Thin hair can sometimes feel like a styling challenge, especially for special occasions like weddings. But fear not, bridesmaids with fine locks! When it comes to Bridesmaid Updo Hairstyles for Thin Hair, your hair texture actually has some unique advantages. Fine hair often holds shapes better and can appear more intricate in certain styles than thicker hair types.
I’ve curated 32+ gorgeous updo hairstyles specifically designed to make thin hair look fuller, more textured, and absolutely wedding-worthy. These styles will stay put through dancing, photos, and all the bridesmaid duties you’ll handle on the big day.
1. Twisted Crown Braid with Volume
This ethereal style combines the romance of a crown braid with strategic volume at the crown. The secret to making this work for thin hair? Start by applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair and rough-dry upside down. Then create a loose crown braid, gently pulling out strands to create the illusion of thickness.
Don’t worry about perfect smoothness – a bit of deliberate messiness actaully creates the appearance of more hair. Finish with a light-hold hairspray that won’t weigh down your strands.
2. Textured Low Chignon
The low chignon never goes out of style for weddings, but thin-haired bridesmaids need a special approach. Begin by creating texture with a sea salt spray and rough-drying. Backcomb the crown area gently, then gather hair at the nape of your neck.
Twist and pin the hair, leaving some pieces loose around the face. The key is creating a “pancaked” effect by carefully pulling the bun outward to create width rather than height. This gives the illusion of thicker hair where you need it.
3. Voluminous Half-Up Twist
Not all updos require putting up all your hair! This half-up style maximizes volume where thin hair needs it most. Tease the crown section gently, then twist back two sections from the temples and secure with decorative pins.
The remaining hair can be curled or waved to create maximum fullness. Pro tip: clip-in extensions just at the lower sections can add incredible fullness if your dress has an open back.
4. Braided Headband Updo
This romantic style begins with a french braid along the hairline, creating a natural “headband” effect. The rest of the hair is gathered into a loose, textured bun at the back of the head.
What makes this perfect for thin hair is how the braid creates the illusion of density along the hairline. Spritz your hands with texturizing spray before arranging the bun to help strands stick together without looking stringy.
5. Vintage-Inspired Pin Curls
Channel old Hollywood glamour with this deceptively simple style that works wonders for thin hair. Create pin curls all over the head, let them set, then carefully brush out into waves. Gather the sides back with decorative pins, leaving height at the crown.
The structured waves create fullness where fine hair often falls flat. This style pairs beautifully with vintage wedding themes and looks especialy striking with side-parted hair.
6. Twisted Side Updo
Asymmetrical styles can be your best friend if you’ve got thin hair. This side-swept updo begins with deep side part and loose curls. Twist sections back toward the opposite ear, securing with pins as you go.
The finished look appears much fuller than symmetrical styles becase all your hair is concentrated in one area. Don’t forget to gently loosen some strands around the face – this softness creates the illusion of more hair.
7. Bohemian Braided Bun
This free-spirited style combines multiple thin braids with a textured bun. Start by creating 4-5 small braids throughout your hair. Then gather everything into a low, messy bun, allowing the braids to be visible within the style.
The varying textures trick the eye into seeing more volume. For extra dimension, try adding highlights to your hair a few weeks before the wedding – the color variation makes hair appear thicker.
8. Elegant Twisted Updo
This sophisticated style uses strategic twisting to create the appearance of thickness. Begin by dividing hair into three sections. Work with each section separately, twisting away from the face and pinning to create a dimensional effect.
The overlapping twists create a complex-looking style that disguises thin spots. A light dusting of volumizing powder at the roots before styling will give this updo extra staying power.
9. Braided Crown with Flowers
Perfect for garden or spring weddings, this ethereal style features a wraparound braid accented with small fresh or silk flowers. The braid itself doesn’t need to be thick – in fact, a thinner braid allows the flowers to nestle perfectly.
Position the blooms strategically to add volume where needed. Choose flowers that complement the wedding bouquets but in miniature form – baby’s breath, small spray roses, or delicate lavender work beautifully.
10. Classic French Twist with Height
The timeless French twist gets a modern update with added volume at the crown. Begin by backcombing the crown section thoroughly – don’t be shy with the teasing here! Then smooth the surface hair back while maintaining the height.
Twist the length upward and secure with pins in a classic French twist. The contrast between the volumized crown and sleek twist creates a sophisicated silhouette that’s perfect for formal weddings.
11. Knotted Updo
This contemporary style uses small “knots” of hair pinned throughout to create a dimensional effect. Start by dividing hair into 2-inch sections. Tie each section into a loose knot and pin securely.
Continue until all hair is arranged in these small knots. The spaces between the knots actually create the illusion of depth and volume. This architectural style looks particularly stunning with metallic hair accessories scattered throughout.
12. Twisted Rope Braid Bun
This elegant style combines rope braiding with a classic bun shape. Divide hair into two sections and twist them together in a rope braid. Then coil the rope into a bun shape and secure with pins.
