So, you’re eyeballing the below photo and thinking, “Wow, that’s some seriously elegant hair!”
I totally get it – it’s my favorite style too:
Why?
Because it’s the perfect blend of sophistication and style, with a touch of romance that’s just right for any mother of the bride.
It’s a timeless updo that’ll have you looking like the queen you are, with every strand in place to celebrate the big day.
Ready to get that regal look? Let’s get started:
First things first, you’re gonna need a strong foundation, and that starts with clean, dry hair.
Grab a volumizing shampoo to give your locks some oomph.
I’m a fan of the OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo:
It’ll give your hair that extra body we’re aiming for.
Once your hair is dry, let’s add some texture. A sea salt spray like the Sun Bum Texturizing Sea Spray can work wonders:
Just spritz it through your hair for that gritty texture that’ll help your style hold better.
Now, heat up your curling iron…
I like the T3 SinglePass Curl 1.25 Inch Professional Curling Iron:
Curl your hair in sections to create waves that’ll give your updo some dimension.
Next up, tease the crown of your head gently with a teasing comb.
The Professional Teasing Comb by Salonchic is a solid pick.
This step is all about creating that volume on top. Once you’ve got the height, smooth over the top layer of hair gently with a boar bristle brush, like the one from GranNaturals.
Time to start pinning!
Sweep your hair back and twist it into a loose, low bun at the nape of your neck.
But here’s the trick: instead of one big bun, you’re going for a series of smaller twists and loops to mimic the photo. Secure each section with bobby pins – don’t skimp, get a big pack, like the MetaGrip Premium Bob Pins:
As you create those twists and loops, keep checking the mirror to ensure everything’s balanced and elegant. It’s like a dance where every step matters, and you’re the choreographer.
Now, for those flyaways or any stubborn strands, you’ll need a hairspray that means business.
The Kenra Volume Spray Hair Spray 25 is a great choice. It’ll lock in your style without making your hair feel like a helmet:
If you’re all about details, consider adding a subtle hair accessory, like a pearl pin or a small, sparkly clip.
Just nestle it into one of the loops of your bun for a hint of bling. You can find a set of elegant hairpins on Amazon, like the Yean Wedding Hair Vine:
Once you’re all pinned and sprayed, give your hair a once-over with a shine spray.
The Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine is perfect for this:
A light mist will give you that glossy finish that screams healthy, luxurious hair.
And voilà! You should now be rocking a mother-of-the-bride hairstyle that’s straight out of a fairytale.
Slip on those earrings, adjust that beautiful dress, and get ready to glow:
You’re not just a guest, you’re a showstopper – and your hair is your crown.
Enjoy the big day, and don’t forget to sneak a piece of cake for me!
Now Let’s have a look at a few other styles…
Flawless Hairstyles for the Mother of the Bride: Gallery
Braided Crown Updo
The Braided Crown Updo is a gorgeous choice for formal weddings that adds modern flair to a classic updo.
This regal hairstyle features intricate braiding across the back of the head to form a braided crown effect, complemented by a chic chignon bun at the nape of the neck.
To get this look, start with clean, dry hair and create a side part.
Take 1-2 inch sections of hair from the heavier parted side and french braid each one tightly and flat against the head, working towards the back. Bobby pin the braids in place as you go.
Do the same thing on the lighter parted side. Ensure the braids are pinned neatly so they cross cleanly in the back.
Once you have criss-crossed braids pinned across the back of the head and framing the crown, it’s time to create the chignon bun. Backcomb hair at the crown area to add volume and lift.
Next, gather all the remaining hair into a loose, low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Twist the ponytail into a chignon shape, coiling it into a neat bun form.
Fan the hair out to create fullness before wrapping ends under the bun and pinning securely.
Finish by misting with a strong hold hairspray.
For added allure, leave out a few curled tendrils of hair to frame the face.
The braided crown adds striking detail and polish, while the low chignon keeps the look smooth and sophisticated. It’s important when braiding to keep sections clean and even for a neat finished look.
This updo works beautifully with hair accessories. Try incorporating jeweled bobby pins, ornamental combs or a sparkling headband to complement the braided crown.
The braided updo is a gorgeous choice for mothers wanting an intricate, formal hairstyle that adds modern elegance on their daughter’s special day. It photographs well and ensures all eyes are on the mother of the bride’s exquisite style.
Side-Swept Formal Waves
The side-swept formal wave is an alluring hairstyle option for a mother of the bride with medium length hair. It provides gorgeous volume and shape to accentuate the face for a glamorous, head-turning look.
