The maid of honour has the busiest hair of the day. She’s styled early, fixes the bride’s train, holds two bouquets, bends to bustle the gown, gives a speech and dances longest, so her updo needs to stay up through all of it without looking fussier than the bride’s. When I plan a bridal party, I treat her hair as a step down from the bride’s in detail and a step up from the bridesmaids’. These maid of honor hairstyles updo options cover buns, twists, braids and curls, with notes on what each needs and how it wears through a long day.
Matching the Bride Without Copying Her
The most common question I get from a maid of honour is how closely her hair should match the bride’s. My answer: share one element, change the rest.
- If the bride is wearing a low bun, you could wear a twisted low updo or a chignon in the same position, without the veil or headpiece.
- If she’s wearing her hair down, an updo or half updo gives you a clear difference in photos.
- Keep accessories smaller than hers. Pearl pins or a single comb is enough.
- Ask what the bridesmaids are wearing. Some brides want everyone in matching updos; others want each person in a style that suits her hair.
When I plan a bridal party, I usually style the maid of honour with the same finish as the bride, sleek or textured, so the photos look connected without making two brides.
1. Maid Of Honor Low Bun Updo
If you’re unsure, start here. A low bun sits at the nape, stays comfortable through a long day and doesn’t compete with the bride. It lifts hair off an off-the-shoulder or halter neckline and shows a detailed back. I add a little lift at the crown and a couple of loose front pieces for a soft version, or keep it smooth and compact for black tie. It’s the updo that most reliably holds from morning to the last song.
2. Maid Of Honor Chignon Updo
The chignon is gathered low and rolled into a tucked shape. It’s my first suggestion when the bride wants the bridal party to look polished and coordinated, because it can be adjusted to every bridesmaid’s hair. Sleek for black tie, slightly textured for a garden. Pearl pins, small floral clips or a delicate comb all work with it. The roll is held by crossed pins inside, so it stays secure without feeling stiff.
3. Maid Of Honor Messy Bun Updo
Messy buns take more planning than they look. The texture is built with curls and texture spray first, then the hair is loosely pinned and pieces pulled out one by one, so it reads soft rather than falling apart. It suits a relaxed maid of honor look at outdoor and rustic weddings. Medium to long hair gives the fullest result. On very fine hair, I’d swap this for a textured low bun, which holds more reliably.
4. Maid Of Honor Braided Bun Updo
Braids add detail and they’re also my secret for keeping a maid of honour’s hair secure. The braid can wrap around the bun, feed into it or sit along one side. On thick hair, braids control the volume; on fine hair, gently pulling the edges apart makes it look fuller. Keep the braid soft but neat, or it starts to look like everyday hair.
5. Maid Of Honor French Twist Updo
The French twist sweeps the hair up into a vertical roll at the back. It suits satin dresses and formal gowns with simple jewellery. Straight, smooth hair holds the shape best; very curly hair can do it, but needs more pins and smoothing. A modern version doesn’t have to look severe: a little volume at the crown or loose front pieces soften it. I pin it with long, open hairpins inside the roll, so it feels lighter than it looks.
6. Maid Of Honor Twisted Low Updo
Twisting instead of braiding gives texture with less fuss. Sections are twisted back and pinned into a low, gathered shape. Highlighted, balayage or dimensional colour shows off particularly well, since each twist catches a different tone. The weight sits low, which makes it comfortable for a long day. A light hold spray keeps the twists defined; too much makes them look crunchy.
7. Maid Of Honor Curly Updo
Curly hair makes some of the most beautiful updos, as long as nobody tries to brush it out. I lift and pin the curls in sections so they keep their shape and volume, then leave a few around the face. Moisture and curl definition come first, with a flexible hold product. A pinned crown adds height and balance. This updo celebrates natural texture rather than smoothing it away.
