When I’m booked for a bridal party, the bride rarely has five bridesmaids with the same hair. There’s usually a bob, a head of thick curls, someone with fine layers and someone who hasn’t had a trim in a year. Boho styling handles that mix better than any other look, because it relies on soft texture and low placement rather than one exact shape copied across every chair. The 25 ideas below are the ones I reach for most, with notes on which hair each one suits, what holds up outdoors, and where a style tends to come apart before the reception.
Mixing a Bob, Thick Curls and Fine Layers in One Bridal Party
Matching hair across a bridal party almost never works when the hair itself doesn’t match. A braided crown that looks full on thick hair looks thin on fine hair, and a long side braid simply isn’t possible on a bob. So before I suggest any style, I ask for a quick photo of each bridesmaid’s hair as it is that week, not a filtered selfie from last summer.
Then I group them roughly like this:
- Short or chin-length: waves, a twist or small braid at the parting, a clip or pin.
- Fine, medium length: half-up or a low bun with padding, never full-down waves for a long day.
- Thick or long: braided updos, fishtails, bubble ponytails, anything that uses the weight well.
- Curly, coily or braided: updos and half-up styles built around the existing texture, with no heat straightening.
The link between them is the shared rule the bride picks, such as placement, texture or one accessory. That way the photos read as a group even when the hairstyles are different.
1. Boho Bridesmaid Loose Waves
Loose waves are the style I’m asked for most and the one that falls flattest by evening if the prep is skipped. I put a light mousse or texture spray in damp hair, dry it fully, then curl in alternating directions and leave every section to cool before brushing out. A middle part reads more relaxed and modern; a deep side part gives fine hair more lift at the front. Waves sit nicely against satin, chiffon, linen or floral bridesmaid dresses. If a bridesmaid has very straight, silky hair, I’d suggest a half-up version instead, as full-down waves on that texture tend to fall straight within a few hours.
2. Boho Bridesmaid Half Up Half Down Hair
Half-up is my compromise for the bridesmaid who wants her hair down but keeps tucking it behind her ears. The top section gets twisted, loosely braided or held back with a small floral comb, and the length stays wavy. Because the front is secured, nothing falls across the face in group photos, and that matters outdoors where wind and bouquets both get in the way. I lift the crown with a little backcombing at the roots, never on the surface. Medium and long hair both work. It’s also the easiest look for a bridesmaid to fix herself after a hug.
3. Boho Bridesmaid Braided Crown
Braided crowns hold beautifully, but only on hair with some grit. On fine or freshly washed hair, I spray dry texture through each section before I braid, otherwise the plait slips and the crown sags at the back by mid afternoon. The braid can wrap all the way round or sit across the top like a halo, with a few loose pieces left at the temples. Small flowers, pearl pins or a sprig of greenery all sit well in the loops. I suggest this one for the bridesmaid who wants an updo with some detail rather than a plain bun.
4. Boho Bridesmaid Low Bun
A low bun is the most forgiving style in the list. I pin it at the nape with soft waves, twisted side sections and a few strands left around the face, keeping the surface textured rather than sleek. It shows off open backs and statement earrings, and it suits high necklines because nothing hides the collar. In heat or wind, I’d pick this over anything worn down. When you brief your stylist, say “low at the nape, soft texture, not slicked” and you’ll get roughly the shape in the photo.
5. Boho Bridesmaid Messy Bun
Messy buns go wrong when the mess is random. I curl the hair first so there are bends inside the bun, then pin it into a balanced shape and check it from both sides and the back before pulling anything loose. Front pieces are limited to two or three, chosen to sit on the cheekbone or jaw. Too many loose strands start to look unfinished next to a structured dress. A few small pins or dried flowers make it feel like wedding hair rather than gym hair.
6. Boho Bridesmaid Fishtail Braid
A fishtail can go down the back, over one shoulder or into a half-up style, and it’s at its best pulled wide and soft. I braid it fairly tight, secure the end with a clear elastic, then loosen it from the bottom so the shape widens evenly. Long hair shows it off, and it’s a sensible outdoor choice because the length stays contained. If a bridesmaid has balayage or dimensional brunette colour, I’ll suggest this over waves, since the woven pattern separates the tones and makes the colour work visible.
7. Boho Bridesmaid Side Braid
Side braids start near the crown or behind one ear and drape over the shoulder. They’re comfortable for anyone who dislikes the tight feeling of an updo, and they hold through a long ceremony. I pull the braid apart for fullness and add waves at the front for movement. The braid tends to rub and frizz where it lies on the dress, so I’d avoid it with beaded or sequinned shoulders that can snag hair.