Start by washing and toweling drying the hair. Apply a volumizing mousse or root boost spray from mid-length to ends and blow dry hair upside down. Use a large round brush to encourage hair upwards into volume and bend.
Create a deep side part so hair falls heavier on one side. Take sections and curl the mid-length to ends under and towards the face on the fuller side to create shapely waves. Leave the underneath smoother by brushing down.
Sweep all the hair over to the side with more volume. If needed, pin the waves in place behind the ear on the lighter side to keep hair swept over. Finish with a light holding hairspray to set the shape.
For further embellishment, add a dazzling hair clip, jeweled comb or flower piece on the heavier waved side, above the ear. This adds beautiful interest while accentuating the gorgeous waves.
The key is creating lots of volume and body on the side you want the hair swept towards. Precise curling and pinning ensures waves stay in place. The result is beautiful, bouncy shape and luscious waves that frame the face in a formal, polished style. It’s an elegant look that adds old Hollywood allure for a mother of the bride on this special occasion.
Textured Low Chignon with Flowers
This romantic, whimsical hairstyle features a messy, loose chignon bun accented with ornate floral hair combs for a playful yet elegant finish.
Start with dry hair and use a sea salt spray throughout to create tousled texture and volume. Focus on the roots and mid-lengths. Scrunch hair as you apply the spray.
Next, tease and backcomb the crown area to build height and body. Then gently gather all the hair into a loose, low chignon at the nape of the neck, leaving pretty tendrils down to frame the face.
Pull out pieces of the chignon to create an imperfect, undone shape. Pancake the bun by gently pulling it apart vertically to increase the messy texture.
Tuck sparkling floral combs, brooches or pins attractively into the bun, making sure they are visible cascading down the back. Let the embellishments tumble down for a 3D effect.
Finish with a light mist of medium hold hairspray to set the style. You want to maintain the messy, textured look.
The key is lots of volume at the crown and an intentionally imperfect chignon bun.
Bobby pins can help secure any loose pieces. The ornate flowers add a playful, beautiful touch. It’s a hairstyle that embodies effortless romance and whimsy, perfect for a garden wedding or boho-inspired affair.
Boho Braid with Ribbon
This relaxed, bohemian hairstyle features romantic french braids on both sides with ribbons woven through. It’s perfect for a whimsical outdoor or casual wedding.
Start with clean, damp hair and part down the middle. On both sides of the part, section out a triangular front piece. Make sure the sections are evenly sized.
Begin a french braid on each section by splitting into three strands. Braid it tightly near the hairline. As you braid diagonally back, gently pull the outer strands to pancake and loosen up the braid.
Continue braiding all the way down each side while periodically pancaking the braid. The looser and more textured the better for that boho vibe.
Once both braids are finished, tie a ribbon around the end of each braid to complete the look. Make sure the ribbons are complementary colors and made of a soft, flowing material that won’t snag.
Leave the remaining hair in the back loose and casual in its natural wavy or curly texture, flowing down the back. Finish by running your fingers through the waves for extra relaxed volume.
The key is keeping the braids looking imperfect and undone. Let pieces naturally fall out as you braid and pancake thoroughly. The ribbons add a pop of color and whimsy while allowing the gorgeous braids to show through. It’s a youthful, lively look fit for a mother of the bride at a laidback, outdoor wedding.
Half Up Curly Do
This romantic half updo is perfect for showing off beautiful natural curls in a soft, elegant way. It adds gorgeous volume while keeping curly locks free-flowing.
Start with clean, wet curls. Work a nourishing curl cream evenly through hair and then diffuse dry upside down, encouraging curl formation with your fingers as it dries. This will maximize volume.
Once hair is dry, create an off-center part so the curls fall heavier on one side. On both sides of the part, gather and collect hair from the front and crown area up into a ponytail or bun at the back crown area. Keep this very loose and low.
Leave pretty ringlets down around the face to frame it softly. Avoid pulling curls too tightly. The key is to keep the half updo very loose and messy.
Set the curls in place with a light hold hairspray. Mist all over to tame frizz. Add a barrette or hair comb on one side of the half updo for some asymmetry.
The gorgeous curls cascading down contrast with the voluminous curl volume on top for a striking yet effortless effect. Let tendrils naturally fall out for a relaxed finish.
This half updo works beautifully on any curl type and adds instant polish, enhancing the hair’s natural texture. It’s a great way to show off luscious curls in an elegant way for a mother of the bride.
Formal Rolled Chignon
The rolled chignon is a gorgeous, elegant updo that exudes old Hollywood glamour. It’s perfect for formal weddings or black-tie affairs.
