Women's Health

Beauty

42 Best Bridesmaid Hairstyles To Try This Wedding Season, According To Hairstylists

 

You can never go wrong with a low bun..

As summer approaches, so does wedding season. And according to a recent survey, there's a wedding boom happening that might make this the most wedding-filled year we've seen in a while. So, in that case, love really is in the air.

If you have the honor of being someone's bridesmaid now or in the future, you're probably thinking a lot about dresses, makeup, and the hairstyle you'll wear as you stand next to the bride on their big day. While your makeup and dress are typically picked by the bride, you can figure out what hairstyle works best for you by taking a look at this years trends, says Chicago-based stylist Raven Hurtado.

Meet our experts: 

Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at the Maxine Salon in Chicago, IL and Mia Santiago, a celebrity and bridal hairstylist who has worked with Dove Cameron and Martha Stewart.

 

Looking for some inspo for an upcoming wedding? Keep scrolling for 42 pro stylist-approved bridesmaid hairstyle ideas you can wear this season.

Bubble Ponytail

When you want the structure of a braid but the height of a ponytail.

Braided Mohawk

Start your braid from the front of your head and keep it close to the root. From there you can tease the hair to give it volume.

Claw Clips

Sometimes all you need is a simple clip to match the minimalist vibe of your dress.

Short Bob

Add more volume to a short bob by playing with the part in your hair. Then tease the back for volume.

Soft Waves

If updos aren't your thing but you still want to get in on the waves trend, you can simply curl you hair and comb it out. Bridal and celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago loves this style for its classic ease.

Half-Up, Half-Down Curls

Have a stylist (or bestie) alternate the direction of the curls at the bottom the clip it into a half-up, half-down for body.

Pearl Accents

If you're rocking an above the shoulders look, spruce things up by adding some pearls to your natural part.

Braided Crown

Adding braids that go in two different directions towards the front of the hair can create a natural tiara look. You can always feel free to add accessories to make it pop.

Pineapple Updo

The classic pineapple is super fast and simple. Plus, you can pull a few pieces outside of the updo to frame your face.

Loose Ponytail and Curly Bangs

If you have curly bangs, feel free to let them loose. Opt for a low or high ponytail for an elegant finish.

Messy Fishtail Braid

This fishtail braid screams wedding day. Santiago suggests adding a clip to secure the two sections together for a look that's guaranteed to last all day.

Messy Low Bun

You can never go wrong with a subtle low bun. Pull out a few curls to frame the face and dress it up with a nice pair of earrings if needed.

Messy High Bun

If you want to take your bun to the next level, consider adding in a few clips for something more fun and full of character.

Wavy High Ponytail

A classic high ponytail with big loose waves is simple yet effective. Hurtado's favorite tool for adding big waves and curls is the Trademark Beauty Mood curling iron.

Sleek Bubble Ponytail

Another high pony tail option that gives braid energy. Only this time, you can add bows instead of simple hair ties.

Half Crown Braid

If you're not feeling a full milkmaid braid, use the same concept with a half-up, half-down look.

Half-Braided Bob

And if you have shorter hair take a few small sections and braid from the the front to the mid section of your head to let the remainder of the braid flow with the rest of your hair.

High Ponytail

Take a mid-level ponytail and tease the hair to create a "bump" followed by adding your favorite accessory.

Messy French Braid

If you want something playful but elegant, opt for a ponytail but blend it with a slightly thicker braid to give it some edge.

Curly Ponytail

For bigger curls, you can pull back the hair for a sleek finish and tease the ends to give it body.

Low Ponytail With Soft Waves

When you want to recreate a soft wavy look for the big day.

Low Ponytail With Beach Waves

Santiago is a big fan of beauty waves. Make them function-ready by teasing the hair at the top of a low-sitting ponytail for more body.

Dutch Fishtail Ponytail

This Dutch fishtailed ponytail is super complex but absolutely stunning.

Braids and Twists

Why choose between braids and twists when you can have both?

Baby Braids

According to Hurtado, small braids or twists can add a bit of character to a plain look. Take your half-up, half-down look to the next level by adding small braids to frame your face on either side.

Face-Framing Loose Waves

Keep the curls around your face super tight or loose depending on how you want it to compliment your face.

Half-Crown Fishtail Braid

Add in a fishtail braid on one side of your hair when you want something more intricate.

Sleek Ponytail

If you're not a fan of showing off your hair ties, wrap the hair around the base of the braid or ponytail for a seamless look.

Wavy Bob

Even shorter bobs can pull off fun waves for wedding season.

Accented Low Bun

Add small gems or rhinestones to a classic low bun because even the smallest details can elevate a look.

Chignon

Gotta love a classic chignon with a stunning hair piece.

Flipped Out Bob

Take a shorter style and give it more body by blowing it out in one direction.

Knotted Bun With Headpiece

Swap out a headband with a full blown tiara to add to this messy knotted bun.

Knotted Bun With Flower Clips

Place clips on opposite sides of your hair for fuller coverage.

Pineapple With Baby Braids

For looser curls, throw your hair into a half bun or pineapple and section your hair off to create two side braids.

Braided Bun

Tuck your preferred side braid into a bun rather than clipping it for a seamless blend.

Textured Bun

This knot and loose curls embody the romantic look.

Bedazzled Headband

If you prefer a headband, opt for something thin and simplistic rather than a bulkier option.

Hair Clips

Hair clips can and should be fun. Mix things up by incorporating different shapes, sizes, and designs.

Silk Scarf

Blending a silk scarf in with your favorite updo will definitely be an attention grabber.

Knotless Box Braids

A full braided ponytail can be left as is or you can add accessories like a scarf or bow around the base of the tie.

Old Hollywood Waves

If you prefer tighter curls, use an iron similar to the one Hurtado mentioned for an easy finish.

Who pays for a bridesmaid's hair?

"If a bride has a stylist for the bridal party, then the bride pays for the hair," says Hurtado. "Sometimes the bride and the bridesmaids splits the cost making the costs easier to manage for both parties."

Do you have to wear your hair in an updo as a bridesmaid?

Not necessarily. Trends for summer 2022 weddings will be "classic chignons, updos with volume and texture, voluminous ponytails, and half up half down hairstyles," she says. As she explains, the chignon is classic and minimalist while the updos will tend to look a little messy and airy to create a romantic style.

If you don't have natural curls you can play up, Hurtado suggests creating big waves with an item like the Trademark Beauty Mood. From there, Hurtado recommends doing a half ponytail. "Take the bottom rest of the hair and tie it to the top ponytail. You can tease for more volume," she says. To spruce up your look, you can always throw in a braid or twist for character.

Do all bridesmaids have to wear their hair the same way?

Bridesmaid hairstyles don’t have to be uniform, but they should compliment the theme of the wedding, Hurtado adds. They should also be able to pick their own styles, since they know what looks best on them.