8. Maid Of Honor Sleek Bun Updo
Sleek is the most weather-proof option on this list. The hair is smoothed back and secured into a low or mid-height bun with a glossy finish. With nothing loose, wind and humidity have little to work on, which makes it a strong pick for coastal or summer weddings. It shows off earrings, makeup and the neckline. I use smoothing cream, shine spray and strong pins, and give the maid of honour a small brush for the reception.
9. Maid Of Honor High Bun Updo
A high bun lengthens the neck and keeps hair completely off the shoulders, which is welcome on a hot day. It pairs with strapless dresses, high necks and statement earrings. The one caution with a maid of honour is height: if the bride is wearing a low style, a very tall bun can draw the eye in group photos. I keep it full but moderate, and if the bride is wearing a veil, I check how the two look together.
10. Maid Of Honor Side Bun Updo
The side bun sits low and to one side, which looks good on a one-shoulder dress or one with side detail. Placed on the side facing guests, it’s visible from the front, unlike most low buns. Waves or twists before pinning make it fuller. Ask the bride which side you’ll stand on during the ceremony; I usually place it on the side facing the guests.
11. Maid Of Honor Textured Updo
A textured updo is curled, separated and pinned for airy movement. The aim is controlled texture, not frizz. It works well on medium to long hair and shows off highlights. It can become a low bun, loose knot or gathered shape. I build volume at the crown and pin the shape with hidden pins so it moves without collapsing.
12. Maid Of Honor Updo With Face Framing Pieces
Some people feel exposed with every strand pulled back, and a few face-framing pieces fix that. The length matters: shorter pieces highlight cheekbones, longer ones soften the sides of the face. I keep the pieces light and curl them away from the face, because heavy or product-laden pieces fall flat within hours. The updo behind them can be any shape.
13. Maid Of Honor Updo With Curtain Bangs
An updo with curtain bangs suits anyone who already wears a parted fringe or longer face layers. I blow-dry the bangs first, with a soft bend away from the face, then pin the rest up into a bun or twist. The fringe softens the eyes and cheekbones. Keep the updo simple so it doesn’t compete with the bangs.
14. Maid Of Honor Updo For Long Hair
Long hair gives the most options, and the most weight. A low textured bun, braided chignon or twisted updo spreads that weight across the head. I pin very long hair in overlapping sections, which adds depth and keeps it comfortable. If the hair is very thick, I work in smaller sections with extra pins. The risk with long hair is a headache by evening, so if anything feels tight at the trial, say so.
15. Maid Of Honor Updo For Medium Hair
Shoulder to collarbone length suits low buns, tucked chignons, twisted updos and pinned curls. It’s often more comfortable than long hair because it’s lighter. Texture spray, light teasing or a little padding create fullness. I curl the hair before pinning, which gives the short ends something to hold. A few face-framing pieces balance it.
16. Maid Of Honor Updo For Short Hair
Short hair can still go up. A bob or lob can be curled, twisted and tucked into a faux low bun or small chignon. Shorter layers need volume at the crown and pinned sides. Decorative pins or a small comb add formality. The pieces at the nape are the hardest to catch, so I use small pins there and a strong hold spray, or leave them softly curled on purpose.
17. Maid Of Honor Half Updo
A half updo pins the top back with twists, braids or soft volume and leaves the lower section in waves or curls. It suits anyone who doesn’t feel like themselves with all their hair up. Simple necklines and romantic weddings fit it best. Long hair worn down will tangle against a bouquet and lose curl faster than an updo, so set the waves well and plan a touch-up before the speech.
18. Maid Of Honor Crown Braid Updo
A crown braid wraps around the head and blends into a pinned bun at the back. It keeps the hair controlled and looks interesting from every angle, which is useful for the person standing next to the bride all day. Length and thickness help; extensions can fill in if needed. Keep the braid slightly loose for a modern look, since a tight crown braid can read as a costume.