The twisted texture of the rope braid creates natural volume that simple smooth styles can’t achieve. This works especially well for bridesmaids with shoulder-length thin hair who worry about creating substantial updos.
13. Gibson Tuck with Volume
This vintage-inspired style creates incredible fullness at the back of the head. Begin by teasing the crown and smoothing the surface. Create a horizontal roll at the back of the head by tucking hair under itself.
Secure with plenty of pins, focusing on anchoring the style at multiple points. The hollow space created underneath the tuck is what gives this style its voluminous appearance – perfect for thin-haired bridesmaids.
14. Basket-Weave Updo
This intricate-looking style is actually quite achievable with thin hair. Create horizontal sections from ear to ear. Begin weaving each section over and under the next in a basket pattern.
The overlapping sections create depth and dimension that’s perfect for bridesmaids with fine locks. This geometric pattern photographs beautifully and stays secure througout the ceremony and reception.
15. Romantic Swirled Chignon
This soft, romantic style uses strategic pinning to create a flowing, swirled effect. Begin with curled hair and gather it loosely at the nape. Instead of forming a traditional bun, create pinned swirls that radiate outward.
The curls and swirls create natural spaces that make the style appear fuller. This works wonders for very fine hair that might look stringy in sleeker styles.
16. Braided Halo with Textured Bun
Combine a delicate halo braid with a textured bun for maximum impact. Create a thin braid along the hairline, wrapping it around the head. Gather remaining hair into a texturized, “piecy” bun at the crown or back of head.
The contrasting textures create visual interest that distracts from any thinness. This style looks particularly stunning when the bride has chosen a bohemian or rustic wedding theme.
17. Double Twisted Updo
This architectural style uses two twisted sections for added dimension. Create a deep side part, then twist each side back toward the center of the head. Pin these twisted sections to form the foundation of your updo.
Arrange the remaining length into a small bun or tucked roll. The multiple layers and twists create depth that makes hair appear much thicker than it actually is.
18. Sculptural Pin-Curl Updo
This vintage-meets-modern style uses pin curls arranged in an artistic pattern. Create small pin curls throughout your hair, focusing on building them up in a sculptural arrangement.
The negative space between the curls actually enhances the overall appearance of volume. This style works beautifully for Art Deco or vintage-themed weddings and photographs like a dream.
19. Woven Side Bun
This intricate-looking side style appears complex but works wonderfully for thin hair. Create a deep side part, then weave small sections across and into each other, working toward the opposite ear.
Secure the woven sections into a low side bun. The overlapping pieces create natural fullness that simpler styles can’t achieve. This looks particularly elegant with a statement earring on the exposed side.
20. Voluminous Twisted Topknot
This modern style places all the focus on height and volume at the crown. Begin by thoroughly backcombing the crown area. Gather hair into a high ponytail, then twist and wrap it around the base.
The key for thin hair is not to pull too tight – maintain the teased volume throughout. Finish by gently tugging at sections of the topknot to create even more perceived volume.
21. Tucked Faux Bob
This vintage-inspired updo creates the illusion of a glamorous bob without cutting your hair. Curl your entire head with a 1-inch curling iron. Then, loosely gather the length and tuck it under, pinning against the nape of your neck.
Release some face-framing pieces for a softer effect. This style creates the appearance of dense, thick hair by concentrating all your length in one area rather than stretching it thin.
22. Knotted Half-Up Style
This contemporary half-updo uses strategic knotting to create volume where thin hair needs it most. Take small sections from each temple and tie them in a simple overhand knot at the back of the head. Continue with another section just below, knotting again.
The stacked knots create height and texture that’s perfect for bridesmaids with fine hair. Leave the remaining hair curled or waved for maximum impact.
23. Twisted Rope Crown
This ethereal style works particularly well for thin hair because it distributes the hair evenly around the head. Divide hair down the middle, then create two rope twists by twisting two sections in opposite directions, then twisting them together.
Wrap these ropes around the head like a crown, pinning securely. The twisted texture creates natural volume that makes this style appear much fuller than traditional smooth updos.
24. Cascading Pin Curls
This glamorous style uses strategic placement of pin curls to create a waterfall effect. Set your entire head in pin curls, then release and arrange them to “cascade” down one side of the head.
Secure with decorative pins that complement the wedding colors. The dimensional curls create natural spaces between them that give the appearance of thicker, more voluminous hair.
25. Textured Low Pompadour
This modern take on a classic style features volume at the front with a textured arrangement at the back. Create height at the crown through backcombing, then smooth the surface while maintaining the lift.
Gather the remaining hair into a textured arrangement at the nape, using pins to create an architectural shape. This style draws attention upward and creates a striking silhouette that’s perfect for fashion-forward wedding parties.
