21 Bridesmaid Updo Hairstyles for Long Hair Women Love
As a bridesmaid, finding a hairstyle that is both beautiful and practical is key to enjoying the celebration stress-free. The right updo can elevate your entire look, complement the wedding theme, and last from the ceremony to the final dance. This guide features 21 stunning updo hairstyles for long hair, from soft, romantic twists to sleek, modern buns. Explore these versatile looks to find the perfect style that makes you feel confident and beautifully complements the bride on her special day.
1. The Twisted Low Bun
This twisted low bun is a study in effortless elegance, perfect for a formal wedding. The interwoven twists add visual interest and volume, making it an excellent choice for bridesmaids with fine to medium hair. Its low placement ensures it pairs beautifully with high-neckline or detailed-back dresses, remaining comfortable and secure throughout the long day.
Styling this look requires creating several loose two-strand twists in the hair before pinning them together into a cohesive bun. The key is to keep the twists soft and slightly undone for a romantic feel. A light-hold hairspray will keep flyaways at bay while maintaining the style’s natural movement.
2. The Romantic Braided Crown
The braided crown is a quintessential boho-chic style that adds a touch of fairy-tale romance to any wedding party. This updo is not only stunning but also highly practical, as it keeps hair securely off the face while showcasing length. It works wonderfully with wavy or lightly curled hair, enhancing the texture and creating a cohesive, soft look.
To achieve this, create a Dutch or French braid along the hairline, wrapping it around the crown like a headband and securing the end underneath the opposite side. The remaining hair can be styled with a curling wand for uniform waves. This style is both whimsical and durable, lasting from the ceremony to the reception dance floor.
3. The Textured Messy Bun
This textured messy bun is the go-to style for a cool, contemporary wedding. It strikes a perfect balance between looking polished and feeling relaxed. The high placement adds height and draws attention to the wearer’s features, making it ideal for bridesmaids who want a stylish look that doesn’t appear overdone.
Achieving this look is all about backcombing the crown for volume before gathering the hair into a high ponytail. Instead of a tight bun, loosely twist and pin the hair, then pull out several sections to create the signature piece-y texture. A texturizing spray is essential to hold the shape and enhance the lived-in finish.
4. The Elegant Chignon
The elegant chignon is a timeless and versatile updo that works for any wedding theme, from a traditional church ceremony to a black-tie hotel reception. Its sleek nature makes it an excellent canvas for elegant hair accessories, such as a decorative comb or jeweled pins. This style is particularly flattering for showcasing dramatic necklines and earrings.
Creating this chignon requires brushing the hair into a low ponytail and twisting it tightly before coiling it into a compact knot. A strong-hold gel and fine-tooth comb are used to achieve the impeccable sleekness at the front. It is a polished and reliable style that guarantees a flawless appearance all day long.
5. The Boho Fishtail Braid Updo
This style combines the detailed artistry of a fishtail braid with the practicality of an updo. The fishtail technique creates a captivating, intricate texture that is more relaxed than a traditional braid. This look is ideal for outdoor or beach weddings, as its slightly undone nature can withstand a gentle breeze and still look intentional.
To recreate this, create a deep side part and weave a large fishtail braid on the heavier side of the part. Gently pull apart the sections of the braid to make it look fuller and softer before coiling it into a bun and securing it with pins. The result is a romantic, detailed, and secure hairstyle.
6. The Voluminous High Ponytail Twist
This is not your average ponytail; it’s an elevated updo that combines youthful energy with high-fashion glamour. The immense volume at the crown helps to elongate the neck and frame the face beautifully. This style is perfect for a fashion-forward wedding and pairs exceptionally well with dramatic earrings and a sleek, modern bridesmaid dress.
Styling involves backcombing the hair at the crown before securing a very high ponytail. The ponytail is then twisted and wrapped around its base, pinned into place to create a neat, architectural knot. A strong-hold hairspray is crucial to maintain the height and sleekness against humidity and movement.
