Styling a bridal party is a different job from styling a bride. I’m working on four, six, sometimes eight people with completely different hair, against the clock, and each style has to sit well next to the others in a group photo without pulling attention from the bride. These 20 bridesmaid hairstyles are the ones I find work best in that setting. For each, I’ve noted which hair it suits, how long it takes in the chair, and how it ages through a long day.
One Bridal Party, Five Different Hair Types
Identical hair on every bridesmaid sounds neat until you try it on a group that includes a fine bob, thick curls and long straight hair. One of them will end up in a style that doesn’t suit her. I suggest choosing a shared element instead of a single style.
- Same height: everyone’s hair is gathered at the nape, or everyone’s is half-up at the crown.
- Same accessory: pearl pins, a small comb or a sprig of the wedding greenery.
- Same finish: all sleek, or all soft and textured.
- Same parting side, which makes a lineup in photos look deliberate.
Pick one or two of these and let each bridesmaid’s hair do what it does best. If the maid of honour stands out a little, with a slightly different style or extra accessory, that usually looks intentional.
Sort out early who is paying for hair, because customs differ between families and bridal parties. If a bridesmaid would rather do her own, that’s fine; just send her the agreed direction and a photo of the shared accessory so she lands in the same place as everyone else.
1. Bridesmaid Low Bun
If I had to give one style to an entire bridal party without meeting them, it would be the low bun. It suits almost every length past the shoulders, works with off-the-shoulder and high necklines alike, and keeps hair out of the way through hugs and dinner. I make it smooth for black tie and slightly loosened for a garden. Leave a couple of face-framing pieces for the bridesmaids who feel exposed with everything pulled back.
2. Bridesmaid Half Up Half Down Hair
Bridesmaid half up half down hair is the easiest way to unify a group with mixed hair types. Everyone has the top section pulled back to the same height, while the lengths below are whatever their natural texture allows: curls on one, waves on another, sleek on a third. I hide the pins under a small twist or braid at the back. It needs medium to long hair to look balanced.
3. Bridesmaid Loose Waves
Loose waves read relaxed and suit beaches, gardens and softer themes. The finish I aim for is smooth at the crown and looser through the ends. The catch is staying power: I set each wave with a pin clip while it cools and only brush it out right before photos. A side part looks more glamorous, a centre part cleaner. Fine hair needs a texturising spray first, or the waves disappear by the speeches.
4. Bridesmaid Sleek Ponytail
A sleek ponytail looks sharp with satin, minimalist dresses and city venues. I smooth the hair back, tie it low or at mid-height, and wrap a strand around the base to hide the elastic. Straight ends look crisp; soft waves through the length add warmth. It’s a sensible choice for hot weather because the neck stays clear. Thick, heavy hair can drag a ponytail down by evening, so I add a second elastic just below the first.
5. Bridesmaid Braided Updo
Braids give an updo grip, which is why I reach for a braided updo when a bridesmaid has very thick or very slippery hair. The braid can wrap into the bun, cross the crown or fold into a low twisted shape. Pins lock into the braid’s gaps rather than sliding through loose hair, so it stays firm. A few loose pieces soften it, and small pins, pearls or flowers fit if the wedding allows hair accessories.
6. Bridesmaid Side Braid
A side braid over one shoulder is my quiet fix for windy outdoor weddings, because nothing can blow loose. It also adds interest to open-back dresses and plain necklines. Loose Dutch, fishtail or three-strand all work; I pull the edges out after braiding for width. It needs long hair to sit well over the shoulder. I add soft waves at the front so it doesn’t look severe in close-ups.
7. Bridesmaid High Bun
A high bun opens up the face and neck, which makes it a natural partner for high-neck dresses, halter gowns and statement earrings. Height also helps petite bridesmaids look a little taller. The base matters most: I tie a firm ponytail at the crown and pin the bun into it from several directions. A smooth round bun looks classic; textured looks more current. A loose high bun on heavy hair can give a headache by the reception, so check comfort at the trial.
8. Bridesmaid Low Ponytail
The low ponytail is for bridesmaids who want hair pulled back but not a full updo. It sits at the nape, doesn’t pull the scalp, and stays comfortable through long ceremonies. Waved, curled or sleek, it adapts easily to the wedding mood. A centre part looks modern, a side part classic. I wrap the base with hair and tuck the end under with a pin.
9. Bridesmaid Chignon
A bridesmaid chignon is a low, tucked knot or roll at the back of the head, and it’s the most formal-looking option here. It sits well with coordinated combs or delicate pins. I set it slightly above the nape so it doesn’t flatten against a chair during the ceremony. Sleek feels classic ballroom; lightly textured looks softer. It holds the whole day with very little attention.
10. Bridesmaid Curly Updo
For curly and coily bridesmaids, a curly updo is far more sensible than straightening. I work with the curl pattern, defining it with a cream and pinning curls loosely at the crown and nape so they create volume rather than fighting it. A few curls stay out to frame the face. In humidity it actually improves, because curls expand rather than drop, which is more than can be said for most styles on this list.
