytails are best hidden beneath a section of hair. Once you’ve created a little row of elastic bands, gently nestle the teeth of the comb into the little bands and reinforce with bobby pins.
The Pincurl: Gather a small amount of hair where you would like the comb to sit. Twirl it around your fingers to create a little curl an then pin it to your head with two bobby pins in an X shape. A little hair spray will fix it into position and then nestle your comb behind the bobby pins.

3. Position the comb

The placement of your bridal hair comb will depend on your hairstyle and the look you want to achieve.

Updos: For a classic updo, position the comb above or to the side of your bridal bun or chignon. If you’re going for a more modern or bohemian look, try placing it at the base of a low bun or at an angle.
Half up hairstyles: Insert the comb where the top section of your hair meets the lower section. This will help blend the comb into your style while keeping it secure.
Loose waves: Tuck the comb into the side of your head, above your ear or at the back where your hair naturally falls. Ensure that the comb isn’t too heavy, as tis can cause it to slip out of place.

4. Insert the comb

Now that your hair is prepped and you’ve decided on the placement, it’s time to secure the comb.

Hold the hair in place: Use your fingers to hold the section of hair where you’ll insert the comb. If you’ve backcombed this section, be gentle to avoid flattening the teased hair.
Insert the comb backward: Start by inserting the comb into your hair with the teeth pointing in the opposite direction of where you want the comb to sit. I.e. if you want the comb to face downward, insert it upward.
Flip and secure: Once the comb is partially inserted, gently flip it in the direction you want it to face. This flipping motion will help anchor the teeth of the comb into your hair, securing it in place.

5. Add extra security

To ensure your comb stays put throughout the day, consider these extra steps:

Use bobby pins: Slide a couple of bobby pins over the teeth of the comb, securing them in place. Choose bobby pins that match your hair colour for a seamless look.
Hairspray: Use a light mist of hairspray to set your hairstyle and add extra hold.

Styling tips

Heavy headpieces will need a solid foundation to stay in place. These may be better supported by upstyles or half up hairstyles.
If your comb is made from plastic, it may be more difficult to hold the comb in place with bobby pins. Small alligator hair clips might be useful.
These techniques can be used for hair pins, halos and similar accessories.
If you’re looking to change your hair accessories during the course of your wedding day (i.e. remove your wedding veil after the ceremony), be sure to take notes on how the comb was been secured so you don’t mess up your bridal hairstyle trying to remove it. Ask your bridesmaids for help looking for the bobby pins before the comb is pulled out.

Need personalised styling advice?

Your hairstylist will be able to offer you advice and recommendations based on your hair type and your vision for your accessories. There are a number of different hair fasteners that are designed specifically for these situations. For example, snap clips that are often used to secure hair extensions can also be sewn under a headpiece too.