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A bride and two bridesmaids smiling together.
Bridesmaid hairstyles are not limited to a low bun!

5 Bridesmaid Hairstyles for Different Hair Lengths

Looking for inspiring looks for a wedding? Check out these elegant bridesmaid hairstyles that you can achieve even without a stylist.

June 23, 2023
Read Time: 3 Minutes

Old Hollywood Finger Waves>

Half Updo Witha Bardot Bump>

Low Ponytail With Curled Ends>

Spiky Bun With Fringe>

Curly French Twist>


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

Zendaya in a black dress with a short black hair.
You can also style a lob with finger waves.
(Instagram.com/zendaya)

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 side part. 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

Selena Gomez wearing pink dress with a half updo hairstyle.
The best accessory for this hair? Your curtain bangs!
(Pinterest.com/stylebistro)

The half-up, half-down hairstyle never disappoints. Its versatility goes with all bridal themes, from traditional to beach weddings. Beyond that, it lifts the contours of your face while showing off the length of your hair. But if you have finer strands, 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 retro twist.

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 fine-toothed comb, 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

Rosie Huntington Whiteley wearing golden earrings and a low ponytail.
If you want a fuss-free bridesmaid hairstyle, do the sleek low ponytail.
(Instagram.com/laurapolko)

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

Rosie Huntington Whiteley wearing golden earrings and a low ponytail.
Use hair gel to perfect your slicked-back bun.
(Instagram.com/oliviarodrigo)

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 messy bun. 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 Gen Z 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

Julia Garner in a white dress with blonde curly French twist.
Accessorize with hair barrette to take your French twist to the next level.
(Instagram.com/juliagarnerofficial)

A list of bridesmaid hairstyles isn’t complete without a French twist. And if you have curly hair, 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!

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