As a beauty editor, I know finding the perfect look for your child’s wedding is a big deal. Especially for the mother of the bride! Your hair plays such a key role in how you feel that day. It’s more than just a style; it’s about feeling confident and beautiful as you celebrate. I remember helping my friend, Sarah, get ready for her daughter’s wedding last year. She was so worried about her hair! We spent hours looking at different options, but when we finally found the one that felt right, her whole face lit up. That’s the feeling I want for you.
That’s why I’m so excited to share these ideas with you today here at TressNails.com. We’ve put together a list I call “16 Mother of the Bride Hairstyles to Love.” These styles are all about helping you age gracefully and beautifully. We’ve included over 15 flattering hairstyles for the mother of the bride to help you find your perfect match. Get ready to be inspired!
16 Mother of the Bride Hairstyles to Love
Now for the fun part! Let’s dive into some gorgeous hairstyle ideas. I’ve picked out 16 styles that I think you’ll really love. They are all about making you feel your best. We’ll start with my absolute top pick and work our way through the list. Get ready to find your dream hair!
16. Loose Waves with a Side Part

Loose waves are just so pretty and soft. They give a lovely relaxed feel. A side part adds a touch of elegance and can really flatter your face. This style is great for medium to long hair. It’s perfect if you want something that feels natural but still polished. To keep those waves looking fresh all day, use a light-hold hairspray.
15. Classic Updo with Soft Tendrils

You can’t go wrong with a classic updo for a formal event. It looks so sophisticated. Adding a few soft tendrils around your face softens the look. It’s ideal for medium to long hair that can be easily styled up. For extra hold, use bobby pins that match your hair color.
14. Braided Crown

A braided crown feels so romantic and regal. It’s like something out of a fairy tale! This style wraps a braid around your head, creating a beautiful halo effect. It looks amazing on oval and heart-shaped faces. You can weave in some small flowers or sparkly pins for a special touch.
13. Half-Up Half-Down with Volume

This style gives you the best of both worlds. You get some hair pulled back, keeping it neat, while the rest flows down. Adding volume at the crown gives it a lift and frames your face beautifully. It works well for various hair lengths, from medium to long. To get that volume, try using a volumizing mousse at the roots before styling.
12. Low Bun with a Twist

A low bun is effortlessly chic. Adding a twist to it makes it a bit more interesting. It sits at the nape of your neck for a really elegant look. This style is best for medium to long hair. Make sure to use plenty of bobby pins to keep the twist secure all day and night.
11. Short and Textured Bob

Who says short hair can’t be glamorous? A short, textured bob is modern and stylish. The texture adds body and movement, giving it a youthful vibe. It really enhances naturally wavy or slightly curly hair textures. To add texture, use a texturizing spray or paste on dry hair.
10. Long Layers with Face-Framing Pieces

Long layers are wonderful for adding movement to your hair. Face-framing pieces are cut shorter around your face. They soften your features and help to highlight your eyes. This style works well for thicker hair. Style the face-framing pieces with a round brush to give them a nice curve.
9. Voluminous Blowout

A voluminous blowout is all about that glamorous bounce. It gives your hair lots of body and a polished finish. This works best on hair that has some natural thickness. For the most volume, blow dry your hair upside down for a bit, especially at the roots.
8. Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs are a simple change that can make a big difference. They sweep across your forehead, creating a soft look. This style can flatter many different face shapes. They pair nicely with both long and short hairstyles. Use a light styling product to keep your bangs in place without looking stiff.
7. Elegant Chignon

The chignon is a timeless updo. It’s a bun or knot of hair typically worn at the back of the head. It screams sophistication and is perfect for a very formal wedding. It works best on medium to long hair. For a super secure chignon, use both bobby pins and U-shaped pins.
6. Wavy Lob

The lob, or long bob, is a really popular length right now. Adding waves makes it fresh and flattering. It hits around the collarbone, which is a great length for many. This style looks amazing on hair with a bit of natural texture or hair that holds a curl well. Use a curling iron or wand to create loose waves.
5. Messy Bun with Wisps

For a more relaxed wedding vibe, a messy bun is a great choice. It looks effortless but still stylish. Letting a few wisps fall around your face keeps it soft. This works for casual or even semi-formal events. Gently pull out a few strands around your hairline to create those intentional wisps.
4. Pixie Cut with Volume on Top

If you have short hair and want to make a statement, a pixie cut with volume on top is it! It’s bold and modern. Adding volume on top can help balance out rounder face shapes. Use a pomade or wax to lift the hair on top and give it hold.
3. Sleek and Straight

Sometimes, simple is best. Sleek and straight hair looks incredibly polished and sophisticated. It’s clean and elegant. This style works best on hair that is naturally straight or can be easily straightened. Use a heat protectant spray before using a flat iron for a super sleek finish.
2. Updo with Braided Accent

An updo with a braided accent adds a beautiful, intricate detail. You can incorporate a small braid into a bun or twist. It adds a touch of romance and uniqueness. This is lovely for formal occasions. Practice braiding a section of your hair beforehand to make it easier to include in your updo.
1. Soft Curls Pinned to the Side

This is my top pick for a reason! Soft curls pinned to the side are incredibly elegant. It’s a look that feels both classic and modern. The curls soften your features, and pinning them to one side adds a lovely asymmetric touch that frames your face beautifully. Use a strong hold hairspray and bobby pins to make sure those soft curls stay perfectly in place all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about mother of the bride hair. It makes sense; you want everything to be just right! Here are some common questions I hear and my answers.
What is the best hairstyle for a mother of the bride with short hair?
Short hair offers many beautiful options! A textured bob adds volume and shape. A chic pixie cut can be styled with volume on top for a modern look. You could also add some soft waves or curls to a longer bob for a touch of elegance. Don’t feel limited by short hair; there are tons of flattering hairstyles out there!
Should the mother of the bride’s hairstyle match the wedding theme?
While it’s not a strict rule, it’s a nice idea to consider the wedding theme. For a formal wedding, a classic updo or elegant chignon works perfectly. A more casual or rustic wedding might suit loose waves or a braided style. Think about the overall vibe and choose a style that feels cohesive and comfortable for you.
How far in advance should the mother of the bride book a hairstylist?
Booking your hairstylist early is a good idea, especially during peak wedding season. I recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance. This gives you time to schedule trials and make sure you and your stylist are on the same page. It takes some stress off your plate closer to the big day.
Conclusion
See? So many beautiful choices! I hope this list of mother of the bride hairstyles has given you some great ideas. Remember, the most important thing is to pick a style that makes YOU feel amazing. You deserve to feel confident and radiant on this special day. Go with what feels right for you. Here at TressNails.com, we’re always here to help you find your perfect look!