20 Bridesmaid Updo Hairstyles for Thin Hair That Impress
Having thin hair doesn’t mean sacrificing style on your friend’s big day. The right updo can create the illusion of fullness and volume, making your hair look thicker and more luxurious. This guide features 20 beautiful bridesmaid updos specifically chosen to flatter fine hair. Discover clever techniques, from backcombing to strategic braiding, that will give you a confident and impressive look from the ceremony to the final dance.
1. The Textured Teased Bun
This textured teased bun is a game-changer for thin hair. The secret lies in gently backcombing the hair at the crown before gathering it, creating instant lift and body that lasts. Wispy, face-framing pieces are essential, as they soften the look and create movement, distracting from any fine sections and adding a touch of romance.
To achieve this, apply a volumizing mousse to damp roots and blow-dry for lift. Lightly backcomb the crown area, then gather the hair into a high ponytail. Loosely twist the ponytail into a bun, pinning it securely while allowing ends to poke out for texture. Finish by pulling out a few delicate strands around the face.
2. The Braided Crown for Volume
A braided crown is perfect for thin hair because it covers the scalp in a decorative way, creating an illusion of thickness. The Dutch braid technique, which pops out from the head, is key as it adds more visual volume than a flat French braid. This style distributes hair evenly, preventing any area from looking sparse.
To create this, spritz dry hair with texturizing spray for grip. Create a Dutch braid along the hairline, gently pulling on the loops to widen the braid after it’s secured. This simple step makes a significant difference in perceived volume, transforming fine hair into a boho-chic masterpiece.
3. The Tousled Low Twist
The tousled low twist works because it prioritizes texture over sleekness, which is ideal for fine hair. A tight, slicked-back style can expose the scalp, but this approach uses disorder to build volume. By gently pulling the twist apart after pinning, you create a wider, fuller-looking shape that is both romantic and secure.
After applying a texturizing mist, gather hair at the nape. Twist it loosely and pin it in place, then gently tug on the sides of the twist to widen it. The goal is a “lived-in” look that appears soft and full, perfect for a rustic or garden wedding.
4. The Half-Up Twisted Bouffant
This style directly addresses the flatness that often accompanies thin hair by building impressive volume at the most visible point—the crown. The bouffant effect, created by backcombing and a discreet backcomb, gives an instant lift that makes the entire head of hair look thicker and more luxurious.
To achieve this, tease the crown section gently and smooth the top layer over it. Then, take two front sections, twist them back, and pin them at the highest point of the volume. This not only secures the height but also adds a stylish, polished detail to the look.
5. The Pull-Through Braided Bun
The pull-through braid is a brilliant cheat for thin hair. By using elastics to create loops, it builds volume and the appearance of a thick braid that would be difficult to achieve with fine strands naturally. This style is surprisingly easy to do and is incredibly secure for a long day.
Create a series of high ponytails, one below the other, pulling each new section through the last to form the braid. Once complete, gather the ends into a bun. Gently pull on the loops of the “braid” to make it appear even wider and fuller, creating a stunning, voluminous updo.
6. The Messy Braided Top Knot
A high top knot can be very flattering, but for thin hair, a messy finish is essential. The braid wrapped around the base adds a detail that draws the eye, while the teased texture of the bun itself creates the illusion of more hair. This style is perfect for a trendy, less formal wedding.
To create this, gather hair into a very high ponytail and braid it. Lightly backcomb the ponytail, then twist it loosely into a bun. Wrap the remaining braid around the base and pin it. The key is to pull out plenty of short pieces around the bun and face to maximize the textured effect.
7. The Rope Twist Braid Updo
The rope twist is an excellent technique for fine hair because the double-twist method creates a cord that looks denser and more substantial than a typical three-strand braid. This makes the resulting bun look fuller and more polished, perfect for a classic or black-tie wedding.
Divide your hair into two sections. Twist each one tightly clockwise, then twist them together counter-clockwise to lock them. Coil this rope into a bun at your nape and pin it securely. The resulting updo is chic, secure, and wonderfully voluminous.
8. The Gibson Tuck with Volume
The Gibson tuck is a vintage style that is brilliantly adapted for thin hair by adding height at the crown. The internal structure of the tuck itself also creates a little bulge of volume at the back, which helps to make the hair look thicker from the side profile.
To achieve this, backcomb the crown area for lift. Then, roll the ends of your hair under and upwards, pinning them securely inside the roll to create the classic tuck shape. The combination of high crown volume and the tucked bulk creates a beautifully balanced and elegant silhouette.
9. The Bubble Ponytail Updo
The bubble updo is a fantastic way to add volume to thin hair artificially. The elastics act as structural supports, holding the hair out in full, rounded sections that look much thicker than the hair actually is. This style is surprisingly secure and is a great conversation starter.
Create a high ponytail. Place clear elastics every few inches down the length. Gently tug on the hair between each elastic to puff it out into a bubble shape. You can leave the end as a tail or twist it into a small bun, creating a voluminous and trendy look.
10. The Wispy French Twist
The French twist is a timeless updo, but for thin hair, a “wispy” interpretation is key. Leaving strategic pieces out around the hairline softens the look and creates movement, distracting from the fine nature of the hair. It adds a touch of effortless romance to a very polished style.
To create this, gently backcomb the hair at the crown for lift. Then, gather the hair at the nape and fold it upwards, pinning it securely along the fold. Instead of slicking everything back, intentionally pull out short, soft pieces around your neck and temples to complete the look.
