EFFORLESS ELEGANCE: The Bridal Artistry of Lauren Schulz

For Lauren Schulz, the path to bridal hairstyling wasn’t exactly linear—but it was always quietly taking shape. From childhood afternoons spent braiding teammates’ hair and experimenting with dolls, to initially pursuing degrees in Chemistry and Marine Biology, her journey reflects both curiosity and creativity. It wasn’t until after graduation, when she began reevaluating what truly fulfilled her, that she returned to that early passion and committed to hairstyling and started Lauren Rae Bridal Hair.

Wedding Hairstylist Lauren Schulz. Photo Credit: Basha Nicole Photography

After earning her cosmetology license and gaining experience in a full-service salon, everything clicked during her first prom and wedding season. The artistry, emotion, and intimacy of special event styling sparked something deeper, leading her to focus exclusively on bridal work. Now, with years of experience and a refined, modern aesthetic, Lauren is known for creating effortlessly polished styles that feel authentic to each bride—an elevated version of who they already are on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

Can you tell us about your background and how you got into hair styling, particularly bridal work?

Growing up, I loved playing with hair—on dolls, teammates, anyone who’d let me. Despite that, I initially pursued more traditional paths, studying Chemistry at Appalachian State University before earning a Marine Biology degree from University of North Carolina Wilmington. After graduating, I realized my true passion was hairstyling. I earned my cosmetology license from Cape Fear Community College and began working in a salon, but it wasn’t until prom and wedding season that everything clicked. Special event styling sparked something creative in me, and I quickly found my niche in bridal. After years working with bridal teams, I went independent and am now in my second year as a solo bridal stylist—focused on creating elevated, authentic looks for each bride.

What first drew you to wedding hair, and how did you develop your signature style?

Once I discovered the world of bridal hairstyling, I knew I had found my calling. There’s something incredibly special about being part of such a meaningful day —spending those intimate, behind-the-scenes moments with a bride, connecting with her closest friends and family, and helping her feel like the most elevated, confident version of herself. It’s both exciting and deeply rewarding. My signature style has evolved through a combination of continued education, hands-on experience, and creative exploration. I’ve taken countless classes, learned from talented stylists I’ve had the privilege of working alongside, and spent hours refining my skills through trial and error on mannequins. I’m also constantly inspired by evolving trends in the bridal space. I would describe my style as effortless yet polished, clean, modern, and full of soft texture.

What’s your process for working with different hair types, textures, and inspiration photos on a wedding morning?

CONSULTATION, CONSULTATION, CONSULTATION! My process always begins with really understanding the bride—her hair type, texture, personal style, and how she naturally wears her hair day to day. When a bride brings in an inspiration photo, I take time to break down the look's infrastructure, because there are often so many small details that aren’t immediately obvious.

For example, with something as classic as a bun, I’ll walk through key elements together: Does she like volume or height at the crown? Does she prefer soft texture or a sleek, polished finish? Where would she feel most confident with placement—high, mid, or low? Would she want face-framing pieces or a more structured look? This thorough consultation helps tailor the style not just to the photo, but to the bride.

Working with different hair types and textures is all about adapting techniques and setting realistic expectations while still achieving the overall vision. I focus on enhancing what the bride naturally has, rather than forcing her hair into something completely unfamiliar. I always guide my brides toward styles that feel like an elevated version of themselves, because if you never wear your hair up, your wedding day probably isn’t the time to start. You should feel like your most confident, comfortable self, just a little more refined.

How do you approach creating a look that feels both timeless in photos and true to each bride’s personality?

I always come back to consultation; it’s truly where everything begins for me. That time allows me to really get to know my bride beyond just the look she’s envisioning. I’m learning how she normally wears her hair, what makes her feel the most confident, and all the little details that make her style hers.

When she brings inspiration photos, I see them more as a guide than a final destination. I like to talk through what she’s actually drawn to, maybe it’s the softness, the structure, or how effortless it feels, and then I translate that in a way that complements her features and personality.

For me, creating something timeless is about restraint. I want the style to feel polished and elevated, but never overdone or like she’s playing a character. The best compliment is when a bride looks in the mirror and says, “This still feels like me”, just a slightly more refined, bridal version. And years down the line, I want her to look back at her photos and still feel completely connected to that version of herself.

Can you walk us through what a typical wedding day looks like for you?

A typical wedding day for me starts fairly early. As a bridal hairstylist, I’m often one of the first vendors to step into the bride’s space, which is something I don’t take lightly. I’m usually driving to the venue with an upbeat playlist, setting the tone so I can arrive with energy that feels both positive and calming.

I’ve already worked closely with the bride to create a detailed timeline, so once I arrive and get set up, the morning flows with intention. It doesn’t take long before the room fills with music, chatter, and that mix of excitement and nerves that makes wedding mornings so special.

What I love most is how quickly it becomes such a personal environment. You hear the stories, how everyone knows each other, inside jokes, shared memories, and for a few hours, it feels like you’ve been welcomed into that inner circle. There are always laughs, usually a few happy tears, and inevitably a couple of sing-alongs that everyone knows by heart.

As we approach the end of the morning, the bride is typically among the last to receive services. There’s a shift in energy when it’s her turn. The room quiets just a bit, and everything starts to feel very real. Watching her vision come together, especially after hearing all about it during the planning process, is incredibly special. That moment when I turn her toward the mirror, and she sees herself fully as a bride, is, without question, the highlight of my day.

If timing allows, I love staying to see everyone step into their dresses and suits and to capture a few photos. It’s a beautiful pause; one last moment to take in all the joy before the day fully unfolds.

Photo Credit The Axtells

What’s one hair trend you’re loving right now for brides, and one classic style that never goes out of fashion?

Right now, I’m really loving a textured, “piled-high” bun. It has that effortless, lived-in feel while still reading elevated and intentional in photos. I think what makes it so special is its versatility; it can be tailored to different face shapes, hair textures, lengths, and even hair colors, allowing each bride to still feel like herself while achieving a polished, modern bridal look. It’s similar in spirit to a French twist, but softer and more undone, which feels very current right now.

For a timeless style that will never go out of fashion, I always come back to a clean half-up, half-down. It’s classic, romantic, and works beautifully across so many different bridal aesthetics. That said, I almost always recommend extensions for any down or partially down style. They add fullness, help the shape hold, and ensure curls or waves last throughout the entire day and night.

For More Information Follow Lauren Schulz on Instagram.