How to Recreate Vanessa Hudgens' Sleek Wedding Hair, According to Her Stylist
If there's one thing we know for certain, it's that slicked-back wedding buns are having a serious moment—and Vanessa Hudgens is the latest celeb bride to prove why. The actress wed MLB player Cole Tucker in Tulum, Mexico on December 2, 2023, and her look was simply perfect for a destination celebration. Vanessa Hudgens' wedding hair was a timeless low chignon with a middle part, styled by her longtime friend and celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano. (If you think this looks familiar, you're right—we've seen similar styles worn by other celeb brides like Sofia Richie and Hailey Bieber).
The bride's elegant, no-fuss 'do is the latest iteration of the quiet luxury aesthetic that's taken the wedding industry by storm. If you can't get enough of this buzzy hair trend, you're in luck, because Vanessa Hudgens' wedding hair stylist shared a complete, step-by-step tutorial to recreating this hairstyle. We break down everything you need to know here, like what to ask your own wedding hair stylist for, and what products to use if you want to recreate this bun for a prewedding party.
In this guide:
- Vanessa Hudgens' Wedding Hair Tutorial
- How to Ask Your Hair Stylist for Vanessa Hudgens' Wedding Hair
- The Best Products to Recreate Vanessa Hudgens' Wedding Hair
Vanessa Hudgens' Wedding Hair Tutorial
In a video posted on TikTok, Vanessa Hudgens' wedding hair stylist Danielle Priano shared a complete, step-by-step guide to recreating this elegant updo. We break down every single step below.
Start with clean hair.
Priano, who has worked with stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Hailey Bieber, Madelyn Cline and Shay Mitchell, began by washing Hudgens' hair to have a clean base. She used Redken's Color Gloss shampoo, conditioner and gloss treatment to achieve luscious, shiny strands.
Apply a heat protectant and blow dry hair straight.
Once the bride's hair was clean, Priano applied a heat protectant and blow-dried the hair to get a "smooth, sleek finish." She also used a flat iron to ensure there were no flyaways or frizzy ends.
Section the hair and secure into a low bun.
Using gel to pull the hair back, Priano split Hudgens' hair into three sections: two front pieces, and a ponytail in the back. Using a brush, she pulled back the hair to create a low, twisted chignon. To create a flawless center part, she pulled the front pieces back once the bun was secured and pinned them into the twist.
Top off with hairspray and complete with accessories.
To complete the look, Priano topped off Vanessa Hudgens' wedding hair with a long-lasting hairspray. She used a fluffy brush to sweep the product into the hair, creating a secure hairstyle that could withstand warm temperatures and a long night of dancing. For a fun bridal pop, Priano tucked a few pearl pins into Hudgens' bun.
How to Ask Your Hair Stylist for Vanessa Hudgens' Wedding Hair
We always recommend that couples work with a seasoned stylist on their wedding day glam. (Psst: You can find incredible pros on a platform like The Knot Marketplace.) After you've found the perfect vendor, set up a hair and makeup trial to go over your vision and test out some looks to find the perfect one for your big day.
It's always helpful to bring examples of your desired style, so screenshot a few photos of Vanessa Hudgens' wedding hair to bring with you. Once you're in the chair, ask your stylist for a smooth and sleek low chignon with a middle part. With these key terms and a few pictures, they'll know exactly how to recreate Vanessa Hudgens' wedding hairstyle with your locks.
The Best Products to Recreate Vanessa Hudgens' Wedding Hair
While it's common to hire a wedding day hairstylist, you might not be working with one for your prewedding events, like the bach party or the shower. Here's the good news: You can easily emulate Vanessa Hudgens' wedding hairdo yourself. Priano partnered with Redken to create this celebrity wedding hairstyle, so we know exactly what products she used to pull off this timeless look. Using the tutorial above and the items below, you, too, can easily replicate Vanessa Hudgens' wedding hair. You've got this!
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo
This hairstyle is best achieved with clean hair, so start by washing your locks with Redken's Acidic Color Gloss shampoo. With a formula designed to lock in shine, this product will cleanse your strands and give them an enviable glass-like finish.
Redken Activated Glass Gloss Treatment
Next, Priano used Redken's Activated Glass Gloss Treatment, which is a highly concentrated deep conditioning complex. When paired with the entire line of products, it'll give your hair that luxurious "just left the salon" look.
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner
To enhance the effect of the treatment, Priano used Redken's Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner to lock in moisture and boost shine quality. This is an essential step for those with dry hair, especially if your special event is taking place in a warmer climate that could make your mane prone to frizz.
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Treatment
Heat protection is one step you should never skip when using hot tools. Before blow drying and straightening Hudgens' hair, Priano spritzed it with Redken's Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Treatment, which protects up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and further locks in shine.
Redken Max Sculpting Gel
As she started twisting the hair into a low bun, Priano used Redken's Max Sculpting Gel to guide and lock the hair into place. This gel is ideal for long-lasting wear, as it claims to provide maximum hold without those annoying flakes—a must for wedding events.
Redken Control Hairspray
Finally, no special event 'do is complete without a spritz of hairspray. To complete Vanessa Hudgens' wedding hair, Priano covered the chignon with Redken's control hairspray. She used a fluffy brush to sweep the product into place, eliminating flyaways and ensuring this bun would withstand hours of dancing (and soarin, and flyin').