19. Maid Of Honor Fishtail Braid Updo
Fishtail braids have a woven texture that’s more detailed than a standard plait. It can be pulled into a low bun, wrapped across the back or tucked into a pinned updo. Dimensional colour shows off the pattern. For beach and garden weddings, I keep it slightly relaxed; for formal venues, smoother and more compact. Fishtails take longer than a three-strand braid, so allow extra chair time.
20. Maid Of Honor Updo With Pearl Pins
Pearl pins add detail without the shine of crystals, which keeps the maid of honour from looking more bridal than the bride. They work with buns, chignons, twists and braids. I either scatter them through the back or line them along one side. Small pearls look delicate; larger pins make more of a statement. Match them to the jewellery so the pieces feel coordinated.
21. Maid Of Honor Updo With Floral Pins
Floral pins suit spring, summer and garden weddings. Tiny blooms, dried flowers or floral-shaped pins can be tucked into a bun, braid or twist. Small accents look more refined than large ones. If using fresh flowers, ask the florist for wired stems in the wedding colours, and add them after the hair is finished so they don’t wilt before photos.
22. Maid Of Honor Updo With Hair Comb
A comb gives an updo a finished look with one piece rather than many pins. It can sit above a low bun, beside a chignon or in a French twist. It suits formal weddings and classic bridal party looks. Pearls, crystals, gold leaves or simple metalwork can match the theme. I anchor the comb into a criss-cross of pins underneath, because a comb in smooth hair alone slips.
23. Maid Of Honor Vintage Updo
A vintage updo uses soft rolls, sculpted waves, a tucked chignon or a smooth side part. It suits formal venues and classic gowns. Setting products and careful pinning matter more here than in any other style. I set the waves with clips while they cool and brush them out last. Keep it modern enough for current photos, with a softer finish than a strict period style.
24. Maid Of Honor Boho Updo
Boho updos look relaxed but need strong structure underneath to last. Loose texture, soft twists and small braids are pinned into a low shape. Flowy dresses and natural makeup suit it. For a more polished version, keep the crown smooth and put the texture in the bun. Destination weddings are a good fit, but in humidity the loose pieces will soften, so plan for it.
25. Maid Of Honor Updo For Thin Hair
Fine hair can wear any updo once it has texture and volume to grip. Loose curls, light teasing and root powder add fullness, and a low bun with twists creates the look of density. I’d avoid very slick styles unless your hair is naturally dense, since they show the scalp. Small accessories can fill visual gaps without adding weight. The goal is soft volume that stays secure.
You’re Styled First, So Your Hair Has the Longest Day
In most schedules, the bride’s hair is done last so it’s freshest for the ceremony. That often puts the maid of honour early in the chair, sometimes hours before the vows. Here’s how I make an early updo last.
- Wash the day before, not the morning of. Second-day hair holds pins better.
- Arrive with dry hair, no product, and a button-front top, so nothing has to go over your head.
- Before bustling the dress or picking up the train, check your pins; bending and kneeling loosen the nape first.
- Keep a touch-up kit in your bag with bobby pins, a small hairspray and a comb. You’ll likely be the one fixing the bride’s hair too.
Pinning It Up Yourself the Morning Of
Not every maid of honour has a stylist booked. The simplest updos to do on your own are the low bun, twisted low updo and sleek bun. Practise twice before the wedding, take a photo from behind with a second mirror, and use a texture spray first. Pins that match your hair colour and push in at an angle hold far better than ones pushed straight down. If one section keeps slipping, a little dry shampoo on it gives the pin something to grab, and a final mist of spray from arm’s length sets it without stiffness.
Wear It for an Afternoon Before You Commit
Book a trial, even a short one, and bring your dress or a photo of the neckline. Ask the bride what her hair will look like, so your updo sits one step quieter in detail. Low buns, chignons, French twists and braided styles all give different levels of polish. Then wear it through a full afternoon if you can; you’ll know by evening whether it’s comfortable enough for the day ahead.
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