Bridesmaids' Hairstyles: Easy, Elegant Looks For The Big Day

Being a bridesmaid comes with a lot of responsibility, from standing by the bride's side as she exchanges her vows to looking your best for the many photos that will be taken. While the bride may have a specific hairstyle in mind for her bridal party, she often lets her bridesmaids select a style of their choosing.

When deciding on a hairstyle, it's important to consider your personal style, hair type, dress neckline, face shape, and climate. For instance, if you have long and full hair, wearing it down will highlight its length and volume. On the other hand, if your dress is strapless, an updo will showcase your neckline.

Ultimately, you should feel comfortable and confident in your chosen hairstyle, supporting the people tying the knot and enjoying their special day.

Bridesmaid hairstyles for long hair

Half-Up Braids With Flowers

A fun and intermediate-level hairstyle, half-up braids with flowers keep hair out of your face while maintaining length. Add a twist or some dainty floral accents to make this look your own.

Curly Updo With Flower Crown

A great option for summer weddings, this updo will keep any bridesmaid cool. The natural curls showing through and the boho flair of the crown make this hairstyle a winner.

High-Volume Ponytail

A high ponytail can add energy and glamour to your look. Start with textured hair and loose waves, then backcomb to create volume at the base.

Old-School Hollywood Glamour

Channel old-school Hollywood glamour with carefully created uniform waves. Add volume at the roots and pin back one side with an art deco-inspired hairpiece for added sparkle.

Low Braided Bun

If you have long, thick hair, a low braided bun is a perfect versatile hairstyle. Leave some curled tendrils around the face, and keep the bun low and relaxed to complement a variety of dress styles.

Boho Flower Crown With Curls

For an easy, free-spirited look, top off your DIY curls with a flower crown. No extra styling needed!

Loose Fishtail Braid

A loose fishtail braid is a stunning, intermediate-level option that gives off serious boho vibes. Leaving out a few wispy pieces in the front adds a touch of romance.

High-Volume Curls

Ask your stylist for voluminous curls and be sure to tease the back of the hair toward the crown to achieve this look.

Bridesmaid hairstyles for medium hair

Medium-length hair is incredibly versatile, and there are many options for styling it for a wedding. The most popular choice for medium hair is the updo, as it is a loose hairstyle that allows for personalisation while maintaining a cohesive look. A chignon is a close second, as it is also versatile and works for most wedding themes.

For a more unique look, try a half-up, half-down style. This is a great way to show off your medium-length hair, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the wedding vibe. Curl your hair and then grab two sections, twisting them back and leaving a few tendrils out in front. Alternatively, go for a high updo with a modern beehive vibe. Leave out a section of hair on one side for added glamour.

If you want to wear your hair down, big bouncy waves are a glamorous option, especially if you're wearing a strapless dress. A centre part and some teasing will create volume, and you can add some hair clips or a headband for extra detail. For a more natural look, opt for brushed-out curls or waves, which will look great at almost any type of wedding.

Bridesmaid hairstyles for short hair

If you're a bridesmaid with short hair, you might wonder if your styling options are limited. But there are plenty of ways to accentuate your cut while creating volume and texture.

One way to enhance your bob is by adding some curls. Old Hollywood curls are one of the most romantic and elevated hairstyles for bridesmaids, especially those with lobs or tresses that fall just below the shoulders. Heat sections of your hair with a curling iron and use a wide-tooth comb to separate the ends.

If you're celebrating at an outdoor wedding in the spring or summer, a high ponytail is a practical choice that will keep sweat at bay. All you'll need is a reliable elastic and a few bobby pins to keep strays in place. Tease some of the strands on top of your head and curl the base of your ponytail for added volume. Pulling a few of your front pieces out of your updo will also define your face.

A half-up, half-down style is another excellent choice for bridesmaids with short hair, especially if you don't want to commit to a full updo. First, decide which texture you want: use a flat iron for a sleek, straight look, or grab a curling iron to create romantic curls. Then, pull half of your hair into a ponytail with an elastic or clip.

