6 Criteria for Choosing Hairstyles for Bridesmaids

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Honestly, you never thought hair could prove to be so challenging to figure out, but here you are, researching the perfect hairstyle for your bridesmaids. You’re just a few months from the wedding, so you’re proud of locking in on your wedding dress and figuring out your hair and makeup, but it’s time to put some thought into the rest of your bridal party (and they’re probably thinking the same thing). The process of choosing bridesmaids’ hairstyles involves considering several elements, so good on you for taking the time to figure it out. Therefore, here are 6 criteria to follow when choosing the perfect bridesmaid’s hairstyles.

1. Figure the Face Shape before Choosing Hairstyles for Bridesmaids

At some point in your life, you’ll realize you’ve fallen in love with certain hairstyles because that’s just how your hair prefers to sit or because that’s what shapes your face best. However, everyone has different face shapes and fits into one of eight categories. And it just so happens that certain hairstyles work best for different face shapes. Thus, try taking a look at your bridal party’s face shapes before deciding on the best hairstyle.

a) Diamond: Sharp and chiseled features (try to reduce the length of the face)

• Side parts
• Layers work well to add volume around the face
• Consider accessories that accentuate a side part
• Finally, use oversized accessories to draw away from an angular chin (ex. flower crown)

 

b) Heart: Wider features at the forehead than chin (try to draw attention to cheekbones)

• Fringes, add more texture and volume around the ears
• Textured bobs work well
• Off-center parts can create a break in the forehead to draw away from the width
• Avoid flat accessories that appear to make the forehead wider (ex. headbands)
• Finally, avoid pulling hair away from the face as this can accentuate a broad forehead

c) Oblong/Rectangle: Add width, not length

• Side-swept hairstyles work best (tumbling soft curls provide a delicate feminine feature)
• Short layers and fringes along the side can add more volume to the cheeks
• Consider side-swept up-dos or half up half down hairstyles

d) Oval: More length than width, very symmetrical (try adding width instead of height)

• A bun at the nape of the neck
• A loose ponytail
• A Chignon or fringe can break up the length if the face is long
• Symmetry allows for effortless accessorizing

e) Round: Round jawline (try creating an illusion of length to resemble an oval face shape

• Layered bangs and long hairstyles elongate the face
• Deep side parts reduce the roundness in the face
• Try hairstyles that elongate the neck (graduating layers)
• Consider a sleek ponytail with a side-part
• Use hairstyles and accessories that add height and balance out your proportions

f)  Square: Equal width and length, strong jawline (try shifting attention away from the fullness of the jaw and forehead)

• Long straight hairstyles help to soften the sharp corners of the face
• Off-center parts aid in drawing attention away from broad features
• Try oversized buns and wispy curls to conceal a wider forehead
• Consider a hairstyle with bouncy graduated curls
• Avoid wearing accessories in the center of your head; instead, use asymmetrical details

g) Triangle: Prominently angular jawline and chin (shift focus away from the chin)

• Try hairstyles that add width to the jaw and balances out proportions
• A chignon or bun at the nape of the neck with a side part works well
• Accessories that widen the forehead close to the temples are best
• Avoid wearing crowns on top of the head as it will accentuate the triangular shape

2. Choosing Hairstyles for Bridesmaids based on the Dress Style 

When it comes to the dress, the hair will be most dependent on the neckline. So, if we break necklines into four categories, these are the most flattering hairstyles:

a) No Straps and No Sleeves

These dresses are typically off the shoulder or completely strapless. If your bridesmaids are wearing simple strapless dresses, consider having them wear their hair down with loose curls or waves and using simple accessories. For a gown with an off-the-shoulder detailing (the main focus), try having the group wear sleek up-dos.

b) Partial Sleeves with an Exposed Neck

This category is a broad range of gowns that include boat necks, scoop necks, and plunges. If your bridesmaids’ attire consists of a boat/scoop neckline, think about soft, messy, voluminous, and textured buns or ponytails. Big hair (voluminous and textured hairstyles) work best with very minimal accessorizing, if you were thinking of including some. For bridesmaids wearing a plunging V neckline, they should have a loose and natural look, but ensure the hair stays to the back so as not to take away from the neckline.

 

c) High Neckline 

Whether it’s a high neck, jewel, or halter, the best way to suit these necklines is not to take away from the detailing. Pair these dresses with a wispy up-do such as a top knot. If you prefer some sort of down look, consider a half up half down hair-do, keeping the hair that remains down to the back.

d) Asymmetrical

The asymmetrical neckline is a slightly limiting neckline since it already creates a shape for you to follow. A gown with an asymmetrical neckline pairs best with a hairstyle swept to one side (the exposed shoulder).

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   @brandongentryphoto Calla Blanche Paulette 16127

   Wedding Theme and Style

When it comes down to your bridesmaids’ hairstyles and Criteria for Choosing the Perfect Bridesmaids Hairstyles, they should hold some resemblance to the wedding theme itself. Thus, consider where your wedding is located (indoors or outdoors), and a tie between the destination and the theme exists. Ask yourself whether the day is supposed to be formal or informal; this can determine if hairstyles will be sleek or wispier and more relaxed looking.

4. Weather

Take into account the season of your wedding, and if that means you need to be concerned with the weather on that day. Your bridesmaids will appreciate an up-do hairstyle if you anticipate humidity or a lot of wind on your wedding day. Whereas if things may get a little chilly, surely your bridesmaids wouldn’t mind having their hair down.

5. Role

Think about the roles your bridesmaids hold on the day of the wedding; if you have a coordinator who will handle most tasks, you can be free with your bridesmaids’ hairstyles. However, if your team is responsible for numerous duties that day, and they’re likely to be running around a lot, give them a hassle-free hairstyle (like an up-do).

6. Mix & Match

Don’t feel bogged down into making sure everyone looks identical. Creating space for individuality and making sure your bridesmaids feel comfortable, pretty, and like themselves on your wedding day can also be a priority. As we’ve mentioned numerous times, every bridesmaid is different, and that includes their hair. Whether you give the group free rein or give them a few styles to choose from is up to you. Therefore, don’t be afraid to mix things up, as it will still leave you with a beautiful looking bridal party.

Finally, bridesmaids’ hairstyles deserve just as much thought and consideration as your hairstyle. Since they’re by your side for most of the day and usually have a lot on their plates. Thinking through each of these different rules and criteria will make choosing a hairstyle much more straightforward. For more tips on everything bridesmaids, check out The Ultimate Guide for Choosing the Perfect Bridesmaid.

 

 

Header Image Credit: @brandongentryphoto