Avatar for Louise Baltruschat Hollis

By Louise Baltruschat Hollis

Photos by Lyra and Moth

When it comes to your bridesmaid hairstyle I know exactly what you want to achieve.  

Firstly, you want your maids to look and feel fabulous. Secondly, you want your besties’ tresses to tie into your wedding style. Thirdly, you want to keep to your wedding beauty budget. And finally, you want your bridesmaids’ barnets to coordinate with your own style without taking away from you being front and centre.  

Well, you’re in the right place as not only am I going to share some super beautiful bridesmaid hairdos, but also share top tips on all things bridesmaid hair. Hooray!  Search to find a bridal hair & makeup artist, or dive in to see some our top looks/.

Stunning Bridesmaid Hair Ideas To Inspire Your Wedding Hair Looks

1. Boho Accessories

Get all the boho vibes by adding cute accessories with festival-vibe plaits.

Bridesmaid Hair Do Accessory Plait Kerry Ann Duffy Photo: Kerry Ann Duffy via Greatest Showman Wedding Hairstylist: Hero Hairstylist

2. Half Up Half Down Style

The bridesmaid classic, a half up half down hairstyle is versatile for all hair types and lengths.

Bridesmaid Hair Idea Half Up Down Flowers Waves Bloom Weddings Photo: Bloom Weddings via Granary On The Common Wedding Hairstylist: Mane Attraction Hair Salon

3. Ponytail

Ponytails are chic, practical and are perfect for bridesmaid hair accessories to add a touch of special.

Bridesmaid Hairstyles Ponytail Ribbon Emily Montay Photo: Emily Montay via Wooden Wedding Ideas Hairstylists: Vicky Jiggens Bridal & Hannah Heller Bridal

4. Use Hair Accessories

Try using hair accessories to tie in different hairstyles for your bridesmaids. This is perfect if you are DIYing your bridesmaid hair and are looking to add a touch of luxe.

Bridesmaids Hair Do Natural Laura Williams Weddings Phot0: Laura Williams Weddings via Autumn Wedding Colours Hair Styling: Jessica Penfold Makeup & Hairstyling

5. Same Style Different Ways

Allow your maids’ personalities to shine, by having the same hairdo, but styled in slightly different ways. Boho beautiful!

Bridesmaid Hairstyles Ideas Flowers Half Up Down Kerry Ann Duffy Photography Photo: Kerry Ann Duffy Photography via High House Wedding Hair: Sophistic Hair

6. Bridesmaid Updo

Use plaits, buns and pretty flowers to do the talking. Add some loose tendrils at the front to soften their final look.

Bridesmaid Hair Up Do Braids Terri & Lori Photo and Film Photo: Terri & Lori Photo and Film via Boho Rustic Barn Wedding Hairstylist: Belle’s Beauty

7. Up Or Down

Allow your maids to choose if they’d prefer their hair up or down. Then add the same flower crowns for a sweet tied together style.

Bridesmaids Hair Styling Inspiration Mismatched Alisa Nicholle Co Photo: Alisa Nicholle Co via Modern City Wedding Ideas Hair Stylist: Allure Salon & Spa

8. Half Down Waves

Tying hair back ensures maids don’t have hair falling over their faces all day. Tong the remaining tresses for a chic finish.

Bridesmaids Hairstyles Long Waves Lyra and Moth Photo: Lyra and Moth via Abbey House Gardens Wedding Hair Styling: Holly Andersen Makeup

9. Braids

Pick a hair theme and use it throughout your bridesmaids’ hairstyles. For example, this group all had hair braids but some went for updos and some loose waves.

Bridesmaids Hair Plaits Up Down Aurora Grey Photography Photo: Aurora Grey Photography via Norfolk Barn Wedding Hair: Cara Hubbard

10. Medium Length Hair

For mid-length manes, if not all hair can be gathered up, leave some loose. Learn how to make plaits on Youtube and create your own cute braids if your budget doesn’t stretch to a pro.

Bridesmaid Hair Idea Boho Braid Mid Length Kerry Ann Duffy Photography Photo: Kerry Ann Duffy Photography via High House Wedding Hair: Sophistic Hair

11. Hair Up

It’s lovely for brides to allow their long hair to be down and have their bridesmaid’s hair up. That way their manes are the star of the show.

Bridesmaid Hair Updos Plaits Terri & Lori Photography and Film Studio Photo: Terri & Lori Photography and Film Studio via Sheene Mill Wedding Hair: The Grey Room

12. Coordinating Accessories

How lovely are these hairdos? All with similar yet unique hair accessories to create a mix-and-match style.

Bridesmaid Hair Styles Accessories Braids Loose Chloe Ely Photography Photo: Chloe Ely Photography via Contemporary Wedding Ideas Hair Styling: Hayley Brown of Simon Smith Hair

13. Side Plait

Bring a single plait to the side for a romantic hairstyle idea.

