Bridesmaids with curly hair often get handed a style that was planned for straight hair, and it shows by the second hour. A better plan starts from the texture: loose waves, springy ringlets, soft coils and tight spirals each hold pins, buns and accessories differently. When I style a wedding party, I match the mood of the looks, not the method, so every bridesmaid gets something that stays secure through photos, hugs and dancing. Below are twenty-five curly styles for bridesmaids, with notes on neckline, weather and length, plus how to coordinate a party where everyone’s hair is different.
One Wedding Party, Six Different Heads of Hair
It’s rare for every bridesmaid to have the same hair. A party might include tight coils, loose waves, a short bob and long straight hair. Asking all of them to wear the same updo usually means some of them spend the day uncomfortable, or the style falls apart on the hair it wasn’t designed for.
When I plan a party’s hair, I pick one shared element and let everything else adapt:
- The same accessory, such as a gold clip or pearl pins, worn by everyone in whatever style suits her hair.
- The same height, so all the styles are low, or all are half up, without being identical.
- The same side, with every swept style or accessory falling to the left or right, which looks deliberate in group photos.
- The same finish, all polished or all softly undone.
This lets curly bridesmaids keep their texture instead of being straightened to match someone else.
Share a photo of every bridesmaid’s natural hair with the stylist when you book. It tells her how much time to allow and which styles are realistic, long before anyone sits down in the chair.
1. Curly Bridesmaid Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
If I had to pick one style that suits nearly every curly bridesmaid, it would be this. The top section gets twisted, braided or simply pinned back, and the rest falls over the shoulders. Medium and long hair suit it best. The common mistake is pinning the crown so tightly that it flattens; I define the curls first, then pin loosely and lift the roots with a pick. A pearl comb or tiny floral pins finish it.
2. Curly Bridesmaid Low Bun
Gathered at the nape with the texture left visible, a low bun is the practical choice for a long day. A few face-framing curls keep it soft. It shows off open backs, high necklines and statement earrings equally well. For a ballroom I keep it neat; for an outdoor ceremony, slightly undone. I use U-pins for shape and bobby pins for hold, finished with flexible hairspray, so it stays secure without crunch.
3. Curly Bridesmaid High Bun
Pinned at the top of the head, a bun shows the neck, shoulders and dress details. With curls, it becomes a full round bun, a soft puff or a pinned curly crown. On a hot day it’s the coolest style in this list. Halter dresses and strapless gowns suit it. A high bun carries weight on the crown, so for very thick hair I split it into two sections pinned together, which spreads the load and stops headaches.
4. Curly Bridesmaid Ponytail
Tied at the back, curls can look sleek and modern without feeling casual. The crown can be smoothed, side parted or lifted. A low pony reads refined; a high one feels lively. It stops hair falling forward all day. I wrap a small piece around the base to hide the elastic. Use a snag-free elastic, because rubber bands break curls when you take them out at the end of the night. A little shine spray helps in photos.
5. Curly Bridesmaid Side Ponytail
A side ponytail sweeps the curls over one shoulder, which suits one-shoulder dresses, sweetheart necklines and garden weddings. Low and loose feels relaxed; higher and structured looks polished. The curls need to be defined from root to end, or the ponytail looks frizzy rather than full. A delicate clip near the gathered side adds sparkle. I keep the front smooth but not tight, so the face stays soft.
6. Curly Bridesmaid Side Swept Hair
Side-swept curls give an old Hollywood shape without straightening anything. I pin the hair to one side with a hidden row of crossed bobby pins behind the ear. Long curls, layered curls and defined waves suit it. With a simple neckline, the hair becomes part of the outfit. The pinned side needs real hold, since dancing and outdoor photos test it. A deep side part makes the whole shape more elegant.
7. Curly Bridesmaid Updo
A textured updo is refined without feeling formal. Rather than forcing curls into a smooth shape, I use them to build fullness and detail, pinning low, mid or high depending on the dress and face shape. In humid weather this is my first recommendation, because the curls are controlled but still visible. Face-framing pieces soften it, and decorative pins can match the wedding colors. I hide each pin inside a curl so nothing shows.
