Doing a bridal party is a different job from doing a bride. I am working on four, six, sometimes eight heads of hair in one morning, with fine hair, thick hair, curls, fresh highlights and a fringe that was cut too short last week, and they all have to look like they belong in the same photo. Good bridesmaid hair gives the group a shared thread and then lets each person wear a version that her own hair can actually hold. The 30 styles below run from sleek buns to braids and loose waves, with my notes on what each one needs, how long it lasts and whose hair it suits. Screenshot the ones you like and bring them to the trial.
Five Bridesmaids, Five Textures, One Group Photo
Brides often ask me to give everyone the same style. That rarely works. A sleek bun that looks sharp on thick straight hair can look thin on fine hair, and tight curls won’t hold a smooth chignon without hours of straightening. What reads as matching in photos is a shared element, not identical hair.
- Same height: everyone up, everyone half-up or everyone down, each in a version her hair suits.
- Same accessory: one pearl pin, the same comb or the same sprig of greenery placed on the same side.
- Same finish: all sleek or all textured. A mix of glossy and messy is what makes a group look unplanned.
- Different textures inside that rule: curls stay curly, fine hair gets a style with built-in volume, short hair gets a pinned version rather than an updo it can’t reach.
When I plan a group, I look at each bridesmaid’s hair at the trial or in a clear photo, decide the shared element with the bride, and then pick from the list below per person.
1. Half Up Half Down Curls
Half up, half down is the style I get asked for most in a mixed group, because it adapts to nearly every length. The pinned section keeps hair out of the face for hugs and dancing, and the curls below show off length. What decides how long it lasts is the base: I set the top section with two crossed bobby pins under a small twist, never a single pin, because the weight of curled hair below pulls a lone pin loose by mid-afternoon. On very fine hair I backcomb lightly under the pinned section so it doesn’t sit flat.
2. Sleek Low Bun
A sleek low bun is my answer to humidity. When every strand is smoothed back and sealed, there is nothing loose for the air to frizz. It fits formal venues and minimalist gowns, and it lets statement earrings do the work. Fine hair needs a small padded donut or a bit of teasing inside the bun so it doesn’t look like a walnut; very thick hair often needs splitting into two sections first so the bun isn’t too heavy for the pins. It stays put from the ceremony until the last song.
3. Loose Romantic Waves
Loose waves look easy and are actually the hardest style here to keep. Down hair is fighting gravity, heat and every hug all day. I curl in smaller sections than you would at home, let each curl cool pinned in a loop before brushing it out, and use a flexible-hold spray rather than a stiff one so it moves without falling. Fine, silky hair will relax by evening no matter what. If that is your bridesmaid, choose a half-up version instead so the shape has somewhere to anchor.
4. Classic Chignon
A classic chignon is a smooth roll at the nape, and it is the one I book as the first appointment of the morning because it lasts longest. It keeps the neck clear in hot weather and sits well against high-neck and halter gowns, which hide most of a down style anyway. Straight hair gives it the cleanest finish, and a couple of loose tendrils stop it looking severe on a softer face. It is a natural fit for a formal bridal party where everyone is in long, structured dresses.
5. Boho Crown Braid
The boho crown braid, sometimes called a milkmaid braid, wraps a plait over the head like a halo. It needs medium to long hair; on shoulder-length hair I add a clip-in piece to get the braid all the way round, otherwise the two ends won’t meet. Once pinned along its length it doesn’t move, which makes it a sensible pick for barn and garden weddings with a lot of dancing. Small blooms or baby’s breath tuck straight into the plait without extra pins.
6. Low Ponytail With Wrap
A low ponytail with a wrapped base is the fastest neat style I can give a bridesmaid, which matters when I have five more to do. The secret is the wrap: I take a small section from underneath, wind it round the elastic and pin it from below so no grip shows. Curly, wavy and straight hair all sit well in it. A soft bend through the length gives movement; dead straight looks sharper with a modern gown.
7. Half Up Braided Crown
Here two braids come from the front, meet at the back and leave the rest of the hair down. I like it for bridesmaids with layers, because the braids catch the short front pieces that would otherwise fall out of a simple half-up. It needs medium to long hair to cross at the back. Waves on the loose length give it shape, and small flowers can slide right into the plaits.
8. Textured Messy Bun
A messy bun takes longer than a tidy one. Each loose piece has to look accidental, and that means I place them. I curl the hair first, gather it high or at mid-height, then pull out tendrils on purpose and pin the bun in sections so it keeps its shape. It is forgiving to wear and hides second-day hair well, and it adds real volume to fine hair. I tend to suggest it for autumn weddings and smaller, relaxed gatherings.
