Hairstyles for Mother of the Bride 2024: 34 Ideas for Short, Medium and Long Hair

As 2024 unfolds, weddings continue to be a significant milestone in many families. Mother of the bride, holding a pivotal role, deserves to look her best on this special day. Choosing the perfect hairstyle can enhance her overall look, boost her confidence, and align with the wedding theme. In this article, we explore 34 exquisite hairstyles for mother of the bride, catering to various hair lengths and personal styles. Whether your preference leans towards short hair, medium length, or long locks, there’s something here for everyone.

Classic Chignon

The classic chignon is an elegant and timeless hairstyle, perfect for formal wedding ceremonies. This style features hair gathered at the nape of the neck, twisted, and pinned into a sleek bun. It exudes sophistication and works beautifully with most hair types, particularly for mothers with medium length or long hair. The chignon suits oval, heart, and round face shapes, and can be complemented by soft curls framing the face. This hairstyle pairs well with evening gowns and adds a touch of grace to any outfit.

Creating a chignon involves gathering the hair into a low ponytail, twisting it, and securing it with bobby pins. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays in place throughout the day. For added shine and control, consider using a smoothing serum like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease. Regular touch-ups with a fine-tooth comb can help maintain the chignon’s sleek appearance.

Soft Waves

Soft waves are a versatile and romantic choice, ideal for outdoor or beach weddings. This style adds volume and movement, making it perfect for mothers with long hair or medium length over 50. Soft waves frame the face gently, enhancing features and providing a youthful glow. They work well with all face shapes and are particularly flattering for those with highlights or balayage.

To achieve soft waves, use a large-barrel curling iron and wrap sections of hair loosely. After curling, gently brush through the curls to create waves. A texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray can add volume and hold. To maintain the waves, apply a lightweight mousse before styling and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Short Pixie Cut

A short pixie cut is a chic and contemporary option for the modern mother of the bride. This low-maintenance style is perfect for women who prefer short hair. The pixie cut can be styled sleek and smooth or tousled for a more casual look. It’s an excellent choice for weddings with a modern or minimalist theme, and it suits oval, square, and heart face shapes.

Styling a pixie cut involves using a texturizing paste to define layers and add volume. Products like Bumble and Bumble’s Sumotech work well for this purpose. Regular trims are essential to keep the pixie looking fresh and neat. For added shine, a finishing spray can enhance the overall look.

Half-Up, Half-Down

The half-up, half-down hairstyle combines the elegance of an updo with the softness of loose hair. This style is perfect for mothers who want a balanced look that’s not too formal. It works beautifully with medium length and long hair, adding volume and a touch of sophistication. The half-up, half-down style suits all face shapes and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor weddings.

To create this look, start by curling the hair with a medium-barrel curling iron. Gather the top section of hair and secure it with pins or a decorative clip. For added volume, tease the crown before securing the hair. A volumizing spray like Big Sexy Hair’s Spray & Play can provide lift and hold. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.

Elegant French Twist

The French twist is a classic updo that exudes elegance and sophistication. This style is ideal for formal weddings and suits mothers with medium length or long hair. The French twist works well with oval and heart-shaped faces, and it’s perfect for showcasing beautiful jewelry or a statement dress.

Creating a French twist involves gathering the hair into a low ponytail, twisting it upwards, and securing it with pins. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays in place. For a smooth finish, use a smoothing serum like Moroccanoil Treatment. Regular touch-ups with a comb can help maintain the twist’s sleek appearance.

Loose Curls

Loose curls are a romantic and timeless choice for any wedding. This style adds volume and movement, making it perfect for mothers with long hair or medium length over 50. Loose curls frame the face beautifully and add a youthful touch. They work well with all face shapes and are particularly flattering for those with natural waves or curls.

To achieve loose curls, use a large-barrel curling iron and wrap sections of hair loosely. After curling, gently brush through the curls to create waves. A texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray can add volume and hold. To maintain the curls, apply a lightweight mousse before styling and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Sleek Bob

The sleek bob is a modern and chic option for mothers with short hair. This style is perfect for those who prefer a clean, polished look. The bob can be worn straight or with soft waves for added texture. It suits oval, square, and heart face shapes and is ideal for contemporary weddings.

