The maid of honor works harder on the day than almost anyone, and her hair has to keep up. You’ll be bending to straighten a train, holding two bouquets, hugging relatives and probably standing at a microphone. Good simple maid of honor hair stays out of the way through all of that and still looks finished in the photos beside the bride. Below are fifteen shapes I’d suggest, from buns and ponytails to braids and short-hair styling, with notes on what each one needs from your hair and how it holds up while you’re busy.
Fluffing a Train and Holding Two Bouquets Changes Your Hair Brief
When I style a maid of honor, I think about what she’ll physically be doing, not just what she’ll wear. You’ll bend down to arrange the train before the processional and again for portraits. You’ll hold her bouquet as well as your own, so your hands won’t be free to push hair back.
That changes the brief. Any front pieces need to be short enough, or pinned firmly enough, that they stay put when you lean forward. Long loose hair can swing into the bride’s veil when you’re standing close. If there’s a toast, you’ll want your face visible to the room and to the camera.
- Bend over at your trial as if fixing a train and see what falls forward.
- Turn your head quickly a few times; anything that moves now will move more later.
- Tell your stylist if you’ll be giving a speech so the front stays open.
1. Maid Of Honor Low Bun
If you asked me for one dependable style for a maid of honor, it would be a low bun. It sits at the nape, out of reach of hugs, and suits high necks, one-shoulder, strapless and square necklines alike. Shine cream before gathering gives a smooth finish; gently pulling the bun apart after pinning gives a softer one. Keep a few pieces at the front, but short enough that they don’t fall into your eyes when you lean over the bride’s dress.
2. Maid Of Honor Half Up Half Down Hair
Half-up is a popular choice for the bridal party, and maid of honor half up styles are no exception. I twist or braid the top section before pinning, because a plain pinned section loosens with every hug. The rest falls in waves, curls or a smooth blowout. Keep the front pieces pulled back enough for the speech; hair falling across your face at the microphone is distracting in video. A little crown lift stops it looking flat from the side.
3. Maid Of Honor Sleek Ponytail
A sleek ponytail looks more formal than people expect, as long as the base is immaculate. I smooth the hair back, fasten it with a strong elastic, then wrap a section around the band and pin it underneath. Low is classic, mid-height balanced, and high is the boldest. It pairs well with statement earrings, open necklines and satin or crepe dresses. Straighten or curl the ends to suit the mood. A touch of gel or cream at the hairline keeps flyaways down without making the hair look hard.
4. Maid Of Honor Soft Waves
Waves only look wedding-ready if they’re smooth, not crunchy. I use heat protectant, curl each section away from the face, let them cool fully, then brush them out gently. Brushing while they’re warm pulls the bend straight out. A deep side part feels more formal; a centre part looks relaxed. Medium and long hair suit it best, especially with clean lines or fine straps. If you’ll be outdoors, keep a spare clip in your bag to pin the hair back during a windy group photo.
5. Maid Of Honor Braided Low Bun
Thick hair tends to bulk up a plain bun, and a braid is how I tame it. The braid can wrap into the bun, run along one side or start near the crown and blend into the pinned shape. It takes some of the volume and turns it into visible texture. Wind, hugs and dancing barely move it. Keep the braid slightly loose so it reads soft, and finish with a light mist of hairspray and smoothed edges.
6. Maid Of Honor Side Swept Curls
Sweeping all the hair to one side shows off an off-the-shoulder, strapless or asymmetrical neckline. I pin it behind the ear and again at the nape with crossed pins, because a side sweep wants to swing back to centre as soon as you turn your head. Fine hair needs texture spray before curling or the sweep falls flat within an hour. One thing to think about: in a lineup, a side-swept style looks best if you’re on the side where the hair falls away from the camera.
7. Maid Of Honor Twisted Updo
A maid of honor twisted updo builds texture from simple twists instead of tight curls or complicated braids. I twist sections back and pin them into a low shape; on shorter hair, smaller twists go across the back, and on longer hair the ends tuck into a loose bun. Garden, beach, barn and daytime weddings suit its relaxed feel. Leave a few pieces loose near the face, but not so many that you’re pushing them back all day.