9. Fishtail Braid
A fishtail looks intricate but only uses two sections, which is why it tends to sit flatter and more comfortably than a standard plait. Worn over one shoulder or pulled back, it needs long hair to show the herringbone. I tie it off, then pull the edges gently outward to widen it. Do that after the elastic is on, never before, or the braid starts to slide apart.
10. Voluminous Blowout
Sometimes the right answer is just a very good blowout. Lift at the roots with a round brush, smooth lengths and a soft bend at the ends. It suits medium to long hair and nearly any dress. Where it falls short is longevity in heat. A blowout drops faster than set curls, so I finish with a light shine spray and tell the bridesmaid to keep her hands out of it. It is the simplest option for someone who hates the feel of pins.
11. Twisted Updo
A twisted updo is built from soft rope twists pinned together at the back, which gives it depth from every angle in photos. I pin each twist as I go rather than all at the end, so the shape holds even if the guest of honour hugs her too hard. It suits semi-formal and formal weddings and gives fine hair more fullness than a smooth bun would. Pearl pins slide between the twists without needing their own anchor.
12. Sleek Straight Down
Sleek straight hair looks simple, and it is unforgiving. Split ends, uneven colour and a kink from a hair tie all show. I flat-iron in small sections and finish with a smoothing serum on the mid-lengths and ends only, because serum near the roots makes long hair look greasy by evening. Centre or side part, it gives a modern, uniform look across a group. Humidity is its enemy, so I keep it for indoor or dry-weather weddings.
13. Side Swept Curls
Side-swept curls gather defined curls over one shoulder, a little old Hollywood. They pair naturally with one-shoulder and off-the-shoulder dresses. The hidden work is behind the ear on the other side: I pin a firm anchor there with crossed grips, or the whole sweep slides back to centre within a couple of hours. Medium to long hair works best, and finer hair gains body from the curl.
14. Half Up Bubble Ponytail
The half up bubble ponytail breaks a ponytail into rounded sections with small clear elastics. It reads young and playful, so I check it suits the tone of the wedding before suggesting it. Gently pull each bubble wider after the elastics are on, and use the clear ones, not black, because they disappear in photos. Medium to long hair, with waves on the loose half, gives the best balance.
15. Low Knotted Bun
A low knotted bun ties the hair into itself rather than winding it round. It looks more relaxed than a classic bun and holds well because the knot grips. Long hair works best; short hair doesn’t have enough length to knot. I pin through the knot at four points and leave a few tendrils loose. A sprig of greenery from the florist sits well in it.
16. Romantic Updo With Tendrils
An updo with tendrils is loosely pinned with curls left around the face, and the trick is choosing the tendrils. I pick pieces from the hairline that already fall forward naturally, curl them away from the face and keep them few; too many and the updo looks like it is coming down. It suits garden, vineyard and formal weddings, and most lengths from collarbone down. Pin loosely for an airy feel, but anchor the base firmly.
17. Boho Waves With Braids
Waves with thin accent braids is the outdoor and festival favourite. I braid small sections at the crown or temples, then wave the rest. The braids keep the front out of the face in wind, which plain waves can’t do. Loosen the braids slightly by hand, and tuck in dried flowers or small beads if the theme calls for it. Medium to long hair is needed for the braids to reach the back.
18. Slicked Back Bun
A slicked back bun is all about the hairline. I brush every strand back with a strong-hold gel and a boar bristle brush, then tie it tight. It shows off a strong neckline and statement earrings. Who should skip it: anyone with a sensitive scalp or a lot of baby hair she doesn’t want flattened, and anyone who gets headaches from tight styles, because this one does pull. Wet-look or matte, it reads editorial and very modern.
19. Curly Half Up Style
For curly and coily bridesmaids, the curly half-up keeps the natural pattern rather than fighting it. I pull the top section back and twist, puff or pin it, letting the rest fall in defined curls. Curl cream applied on damp hair the morning before keeps coils hydrated, and I avoid brushing dry curls at all, which turns them to frizz. Ask her to come with her curls already defined the way she likes them. Re-setting curly hair from scratch takes far longer than adapting what she has.
20. Twisted Side Updo
A twisted side updo sweeps hair to one side and twists it into a low shape over the shoulder. It has a vintage feel and photographs well from the side. The concern is the dress: if the bridesmaid stands on the bride’s left in every group shot, put the twist on the side that faces the camera. Medium to long hair; fine hair gains dimension from the twists. Pearl pins finish it.
21. Beachy Textured Waves
Loose and piecey, beachy textured waves have a slightly tousled finish that suits for coastal and casual weddings. I use a flat iron or a large wand and finish with a sea salt spray, then scrunch. Sea salt dries hair out, so I keep it to the mid-lengths and ends. Waves this loose relax in sea air, but on the beach that is part of the look. Centre or side part depending on the face.
22. Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids run two raised plaits from the hairline to the nape, and they are the most secure style here. Nothing moves, whatever the dancing. They feel casual and young, which suits boho and festival weddings better than black tie. I pancake the braids (pull the edges wider) for fullness, and add small flowers along the plait. Double Dutch braids need medium to long hair to reach the nape.
23. Soft Curls With Hairpiece
A hairpiece turns soft curls into something more formal, whether a pearl comb, a jewelled pin or a floral vine. I position it near the part or behind one ear and always anchor it with a grip underneath, because combs slide out of freshly curled, slippery hair. Check the hairpiece with the bride first; some brides want accessories saved for themselves. Finish with hairspray to keep the curls in place.
24. Low Twisted Ponytail
The low twisted ponytail adds twisted or wrapped sections to a simple low pony, which makes it read more finished than a plain one. It sits comfortably at the nape and works for semi-formal and modern weddings. A wrapped section hides the elastic. Medium to long hair suits it; I add a slight wave to the length so it doesn’t look flat in profile.
25. Half Up With Flowers
Flowers in a half-up style look romantic, but fresh flowers wilt. I ask the florist for hardy blooms like spray roses, wax flower or baby’s breath, kept in water until the last minute, and avoid gardenias and other delicate blooms that brown at the edges within hours. Silk or dried flowers are the safer option in heat. Place them near the crown or along the pinned section, and match the palette to the bouquets.
26. Sleek High Ponytail
A sleek high ponytail lifts the face and looks confident with modern gowns. I wrap a section round the base and pin from underneath. Where it can go wrong: a high pony is heavy at the crown, so on very long or thick hair I secure it with two elastics stacked, or it starts to droop by evening. It works on straight or wavy hair. A slight wave through the length adds movement.
27. Vintage Finger Waves
Finger waves are sculpted S-shaped ridges close to the head, the classic art deco wave. They suit short to medium hair best and take real practice to do well. I set them with gel and a fine comb, wet, and leave them to dry before shine spray. It is not a style to try for the first time on the morning, so make sure your stylist shows you photos of finger waves she has done. It suits vintage and formal themes.
28. Braided Low Bun
A braided low bun wraps or weaves a braid into the bun at the nape. The braid gives texture and also holds the bun together, so it stays secure all day. I loosen the braid gently before pinning for a softer finish. Medium to long hair works, and it fits boho and formal weddings alike. Greenery or small flowers tuck into the braid easily.
29. Loose Curls Half Pinned
Loose curls with the sides pinned back is my default for a bridesmaid who isn’t sure. It keeps the face clear, shows the curls and suits nearly any theme and length. I use a large-barrel iron for a soft curl, pin each side with crossed grips just behind the ear, and leave a couple of face-framing pieces. A pair of decorative pins covers the grips.
30. Accessorized Updo
An accessorised updo is a soft chignon, twist or bun finished with pins, combs or a small tiara. I place sparkly pieces on the side the photographer will see most, and I put them in last, after the hairspray, so they don’t get dulled. Medium to long hair works. It suits formal weddings with an evening reception, when the accessories catch the light.
Who Sits in the Chair First on the Morning
Order matters more than speed. Updos, buns and braids go first, because pinned styles hold for many hours. Down curls and blowouts go last, because they start dropping the moment they are finished. The bride usually sits near the end with time left over, never as the final appointment, so any run-over eats a bridesmaid’s slot, not hers.
As a rough guide, I allow 45 minutes to an hour per bridesmaid, a bit more for braids and very thick hair. For a larger party that means either a second stylist or a very early start. Build in a short gap before photos for touch-ups.
How to Show Up to Your Hair Appointment
- Wash the day before, not the morning of. Second-day hair grips pins and holds curl far better than squeaky clean hair.
- Arrive with hair completely dry and free of oils, leave-in serums and heat protectant, unless you have curls you style yourself. Then arrive with them defined.
- Wear a button-up shirt so you can change into the dress without pulling anything over your head.
- Bring your accessories and any clip-ins in a bag with your name on it.
After the ceremony, a few bobby pins and a mini hairspray in one shared clutch fixes nearly every loose strand before the reception.
One Shared Thread, Then Each Head of Hair Does Its Own Thing
The best bridal parties I work on agree on one common element and let the rest follow each person’s hair. It might be the same accessory, the same side part, the same level of polish or everyone wearing hair up. From sleek buns to braids and accessorised updos, there is a version of each idea above for most lengths and textures. Think about the venue, the weather and the necklines first, do a trial for anyone unsure, and send your stylist screenshots of the looks you like with each bridesmaid’s name on them.
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