Between making last-minute changes and sending out new save-the-dates, the last thing that should stress you out on your wedding checklist is choosing bridesmaids’ hairstyles. It’s your special day, and it’s overwhelming to hear a dozen opinions on any given subject. We get it. Luckily, you have us! And we’ve handpicked bridesmaid hairstyles for every kind of wedding and bridesmaid. All you have to do now is choose!
How should bridesmaids wear their hair?
There are so many different hairstyles for a bridesmaid, and there’s no hard answer as to which is best. Ultimately, you should think about the overall aesthetic of your wedding (boho, vintage, traditional, bold, unconventional, etc.) and how formal your wedding is, as well. It’s also ideal to consider the different bridesmaid hair types and offer some flexibility to accommodate for length, thickness, and texture.
40 Bridesmaid Hairstyles We Love
From hairstyle picks for natural hair types to gorgeous braids and one-of-a-kind ponytails, read on for 40 bridesmaid hairstyles to try for 2021.
Good hair day by @blowup_by_laura_e_ilaria.
Mini Accent Braid
Accent braids are in for 2021 (not to mention, they’re super easy to achieve). Have your bridesmaids craft a classic three-strand plait or a dainty fishtail braid on either side of their head to keep your bridesmaid hairstyle as simple as possible. This is one you can do without the help of a professional stylist.
Good hair day by @leauxmane.
Glossy Waves
If you’re searching for hairstyles for a bridesmaid that suits any hair length—and pairs with just about any bridesmaids dress—we suggest some classic, glossy waves. Use a shine spray like Redken Shine Flash Hair Spray to give your ‘do a lightweight, high-shine finish while smoothing and taming flyaways.
Good hair day by @pflaum_sarah.
Curled Ends
Curled ends are perfect if you want your mane to be free without overdoing it with an intricate style. This hair idea for bridesmaids is also good if you’re thinking of DIYing your bridesmaid hair since it’s so easy to achieve. Before you begin styling, be sure to use a heat protectant like Biolage Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray.
Good hair day by @sarakoonar.
Side-Swept
There are certain hairstyles that perfectly fit any occasion—and a romantic side-swept look is a natural choice for weddings.
Loose Chignon With Face-Framing Pieces
Nothing is quite as elegant as a relaxed chignon complimented by face-framing pieces. Not to mention: This hairstyle is flattering for any face shape.
Good hair day by @dicasdecabeloficial.
Double Bun Updo
For an unexpected take on your go-to messy bun, ask your stylist for this chic double bun updo. This piece-y, textured style looks stunning on any hair texture.
Good hair day by @alexandralee1016.
Tucked Chignon
If you’re going for a classic vibe, this textured tucked chignon is the perfect choice for your bridal party. Throw in a floral accent to add a colorful, feminine touch to the look.
Good hair day by @ellendevinehair..
Sleek And Straight
If simplicity is the name of your wedding game, skip the curls and waves and opt for sleek, pin-straight strands. This style looks particularly stunning on mid-length haircuts such as the lob. Add a touch of shine to your sleek ‘do with a hair oil, such as Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil.
Good hair day by @annetteupdoartist.
French Twist
There are few wedding styles as timeless as the French twist. You, your bridesmaids, and your great-grandmother can all wear it. For an elegant-meets-casual twist, you could even ask your stylist for a French twist ponytail.
Good hair day by @braidsbunsandbeauty.
Boho Waterfall Braid
If you’re looking for a style that embraces the unique hair texture each of your bridesmaids brings to the party, the boho waterfall braid is the way to go. Not to mention: it can be achieved in the comfort of your very own hotel suite.
Give your finished look some added texture with a few spritzes of texturizing spray like Redken Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray.
Good hair day by @michelleoconnorbeauty.
Waves With Deep Side Part
If you’re searching for an easy way to amp up the volume, try a deep side part. Switching up your part adds sophistication to your look and gives your roots a volume boost. Give your style even more body with a root-lifting formula like Matrix High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter.