Start by washing and blow drying hair stick straight. Use a ceramic flat iron if needed to ensure hair is silky smooth. Apply a thermal protectant beforehand to prevent damage.
Brush hair back as smoothly as possible and secure into a very low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Make sure there are no bumps or kinks.
Take the ponytail and fan it out flat against your head. Then, roll the ends upwards into a round, wide chignon shape.
Wrap the ends under the chignon and across the back of your head. Pin them neatly in place with bobby pins crossed into an X shape.
Mist the rolled chignon with firm hold hairspray. Smooth any pieces down with gel for a polished finish.
For added sparkle and elegance, tuck pearl and crystal embellished hair combs attractively into the sides of the chignon. This elevates the look beautifully.
The key is keeping hair as smooth as possible and shaping the chignon into a perfect round form. Let it sit flat against the nape of the neck. Avoid any flyaways by securing with pins and hairspray.
This sculpted chignon is timelessly graceful. It adds immediate sophistication and poise for mothers wanting an intricate formal updo. Elevate it further with the addition of glamorous hair jewels or accessories for an exquisite wedding day look.
Side Swept Faux Bob
The side swept faux bob is a gorgeous way to fake a short bob haircut when you have longer locks.
It creates the illusion of an asymmetrical bob for a modern, sleek look.
Start by prepping hair with a smoothing serum to ensure super sleek styling. Blow dry hair pin straight.
Create an extreme side part so hair falls heavily over to one side. Gather all the hair over to that side.
Take 1-2 inch sections from the heavier side and clip them up and away from the face. Repeat this at the hairline and crown to create lift.
Lightly backcomb the remaining longer hair to build volume and texture. Then gather it all into a low ponytail on the side with the most hair.
Take the ponytail and coil it upwards like a cinnamon bun shape. Wrap it round itself and tuck the ends under, pinning against the head securely.
Mist with firm hold hairspray. Insert bobby pins all around the faux bun to keep every piece in place.
From the front and sides it will look like a short bob haircut, while the back shows the elegant coil of hair.
Be sure to smooth any pieces on the lighter side tightly against the head and pin back securely. Use gel to keep them slick.
This creates a gorgeous faux bob that looks like an edgy asymmetric cut. It’s perfect for adding modern polish to a formal mother of the bride look.
Elegant Low Bun with Headband
This refined hairstyle pairs a neat, low bun with a glamorous headband for a look that embodies understated elegance.
Start by smoothing hair back with a gel or pomade to help slick hair into a bun. Brush hair neatly into a low bun shape at the nape of the neck.
Fan hair out as you coil it into a round bun form and wrap any ends under securely. Leave pretty face framing pieces down around the ears.
Set the low bun with a light hold hairspray. For extra polish, wrap a thin hair tie around the base of the bun.
Next, take a dazzling headband encrusted with crystals, pearls or rhinestones. Place it on top of the head nestled against the crown.
Choose a headband width and design that complements your jewelry and dress. Make sure it’s secure so it doesn’t slip.
The simple yet striking headband contrasts beautifully with the understated, elegant bun. This headband-meets-bun duo creates a refined look perfect for black-tie weddings.
For extra allure, gently pull out small pieces of the bun’s perimeter to softly frame the face. This adds romantic, touchable texture.
It’s an effortlessly graceful look. Keep makeup minimal and neutral to let the sparkling headpiece shine. The low bun stays neatly in place so you can dance the night away in comfort and style.
Side Swept Low Ponytail
This eye-catching hairstyle sweeps all the hair over to one side in a flowing, low ponytail. It’s a gorgeous option for medium length hair.
Start by prepping with a volumizing mousse on damp hair, focusing on the roots and crown area. Then blow dry while brushing hair up at the roots to boost body.
Create a side part and brush all the hair over to the heavier side. Pull it together into a low ponytail, placed just behind the ear.
Leave out some face framing pieces in the front to soften the look. Curl these pieces away from the face for added polish.
If needed, tease the ponytail lightly to inject more volume. Then use a curling wand to curl the ponytail ends inward for bouncy movement.
Wrap a small section of the ponytail around the hair tie to conceal it. Set the style with a flexible hold hairspray.
For added allure, place a glittering brooch or hair pin where the base of the ponytail meets the rest of the hair. This accentuates the sweeping effect.
The key is creating lots of volume at the roots for lift. Let the ponytail cascade over the shoulder on its side for dramatic, bounce and shine.
It’s an eye-catching yet easy ponytail option for the mother of the bride wanting a cascading, lively look. The volume provides beautiful contrast against the sleekness of the ponytail.