8. Boho Bridesmaid Low Ponytail
A tight, glossy ponytail reads modern, so for a boho party I loosen everything: waves through the length, a wrap of hair at the base to hide the elastic and some volume at the crown. It keeps hair off the shoulders without a bun, which bridesmaids in one-shoulder, halter or off-the-shoulder dresses tend to like. The wrapped section is secured with a single bobby pin pushed up into the elastic. A few delicate pins or a sheer ribbon at the base can be added without making it fussy.
9. Boho Bridesmaid Bubble Braid Ponytail
The bubble ponytail starts as a low or mid ponytail; then small elastics go in every few inches and each section is pulled out into a rounded bubble. Curling first makes a big difference here, since straight hair gives limp bubbles. It’s a good use of thick or long hair. Clear elastics disappear in photos, or you can wrap a thin strand around each one for a neater finish. It’s playful, and I’d keep it for the younger or more fashion-forward bridesmaids rather than ask everyone to wear it.
10. Boho Bridesmaid Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid travels across the back of the head while strands drop through it, so you get detail without a full plait. I only do it over curls or brushed-out waves, because the dropped strands need some bend or they look accidentally left out. Medium and long hair suit it. It’s a handy way to tie a bridal party together if the bride wants the group coordinated without matching. The braid is secured with hidden pins at each end and through its middle, and that’s what gets it through photos and dancing.
11. Boho Bridesmaid Dutch Braid Updo
A Dutch braid updo is braided under rather than over, so the plait sits raised on top of the hair and reads clearly in photos. It can run along one side, across the crown or into a low bun at the nape. I use this on thick hair a lot, because it manages bulk without hiding it, and the braid holds pins firmly. Pull it apart only after it’s pinned in place, otherwise you lose the structure. Softer waves at the face balance the heavier braid.
12. Boho Bridesmaid French Braid Bun
French braid buns are practical for bridesmaids who need all-day hold, because the braid acts as a frame for the bun. It can start at the crown and run into a low bun, or begin at the side for an angled look. The boho part is in the finish: loose braid, textured bun, curled front pieces. Fine hair works with a small padding or a clip-in weft underneath for bulk, and I’d always bring a couple in case someone’s hair is thinner than her photos suggested.
13. Boho Bridesmaid Twisted Updo
Twists are my answer for layered cuts that won’t sit in a braid. The hair is rolled and pinned in loose sections, so shorter pieces tuck into the twist rather than poking out of a plait. I keep it low or slightly off centre. Small pearl pins, dried flowers or thin metal clips add detail. Before anyone leaves the chair I check the shape from the side and from behind, because a twisted updo can look balanced in the mirror and lopsided in the back view.
14. Boho Bridesmaid Textured Chignon
A textured chignon is the one I suggest when the venue is formal but the bride wants a boho feel. It sits low at the nape, rolled into a rounded shape with soft pieces woven in instead of smoothed flat. A little lift at the crown keeps the profile from looking flat in side photos. It suits medium to long hair and looks right with backless or detailed dresses. It’s also one of the most secure styles here for a long event.
15. Boho Bridesmaid Beach Waves
Beach waves on bridesmaids should look soft, not crunchy. I use a large barrel, keep the ends straight for the last inch or so, then brush through gently and finish with a light shine spray so the texture doesn’t look dry in photos. Salt sprays create a great texture but can leave hair feeling straw-like on bleached blondes, so I’d use them sparingly. Lobs, medium lengths and long hair all work, and the look lets each bridesmaid’s natural colour and length show.
16. Boho Bridesmaid Flower Crown Hair
Flower crowns on bridesmaids need to stay smaller than the bride’s. I’d ask the florist for petite blooms and a thin band, in colours from the wedding palette but quieter than the bridal bouquet. The style under it can be waves, a low bun or half-up. Textured hair grips the band so it sits naturally; on silky hair I pin a small anchor braid at each side to hold it. A crown made too heavy will start to tilt by the reception.
17. Boho Bridesmaid Hair With Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath tucked into braids, low buns or half-up waves adds texture without much colour, so it suits almost any dress shade. I place it in small clusters, three or four through the style, rather than covering everything. Fresh sprigs go in shortly before the ceremony so they stay crisp; they last well but do dry out over a hot afternoon. It’s a good choice when the bride wants flowers in the party’s hair without competing with hers.
18. Boho Bridesmaid Hair With Pearl Pins
Pearl pins dress up low buns, twisted updos, braided crowns and half-up waves. I scatter them lightly and unevenly, never in a neat line, so the hair still looks natural. On fine hair, too many pins pull the style down and show the scalp, so I keep it to five or six. They catch light in a subtle way, which gives a gentle polish next to boho texture. Place them after the shape is secure; they’re decoration, not hold.
