Bridesmaid hair comes with a unique challenge: it needs to look polished and photograph beautifully, but it also needs to complement the bride’s look rather than compete with it, all while working across a group of people with different hair lengths and textures. The good news is there are plenty of bridesmaid hairstyles flexible enough to check every one of those boxes.
Below are 20 options for wedding hair for bridesmaids, along with tips for coordinating a cohesive look across your whole bridal party.
How to Choose Bridesmaid Hairstyles
- Consider the bride’s hairstyle. Bridesmaid hair often works best when it complements rather than mirrors the bride’s exact style — similar formality, different execution.
- Account for different hair lengths and textures. Rather than picking one exact style, choose a general category (like “low updo” or “soft waves”) that each bridesmaid’s stylist can adapt to their individual hair.
- Match the wedding’s formality. A black-tie evening wedding calls for more polished, structured styles than a casual daytime or outdoor celebration.
- Think about the dress necklines. If bridesmaids are wearing the same or similar dress styles, the hairstyle should work well with that neckline across the board.
20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles
1. Classic Low Bun
A smooth, elegant low bun is one of the most versatile options, working across nearly any hair length and dress style.
2. Soft, Romantic Waves
Loose, voluminous waves offer a timeless, universally flattering choice that photographs beautifully in any lighting.
3. Braided Half-Up
A braid incorporated into a half-up style adds detail and texture while keeping hair manageable throughout a long event.
4. Low Chignon
A twisted, slightly textured bun offers a touch more visual interest than a plain bun while remaining elegant and understated.
5. Braided Crown
A crown braid wrapped around the head suits both boho and classic wedding themes, and works well across various hair lengths.
6. Sleek High Ponytail
A polished, high ponytail creates a modern, sophisticated look, especially for weddings with a more contemporary aesthetic.
7. Half-Up with Curls
Curling the length while securing the top section back balances polish with movement, ideal for a mix of formal and romantic.
8. Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid flowing into loose waves creates a soft, cascading effect suited to garden or outdoor weddings.
9. Fishtail Braided Updo
A fishtail braid pinned into a low updo adds detailed texture, offering something slightly different from a plain braid or bun.
10. Twisted Updo
Soft twists gathered into a pinned updo bring texture and movement without requiring an elaborate braiding technique.
11. Voluminous Blowout
A classic, full blowout worn down offers an elegant, low-fuss option, especially well-suited for shorter bridesmaid hair lengths.
12. Braided Low Ponytail
Braiding a low ponytail adds detail and polish to an otherwise simple style, holding up well through a long day.
13. Half-Up Space Buns
A playful, slightly less formal take on the half-up category, well suited to more relaxed or bohemian wedding themes.
14. French Twist
An elegant, vertical twist secured at the back brings vintage glamour, ideal for classic, formal wedding settings.
15. Low Bun with a Braided Wrap
Wrapping a thin braid around the base of a low bun hides the elastic and adds a subtle decorative touch.
16. Deep Side Part with Waves
Switching to a deep side part paired with loose waves adds a bit of drama and asymmetry to an otherwise classic look.
17. Half-Up Braided Crown
Combining a half-up style with a thin braid wrapped like a mini crown offers a detailed, boho-leaning option.
18. Sleek, Straight Hair with a Middle Part
For a modern, minimalist option, smooth, straight hair with a centered part offers understated elegance.
19. Textured Updo with Loose Pieces
A slightly undone updo with a few soft pieces left out around the face balances polish with a relaxed, romantic feel.
20. Low Twisted Half-Up
Twisting the top section back and securing it low, while leaving the rest down, offers a versatile, easy-to-execute option across different hair types.
Tips for Coordinating Bridesmaid Hair
- Choose a style category, not one exact look. Since bridesmaids typically have different hair lengths and textures, agreeing on a general style (updo vs. half-up vs. down) works better than requiring an identical style for everyone.
- Do a trial run as a group if possible. Testing hairstyles together, ideally with the same stylist or team, helps ensure a cohesive overall look on the wedding day.
- Communicate the wedding’s formality level clearly. Giving bridesmaids (and their stylists) a sense of how formal or casual the event is helps everyone land on appropriately matched styles.
- Consider the weather and venue. Outdoor or humid venues may call for more secure, low-maintenance styles rather than delicate, loose looks that could wilt.
- Budget extra time for styling a full group. Multiple bridesmaids getting ready takes longer than a single bride — factor this into the wedding day timeline.
Final Thoughts
Great bridesmaid hairstyles strike a balance between individual flattery and overall cohesion with the wedding’s aesthetic and the bride’s own look. Whether your bridal party leans toward classic low buns, romantic waves, or detailed braided updos, this list of wedding hair for bridesmaids offers plenty of options that photograph beautifully and hold up through a full day of celebrating.
Looking for more wedding hair inspiration? Check out our guide on 25 Elegant Wedding Updos for more bridal styling ideas.