Twisted Low Bun Updo
This intricate updo adds striking texture and interest through twisting and pinning the hair into a low bun shape. It keeps hair neatly off the face and neck while still looking soft and touchable.
Start with dry, smooth hair. Section hair out into multiple 1-inch horizontal pieces from the front of the head to the back.
Take each section and twist it back away from the face as you pull hair into a low bun position. As you twist, gently tug on the ends to encourage it into a spiral shape.
Crisscross and weave the twisted pieces together in a random pattern while working your way into a rounded low bun. Pin ends into the bun as you go to secure each twist.
Once all the hair is incorporated into the intricate low bun, use fingers to gently pancake and loosen the bun shape to add fullness and dimension.
Mist the finished style with a flexible hold hairspray. For a romantic touch, pull out a few twisting tendrils to frame the face.
The key is keeping the twists tight and neat near the roots. Avoid over-pulling or loosening too much for an elegantly messy finish.
This multidimensional twisted updo adds beautiful texture and intrigue from every angle. It’s a gorgeous choice for the mother wanting an intricate upstyle that’s soft, romantic and full of depth.
Soft Pinned Back Waves
This effortless half-up style gently pins back the front sections to spotlight gorgeous shoulder-length waves. It’s romantic and polished.
Start by using a curling wand to curl mid-length hair into loose, undone waves. Leave the ends out for a relaxed look.
Create a side part and loosely brush back the front sections of hair on both sides.
Bobby pin the hair behind the ears on each side to secure it back softly away from the face. Avoid pulling it too tightly.
Let the remaining hair in the back cascade down naturally in the lightly curled waves. Give hair a gentle shake to loosen any pinned curls.
Finish with a light misting of hairspray focusing just on the pinned back sections to keep them in place.
The key is to keep the pinned back portions very loose and natural looking. The waves should appear effortless and touchable.
This simple half-up style opens up the face beautifully while letting the gorgeous waves take center stage. It’s a romantic look that oozes softness and grace.
Perfect for the mother wanting a laidback but elegant style that shows off straighter hair textures or loose curls in a dreamy, romantic way. The pinned back front sections nicely accentuate the face.
Messy Side Braid
This undone, asymmetric braid embodies effortless romance and softness. It has a lovely boho vibe perfect for outdoor or rustic weddings.
Start with dry hair and spritz waves in using a salt spray, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Scrunch hair as you apply to boost volume.
Next, gather all the hair over to one side and tie it into a loose, low side ponytail. Ensure it’s secured near the nape of the neck.
Divide the ponytail into 3 strands. Cross the right strand over the middle then the left over the middle, continuing to braid down.
As you braid, gently pull on the outer strands to pancake the braid, making it wider and more disheveled.
When you’ve braided to the ends, wrap the braid across the head like a headband. Pin it horizontally above the ear on the other side.
Gently pull on the wrapped braid to loosen pieces. Also lightly tug on the remaining hair in the ponytail to look more undone.
Finish with a flexible hold spray to add longevity without making it stiff. Lightly mist the messy waves at the crown for extra boho volume.
The result is a sweet side braid that looks artfully undone. Let pieces naturally fall out for an imperfect finish. It’s lively and romantic for a mother of the bride.
Low Chignon with Flowers
This elegant updo features a chic chignon bun accented with fresh floral embellishments for a soft, feminine finish. It’s perfect for garden weddings or formal affairs.
Start by smoothing hair back with a gel or serum to help sleek hair back into the chignon shape.Brush into a low bun at the nape of the neck.
Fan the hair out to create fullness as you coil it into a neat, round bun form. Wrap any ends under and pin securely.
Lightly tease the crown area before gathering into the bun to add volume on top that contrasts the smooth chignon.
Take small fresh flowers or floral pins and tuck them attractively into the bun so they are visible from behind. Let the stems trail down the neck for added romance.
Insert pearl tipped pins sporadically throughout the bun for extra sparkle and sheen. Mist with medium hold spray to set.
For added whimsy, wrap some hair around the base of the bun to conceal elastic bands. The key is keeping the chignon very polished and sleek.
The fresh florals provide a playful twist to an otherwise elegant updo. It’s perfect for a mother wanting a refined yet soft, ornate hairstyle on her daughter’s special day. The flowers add delicate beauty.
With so many gorgeous hairstyles to inspire you, every mother of the bride will look polished, elegant and dignified on her daughter’s special wedding day.
Use these detailed hairstyle Inspo to find a stunning look that makes you feel amazing as you accompany the bride on her memorable walk down the aisle.