19. Boho Bridesmaid Hair With Ribbon
Ribbon is the cheapest way to tie a bridal party together. Tie it at the base of a low ponytail, weave it through a braid or wrap it where a half-up section is gathered. Chiffon, silk or velvet in a muted shade from the wedding palette looks most boho; ivory, blush, sage, champagne and dusty blue are all common choices. Cut the tails to roughly shoulder length so they don’t catch on bouquets, and angle the ends so they don’t fray. It works on almost any length or texture.
20. Boho Bridesmaid Short Hair Waves
Bridesmaids with short hair sometimes assume they’ll need extensions, and usually they don’t. Soft waves on a bob, lob or crop give the same texture as longer styles. A small braid at the parting, a pearl clip, a flower pin or a side twist adds detail. I use a light texture spray for separation and keep the ends soft rather than stiff. Short cuts dry and curl fast, so these bridesmaids are often my quickest chairs of the morning.
21. Boho Bridesmaid Curly Hair Updo
Curly hair builds its own shape, so a curly updo needs fewer pins than you’d think. I define the curls first with curl cream or a light gel, then pin them into a low updo, a curly bun or a half-up twist without brushing out the pattern. A few curls are left around the face. On humid outdoor days, these updos often look better at the end of the night than straightened styles do, because they aren’t fighting the weather.
22. Boho Bridesmaid Natural Hair Updo
Natural hair updos depend on length, density and what the bridesmaid finds comfortable. Options include soft pinned curls, a textured puff with twists, a low coily bun, or flat twists leading into an updo. Moisture is what keeps the shape defined, so prep starts with a leave-in conditioner and a styling cream, then a hold product suited to the hair. Gold pins, small flowers or pearl accents add a romantic finish. If you’re the stylist and natural textures aren’t your strength, say so and bring in someone who specialises in them.
23. Boho Bridesmaid Boho Braids
Boho braids, usually knotless or box braids with loose curly pieces through them, are set before the wedding, which makes the morning much easier. On the day they can be worn down, half-up, in a low ponytail or pinned into a soft bun. I’d suggest having them installed a few days to a week before, so the scalp settles and any tension has eased. Gold cuffs or pearl pins can be added if they suit the rest of the bridal party.
24. Boho Bridesmaid Long Hair Braid
A full-length braid shows off long hair without letting it tangle outdoors. A loose three-strand, fishtail or pull-through braid all work, expanded gently and finished with curled pieces at the face. The woven texture catches the light, whatever the colour. Long, heavy braids can tug at the scalp after several hours, so I don’t braid too tight at the top. A small ribbon, floral pin or simple tie at the end finishes it.
25. Boho Bridesmaid Medium Hair Updo
Medium hair is the easiest length to put up in a soft boho updo. There’s enough to pin, and not so much that the weight drags. A low twisted bun, small braided chignon or pinned wavy updo all work. I curl or wave everything first, then pin in loose sections, so the shape looks full and shorter layers blend in. Face-framing pieces relax it. It’s comfortable through a long day, and it stays put better than a very long-hair updo.
A Realistic Morning Timeline for Six Chairs and One Stylist
Bridesmaid styles typically take roughly 30 to 50 minutes each, depending on length and how complex the style is; braided updos and curly sets sit at the longer end, short waves at the shorter. With one stylist and six bridesmaids, that’s a full morning before the bride sits down, so many brides book a second stylist or an assistant.
- Start with the bridesmaids whose hair holds best, such as thick hair and braids, as they’ll survive the longest wait.
- Put fine, straight hair late in the line, so the curls are freshest for photos.
- Leave the bride as the second last or last chair, with a short gap afterwards for touch-ups.
- Mothers and flower girls fit in between, as their styles are usually quicker.
Everyone should arrive with dry hair, washed the day before, and wearing a button-up top so nothing gets pulled over a finished style.
Styling Yourself in a Hotel Mirror
If the bridal party is doing its own hair, choose a style you can see in the mirror. Half-up twists, a low ponytail with a wrapped base, loose waves or a single side braid are all manageable without help. Braided crowns and Dutch braid updos are much harder to do on yourself and are best left to a friend or a professional.
Do a full practice run a week or two before, including the accessories, and time it. Pack bobby pins in your shade, a texture spray, a heat protectant and your own curling iron, because borrowing one on the morning usually means waiting. Finish with a light hairspray at arm’s length, not close up, so the texture stays soft.
Give the Party One Shared Rule Instead of One Hairstyle
The bridesmaid groups that look most pulled together usually don’t match exactly. They share one rule: everyone low at the nape, everyone with soft waves, or everyone wearing the same pearl pin or ribbon. Within that rule, each bridesmaid picks the version that suits her hair and neckline. Tell your stylist the rule at booking, send photos of each bridesmaid’s hair as it is now, and the morning will run smoother than if you send one photo and ask for six copies.
You'll Like These Ideas:
Leave a Reply