8. Curly Bridesmaid Chignon
Gathered low near the nape and shaped into a soft knot, a curly bridesmaid chignon adapts to almost any curl type. The texture stops it looking severe. It suits formal weddings, black bridesmaid dresses, satin gowns and pearl accessories. If the bride wears a chignon with her veil, bridesmaids can wear a simpler version to echo it. Keep the front softly parted. On tight coils, stretching the hair a little first makes the knot easier to shape.
9. Curly Bridesmaid Braided Crown
A braided crown can look romantic without looking childish, as long as the braid is soft. It can wrap across the front, around the back or sit as a halo, with the curls loose or pinned. Outdoor weddings, floral dresses and boho ceremonies suit it. Shorter hair can get the same effect from small side braids pinned back. I loosen the braid slightly so it blends with the curls. Tiny flowers or pearl pins add the occasion.
10. Curly Bridesmaid Half Up Bun
A small bun at the crown with curls flowing below lifts the top and lets the length show. It’s a good choice for thick curls, because it removes weight from the front. The bun can be neat, twisted, braided or slightly messy. I always pin the bun rather than relying on an elastic alone; an elastic on its own pulls and slips by evening.
11. Curly Bridesmaid Loose Curls
Simple loose curls are the easiest look for a bridesmaid who already wears her hair down and doesn’t want a big change. Prep matters most here: the hair should be hydrated, frizz-controlled and defined before anything else. A side or middle part, or a small clip, adds structure without becoming an updo. Beach weddings, relaxed ceremonies and clean-lined dresses suit it. Loose curls expand in humidity, so keep a little curl cream in the bridesmaid bag.
12. Curly Bridesmaid Down Hairstyle
Worn fully down, curls can look just as formal as an updo if the volume, part and pattern are balanced. A curly bridesmaid down hairstyle suits long layers, natural curls or freshly set ringlets. Off-the-shoulder gowns and simple accessories pair well. I define the curls in sections and set them with a touchable spray. Heavy products make curls drop early, so I keep them light.
13. Curly Bridesmaid Short Hair
Curly bridesmaid short hair doesn’t need to look longer; it needs a defined shape. A short curly bob, cropped curls or chin-length ringlets can take a side part, small pins or a decorative headband. Modern weddings suit it. A little crown volume makes the cut more formal, and soft curls at the face keep it flattering. I finish with a shine cream for frizz control. A trim a couple of weeks before means the shape has settled by the day.
14. Curly Bridesmaid Medium Hair
Shoulder-length curls are the most versatile length I work with. They can go half up, to one side, into a low bun or stay down, and they usually hold their curl and volume all day. For balance, I define around the face and keep fullness at the sides. If the dress has detailed straps or a high neckline, pinning part of the hair back shows it off. Small combs, barrettes or subtle floral accents suit this length.
15. Curly Bridesmaid Long Hair
Long curls give the most options: cascading curls, side-swept shapes, full ponytails, detailed half-up designs. They also get heavy. The style needs hold at the roots and ends, and layers help the curls move rather than forming one wide shape. I often pin hidden sections underneath to control width. Long curls look soft around a gown in formal photos. An accessory should support the style, not fight it.
16. Curly Bridesmaid Bob
A curly bob is chic and easy to wear, especially for a bridesmaid who wants no pins, buns or extensions. Define the shape with a side part, soft volume and curls framing the jawline. I avoid making it stiff; the texture should move, with frizz controlled. A small jeweled clip on one side adds a little detail without taking attention from the cut.
17. Curly Bridesmaid Hair With Bangs
Bangs need to be styled as part of the curls, not separately. They can be curly fringe, curtain bangs or light face-framing pieces, depending on the cut. A half-up look, low bun or down style all pair well. I define the fringe with a light curl cream and avoid heavy hairspray, which makes bangs stiff and separate. Bangs shrink as they dry, so I style them slightly longer than you’d expect.
