15 Celebrity-Inspired Bridesmaids Hairstyle Ideas
Gone are the days of telling your friends to all wear their hair the same way.
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As your wedding date approaches, your list of to-do's is getting shorter and shorter. You’ve picked out your dress, coordinated your makeup trial, tested out a few up- (or maybe down-) dos, booked your nail appointment—the list goes on. But now, let's think about your bridesmaids. Yes, you’ve helped them pick dresses (and ideally let them choose their own from a wide range of colors, styles, and prints), but no matter the size of your party, your friends will appreciate a little guidance on great hair ideas.
And, it seems, gone are the days of telling your friends to all wear their hair the same way. "Wedding hair has come a long way," explains owner of Beauty Can and stylist, Laura Rugetti. "In the past, everyone would do the same up-do, but now, brides are wanting hair that is more on trend whether that be bohemian hair vibes or old Hollywood glam. There’s so much more to choose from." In short: Gone are the days of stuffy, identical styles; the mood is all about individuality—and embracing what each unique woman brings to the table. "I think now more than ever, it is important that we portray our sense of self, not only through the causes that we support, and the issues that we fight for, but in how we present ourselves to the world," Rugetti continues. "So,, I encourage brides to choose a look that can be personalized to each individual so that everyone feels comfortable in their own skin."
To help, we've curated 15 flattering, celeb-inspired bridesmaid hair ideas perfect for every length, texture, and hair type.
Tiered Chignon
What would a wedding be without a classic chignon? Add some character with multiple layers and freeform loops to make it look more 2020 than...1920.
Get the Look: Think beyond bobby pins (which are still a must-have) and reach for a light-hold spray—like KÉRASTASELaque Couture Medium Hold Hair Spray—for a secure style from brunch until last-call.
Sleek Middle Part
Sometimes, opting for something simple is sexiest. Take the drama out of your bridesmaids looks and return to the classic, sleek middle part. Our tip? Secure the hair behind the ears for an effortless feel that works double duty to show off earrings, and elongate your neck.
Get the Look: A smoothing serum, like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, will keep frizz and flyaways at bay from midday portraits to the after-party.
Feed-In Braids
These feed-in braids are super sleek, elegant, and a great bet for a style that will stay put in more humid climates.
Get the Look: Miss Jessie’s Hold Me Down Super Edge Control Hair Gel holds down baby hairs and perfects artfully-designed edges.
Short Wavy Bob
Simple and statement making—a short, soft, wavy bob feels gamine, romantic, and edgy all at once. For even more ease, pair this look with an off-center part.
Get the Look: Create airy waves with a lightweight texture spray, like Joico Beach Shake Texturizing Finisher made with a blend of beeswax and coconut oil for a hydrating hold.
Structural Top Knot
If you’re feeling nostalgic, this structural '90s top knot is the moves—especially for those sporting sleek slip dresses. This look feels edgy yet sleek, will outlast the dance floor, and brings back tendrils in a fresh way to frame the face.
Get the Look: Make sure your style stays put with a few spritzes of strong-hold, flake-free spray—like Oribe Superfine Strong Hair Spray.
Curly Bun
Embrace the texture of natural waves and curls with a simple-yet-dramatic bun rather than insisting on a smoothed-out chignon.
Get the Look: Enhance texture with a moisturizing and defining curl cream or gel. We’re obsessed with Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel.
Braided Halo Updo
A regal updo (like this braided halo version) keeps the focus front and center on the face, and opens up the neckline. Those with shorter hair can hack the style by using extensions for length.
Get the Look: Adding a little dry shampoo, like R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo, to your style helps keep the look stationery and provides a little grip for finer hair textures.
Loc'ed High Pony
Locs are super versatile and can be easily twisted into a bun or pulled into an elegant ponytail. Round off the look by wrapping a few locs at the base of the pony for extra oomph.
Get the Look: Keep locs in pristine condition with OOLI LOC’D & LOADED Loc Gel. It can help maintain signature styles in between twisting sessions, without annoying flakes.
The Soft Bob
Waves don’t have to be uber-defined to be romantic or wedding-worthy. We love this look that feels unfussy yet wedding-worthy. Add a chic accessory, like a barrette or a fresh flower, for hint of whimsy.
Get the Look: Add some texture with salt spray for movement, like Amika’s bushwick no-salt wave spray that won’t dry out hair.
Ornate Top Knot
Ditch a boring bun in favor of something more daring this wedding season. This eclectic twisted top knot instantly lifts the face, opening it up for bold makeup moves, like this pop-colored lip.
Get the Look: Keep stray strands in place with Redken’s Water Wax to smooth down edges and add shine—without any residue.
Bombshell Blow-Out
A bouncy blowout is a super glam, foolproof option for your 'maids. It's sexy, it's fun, and most of all, it's unforgettable, yet effortless.
Get the Look: A hard-hitting volumizing mousse like Living Proof Thickening Mousse helps add desired fullness without weighing hair down.
Something Pink
For the most daring of 'maids, adding a pop of color to call out the tones of their look can help unify your party, without sacrificing personality. We don't suggest having all your 'maids sport this style (unless they're all the type to go for a bold hue), but we're all about letting those who feel inclined to sport a signature color showcase their personal style down your aisle.
Get the Look: Muvo's Ultra Rose color-depositing shampoo (or temporary spray) adds just the right hint of pink without a permanent commitment.
Zig-Zag Part
Take a traditional low ponytail and flip it on it's head for a look that's fresh and fun. Skip the jagged, haphazard parts that come to mind from our teenage years in favor for something more sleek and intentional for a grown-up feel—like this exaggerated zig-zag style.
Get the Look: For a precise part and texture that will last the night, use a heavy duty hold spray once you've landed on the look, like Got2b High Insta Hold Hairspray.
Sophisticated Pixie
Calling all of our short hair girls! There’s no need to grab extensions to participate in the bridal party. Add glamour to your crop with shiny, polished bangs. Or, slick your style back for something even more sleek.
Get the Look: A mini flat iron paired with a heat protectant spray, like CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protectant Spray, are a match made in hair heaven for shorter styles.
Wet Slick Back
Hot, humid weather can become a recipe for disaster for certain styles, like drop curls. Lean into wet-look styles for a chic solve that any hair type and length can pull off like a pro.
Get the Look: After washing hair, apply a gel and cream mix—like Moroccanoil Strong Gel and Pantene Gold Series Pro-V Hydrating Butter Cream—to lock-in the look and add much-needed moisture.
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