If your current cut is a bob, wearing your hair down will show off both blunt edges and soft layers. While a straight style will accentuate your length, twisting strands of your hair with a curling iron or rollers will imbue more dimension and help you accomplish a beachy look. With a middle part, your waves will fall naturally and frame your face.

If your hair is both thin and short, wispy waves will infuse volume and texture. Clip a few pieces of your hair back to introduce layers, creating more depth and dimension. Use a curling iron to easily execute this hairstyle, but you can also wrap your hair in rollers for a heatless alternative. To get the loose, effortless look, brush out your curls with a brush or your fingertips.

If you have pin-straight hair, you'll draw attention to your short cut and even edges. This sleek style is also stress-free, as you won't have to worry about curls falling flat or loose pieces escaping your updo. To attain this coveted shine, blow-dry your hair and then go over each strand with a flat iron. With a middle part, your tresses will fall gracefully around your shoulders, evoking more romance.

A low chignon is a romantic and elegant hairstyle for any type of affair. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail, divide the shaft into two sections, and secure each one with an elastic. Wrap the first section behind a piece of your hair that's tucked into the ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin. Repeat this process on the other side.

Embrace your natural hair texture, whether it's curly or straight. This look is incredibly low-maintenance, but if you want to fight humidity, spritz on a protective coat of anti-frizz spray.

A low updo is perfect for bridesmaids with hair at the shoulder or a touch longer. After twisting your ponytail in a counterclockwise motion and securing it with a rubber band, be sure to include some face-framing tendrils for further definition.

If you're in a wedding that takes place on the beach, in a garden, or has a bohemian feel, pull half of your hair back into a thick braid or a fishtail braid, then add one or two tiny braids for added texture. Embellish the style with a metal headpiece for something extra special.

A great option for a daytime wedding, spring wedding, or garden wedding is to add flowers to your hair. This works well with a twisted half-up style. Adding a few small flowers into the back can make the look pop.

Soft waves are always a hit: they're simple yet elegant, and versatile enough to work with almost any style of dress. Add a slight side part so that there's more volume on one side, and be sure to use plenty of hairspray so it stays in place.

Hair accessories are an excellent way to add sparkle to your hair and elevate your look. Slick back the front section on one side, then add four glittery hair clips around your ear for some instant drama.

Want to stand out? Choose a unique updo like a bubble French braid, which looks more formal than a regular bubble ponytail and is more fun than a basic French braid. It adds volume and looks cool from the back.

Braids are a great option for bridesmaids because they're so versatile. Doing a sleek, tight braid can look more formal, while a loose, slightly messy braid can give off a casual, bohemian vibe.

If you have super short locks that are almost like a buzzcut, your best option is to add some volume. Flip the top pieces up for a spiky look that is equal parts daring and glamorous, and still looks put together enough for a wedding.

Textured beach waves look extra cool and trendy on a bob or lob. Use a curling iron to create barrel curls, then run your fingers through them to create more low-key waves. This looks effortlessly beautiful.

Another great option for a bob is to keep your locks pin-straight. Smoothing cream and some shine spray will make this look sophisticated and sleek. Go for a slightly asymmetrical cut for even more interesting detail.

A voluminous blowout is perfect for someone who feels their best with hair framing their face. With a blow dryer, dry sections of your hair from the roots to the ends, starting with the lower layers and making your way to the top. Then, curl the ends with a hot tool and run over them with a round brush for added bounce.

A bob with loose curls is always sophisticated, but sweeping your strands over to the side will really take this hairstyle to the next level. Part your hair to the side before creating texture by wrapping strands with a curling or flat iron.

We've barely scratched the surface of bridesmaid hairstyles for short hair. Whether you're looking for something sleek and straight or voluminous and curly, there's a style to help you look and feel your best.

