As a bridesmaid, your role is to stand by the bride on one of the happiest days of her life, and your look should complement hers—but you don’t want to upstage her. If she hasn’t selected a style for your hair, you get to choose.
One universally flattering option? A half-up, half-down hairstyle. It works with different dress styles and suits a variety of face shapes, so the entire bridal party can feel confident while still keeping the group coordinated.
Read on if you need inspiration for half-up half-down bridesmaid hair, whether you’re DIY-ing it or booking a stylist.
1. Simple Half-Up Half-Down Bridesmaid Hair
Loose waves pinned in the back are the essential bridesmaid style—but far from basic. This simple and beautiful half-up, half-down look works with all hair lengths and is the perfect base for hair accessories.
2. Half-Up Ponytail With Flip
A high ponytail is the number one hack to get a snatched look and side bangs are a flawless way to frame the face. Make that pony a half-pony with a cute outward flip, and you actually might be in danger of overshadowing the bride.
3. Half-Up Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves are such a classy and elegant hairstyle that they might be too fancy to wear with an everyday look. Well, here’s your chance!
4. Accessory Headband Half-Up Style
This loose, intentionally messy half-updo has a boho, effortless look but the gleaming jewels of the headband contrast this vibe. It’s a very editorial style that would work for a minimalist, high-fashion wedding.
5. High Half-Up Ponytail With Front Pieces
A half-up, half-down ponytail is the perfect way to keep your hair off your face throughout the wedding, but to show it off at the same time. If you have bangs, they’ll take care of the face frame, but if you don’t, just leave a couple of front pieces loose.
6. Boho Half-Up Half-Down Bridesmaid Hair
The beachy waves and boho twists scream “destination wedding”, but the only theme this look wouldn’t work for is something super polished.
7. Half-Up Goddess Braids
Braids always look beautiful in a half-updo, but goddess braids are next level. This cool high bun will balance even maximalist bridesmaid dresses, and the curls peeking out between the box braids create a sweet, romantic vibe.
8. Half-Up Crown Braid With Ribbon
With all the stress of the wedding day, if you’re doing your own hair, it’s better to keep it simple unless you’re very skilled. This subtle look relies on flawless execution and a standout accessory to make it special.
9. Loose Waves With Half-Up Crown Braid
A basic waterfall twist braid is much easier to create thank you might think: take two sections of hair near your temple, twist them around each other and drop one section with each twist. Secure with pins, then continue until you reach the back of your head. Repeat on the other side until the braids meet in the middle.
10. Bridesmaid Hair With Bow
Match or contrast accessories with your hairstyle to create a certain look. Here, silky, slightly fluffy hair complements the delicate look of this beautiful translucent bow, but a more elaborate, polished hairstyle would result in a different vibe.
11. Half-Up Half-Down Curls With Accessory
The power of accessories in action: the pearly wreath headband completely transforms these pinned-back dark curls, and upgrades the look from everyday style to bridesmaid hair.
12. Half-Up Half-Down Twist Braid
You basically want to wear your hair down, but don’t want it all in your face? This super-simple half-updo keeps it out of the way, but your glorious hair is free for everyone to admire.
13. Headband Half-Up Bridesmaid Style
Wearing a sparkly accessory where it’s visible from the front will give you the bling effect and illuminate your face. With a bouffant-style half-updo, the extra volume at the crown will make you extra stunning.
14. Half-Up Half-Down Bridesmaid Braid
Loose waves seem to be the star of most half-up half-down bridesmaid hairstyles, but if you’re attending a very polished wedding, sleek hair with a simple brad is the perfect choice.
15. Romantic Half-Up Half-Down Hair With Pins
This undone half-updo kept in place with delicate pins is messy in the most romantic way. Pull out some face-framing pieces to tie the look together.
16. Waterfall Pull-Through Braid Half-Up Style
One of the most elaborate looks we’ve seen so far: a fluffy pull-through braid. While you could technically do this hairstyle yourself, let a stylist handle it if you want absolute perfection.
17. Half-Up Bouffant With Floral Pin
This beautiful half-up half-down bridesmaid hairstyle has lots of volume at the crown that makes it extra flattering. To create the soft lift, tease your hair before smoothing it back.
18. Half-Up Half-Down Bridesmaid Ponytail
Brushed out curls are less structured and soft, paired back but romantic. Pin them back and wear them as-is, or add a pretty accessory to dress them up.
19. Retro Half-Up Half-Down
If you’re looking for retro hair ideas that never go out of style, this half-up, half-down bridesmaid hairstyle might just become your favorite on the list.
20. Half-Up Half-Down Bun For Short Hair
Worried you can’t pull off a half-up, half-down hairstyle with short hair? This photo proves it’s absolutely possible—and it looks incredibly charming!