Creating the perfect look for a wedding often starts with the hair, and for many brides, the style of their bridesmaids is a crucial detail. A medium length hairstyle offers a versatile and flattering option that balances elegance with ease, making it a top choice for bridal parties. This guide delves into the specifics of planning and executing DIY bridesmaid hair for medium length locks, providing you with the confidence to achieve a cohesive and beautiful result.
Why Medium Length is the Sweet Spot for Bridesmaids
Medium length hair, typically sitting between the shoulders and the collarbone, provides a forgiving canvas that works for a wide range of textures and face shapes. Unlike very short hair, it offers enough weight and volume to hold intricate styles, yet it remains more manageable and quicker to style than very long hair. For a DIY scenario, this length strikes the ideal balance between impact and practicality, allowing you to create polished updos, romantic half-up styles, or sleek pulled-back looks without excessive frustration or professional help.
Essential Tools and Prep Work
Gathering Your Toolkit
Success with any DIY hairstyle is rooted in having the right tools. For medium length bridesmaid hair, your kit should include a quality rat-tail comb, smooth bristle brushes, and a reliable heat protectant spray. Invest in good-quality hair ties that are gentle on the hair, a selection of bobby pins, and a compact curling iron or straightener if you plan on adding waves or curls. Sectioning clips are indispensable for working with smaller portions of hair, and a light-hold hairspray will ensure your creation lasts through the celebration.
The Importance of Pre-Styling Care
Before you even pick up a tool, the condition of the hair matters. Encourage your bridesmaids to avoid excessive heat styling in the days leading up to the wedding to prevent damage and dryness. On the day itself, washing the hair should ideally happen the night before; freshly washed hair can be too slick and lacks the natural texture for grips, making it difficult to hold styles. Apply a texturizing spray or a little mousse to damp hair the next day to create the necessary grip and volume that will keep your DIY masterpiece secure.
Styling Techniques for Different Vibes
Elegant Half-Up, Half-Down
This style is a perennial favorite because it showcases the length of the hair while keeping it out of the way. For a medium length look, gather the top section from the temples back and secure it with a hair tie. You can then twist or braid this section and pin it along the back of the head for a structured feel, or leave it loose for a softer, romantic effect. The loose waves on the lower layers add movement and frame the face beautifully, creating a look that is both sophisticated and comfortable for long wear.
Polished Low Chignon
A low chignon is a timeless choice that exudes grace and simplicity. To achieve this, brush all the hair smoothly back towards the nape of the neck, securing it with a tight hair tie. Then, twist the length of the hair until it begins to coil in on itself, creating a neat bun. Use bobby pins to anchor the coil flat against the head, tucking any loose ends underneath to ensure a flawless finish. This style is incredibly elegant and photograph-friendly, providing a clean line that keeps the focus on the bride's dress and overall atmosphere.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Even with the best preparation, medium length hair can present some hurdles. One common issue is a lack of volume at the crown; this can make a style look flat. To combat this, backcomb the roots gently before gathering the hair for a ponytail or bun. Another challenge is frizz, especially in humid outdoor settings. A small amount of anti-frizz serum applied to the ends can work wonders without making the hair look greasy. Lastly, having extra bobby pins and hair ties on standby is a simple trick that can save a lot of stress if a style begins to unravel.
Coordination and Final Touches
To ensure a unified appearance, providing your bridesmaids with a visual reference is key. Create a mood board or save edited photos of the desired styles to share via a group chat. When styling, prioritize symmetry—check that bun heights and braid thickness are consistent across the group. Once the hair is complete, the final step is a light misting of flexible hold hairspray. This step locks in the style without making the hair crunchy, allowing for some natural movement while ensuring the look stays intact from the ceremony through the reception.