Good hair day by @jamiedanahairstylist.
Single Side Pin Back With Flowers
Short-haired bridesmaids can be challenging to plan around because their hair rarely lasts in even the most well-constructed updos. Instead of stressing over the inevitable, ask your ‘maids to try a style that leaves most of their hair free of pins and hair mousse.
Your stylist should give bridesmaids all-over texture with loose waves, gently pinning back one section of hair over the ear and adding a sprig of a festive flower (we love baby’s breath and waxflower).
Good hair day by @kayseen.
Fishtail Crown Braid
A fishtail crown braid keeps stray hairs out of the face while ensuring long-lasting volume. For a garden or beach wedding, a braid is ideal.
Good hair day by @sorayahstyles.
Glamorous Finger Waves
Classic, glamorous, Old Hollywood: If this is how you want attendees to describe your ceremony and reception, then have your bridesmaids wear finger waves. Because this style involves pre-planning and special skills to get right, check in advance to make sure your chosen stylist has experience with the look.
Good hair day by @pureology.
Bouffant Ponytail
We’ll be the first to admit it: The bouffant is a style that traditionally screams “wedding.” Still, we love the added volume and retro vibe of the look, especially when it’s used to create a low, sleek ponytail.
Good hair day by @dayvidwilson.
Glam Pigtails
Don’t assume pigtails are only for children. When styled for maximum shine, these curly tails offer a seriously glamorous effect.
Good hair day by @marciahamilton.
Embellished Twists
If you were young in the early 2000s, these clip-in pearls might bring back fond memories. Have your bridesmaids decorate their natural 'do with this playful accessory
Good hair day by @hairbykaitlynbrown.
Pearl-Embellished Low Ponytail
We love the way these pearl embellishments add a touch of glam to a low ponytail. Use a hairspray like Redken Forceful 23 Anti-Frizz Super Strength Hairspray to give your look lasting lift, shape memory, and frizz-free shine.
Good hair day by @dremalczewska.
Double Ponytail Updo
We’re totally enamored with this textured, over-the-top dramatic ponytail. Although this seems like a standard, curled ponytail, it’s actually two: The second tail is hidden under the first to create the illusion of extra volume and length. If your wedding is all about glamour or your bridesmaids have extra-long hair, give this look a shot.
Good hair day by @darycetolliver.
Pinned Accent
Don’t fight texture—embrace it! This understated look adds a touch of sophistication to natural curls. Ask the stylist to use embellished hair pins for added flair. Be sure to use a styling product like Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion to keep your ringlets looking their best all day long.
Good hair day by @thenotoriouskia.
Pineapple Updo
A pineapple updo can keep your bridesmaids cool while simultaneously showing off their jewelry. Style the pineapple so that the curls fall gently around the face for an extra photogenic finish.
Good hair day by @leletny.
Bejeweled
Yes, embellishments! For some extra flair on short hair, add one (or a few) accessories to pull the whole look together.
Good hair day by @emmachenartistry.
Windblown Braided Chignon
A braid is only as good as the texturizing spray that goes into it, and Pureology Style + Protect Texture Finishing Spray helps create a lived-in texture that photographs well. Because braids are so customizable, any stylist can help you tweak this look to fit your wedding’s aesthetic.
Good hair day by @jessiekass.
Wraparound Braid With Flowers
Add a whimsical vibe to your wraparound braid by intertwining your choice flowers throughout the look.
Good hair day by @rayzorcut3.
Bombshell Curls
We’re embracing big hair energy in 2021, so it’s no surprise that bombshell curls made the list. If you’re going for a soft, romantic style, bombshell curls may be your best bet. To help you achieve maximum volume, complete your look with a few spritzes of volumizing hairspray like Matrix Total Results High Amplify Proforma Hairspray.
Good hair day by @envytauranga.hairsalon.