26. Braided Vortex Updo
This eye-catching style creates a spiral pattern that draws the eye inward. Start with a deep side part and begin a french braid from the temple, spiraling it around the head toward the center back. As you reach the center, transition into a twisted bun. The dimensional braid pattern disguises thin spots while creating an artistic design that looks much more complex than it actually is.
Your thin hair will actully work to your advantage here, as it’ll create a more delicate spiral pattern without appearing bulky. Finish with a light-hold hairspray that won’t weigh down the intricate details.
27. Twisted Rope Cascade
This elegant style uses the rope-twist technique to create a waterfall effect down one side. Begin with a deep side part, then create a rope twist by twisting two sections in opposite directions, then twisting them together. Pin this twisted rope diagonally across the back of the head, allowing the ends to cascade over one shoulder.
The twisted texture instantly adds apparent thickness to thin strands. Add a few strategic pearl pins where the twist meets the cascading section for extra wedding-day glamour.
28. Woven Ribbon Crown
Unlike traditional ribbon styles, this modern approach weaves metallic ribbon througout the hair itself. Create a loose crown braid, then thread thin gold or silver ribbon through the braid as you go. The ribbon fills gaps where thin hair might appear sparse while catching the light beautifully in photographs.
This style works particulary well for bridesmaids with highlighted hair, as the ribbon accentuates the dimensional color. Pair with minimal jewelry to let the woven crown be the focal point.
29. Asymmetrical Fan Bun
This architectural style distributes thin hair in a fan-like arrangement for maximum impact. Gather hair into a side ponytail, then spread it out in a fan shape against the head. Secure with pins in a semi-circle arrangement. This technique creates the illusion of more hair by displaying the full length across the back of the head rather than condensing it.
The asymetrical placement adds a modern touch to this classic technique. It works beautifully with both sleek straight hair or pre-curled strands for added texture.
30. Double Twisted Rosette
This romantic style creates two intertwined flower-like shapes at the nape. Divide hair horizontally into two sections. Twist each section tightly, then wrap into a circular “rosette” shape, pinning securely. Position the rosettes to slightly overlap for a dimensional effect that makes thin hair appear more substantial.
A few face-framing tendrils soften this structured style. Tiny baby’s breath flowers tucked into the rosettes add a delicate bridal touch without weighing down fine hair.
31. Folded Tuck Updo
This sleek style uses precision folding to create clean lines and structure. Create a deep side part, then fold horizontal sections of hair under themselves, securing with pins as you work across the head. The overlapping folds create depth and dimension that makes thin hair look thicker and more polished.
The geometric precision of this style makes it ideal for modern or minimalist wedding themes. It pairs beautifully with architectural earrings and clean-lined dresses.
32. Twisted Tiara Effect
This regal style creates the illusion of a tiara using just your hair. Begin with a center part, then take small sections from each temple and twist them back. Continue adding hair to these twists as you work toward the crown, creating a widening band effect. Secure at the back and arrange remaining hair into a low bun.
The height at the crown is especialy flattering for thin hair, as it creates volume where it’s most noticeable. This style perfectly frames tiaras or floral crowns if the bride has chosen them for her wedding party.
33. Braided Basket Weave
This intricate style creates the appearance of a woven basket at the back of the head. Create multiple thin braids, then weave them horizontally and vertically over each other, pinning as you go. The dimensional weaving disguises thin spots while creating a textured foundation that photographs beautifully from all angles.
This style works for any hair length, though shoulder-length hair creates the most balanced final look. The textured pattern is subtle enough for formal weddings but interesting enough to stand out in photos.
34. Looped Chain Updo
This unique style creates a chain-like effect with overlapping loops of hair. Divide hair into equal sections, create a loop with each, then link them together in a chain pattern before pinning securely. The overlapping loops create depth and dimension that makes thin hair look surprisingly substantial.
A pearl-tipped pin at each loop junction adds wedding-worthy elegance. This style suits bridesmaids who want something unique that still photographs beautifully from every angle.
35. Twisted Waterfall Braid with Bun
This romantic style combines the delicacy of a waterfall braid with the security of a twisted bun. Begin a waterfall braid at one temple, working around the head and allowing small sections to “fall” through the braid. Gather all hair, including the waterfall pieces, into a textured side bun.
The combination of textures creates visual interest that distracts from any thinness. This style works particularly well for bridesmaids with layered hair, as the shorter pieces create natural texture in the bun.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the key to successful updos for thin hair lies in creating texture and dimension before styling. Don’t skip prep products like volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, or lightweight dry shampoo.
If you’re particularly concerned about your hair’s thinness, temporary clip-in extensions can work wonders for special occasions. Just a few pieces strategiclly placed can transform your styling options.
Most importantly, choose a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful as you support your friend on her big day. These 32+ options prove that thin hair can absolutely shine in bridal party updos with the right techniques and a little styling know-how.
Tina Johnson | Fashion Mags Your ultimate style guide! Trendy tips, latest fashion news & inspiration to keep you chic & glamorous.