18. Curly Bridesmaid Hair With Flowers
Flowers suit garden weddings, spring ceremonies and outdoor celebrations, tucked into a half-up style, along a braid or into a low bun. I match the bloom size to the curl size: small curls with small flowers, large curls with bolder ones. Natural curls help hold them. Choose blooms that echo the wedding palette without outshining the bride. Each flower needs a hidden pin through the stem so it stays put.
19. Curly Bridesmaid Hair With Pearl Pins
Pearl pins are classic and wedding-friendly. They can be scattered through a low bun, tucked into a half-up twist or placed along one side of loose curls. Satin, chiffon or simple solid-color dresses suit them. The curls should be defined, otherwise the pins get lost. I mix pin sizes for a more natural look. Keep other accessories simple.
20. Curly Bridesmaid Hair With Headband
A headband holds the front curls back while the rest stays full. A slim pearl headband, metallic band or soft fabric band all work. It’s practical for a mixed bridal party, since it suits short, medium and long curls. The band should sit securely without pressing the curls flat. I add volume behind it so the style stays balanced. Choose one that matches the wedding mood.
21. Curly Bridesmaid Hair With Side Part
A side part is simple, flattering and easy to dress up. A deep part creates shape, especially when the curls are down or swept to one side. It can make thin curls look fuller by shifting volume across the crown. I define the curls around the face and smooth the part line gently. A small clip on the lighter side keeps hair controlled. Few pins, little fuss.
22. Curly Bridesmaid Hair With Middle Part
A middle part is balanced and modern, suiting symmetrical necklines. The curls can be worn down, half up or in a low bun. I shape the front curls evenly on both sides, which takes more care than it sounds since curl patterns are rarely identical left and right. Minimalist gowns and simple jewelry suit it. Keep the roots smooth but not flat; a little lift at the crown helps in photos.
23. Curly Bridesmaid Hair With Twists
Twists give detail without a full braid, and they blend into curly texture better than braids do. Small twists can pull the front back into a half-up style, wrap into a low bun or meet at the back with pins. It keeps hair off the face while length still shows. I keep each twist loose enough to protect the volume. A tiny pin or comb can sit where the twists meet.
24. Curly Bridesmaid Hair With Braid
A braid gives structure to soft curls. It can sit across the crown, run along one side or blend into a half-up style. It controls the front pieces and holds up in wind and humidity, which makes it a strong outdoor choice. I loosen the braid gently after pinning so it doesn’t look tight. A small floral accent or pearl pin completes it.
25. Curly Bridesmaid Hair With Hair Clip
A single hair clip is the easiest way to coordinate a bridal party with different curl lengths. The clip can hold one side back, secure a half-up section or add sparkle to a low bun, so each bridesmaid wears it in her own way. Gold feels warm and modern; pearl or crystal feels classic. I finish the style first, then add the clip, so the accessory enhances the curls rather than holding everything together. Choose one that’s secure but light.
Arriving at the Hair Chair With Curls Ready
On a wedding morning, the stylist often has the bride plus several bridesmaids, with very little time each. Curly hair can take longer, so preparation helps everyone.
What to Do Before You Arrive
- Wash and style your curls the night before or early that morning, and make sure they’re fully dry.
- Bring your own curl cream or gel if you know what works for you.
- Tell the stylist in advance if your hair takes heat badly or if you don’t want it straightened.
- Wear a button-up top, so nothing has to be pulled over your finished hair.
Where Curly Hair Fits in the Schedule
I usually put bridesmaids with full updos early in the schedule, since those styles hold well for hours, and those with curls worn down later, so they look freshest in photos. If the bride’s stylist doesn’t have experience with curly hair, it’s worth asking whether you can do your own or bring a stylist who does. A coordinated party isn’t worth a style that frizzes or flattens before the ceremony.
Let Each Bridesmaid’s Texture Show
A bridal party looks most put-together when each person’s hair suits her, not when everyone wears the same style. Some bridesmaids will be happiest half up, others in a low bun, a ponytail, side-swept curls or a short bob. Curl pattern, length, neckline, weather and comfort decide what flatters. Focus on definition, secure pinning and a touchable hold. Pearls, flowers, clips and headbands tie the party together, while the curls stay the main feature.
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