Styling a sleek bob involves using a flat iron to create a smooth finish. A heat protectant spray is essential to prevent damage, and a smoothing serum can add shine. Products like Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day can help maintain the sleekness and control frizz. Regular trims are essential to keep the bob looking sharp.

Braided Updo

A braided updo is a versatile and elegant choice, perfect for both formal and casual weddings. This style works well with medium length and long hair, adding texture and interest. The braided updo suits all face shapes and can be customized with different braid styles, such as fishtail or Dutch braids.

Creating a braided updo involves braiding sections of hair and pinning them into an updo. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays in place. For added texture, use a texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray. To maintain the braids, apply a lightweight mousse before styling and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Curly Updo

The curly updo is a romantic and elegant choice, perfect for formal weddings. This style works well with long hair or medium length over 50, adding volume and texture. The curly updo suits all face shapes and is ideal for showcasing beautiful jewelry or a statement dress.

To create a curly updo, start by curling the hair with a medium-barrel curling iron. Gather the curls into an updo and secure them with pins. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays in place. For added volume, tease the crown before securing the hair. A volumizing spray like Big Sexy Hair’s Spray & Play can provide lift and hold. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.

Side-Swept Waves

Side-swept waves are a glamorous and sophisticated choice, perfect for formal weddings. This style adds volume and movement, making it perfect for mothers with long hair or medium length over 50. Side-swept waves frame the face beautifully and add a youthful touch. They work well with all face shapes and are particularly flattering for those with natural waves or curls.

To achieve side-swept waves, use a large-barrel curling iron and wrap sections of hair loosely. After curling, gently brush through the curls to create waves. A texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray can add volume and hold. To maintain the waves, apply a lightweight mousse before styling and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Vintage Victory Rolls

Vintage victory rolls bring a touch of classic 1940s glam to modern weddings. This hairstyle features rolls of hair pinned atop the head, creating a voluminous and dramatic look. It’s perfect for mothers with medium length or long hair and suits oval, heart, and square face shapes. The vintage vibe makes it ideal for retro-themed weddings or events with an old Hollywood flair.

To create victory rolls, section the hair and roll each piece toward the scalp, securing it with bobby pins. Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the rolls in place. For added shine and control, apply a smoothing serum like Kenra’s Platinum Silkening Gloss. Regular touch-ups with a comb can help maintain the style’s polished appearance.

Twisted Low Bun

The twisted low bun is an elegant and understated choice, perfect for formal weddings. This style involves twisting sections of hair and securing them into a low bun at the nape of the neck. It works beautifully with medium length or long hair and suits oval, round, and heart face shapes. The twisted low bun pairs well with sophisticated dresses and adds a touch of grace to any outfit.

To create this look, twist sections of hair and gather them into a low ponytail, then twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays in place. For added texture, use a texturizing spray like TRESemmé’s Compressed Micro Mist. Finish with a shine spray for a polished look.

Messy Bun

The messy bun is a trendy and relaxed option, ideal for casual or outdoor weddings. This style involves loosely gathering the hair into a bun, allowing for some strands to fall naturally. It’s perfect for mothers with medium length or long hair and suits all face shapes. The messy bun adds a youthful and effortless vibe, making it a great choice for bohemian-themed weddings.

To achieve a messy bun, gather the hair into a loose ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with pins. Pull out a few strands around the face for a relaxed look. A texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe can add volume and hold. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.

Elegant Ponytail

An elegant ponytail is a sophisticated and modern choice, perfect for contemporary weddings. This style involves gathering the hair into a sleek ponytail, either high or low, and adding volume at the crown. It’s ideal for mothers with long hair or medium length over 50 and suits oval, square, and heart face shapes.

To create this look, tease the crown of the hair for added volume, then gather the hair into a ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Wrap a section of hair around the elastic to conceal it. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays in place. For added shine and control, use a smoothing serum like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine.

Classic Bob with Bangs

A classic bob with bangs is a timeless and elegant option for mothers with short hair. This style features a straight bob with soft bangs, creating a chic and polished look. It suits oval, round, and heart face shapes and is perfect for formal or contemporary weddings.