Bridesmaid Hairstyle Side Plait Sarah-Jane Ethan Photo: Sarah-Jane Ethan via Newton Hall Wedding Hair: Lisa Jones Hair and Make Up Artist

14. Bun & Flower Crown

Yes, you can do updos for your maids with flower crowns!

Bridesmaid Hairstyle Bun Chignon Flower Crown Kit Myers Photography Photo: Kit Myers Photography via Whimsical Tipi Garden Wedding Hair: Louise’s Bohemian Hair

15. Side Chignon

Don’t worry about having a slick look, allow for a natural style with a messy side chignon.

Bridesmaid Wedding Hair Side Bun Updo Sarah-Jane Ethan Photo: Sarah-Jane Ethan via Rustic Summer Country DIY Barn Wedding Hairstyling: Powder and Pin

16. Long Plait

If your bridesmaids have long hair, and your bridesmaid dresses have lots of detail. How about a long single plait? It’s also super easy to create.

17. Flower Crowns

Let the flowers be the star of the show. So pretty!

Bridesmaid Hair Ideas Flower Crowns Emily & Steve Photography Photo: Emily & Steve Photography via Pitt Hall Barn Wedding

18. Undone Hair

I love how this hairstyle has a pretty undone feel. So rustic and beautiful!

Bridesmaid Hairstyle Side Accessory Meraki Wedding Photography Photo: Meraki Wedding Photography via Geometric Woodland Wedding Ideas Hairdresser: She Said Yes Bridal Hair

19. Classic Updo

For a chic and classic wedding, a traditional updo is perfect.

Bridesmaid Updo Hairstyle Wedding Katherine Ashdown Photography Photo: Katherine Ashdown Photography via Holkham Hall Wedding Hair: Amanda Steed Makeup and Hair

20. Twists

Twists can be used in hair to create volume and texture.

Bridesmaid Hair Twists Messy Updo Grace Elizabeth Photography Photo: Grace Elizabeth Photography via Grey Wedding Ideas Hair: April Natalie

21. Gentle Curls

Create loose curls and allow them to fall for a voluminous yet pretty hairstyle that’s totally wearable.

Bridesmaid Wedding Hairstyle Half Up Waves Nicola Belson Photography Photo: Nicola Belson Photography via Minimalist Wedding Ideas Hair: Rachael Capocci

22. Let Bridesmaids Be Themselves

Ever been a bridesmaid? The last thing you want is to be forced into a style that just isn’t you. Instead, let your bridesmaids all have their own unique hairstyle. It can work, pinky promise!

Bridesmaid Hairstyles Natural Look Helen Abraham Photography Photo: Helen Abraham Photography via Bermuda Wedding

23. Short Bridesmaid Hair

For shorter hair, such as bobs, the half up half down styling will work effortlessly.

Bridesmaid Hair Short Bob Twist Meraki Wedding Photography Photo: Meraki Wedding Photography via Geometric Woodland Wedding Ideas Hairdresser: She Said Yes Bridal Hair

24. Low Bun

These maids had mismatched hairstyles. The bride has a low bun, one maid braids, another bridesmaid a twisted updo and the last bridesmaid with her hair down. Picture perfect!

Bridesmaids Hairstyles Flowers Wedding The Light Painters Photo: The Light Painters via DIY Autumn Wedding Hair: Olivia Mills Makeup

25. Halo Braid

Bring retro vibes with halo braids. Perfect for keeping bridesmaids cool in hot weather!

Bridesmaid Hair Halo Braid Up Do Flawless Photography Photo: Flawless Photography via Chateau Lagorce Wedding Hair: Bow and Blush

26. French Plait

If you are handy with French plaits, why not plait bridesmaids hair yourself? Add dainty flowers for a special flourish.

French Plait Bridesmaid Hair Flowers Luke Doyle Photo: Luke Doyle via Manor Farm Wedding Hampshire Hair: NW Make-up and Team

27. Fishtail Plait & Pearl Pins

Fishtail plaits are a little trickier to achieve, but oh-my how the end result is worth it!

Bridesmaid Half Up Hair Waves Mid Length Florence Berry Photography Photo: Florence Berry Photography via East Quay Wedding Hairstyling: She Said Yes Bridal Hair

28. Vintage Victory Rolls

Take inspiration from eras gone by. How gorgeous are these victory rolls?

Bridesmaid Hairstyle Vintage Victory Rolls Paul Underhill Photo: Paul Underhill via Knighton House Wedding Dorset Hair: Kam Hair

29. Messy Buns

Ideal for thin hair, messy buns add volume and texture plus look ever so pretty.

Bridesmaid Hairstyles Messy Up Dos Flowers Jessica Reeve Photography Photo: Jessica Reeve Photography via Llanrhaeadr Springs Wedding

30. Curly Hair

If your bridesmaids have naturally curly hair, a simple low bun, with loose strands will look stunning.