11. Bridesmaid Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves take time. Each section is curled in the same direction, clipped to cool, then brushed into one shiny pattern from a side part. Medium to long hair suits it best, and satin dresses and classic makeup help it read as intended. Plan for it in the schedule: one bridesmaid in Hollywood waves can take as long as two in low buns. A firm but brushable hairspray keeps it from falling flat.
12. Bridesmaid Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid shows off highlighted or dimensional hair particularly well, because the small woven pattern catches colour changes. Wear it down the back, over one shoulder or worked into a half-up style. I pull it apart slightly for fullness once it’s tied. Outdoors, it holds far better than loose curls. Keep accessories minimal, since the braid is already the detail.
13. Bridesmaid Twisted Half Up Hair
Twisted half up is two side sections twisted back and pinned together at the crown, and it’s one of the quickest styles I do for a big bridal party. The length below can be curled or left smooth. It works on fine hair because the twists add detail without needing bulk. If the bride wants matching hair but the bridesmaids have short appointment slots, this is the style I’d suggest.
14. Bridesmaid Bun With Face Framing Pieces
A bun with face-framing pieces suits bridesmaids who don’t love a fully pulled-back look. The pieces soften the cheeks and jawline in close-ups. I cut nothing; I just pull out a few strands at the temples and curl them away from the face. Too many and it looks unfinished. It works with low, mid or chignon-style buns.
15. Bridesmaid Short Hair Waves
A bob or lob can look just as dressed as long hair. I style it with soft bends, a deep side part, or one side tucked behind the ear and pinned. A small clip or pearl pin adds detail if the theme allows it. The work is in controlling volume, because short hair puffs easily; a smoothing cream and a flat iron for the bends give a cleaner finish than a curling iron.
16. Bridesmaid Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a ponytail sectioned with small clear bands down its length, each section pulled out gently to make rounded bubbles. It shows off long hair and looks fun without being messy. Sleek at the crown reads polished; textured looks softer. The bands are its weak point, as they can snap, so I use good quality ones and keep spares in the kit. It’s secure enough for dancing outdoors.
17. Bridesmaid Crown Braid
A crown braid wraps around the head, keeping hair off the neck while adding texture. It suits garden and outdoor weddings and boho bridal parties. On thick hair, the braid spreads the volume evenly so nothing feels heavy. Fine or shorter hair often needs a braided extension to finish the circle. I pin it along its underside every few centimetres and pull a few face pieces loose so it isn’t severe.
18. Bridesmaid Straight Hair
Bridesmaid straight hair can look surprisingly chic with the right prep, and it suits modern weddings with simple dresses and minimal makeup. I use smoothing products and a heat protectant, then a flat iron in small sections and a light shine spray. A centre part looks sleek; tucking one side behind the ear shows earrings. Hair that looks flat rather than straight is the usual failure, so I add a little root lift.
19. Bridesmaid Messy Bun
A good messy bun is controlled under the surface, with texture and loose pieces placed on purpose. Medium to long hair suits it, and I set it low, mid or high depending on the neckline. Outdoors, a little movement only helps the look. I pair it with softer makeup and floral dresses. The common mistake is pulling pieces out too early; I loosen it last, once everything is pinned.
20. Bridesmaid Hair With Pearl Pins
Pearl pins are the easiest way to tie a mixed bridal party together. Everyone can wear a different style, from low buns to half-up waves to braided updos, and the shared pearl detail makes the group look coordinated in photos. I scatter the pins lightly rather than crowding them. Pearls suit classic, romantic and garden weddings, and they work on almost any hair length.
Who Sits in the Chair First on the Morning
Bridal party hair is about scheduling as much as style. I always work bridesmaids first and finish the bride last, ideally with a little buffer before photos, so her hair is freshest. The mother of the bride usually goes just before her.
Rough timings vary by stylist and hair, but plan for something like this:
- Simple styles like twisted half up, low ponytail or straight hair are the quickest.
- Low buns, chignons and braids take a bit longer.
- Hollywood waves, braided updos and crown braids on long thick hair take the longest.
- Add extra time per person if anyone has very thick or long hair, or clip-in extensions to fit.
If the party is large, ask whether your stylist brings an assistant. One person doing six bridesmaids and a bride is a very early start.
Arriving ready to be styled
Ask everyone to arrive with hair washed the day before and fully dry, with no heavy oils or leave-in conditioner on the morning. Wear a button-up top, so nothing gets pulled over a finished style. And tell your stylist about extensions or a recent colour in advance, so she can plan for them.
A Shared Direction Beats Identical Hair
A bridesmaid style has to fit the dress, the venue, the weather and the person wearing it. Low buns and chignons look classic, half-up waves look romantic, ponytails read modern and braids add texture. For a bridal party, I usually agree one overall direction with the bride, such as soft updos or half-up hair, and then adapt it to each bridesmaid’s hair. The group looks consistent and nobody is stuck in a style their hair can’t hold.
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