15 Stunning Hairstyle Ideas for Bridesmaids With Short Hair

Old Hollywood Curls

Old Hollywood curls are one of the most romantic and elevated hairstyles for bridesmaids—especially those with lobs or tresses that hit just below the shoulders—and a natural fit for glamorous affairs in ballrooms with a black-tie dress codes. You can even add an opulent hair accessory, like a bejeweled headband or beaded clip, to bring a whole new level of glamour to your look. To achieve this look, heat sections of your mane with a curling iron to introduce texture. Then, Fay recommends using a wide-tooth comb to separate the ends.

A Voluminous Ponytail

A ponytail strikes the perfect balance between playful and formal. Plus, it’s one of the easiest hairstyles for bridesmaids with short hair to pull off without the help of a professional. All you'll need is a reliable elastic and a few bobby pins to keep strays in place. We also recommend teasing some of the strands on top of your head and curling the base of your ponytail for added volume. Pulling a few of your front pieces out of your updo will also define your face. If you’re celebrating at an outdoor wedding in the spring or summer, a high ponytail is a practical choice that will keep sweat at bay.

A Sweet Half-Up, Half-Down

A half-up, half-down style is an excellent choice for bridesmaids with short hair, especially those who don’t want to commit to a full updo or who strands aren’t long enough to secure every piece back into a ponytail. “A soft half-updo is great for adding height at the crown while still having hair around your face and neckline,” Fay explains.

First, decide which texture you want: Use a flat iron to execute a sleek, straight look, or grab a curling iron to create romantic barrels. Then, pull half of your hair into a ponytail with an elastic or clip, and voila! We think this look will complement a garden wedding—especially if you polish of your style with a fresh flower to hit the aesthetic.

A Blunt Bob With a Middle Part

If your current cut is a bob, wearing your hair down will show off both blunt edges and soft layers alike. While a straight style will accentuate your length, twisting strands of your hair with a curling iron or rollers will imbue more dimension and help you accomplish a beachy look that’s ideal for coastal soirées in the summer. With a middle part, your waves will fall naturally and frame your face.

A Braided Chignon

If your short hair has grown out a bit, you can try your hand an elegant chignon, a timeless and sophisticated updo for any type of affair. Although this hairstyle looks complex, it’s surprisingly simple to execute. Pull your hair back in a low ponytail before dividing the shaft into two sections and securing each one with an elastic. Wrap the first section behind a piece of your hair that’s tucked into the ponytail and keep it in place with a bobby pin that matches your hair color. Repeat this process on the other side. Fay suggests having a few extra bobby pins nearby in case pieces fall out during the celebration. 

A Fresh Blowout

Whatever your hair length, there's nothing more striking than shiny hair. “A voluminous blowout is perfect for someone who feels their best with hair framing their face,” Fay says. It doesn’t take a professional to achieve this look. With a blow dryer, dry sections of your hair from the roots to the ends, starting with the lower layers and making your way to the top. Then, curl the ends with the hot tool and run over them with a round brush for added bounce. This hairstyle is best if the forecast calls for low humidity, but you can always maintain the polished texture with anti-frizz spray.

Side-Swept Curls

A bob with loose curls is always sophisticated, but sweeping your strands over to the side will really take this hairstyle to the next level. “It’s a bit whimsical yet put together,” Fay notes. The expert particularly loves this look for formal affairs at a vineyard or another upscale venue—and for those who plan on wearing statement earrings. For this look, part your hair to the side before creating texture by wrapping strands with a curling or flat iron. 

A Low Bun With Twisted Strands

We’ve already established that a low chignon is a romantic and elegant hairstyle, but if you want to incorporate some edge, try a few small braids. To create this look, twist some of the tendrils on top of your head into a braid. Then, gather all of your hair—including the braided bits—at the nape of your neck and twist the ponytail in a counterclockwise circle. Secure the strands with a rubber band and loosen the bun to get the right shape. 

Au Naturel

You don’t always have to use tools and products to create a hairstyle that suits your short cut. Embracing your real hair texture, whether it’s curly or straight, has natural appeal that also embraces your identity. This look is incredibly low-maintenance, but if you want to fight humidity, spritz on a protective coat of anti-frizz spray.

An Elegant Updo With Face-Framing Tendrils

A low updo is perfect for bridesmaids with hair at the shoulder or a touch longer, according to Fay. Not to mention, this hairstyle coordinates with any type of wedding, from casual beach nuptials to extravagant ballroom soirées. After twisting your ponytail in a counterclockwise motion and wrapping a rubber band around it, be sure to include face-framing tendrils for further definition.

A Simple, Straight Style

If you have pin-straight hair, you’ll draw attention to your short cut and even edges. This sleek style is also stress-free, since you won’t have to worry about curls falling flat or loose pieces escaping your updo. To attain this coveted shine, we recommend first blowing your hair dry and then going over each strand with a flat iron. With a middle part, your tresses will fall gracefully around your shoulders, evoking more romance.

Tousled Waves

If your hair is both thin and short, wispy waves will infuse volume and texture. Clipping a few pieces of your mane back will also introduce layers, creating more depth and dimension in one fell swoop. You'll need a curling iron to easily execute this hairstyle, but you can also wrap your hair in rollers for a heatless alternative. To get the loose, effortless look, brush out your curls with a brush or your fingertips.

A French Pin

A chignon is certainly striking on its own, but you can also include accessories to up the ante. To add some more pizazz at a lavish event—whether it’s on a city rooftop or in a European garden—consider clipping an embellished barrette or pearl-studded pin at the top of your bun. We especially love this look if your attire for the day is adorned with floral appliqués or beaded accents.

Tucked Fringe

A straight hairstyle on a short mane is polished and pretty, but tucked fringe will transport your look back in time. To get this ‘60s-inspired hairdo, take the front two sections of your hair, pull them tightly back, tuck them beneath the rest of your locks, and pin them in place at the nape of your neck with bobby pins. If the bride is tying the knot in a vintage fête or if your own wardrobe is filled with second-hand pieces, this ‘do is a suitable choice. 

Side-Pinned Locks

Parting your hair to the side will boost volume, but you can also clip a few pieces towards that direction to get the same look. This pinned-back look will also keep your hair out of your face—so it’s practical, too. Choose a sparkly accessory for glamorous functions or a floral barrette for vow exchanges in a garden. Then, use a curling iron to twist the remaining tendrils, giving it a whimsical effect.