8. Maid Of Honor High Bun
A high bun keeps hair completely off the neck, which is a real relief at a summer wedding or a long outdoor ceremony. Smooth sides with a rounded bun look refined; a fuller crown and loosened top look softer. The catch is that a high bun can clash with a tall headpiece or veil on the bride beside you, so check her plans first. It does put your earrings and makeup front and centre in photos.
9. Maid Of Honor Low Ponytail
A low ponytail is the style I’d suggest if you want to forget about your hair for ten hours. It sits at the nape and can be straight, waved or curled at the ends. The base is what makes it look like wedding hair: wrap hair around the elastic, smooth the crown and add a little volume. It suits minimalist dresses, slip dresses and modern themes. Two front pieces curled away from the face soften it.
10. Maid Of Honor Fishtail Braid
A fishtail looks detailed but needs medium or long hair to show the woven pattern properly. I tie it off with a clear elastic and gently pull the edges for fullness. Down the back is cleaner, over one shoulder softer. It keeps hair under control while you’re carrying things, which matters when your hands are full. Hide any pins carefully, and leave a few loose pieces at the face to keep it from feeling too formal.
11. Maid Of Honor French Twist
The French twist is a classic for good reason, but it needs grip. On clean, slippery hair it unrolls. I prep with texture spray, roll the length upward into a vertical shape and pin along the seam from the inside. Sleek suits a formal ceremony; slightly loosened looks more modern. Medium and long hair work best. Finish with a flexible hairspray so it holds but still moves when you turn.
12. Maid Of Honor Loose Chignon
A loose chignon is a low bun with the edges relaxed. It sits low, which makes it comfortable through a long ceremony and dinner, and it suits almost any dress. The front can be centre-parted, swept to the side or softened with a few tendrils. It works with natural waves, curls or lightly textured straight hair. Keep the shape low and centred; if it drifts to one side while you’re dancing, a single extra pin at the bottom brings it back.
13. Maid Of Honor Braided Crown
A braided crown holds everything in place, so it’s one of the best choices for outdoor weddings. The braid can wrap over the top, around the back or into a low bun. Size it to your hair: thick or curly hair can carry a chunky braid, while fine hair looks better with a narrower one pulled wider afterwards. Pin it firmly and loosen it slightly. Any loose hair below looks finished with soft waves.
14. Maid Of Honor Straight Hair
Straight hair is an honest option if yours doesn’t hold curl, and it can look just as formal. I straighten in small sections for real shine, finish with a light shine spray, and stay away from heavy products that weigh it down. A centre part looks modern, a deep side part more classic. Tucking one side behind the ear and securing it with a small pin keeps it out of the way while you’re helping the bride.
15. Maid Of Honor Short Hair
Maid of honor short hair needs shape more than length. On a bob or lob, I add soft bends with a curling iron and pin one side back. On a pixie, I add texture at the crown and smooth the sides for balance. A side part, a mini braid or a delicate clip adds detail. Short hair is the lowest-maintenance option of the lot during the day, which is a real advantage when you’re the one fixing everyone else.
Coordinate With the Bride Before You Settle on a Style
Ask the bride early how she pictures the wedding party looking. Some brides want everyone matching, some want a shared feel with individual styles, and some don’t mind at all. It’s also polite to avoid copying the bride’s exact style, especially if hers is a distinctive updo.
Your slot on the morning
Many stylists put the maid of honor in the chair before the bride, so you’re dressed and free to help her later. It means your hair has to last longer, which favours secure shapes over loose waves.
The kit you carry
You’ll likely be the one holding the touch-up kit. Pack bobby pins matched to both your hair colours, a travel hairspray, a small comb and a few clear elastics, so you can fix her hair and yours.
Forget About Your Hair and Look After Her
Maid of honor hair has to be comfortable and secure first, and pretty second, because you’ll be too busy to fix it. Low buns and chignons are classic, half-up and waves romantic, ponytails modern and braids secure, and short hair can look just as polished. Book a trial if you can, and do it wearing the dress or at least something with the same neckline.
You'll Like These Ideas:
Leave a Reply