11. The Braided Wrap Bun
The braided wrap bun is a clever style that uses a small section of hair to create a big impact. The wrapped braid instantly makes the base of the bun look thicker and more intricate, diverting attention from the actual quantity of hair. This technique is perfect for creating a polished, finished look that appears meticulously styled.
To achieve this, create a low ponytail but leave out a small section of hair from beneath. Braid this small section, then twist the ponytail into a bun. Wrap the braid around the base of the bun, pinning it securely underneath. This adds a custom, elegant touch that boosts visual volume.
12. The Fluffy Twist-Out Pony
This style focuses on adding volume to the length of the hair, which is often fine and limp. By creating a mass of fluffy, interlocked curls before pulling the hair up, you build a ponytail that looks twice as thick. This is a brilliant, low-manipulation way to achieve a full, romantic look.
After applying a volumizing mousse, use a curling iron to create a series of tight, random curls all over your head. Gently break up the curls with your fingers to form a unified, fluffy texture. Then, gather all the hair into a high ponytail, securing it with a strong, hidden elastic.
13. The Twisted Rope Halo
This halo style uses the rope twist technique, which creates a thicker-looking cord than a standard braid. It covers the hairline in a soft, modern way, making the hair appear fuller overall. The style is also wonderfully secure and keeps hair completely off the face for the entire event.
Part your hair down the middle. Twist each side section into a tight rope, then bring them to the back of your head. Cross them over and continue wrapping them around your head, pinning them securely to form a seamless crown. Gently pull on the twists to loosen them for extra volume.
14. The Knotted Low Bun
The knotted bun is a fantastic way to add instant texture and volume. The knots create folds in the hair that catch the light and create shadows, giving the illusion of depth and thickness. It’s an elegant, artistic updo that is surprisingly simple to execute.
Gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if for a low ponytail. Tie it into a single, loose overhand knot. If you have enough length, tie a second knot. Tuck the ends under the bun and pin them securely. Gently pull on the sides of the knots to widen them.
15. The Tousled Half-Up Braid
This half-up style strategically adds volume where it’s needed most at the crown. The braid draws the eye upward, while the tousled texture of both the braid and the down hair creates an overall impression of fullness. It’s a perfect balance between an updo and wearing your hair down.
Take a generous section of hair from the crown and create a loose Dutch braid, pulling it apart gently after to widen it. Secure the end with a clear elastic and let it blend with the rest of your hair. Curl the remaining hair to unite the textured look and add body.
16. The Voluminous Rolled Bangs Updo
This style brilliantly addresses flatness at the front of the head. By rolling the front section of hair back and pinning it discreetly, you create a pompadour-like effect that adds significant height and a touch of vintage glamour, making the entire hairstyle look more luxurious
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Tease the crown section lightly. Take a front section, roll it under towards the crown, and pin it securely at the base of the roll. The rest of the hair can be styled into a simple low bun or chignon. This technique ensures you have impressive volume from the front view all day long.
17. The Interwoven Pinned Updo
This updo is all about creating a complex texture that visually fills out the hair. The interwoven sections create a network of shadows and highlights, which adds depth and the illusion of density. It’s a very artistic and custom-looking style that is perfect for a formal wedding.
This style works best on second-day hair or with texturizing spray. Take small sections, twist them lightly, and pin them across the back of your head in an overlapping pattern, building from the nape upwards. The result is a beautiful, full-looking bun that is incredibly secure.
18. The Messy Braided Chignon
The messy chignon uses disorder to its advantage. By not packing the hair tightly, you allow it to take up more space, which instantly creates volume. The incorporated braid adds a structured detail that contrasts with the messiness, making the style look both effortless and intentional.
Create a loose braid with all your hair. Instead of coiling it tightly, gently twist the braid into a bun and pin it loosely, allowing ends and pieces to stick out. The key is to then gently pull the entire bun apart with your fingers to widen it before setting with hairspray.
19. The Pull-Through Crown Braid
The pull-through technique is ideal for creating a crown braid on thin hair, as it builds a substantial-looking braid without needing a lot of hair density. The looped sections are easy to pull apart, allowing you to customize the volume and create a truly impressive, boho-chic halo.
Create a ponytail at one temple. Then, add small sections of hair using elastics, pulling each new section through the previous one to form the braid, working your way around your head. Once complete, gently tug each loop to enlarge it, then pin the end securely underneath.
20. The Sleek Low Ponytail with Teased Volume
This style proves that sleek doesn’t have to mean flat. By concentrating volume at the crown and keeping the ponytail smooth, you achieve a modern, glamorous look that is very red-carpet appropriate. The contrast between the high volume and the sleek tail is incredibly flattering for fine hair.
Thoroughly backcomb the hair at the crown, then smooth the top layer over it. Gather the hair into a low ponytail, using a bristle brush to ensure the surface is perfectly sleek. For a final touch, take a small strand from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to conceal the elastic.
Conclusion
Your role as a bridesmaid is to shine with confidence, and your hairstyle should make you feel beautiful and secure. These 20 updos prove that thin hair can be incredibly elegant and voluminous with the right styling approach. Embrace these styles, which are designed to last all day and make your hair look its absolute best. Celebrate the special day with a hairstyle that impresses everyone and makes you feel radiant.
