Bridesmaid Hairstyles for Different Hair Lengths (2024)

Being a bridesmaid at a wedding is a mix of excitement and, TBH, a bit of anxiety. Part of the job is running around – in heels – to help with the wedding prep. To top it off, you need to figure out your hairdo for the big day. If you’re looking for bridesmaid hairstyles that show individuality without drawing attention from the bride, we’ve got you covered.

These inspired looks for short and long hair are easy to do on your own. Plus, they’ll stay put throughout the many, many photoshoots.

Old Hollywood Finger Waves

So you have a pixie cut and want to make it more wedding-friendly. Take inspiration from Zendaya’s collection of beautiful hairstyles. These vintage finger waves look effortlessly elegant and can dress up even the most basic-looking bridesmaid dress. No matter how short your cropped ‘do is, you can recreate the style with the help of some hair mousse, a rat-tail comb, and a hairdryer.

Begin by drenching your hair in mousse. Comb the hair back as you work the styling product through your strands and make a deep . Now comes the fun! Place down a finger where you want to mold the wave. Then, push the strands forward with the comb tail to make a C-shape curve. Continue holding your hair down with another finger to create another wave in the opposite direction.

After finger-waving your hair, set it with a hairdryer on low. Add a layer of hair gel to lock the shape and give a glossy finish.

Half Updo Witha Bardot Bump

The half-up, half-down hairstyle never disappoints. Its versatility goes with all bridal themes, from traditional to . Beyond that, it lifts the contours of your face while showing off the length of your hair. But if you have , the lack of volume at the crown makes your forehead appear wider. Take it up a notch with a 60s-inspired bump. The extra oomph gives a romantic touch with a .

To steal Brigitte Bardot’s signature teased tresses, work with freshly washed hair. Use Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Shampoo in the shower. This product makes your hair five times smoother so you can tease smarter, not harder. You will get all the volume with zero frizz.

With a , tease the crown and tie it into a half ponytail. Smooth the outline carefully. Most importantly, don’t hold back on the hairspray. As for the half-down part, you can use a curling wand to create soft waves or straighten it like Selena’s.

Low Ponytail With Curled Ends

The best bridesmaid hairstyles are sleek, simple, and classy. This low pony checks all three boxes. It’s flattering for every face shape and dress neckline, which is perfect if you’re reading this article a day before the wedding. You only need a couple of hair ties, a brush, and 10 minutes of your time.

Like all updo hairstyles, the key is keeping the front part as sleek as possible. Tame flyaways and static hair with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum. It’s a lightweight serum that also detangles knots, boosts shine, and smoothens the hair. Apply it from the mid-section to the ends of the hair before styling.

Spiky Bun With Fringe

Want a bridesmaid's hair that screams business in the front and party in the back? Bring back the 90’s spiky bun with a modern flair. Think of it as the grown-up sister to the . It feels laid back but still looks red-carpet-ready. Even Olivia Rodrigo wore it to her Met Gala debut in 2021. What’s more, this much-hearted updo works well on bob hair.

Usually, the spiky bun is paired with a sharp middle parting. But for a wedding, add a zhuzhing effect with side-swept bangs. Separate your hair into two sections: the front and back. Grab the hair on your back and wrap it into a bun. Let the ends stick out and straighten them. Leave the front section loose and curl them for more texture. For a finishing touch, secure the bun with bobby pins so it remains tight until the afterparty.

Curly French Twist

A list of bridesmaid hairstyles isn’t complete without a French twist. And if you have , it gives this timeless hairdo a dramatic allure. The more texture, the better. So working with second-day hair would fare better. Spray some dry shampoo to reduce the greasiness on top of the hair. Skip the heat-styling tools and find lots of bobby pins because, trust us, you need every single one of them.

Doing a French twist might seem intimidating initially, but it’s easier than it looks. Pull all your strands back and twist them. Tuck all the ends inside the twist and secure with hair pins at the top, middle, and base. Don’t worry about being precise because your curls will hide any imperfections.

Although it’s the bride and groom’s special day, you deserve to enjoy some glitz and glam. Experiment with these bridesmaid hairstyles to find one that matches your personality. When you find one, don’t forget to take lots of selfies!

Bridesmaid Hairstyles for Different Hair Lengths (2024)

FAQs

Can bridesmaids have different hairstyles? ›

While your bridesmaids' hairstyles don't need to be identical, they should all follow a general theme. If you want your bridesmaids to have the same hairstyle, keep the style simple so that it can be adapted.