7. The Sleek Low Ponytail Updo
The sleek low ponytail updo is the epitome of modern elegance. It’s a versatile look that works for both formal and minimalist wedding aesthetics. This style is incredibly effective at drawing attention to the wearer’s facial features, back, and shoulders, making it a perfect choice for bridesmaids wearing dresses with interesting back details.
Achieving this look requires a boar bristle brush and a smoothing serum to eliminate all flyaways. After creating a low, tight ponytail, the hair is twisted and folded under, then secured with pins hidden beneath the knot. The result is a polished, sophisticated look that is surprisingly secure and requires no touch-ups.
8. The Half-Up Twisted Style
The half-up twisted style offers the best of both worlds: the managed elegance of an updo with the romantic flow of long, loose hair. It is an ideal choice for bridesmaids who want to keep their hair off their face but aren’t ready to commit to a full updo. This style beautifully showcases hair length and texture.
This look is created by taking two sections of hair from the front, twisting them away from the face, and crossing them over the crown before pinning them securely. The remaining hair can be curled to blend seamlessly with the styled section. It’s a quick, easy, and universally flattering option.
9. The Bubble Braid Updo
The bubble braid updo is a whimsical and eye-catching style that adds a modern twist to the traditional braid. It is surprisingly easy to achieve and works on all hair types, though it benefits from some natural texture or wave. This style is great for adding the illusion of volume to thinner hair.
To create it, hair is pulled into a high ponytail. Then, small sections of the ponytail are gently pulled apart and secured with clear elastics spaced a few inches apart. Each section is then gently tugged to create a full, round bubble. It’s a unique and joyful hairstyle that is sure to stand out.
10. The Wrapped Low Bun
This wrapped low bun elevates a classic style with a personalized, crafty touch. The braided wrap seamlessly conceals the hair tie or pins used to create the bun, resulting in a flawless and polished finish. It’s a beautiful way to incorporate a braid without committing to a full head of braiding.
Styling involves creating a standard low bun or ponytail. Then, a small section of hair from underneath is braided and wrapped around the base of the bun, pinned securely from underneath. This style is elegant, secure, and offers a beautiful detail from every angle.
11. The Cascading Curls Updo
This cascading curls updo is the perfect way to celebrate and showcase beautiful natural texture. It provides the polish of an updo while letting the hair’s natural body and movement take center stage. This style is ideal for bridesmaids who want to wear their curls out but need to keep them partially managed for a formal event.
The look is achieved by pinning back the crown and side sections of the hair, allowing the back curls to fall naturally. It’s important to use a curl-defining cream and a light-hold spray to maintain definition and fight frizz without weighing the curls down. This style is both romantic and effortlessly chic.
12. The French Twist with a Modern Twist
The modern French twist is a sophisticated choice for a bridesmaid who appreciates vintage glamour but wants a fresh, current feel. This style is incredibly elegant and works beautifully for black-tie weddings. Its sleek lines are perfect for pairing with dramatic makeup and statement jewelry.
To create this, hair is brushed to one side, folded inward, and pinned vertically up the head. The modern key is to gently pull out a few small pieces around the face and at the nape of the neck to soften the silhouette. A light mist of hairspray will hold the shape without creating a stiff shell.
13. The Braided Halo Bun
The braided halo bun is a regal and intricate style that is both beautiful and exceptionally secure. Combining the halo braid with a bun contains all the hair neatly, making it an excellent choice for long, thick hair that can be heavy. This style is perfect for a formal, traditional, or even a woodland-themed wedding.
This look requires creating a Dutch braid that starts at one temple and wraps around the head. Instead of stopping, the braid continues into a low bun at the nape. It is a more complex style that may require a stylist, but the result is a breathtaking and durable updo.
14. The Tousled Top Knot
The tousled top knot is the epitome of effortless cool. It’s a quick, easy updo that looks fashion-forward and feels comfortable. This style is ideal for bridesmaids who want a look that is both put-together and relaxed, allowing them to dance and celebrate without worrying about their hair coming undone.
Achieving this style is all about texture. After applying a texturizing spray, hair is gathered into a very high ponytail. The hair is then twisted loosely and wrapped around the base, with ends left out and pinned haphazardly to create the “messy” effect. It’s a fun, youthful, and stylish choice.