Styling a classic bob with bangs involves using a flat iron to create a smooth finish. A heat protectant spray is essential to prevent damage, and a smoothing serum can add shine. Products like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum help maintain the sleekness and control frizz. Regular trims are essential to keep the bob looking sharp.

Floral Updo

A floral updo is a romantic and whimsical choice, ideal for outdoor or garden weddings. This style involves creating an updo and adorning it with fresh flowers or floral accessories. It’s perfect for mothers with medium length or long hair and suits all face shapes.

To create a floral updo, style the hair into an updo of your choice and secure it with pins. Add fresh flowers or floral accessories, securing them with bobby pins. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays in place. For added texture, use a texturizing spray like Amika’s Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray.

Side Bun

The side bun is a stylish and elegant choice, perfect for formal weddings. This style involves gathering the hair into a bun positioned to the side of the head. It’s ideal for mothers with medium length or long hair and suits oval, heart, and round face shapes.

To create a side bun, gather the hair into a low ponytail and position it to the side. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays in place. For added shine and control, use a smoothing serum like Redken’s Shine Flash 02. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.

Voluminous Curls

Voluminous curls are a glamorous and dramatic choice, perfect for formal weddings. This style adds volume and movement, making it ideal for mothers with long hair or medium length over 50. Voluminous curls frame the face beautifully and add a youthful touch. They work well with all face shapes and are particularly flattering for those with natural waves or curls.

To achieve voluminous curls, use a large-barrel curling iron and wrap sections of hair loosely. After curling, gently brush through the curls to create waves. A texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray can add volume and hold. To maintain the curls, apply a lightweight mousse before styling and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Glamorous High Bun

The glamorous high bun is a sophisticated and elegant choice, perfect for formal weddings. This style involves gathering the hair into a high bun atop the head, creating a voluminous and dramatic look. It’s ideal for mothers with long hair or medium length over 50 and suits oval, heart, and round face shapes.

To create a high bun, gather the hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with pins. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays in place. For added volume, tease the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. A volumizing spray like Big Sexy Hair’s Spray & Play can provide lift and hold. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.

Textured Lob

The textured lob, or long bob, is a trendy and versatile hairstyle that’s perfect for modern weddings. This style features choppy layers and a slightly tousled look, giving it a relaxed yet polished feel. It’s ideal for mothers with medium length hair and suits all face shapes, particularly oval and round. The textured lob adds volume and movement, making it a great choice for both formal and casual weddings.

To style a textured lob, use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray on damp hair to enhance natural waves. Blow-dry with a diffuser or let it air dry for a more natural finish. For added texture, use a curling wand to create loose waves and then tousle with your fingers. Products like Ouai’s Wave Spray can help achieve the desired look and add hold.

Braided Crown

The braided crown is an elegant and bohemian hairstyle, ideal for outdoor or garden weddings. This style involves braiding sections of hair around the head, creating a crown-like effect. It works beautifully with long hair or medium length and suits oval, heart, and round face shapes. The braided crown adds a touch of romance and sophistication to any look.

To create a braided crown, part the hair down the middle and braid each side, starting from the front and working towards the back. Secure the braids with pins, overlapping them at the back for a seamless finish. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the braids stay in place. For added texture, use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Double Take. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.

Finger Waves

Finger waves bring a touch of old Hollywood glam to modern weddings. This style features sleek, sculpted waves, creating a sophisticated and timeless look. It’s perfect for mothers with short hair or medium length and suits oval, round, and heart face shapes.

To create finger waves, use a comb and a strong-hold gel to sculpt the waves. Starting at the hairline, create an S-shaped wave pattern and secure it with clips until the gel sets. For added shine, use a glossing spray like Kenra’s Shine Spray. Regular touch-ups with a comb can help maintain the waves’ sleek appearance.

Choosing the perfect hairstyle for mother of the bride in 2024 involves considering personal style, hair length, and the wedding theme. From classic chignons to romantic soft waves, there’s a style for every preference. These hairstyles not only enhance the overall look but also add confidence and grace to mother of the bride on this special day. Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. We’d love to hear your favorite hairstyles and any tips you have for achieving the perfect look.