Curly bridesmaid hairstyles

Curly-haired bridesmaids have a lot of options when it comes to hairstyles. Here are some ideas for curly bridesmaid hairstyles, along with some general tips to consider:

General Tips:

When deciding on a hairstyle, it's important to choose something that embodies your personal style and makes you feel beautiful. It's also a good idea to take into account your hair type, dress neckline, face shape, and the climate of the wedding location. For example, if you're attending a wedding in a humid locale, curls may fall flat more easily, so an updo might be a better option.

Braided Updo with Curly Tendrils:

This style is perfect for bridesmaids with natural curls. It combines a braided updo with loose, curly tendrils for a unique and elegant look. To prepare the hair, use a moisturising deep conditioning treatment and styling products that enhance the natural curl pattern.

Side-Swept Half-Up, Half-Down Style with Loose Curls:

This style is ideal for showing off natural curls while keeping them out of the face. The hair is swept to one side and loosely pinned, with soft curls cascading down the other side. It's a romantic and elegant look that can be dressed up with a statement hairpiece or delicate hairpins.

Messy Bun with Twisted Braids:

For a more relaxed and playful vibe, a messy bun with twisted braids is a great option. This style is perfect for curly-haired bridesmaids who want something a little different. It's also a good choice for outdoor or nature-inspired weddings.

Curly Half-Up, Half-Down Style:

This versatile style can be dressed up or down, depending on the accessories and dress code. It involves pulling back the top half of the hair into a ponytail or bun, leaving the rest of the curls flowing down. This style is perfect for showing off the natural texture of curly hair.

High Ponytail with Curly Bangs:

For a fun and flirty look, a high ponytail with curly bangs is a great option. This style is easy to achieve and can be dressed up with a hair accessory if needed. It's perfect for bridesmaids who want something simple yet stylish.

These are just a few ideas, but there are endless possibilities for curly bridesmaid hairstyles. Whether you want a sleek and elegant look or something more relaxed and playful, embracing your natural curls is a beautiful way to feel confident on the big day.

Bridesmaid updos

There are many stunning updo hairstyles for bridesmaids to choose from. Here are some ideas to elevate your wedding look:

A sleek mid-height ponytail is an on-trend option for bridesmaids with long hair. For a more glamorous take, place the ponytail on the top of the crown, wrapping some hair around the elastic for a polished finish. A low, loose twist with face-framing tendrils is another pretty choice, evoking a boho vibe. If you're after something more formal, a glossy low ponytail or a ballerina bun are elegant options. For a casual, effortless look, a messy high bun is a great choice—simply pull your hair into a top knot and gently tug on pieces around your face.

A top knot is a versatile choice for medium-length hair, and you can make it your own by adding accessories. A sleeked-back bun is another elegant option that will show off your outfit. Leaving some pieces out in front will soften the look. A low side ponytail is a popular choice as it suits any outfit and keeps hair out of the way. For an edgier feel, try a centre-parted, low ballerina bun.

Even with short hair, there are some beautiful updo options. Slicking hair back with gel is a fashion-forward style that will keep hair out of the way. For a softer look, loosely pin curls to the back of the head, topping it off with a flower crown or another hair accessory of your choice. If your hair is too short to pull back completely, try leaving the front half out while pinning the back into a loose bun. For a chic '90s vibe, pin the sides of your hair back and pull out two long pieces in front.

Bridesmaid Half Updos

If you're unsure about committing to a full updo, a half-up style is a great alternative. The half-up top knot is a creative choice, keeping hair out of the way while showcasing your gorgeous tresses. Loosely pinning back the front strands of hair is another effortlessly pretty style. Separating two pieces of hair from each side of the face, twisting them back, and pinning them together creates a sweet, simple half updo. For a touch of old Hollywood glamour, create a mini pouf at the top of the head.

Adding Braids to Bridesmaid Updos

Braids are a simple way to add dimension, texture, and a cool-girl vibe to your updo. For an edgier look, opt for a Dutch braid, where the hair is braided in the opposite direction for more dimension. A French braid is another classic choice, adding a unique twist to your updo.

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