Simple Bridesmaid Hairstyle Accessory Oilvejoy Photography Photo: Oilvejoy Photography via Elopement Wedding Ideas Hair: Frances Moore MUA

31. Chunky Plaits

Take plaits up for a pretty and natural hairdo.

Bridesmaid Hair Ideas Plaits Laura Jane Photography Photo: Laura Jane Photography via Bridal Shower Ideas Hen Party Hair: Victoria Taylor

32. Natural Tresses

Effortless and natural, I love this simple yet pretty bridesmaid hair idea.

Bridesmaid Hairstyle Flower Accessory The Springles Photo: The Springles via Escape To The Chateau Wedding Hairstylist: @matthewcrosshairdressing

33. Bride Hair Up Bridesmaid Hair Down

If you have the budget for a professional bridal hairstyle, but it doesn’t stretch for your bridesmaid’s hair too. Ask them to wear their hair down in loose waves.

Bridesmaid Wedding Hair Ideas Down Jonny Gouldstone Photography Photo: Jonny Gouldstone Photography via Hertfordshire Farm Wedding Hair: Makeup By Sian

34. Floral Dreams

If you are having a statement flower crown, use the same flowers in smaller arrangements in your bridesmaids’ hair.

Bridesmaid Hair Buns Flowers Holly Rose Weddings Photo: Holly Rose Weddings via Kent Village Hall Wedding

35. Long Hair

For a boho bridesmaid style, ask your bridesmaids to wear their long hair down.

Boho Bridesmaid Hairstyles Wyldbee Photography Photo: Wyldbee Photography via Elford Hall Garden Wedding Hairstylist: theoccasionhair_

36. Hair Comb

Use a hair comb to achieve a side-swept style. Gorgeous!

Bridesmaid Hair Style Comb Sarah J Scott Photography Photo: Sarah J Scott Photography via Blue Purple Gold Wedding Ideas Hairstylist: Millie Makeup

37. Anything Goes

If you are going all out with dresses, accessories and shoes, don’t worry too much about coordinating hairstyles. They really aren’t necessary for a gorgeous bridal party look.

Bridesmaid Hairstyles Unique Ideas Michelle Agurto Photo: Michelle Agurto via Ecuador Wedding Hair: Andrea Giler

38. Statement Bow

Keep hairdos simple and use a large statement accessory instead.

Bridesmaid Hair Style Idea Bow Love and Life Studio Photo: Love and Life Studio via Lakeside Wild Berry Farm Wedding Hair: Danica Zurawel Hair

39. Hollywood Waves

Use a barrel tong to create Hollywood waves for chic black-tie affairs. Use products to create ultimate shine too.

Bridesmaid Hollywood Waves Hair Idea Danielle Smith Photography Photo: Danielle Smith Photography via Brewerstreet Farmhouse Wedding Hair: Alka from the Ambreen Team

40. Simple Does It

How easy is it to recreate this style? Take some strands of hair, pin them up and tong the rest. Stunning.

Bridesmaid Simple Hairstyle Inspiration Into The Light Fine Art Photography Photo: Into The Light Fine Art Photography via Blue Wedding Dress Hair: Maria Whiting

How Should Bridesmaids Wear Their Hair?

When it comes to bridesmaid hairstyles, there are no rules. The couple can request bridesmaids wear their hair in a certain style or may ask bridesmaids to style their own. Some couples hire a hair stylist to do all the bridal party hair too.

Ways To Style Bridesmaids’ Hair

Should Bridesmaids’ Hair Match?

Bridesmaid hairstyles do not need to match. They can of course match, which can look lovely. But mismatched bridesmaid hair can also look equally gorgeous.

Who Pays For Bridesmaid Hairstyling?

If hiring a professional hairstylist, the couple should pay for the bridesmaids’ hair. That being said, a couple may ask the bridesmaids if they’d like to book their chosen bridal hairdresser and pay for their own style. But of course, there should be no obligation for bridesmaids to have to do so.

If DIYing bridesmaid hair, bridesmaids would be expected to style their own hair. Or a friend/family member may be willing to lend a helping hand.

Should The Bridesmaid’s Hair Be Different To The Bride’s Hairstyle?

The bride can decide if they’d like the bridesmaid’s hair to match their own style. There is no hard and fast rule here. Some brides may like the idea of all the hairstyles matching, some may wish for them to be different or have a common theme to tie them all together.

Who Decides The Bridesmaids’ Hairstyle?

The couple may decide on the bridesmaids’ hairstyles, but more often than not will work together with the bridesmaids to make the perfect hair choice!

How Much Does Bridesmaid Hair Cost?

Expect to pay anywhere between £40-£70+ per bridesmaid hairstyle by a professional hairstylist. Location, hairstyle complexity and accessories can all impact the costs.

And that's a wrap! All the bridesmaid hairstyle ideas you'll ever need, plus your burning bridesmaid hair questions solved. Yay!


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