beauty
By Chelsea Candelario
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Published Jun 20, 2022
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It goes without saying that a wedding is more about celebrating the happy couple and less about you. However, the wedding party deserves to look chic and stylish (without upstaging the newlyweds, of course). Now that the dresses have been secured for weeks and the makeup is *chef’s kiss,* it’s time to move on to the hair. Whether it's a beach ceremony or a black-tie event, here are 30 easy bridesmaid hairstyles that will definitely get the bride’s stamp of approval.
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1. Side Twists
Consider this twist technique if you’re looking to keep hair away from your face (especially when you’re going to spend the whole reception on the dance floor). Part your hair in the middle before grabbing small sections on each side and twisting them back for a half up ‘do.
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2. Sleek French Bob
A formal wedding calls for a sleek style with a French flair. Use a flat iron to keep hair smooth and curl your ends inwards for a blunt finish.
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3. Intricate Top Knot
Forget the traditional top knot. This sculptural style takes things to new heights with its loosely stacked sections to give your knot more dimension and height. Start with a high ponytail and play around with the directions of each section as you create your very own tucked top knot.
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4. Slicked Back
This “wet look” was made for a beach ceremony. If you rock short hair, slicking your strands back using a styling cream (or gel) and comb through to finish.
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5. Braided Mid-bun
A regular bun is just fine but why not try adding a few braids in a la Bella Hadid and throw in some face-framing bangs while you’re at it?
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6. Sleek Mid-bun
Keep things polished with this mid-bun look. Apply some gel and brush your hair back until it’s smooth and secure the ends into a tidy knot.
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7. Retro Waves
Bring some old Hollywood vibes to the wedding like Maude Apatow here. These bouncy waves are peak glam for all hair lengths.
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8. Bedazzled Embellishments
Accessories can take any hairstyle to a whole new level. Make like Lena Mahfouf and include a bedazzled hairpin that fits the wedding aesthetic to your top knot.
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9. Sleek Pixie
This sleek pixie is super chic for a black-tie ceremony. The combed through texture and the deep side part will have you looking like a runway model.
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10. Vintage Pin Curls
If you’re going for old-school glamour, look no further than this popular ‘50s hairstyle. (Psst, bobby pins are the key to securing your pin curls.)
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11. Curly Side Ponytail
The classics will always be a winner in any wedding setting. Gather all your loose curls into a low ponytail and let your mane drape over one shoulder.
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12. Side-swept Blowout
Oh, and the side-swept look also works with a bouncy blowout, too.
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13. Face-framing Updo
What do you get when you combine curtain bangs and an updo? A bridesmaid's dream style.
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14. Headband Glam
As Tommy Dorfman shows us, a headband can elevate any hairstyle.
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15. Tousled Updo
A tousled updo is the signature style of the year. The ‘90s staple (popularized by Pamela Anderson) has recently made a comeback and is an easy-to-recreate option that all your bridesmaids can rock.
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16. Low Bun
This low-maintenance bun is simple yet elegant and thus, works for any occasion. And if you need any more proof, just check out Zendaya above.
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17. ‘60s Flipped Ponytail
A high ponytail plus flipped out ends would look great with a high-necked dress. Use a blow dryer and round brush to really bring out the swoop.
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18. Braided High Ponytail
Speaking of high ponytails, a braided one is a nice choice, too. Try one large braid or separate it into two like Flora here.
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19. Slick Low Ponytail
Again, we love a high ponytail moment, but there’s something about a sleek, low ponytail that screams formal weddings.
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20. French Twist
You don’t have to be a part of a destination wedding to rock a chic French look. This classic twist will have every bridesmaid feeling like a celeb arriving at Cannes.
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21. Half Up, Half Down ‘do
Whether you have long, curly or braided hair, you can’t go wrong with a half up, half down ‘do. Divide your hair into two sections before gathering the top half into any style (i.e. a low ponytail, a top knot or pinned back).
MICHAEL KOVAC/CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES
22. Finger Waves
This sculpted look fits right at home with the Gatsby-themed wedding you’ll be attending. Apply mousse to damp strands and use a comb to create the shape of flowing waves. The technique takes patience and practice, but luckily we have a tutorial to get you started.
JOHN SHEARER/GETTY IMAGES
23. Pineapple ‘do
This pineapple ‘do was made to show off your curls. Gather your hair at the top of your head and let your swirls shine across your hairline.
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24. Fishtail Braid
An outdoor ceremony calls for a style that keeps flyaways at bay, while still looking semi-formal, which is why we love this detailed plait.
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25. Loose Low Bun
Look, you don’t have to spend $$$ on a difficult hairstyle. This low-maintenance ‘do is equal parts casual and classy (and you can do it yourself with some well-placed pins).
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26. Box Braids
This protective style is great for any occasion, which is why we wouldn’t blame you if you decided to rock them beyond wedding season. Wear your braids down or wrapped into an updo, pending your mood (and the bridesmaid dress).
TIBRINA HOBSON/CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES
27. Twisted Pompadour
For highly-textured hair, a twisted pompadour is a stylish option and a simple headband really accentuates the shape.
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28. Bubble Braid
The hairstyle of the season is right here. Bubble braids are a fun and whimsical look for the ceremony. They’re also super customizable to fit any hair length or texture. Start with a high ponytail and go nuts on the amount of “bubbles” you want to rock.
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29. Halo Braid
You’ll feel like Roman goddesses in this halo braid style.
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30. Pearl Accents
If florals aren’t your thing, consider trying this year’s reigning trend: pearlcore. Rita Ora’s intricate braids pair especially well with this pearl chain.
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Chelsea Candelario
Associate Editor, Ultimate Fangirl, Aspiring Beauty Guru
Chelsea Candelario is an Associate Editor at PureWow. She has been covering beauty, culture, fashion and entertainment for over a decade. You'll find her searching the internet...
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