15. The Knotted Rope Braid Updo
The knotted rope braid is a stunning alternative to traditional braids, offering a captivating and organic texture. This style is a head-turner and is perfect for a boho, beach, or artistic wedding. It works wonderfully on layered hair, as the ends can be left out to enhance the carefree feel.
This updo is created by dividing the hair into two large sections and repeatedly tying them together in knots down the length of the hair. The knotted “rope” is then coiled into a bun at the desired height. It requires some practice but results in a truly unique and personal hairstyle.
16. The Gibson Tuck Update
The updated Gibson tuck is a beautiful nod to vintage glamour that feels completely wearable today. Its internal structure creates beautiful volume at the crown, which is flattering for most face shapes. This style is elegant, unique, and a wonderful way to stand out in a bridal party.
To achieve this, the hair is rolled under itself at the nape of the neck and pinned securely from the inside. The modern key is to leave the front and top sections soft and wavy rather than slicked back. This style is surprisingly secure once pinned and offers a timeless elegance.
17. The Side-Swept Curly Updo
The side-swept curly updo is a glamorous and romantic choice that is perfect for showcasing beautiful curls. The asymmetrical balance is visually striking and very flattering, drawing attention to the neck and collar bone. This style is ideal for a formal evening wedding or a black-tie event.
Creating this look involves gathering all the hair to one side and pinning it securely at the nape, allowing the curls to pile beautifully over the shoulder. It’s important to use pins that match the hair color and a flexible-hold spray to maintain the curl definition without stiffness.
18. The Pin-Curl Updo
The pin-curl updo is a true masterpiece of hairstyling, offering a level of detail and polish that is unmatched. This style is perfect for the most formal of weddings and for bridesmaids who want a look that is both elegant and a work of art. It works best on straight or lightly waved hair.
This is an advanced style best left to a professional stylist. It involves creating multiple small pin curls across the head, which are then secured with bobby pins to form a seamless pattern. The result is a breathtaking, retro-glamour look that is incredibly secure and will last all night.
19. The Braided Ballerina Bun
The braided ballerina bun is a timeless and disciplined style that exudes grace and sophistication. It is a classic choice for a very formal or traditional wedding. The incorporated braid adds a subtle detail that elevates the simple bun, making it look more intricate and custom-designed.
This style requires hair to be brushed into a very high, tight ponytail. A small section from the ponytail is braided and then wrapped around the base of the bun before the rest of the hair is coiled and pinned into a smooth, neat bun. It is a polished and secure option for an active day.
20. The Loose Wave Chignon
The loose wave chignon is the ultimate romantic updo, combining the beauty of loose waves with the practicality of having hair off the neck. This style is fluid and soft, making it a perfect match for flowy, romantic bridesmaid dresses. It is flattering for almost every hair type and face shape.
To achieve this, hair should be curled with a large-barrel iron to create soft, unified waves. The hair is then gently twisted and pinned at the nape of the neck, but not tightly, allowing the waves to maintain their shape and the bun to look soft and accessible. It’s a forgiving and beautiful style.
21. The Embellished Twist with Pearl Pins
An embellished twist is a simple way to transform a basic updo into something special and wedding-worthy. The pearls catch the light and add a feminine, luxurious detail that complements any wedding palette. This style allows for personalization, as the pins can be clustered or scattered for different effects.
This look starts with a simple twisted bun or chignon. Once the base style is secure, pearl-tipped pins are strategically placed to enhance the style’s lines or to create a subtle pattern. It’s an effortlessly elegant way to incorporate the wedding’s theme or colors into a bridesmaid’s look.
Conclusion
Your role as a bridesmaid is a special one, and your hairstyle should make you feel as joyful and confident as you look. Whether you chose a timeless chignon or a bohemian braided crown, the perfect updo completes your ensemble and lets you focus on celebrating the happy couple. Choose a style that reflects your personal flair, trust in its hold, and wear it with joy. Here’s to creating beautiful memories with a hairstyle as unforgettable as the day itself.
