Finding that perfect hair and makeup balance for your bridal party can be a bit of a juggle, but as a makeup artist, I am always rooting for bridesmaids half-up, half-down hairstyles.
This style is a total dream for any beauty look because it keeps the hair swept back just enough, while still giving that romantic, long-hair feel. It is the ultimate “best of both worlds” choice that stays secure from the first morning touch-up right through to the last dance.
I have put together these seventeen stunning looks to help you find a style that makes every one of your bridesmaids feel like the best version of themselves on your big day.
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Helpful Tips for Bridesmaids Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyles
- Arrange a professional hair trial to ensure the chosen volume and intricate details work perfectly with your bridesmaids’ natural hair lengths.
- Incorporate high-quality accessories such as flowers to add an extra layer of luxury to a standard twisted style.
- Prepare a small kit with extra bobby pins and a travel-sized flexible hairspray to keep everyone looking fresh from the ceremony to the dance floor.
1. Romantic Side Braid
I love how this thick, pancake braid adds so much texture to the crown before melting into soft, golden waves. This style is perfect for a garden wedding where you want something that feels organic and full of movement.
Use a texture spray before braiding to give the hair enough grip to stay in place all day long.
2. Ethereal Floral Vine
Adding a delicate floral vine across a twisted half-up look creates such a dreamy, whimsical aesthetic for your bridal party.
I find that this specific placement helps keep the hair away from the face while highlighting the beautiful dimension of the hair color. It is a wonderful way to tie in your wedding day florals for a truly cohesive look.
3. Braided Crown Perfection
This style mimics a natural headband by using a chunky braid that sweeps across the front of the head. It is an ideal choice for bridesmaids who want a bit of height and structure without committing to a full updo.
I recommend tugging gently at the loops of the braid to create that sought-after editorial volume and fullness.
4. Textural Knot and Blooms
For a look that feels modern and slightly undone, this twisted knot accented with a fresh white flower is absolutely stunning.
The contrast of the structured knot against the loose, cascading curls creates a beautiful visual interest from the back. Tucking in a flower that matches the bridesmaid bouquets is such a thoughtful touch.
5. Multi-Twist Glamour
I am obsessed with the way these multiple sections overlap to create a crown-like effect at the back of the head. This style works exceptionally well for hair with highlights, as the twists showcase the different tones and depths within the hair.
A light-reflecting shine spray will make these twists look incredibly polished under professional lighting.
6. Pearl Accented Twists
Pearls are the ultimate classic wedding accessory, and scattering them through a simple twisted style adds instant elegance. This look is perfect for a more formal or traditional ceremony where you want a touch of sophistication.
You can use pearl pins of varying sizes to create a more custom and artistic feel for each bridesmaid.
7. Waterfall Braid Beauty
The waterfall braid is such a technical and gorgeous way to show off length while adding a decorative element around the crown. It creates a beautiful horizontal line that grounds the style before the hair flows into those perfect, bouncy curls.
This is a great option for bridesmaids with very long hair who want to keep it manageable.
8. Messy Volume Ponytail
This is a brilliant style that offers the height of a ponytail with the softness of a half-up look. The volume at the base of the pony provides a stunning profile view and keeps the hair feeling secure and lightweight.
Leave a few wispy pieces around the face to keep the look feeling soft and romantic rather than too tight.
9. Crystal Vine Statement
If you want your bridesmaids to have a bit of sparkle, a long crystal and pearl vine is the perfect solution.
Wrapping the vine around a simple twisted section creates a halo effect that looks absolutely radiant in photos. It is an easy way to elevate a standard hairstyle into something that feels truly special for the big day.
10. Boho Twisted Layers
I love the effortless feel of these layered twists that come together in a relaxed, low knot. This style is incredibly versatile and suits almost any face shape or hair thickness.
It provides a beautiful base for pins or flowers, but it looks just as chic and sophisticated on its own.
11. Voluminous Half-Up Texture
This style is all about “the bigger, the better” when it comes to volume at the crown. It creates a very youthful and energetic vibe that looks fantastic on shorter or medium-length hair.
Use a bit of backcombing at the roots to ensure the height stays consistent throughout the long day of celebrations.
12. Intricate Jeweled Twists
The way these small crystal sprigs are tucked into the twists creates a very luxe, bespoke feel.
I recommend this look for an evening wedding where the hair accessories can catch the candlelight and sparkle beautifully. It is a more subtle way to do “glam” without overwhelming the overall bridal party aesthetic.
13. Double Braid Detail
Combining two different braid styles into one half-up look adds so much depth and professional flair to the hair.
I love how the braids act as a frame for the face before meeting in the center to secure the style. This is a very secure choice that will withstand wind or humidity during an outdoor ceremony.
14. Polished Wave and Vine
For a bridesmaid who prefers a more structured curl, this polished wave look is the perfect choice. The thin pearl vine adds a dainty, feminine touch that doesn’t distract from the precision of the curls.
Use a high-shine hairspray to give the waves that gloss finish.
15. Sleek High Pony
This is a very modern and clean take on the half-up trend, focusing on a smooth top and a bouncy, curled tail. It is a fantastic choice for a contemporary city wedding or a bridesmaid who wants a very clean, minimalist look.
Be sure to wrap a piece of hair around the elastic to hide it for a more expensive-looking finish.
16. Chunky Side Braid
A single, large braid that wraps around the side is such a classic boho-chic move that never goes out of style. It keeps the face clear and open while providing a beautiful texture for the camera.
This style feels very relaxed and pairs perfectly with a flowing, chiffon bridesmaid dress.
17. The Simple Cross-Over
This simple crossover technique is elegant and keeps the focus on the bridesmaid’s natural beauty and the gorgeous movement of her hair.
A few face-framing curls pulled out at the temples add the perfect amount of softness to this sleek design.
Final Thoughts for Bridesmaids Half-up Half-down Hairstyles
I hope this 17 Gorgeous Bridesmaids Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyles has inspired you to find the perfect look for your bridal party and given you inspiration for your big day.