Half-Up Fishtail Braid
If you’ve been a victim of too-tight updos in past weddings, grant your bridesmaids a bit more slack with a loose fishtail braid style. They can remember all the details of your special day (and not a hairpin-induced headache).
Good hair day by @pekelariley.
Curly Ponytail
Ponytails are one of our top picks for showcasing natural ringlets. Use a hair gel like Matrix Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel to smooth the strands around your hairline while leaving the hair in the ponytail free and natural.
Good hair day by @rainyrachel.
Floral Crown
If festival vibes are just as welcome in your nuptials as they are at outdoor concerts everywhere, a beautiful crown is one of the prettiest bridesmaids’ hairstyles. This can be worn on hair that’s up or down!
Good hair day by @dayvidwilson.
Pinned To The Side
Try a style that’s pinned to the side to give every bridesmaid the best of up and down hair.
Good hair day by @michelleoconnorbeauty.
Vintage Victory Rolls
Inside every one of us, there’s a vintage-loving gal just waiting to get out. If your dream wedding comes complete with a swing band, full skirts, and old-fashioned cocktails, deck your bridal party out with this 1940s-inspired ‘do. Ask your stylist to give your bridesmaids face-framing victory rolls while leaving the bottom half of the hair free and curled. The hairspray-set style will last all night long, providing long-wearing volume and style.
Good hair day by @privesalonandstylebar.
Slick Front
How chic is this slicked front look? Not only is it simple to pull off, but it’s a timeless style that flatters so many hair types. We recommend spritzing a bit of Redken Shine Flash Hair Spray tame flyaways.
Half-Up Rope Braid
Keep things simple with this half-up rope braid hairstyle for bridesmaids. It works with a wide range of lengths and hair textures, plus it's easy to recreate.
Good hair day by @brookshair.
Retro Updo
If your wedding lends itself, consider this slightly retro updo. The flower is optional (and you can pick your own) but makes for a fun twist. You could also opt for a beautiful piece of hair jewelry instead.
Good hair day by @iamsiannarenee.
Sleek Ballerina Bun
Keep your bridesmaids' hair off their faces on a hot or humid day with this classic ballerina bun. It's also perfect for tearing up the dance floor! To keep hair sleek, use Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Iron Smoother Leave-In Spray before styling.
Good hair day by @saripaints.
Thick Half-Up Braid
Hello gorgeous braids! If your bridesmaids were blessed with thick hair—or if they’re down for some extensions—this half-up thick braid will definitely make a statement. For tousled textured on the rest of the hair, use a touch of Redken Wax Blast 10 High Impact Finishing Hair Wax-Spray.
Good hair day by @gregoryrussellhair.
Classic Chignon
The classic chignon placed at the nape of the neck is another sleek and timeless hair idea for bridesmaids.
Good hair day by @hairbymandielynn and @alexisjadekaiser.
Side Swept Fishtail Braid
A flowing, side swept fish braid is the perfect pick for all sorts of weddings. Just note that it may take a bit longer than some styles to complete on all your bridesmaids, so make sure you schedule in enough time.
Half-Up Bouffant Pony
This breeze, half-up ponytail is taken to the next level with a slight bouffant at the crown, a wrapped ponytail, and loose waves. It’s absolutely gorgeous! For the same sort of sparkling, silky finish, use Redken Diamond Oil Glow Dry Blow Dry Shine Oil before styling.
Good hair day by @jessiestylist and @thefloralaw.
Beachy Undone Braid
Have a beachside or tropical wedding? This might just be the bridesmaid hairstyle for your girls. It's perfectly loose, piece-y, and textured, which means you don't have to worry about anything coming “undone” in the balmy breeze.
Good hair day by @megfedstevens.
Ornate Rosette
For a bridesmaid hairstyle that'll have everyone oohing and ahhing, consider this ultra-romantic ornate rosette. It'll take some time to recreate, but the impact is totally worth it.
Interested in a professional bridesmaid hairstyle? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.