How to choose bridesmaid hairstyles? ›

Style with loose or tight curls and top with beautiful layers to frame the face! As shown by this bridal party, shiny touchable waves look stunning on long hair lengths and colors. This look is cohesive, yet they still feel naturally styled! A tousled up-do is one of the most popular updos for brides and bridesmaids.

Should bridesmaids hair be up or down? ›

If the dress has a high neckline or intricate details on the back, a half-up, half-down style may be more appropriate. Coordinate with the Bride: It's important to coordinate the bridesmaids' hairstyles with the bride's hairstyle.

Do bridesmaids pick their own hairstyle? ›

Let bridesmaids choose their hairstyles.

Unless you're insisting on a completely uniformed look for your bridal party, allowing your girls to choose how they will style their hair is a simple way for your bridesmaids to have a semblance of control in how they look.

Should all bridesmaids have the same hairstyle? ›

No rule says your bridesmaids have to rock an identical look, although that's one of the options available to you (and is more traditional). These days, just like many brides are choosing to follow the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend, they're also allowing their bridesmaids to wear a hairstyle of their preference.

Should bride and bridesmaid hair match? ›

On the other hand, some brides choose to create a sense of unity by reflecting their hairstyle in the bridesmaids' styles. Generally the bridesmaids would have a less intricate or complicated design than the bride, but they could still have basically the same style, for example a French twist, a bun, or a chignon.

Who should pay for bridesmaid hair? ›

Traditionally, brides would cover this as a thank-you nod to their 'bride squad'. But, some brides and bridesmaids split the cost (for example, the bride pays for hair, and if bridesmaids want their make-up done, they pay for that), while others prefer to DIY.

What does a maid of honor pay for? ›

"We often see the maid of honor assist in covering the cost of the bridal shower (often in conjunction with a family member of the bride), covering her own costs and some of the costs of the bride for the bachelorette party (in conjunction with the rest of the bridesmaids), her own travel to and from the wedding, a ...

What is the rule of thumb for bridesmaids? ›

One of the old mainstay conventions is to have the number of bridesmaids in accordance to how large your wedding is; one bridesmaid per 50 guests is one practical ratio. Another rule of thumb is to match the number of groomsmen that the groom will be having, but as always, these rules are flexible.

How long to allot for bridesmaid hair? ›

For your typical wedding hair, allot this time for each party member or guest: Brides: 60 to 90 minutes. Bridesmaids: 30 to 45 minutes. Mother of the Bride and Mother-in-Law: 30 to 45 minutes.

Who usually pays for bridesmaids hair and makeup? ›

The most traditional arrangement is for the bride to cover all glam costs for the bridal party.

Is it rude not to pay for bridesmaids hair and makeup? ›

The answer is that it depends.

In some scenarios, it makes sense for the bride to cover all the hair and makeup expenses for her wedding party. In other scenarios, it makes more sense for the wedding party to cover their hair and makeup costs.

Should you pay for your bridesmaids hair and make up? ›

This is completely up to you; if you feel comfortable footing these costs, go ahead! If not, it's perfectly acceptable to ask your bridesmaids to cover their own beauty bills (or at least split them).

Do bridesmaids have to wear the same style dress? ›

Mismatching dresses are one of the best ways to help your bridesmaids feel comfortable, since they'll have more freedom to select a dress that reflects their own style and flatters their body type.

Can you have different style bridesmaid dresses? ›

Today, brides are mixing it up with mismatched bridesmaids' dresses, creating truly unique ensembles featuring gorgeous gowns with different styles, fabrics, hemlines, and colors. The trend allows you to highlight each individual and ensure she's wearing a dress that makes her feel great.

Do bridesmaids usually do their own hair and makeup? ›

The bride may agree to pay for makeup while the bridesmaid pays to get their hair done, for example. Depending on their ability, a bridesmaid may choose to do either their hair or makeup on their own to save herself or the bride money, says Shackleton.

Should bridesmaids pay for their own hair and make up? ›

But, some brides and bridesmaids split the cost (for example, the bride pays for hair, and if bridesmaids want their make-up done, they pay for that), while others prefer to DIY. “This all comes back to the budget and what everyone is comfortable with,” says Menghini.

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