I remember when I first started looking for mother of the groom hairstyles for my son’s wedding.
After having the same tried-and-true look for years, I was nervous to switch it up.
But this was a special occasion that called for an extra dazzling do.
I wanted something elegant that would complement my outfit, but also comfortable enough to enjoy the busy wedding weekend.
That’s when I discovered the magic of half up, half down hairstyles.
Pulling back just the crown section keeps hair out of my face so I can show off my earrings, without going overboard on styling.
Leaving half my locks down gives me that soft, romantic vibe I adore.
I fell in love with the gorgeous braided and chignon versions that look chic but not matronly.
Now I can’t wait for more occasions to break out my new signature style.
The Chic Chignon
A chignon is a timeless updo option perfect for mother of the groom hairstyles.
This elegant twisted bun looks stylish when paired with any formal dress or suit.
To get this look, apply texturizing spray at the roots to add grip.
Back comb the top and sides of hair, then gather it all together at the nape of the neck.
Twist into a tight bun, wrapping ends under to hide them.
Pin in place, leaving some pieces out in the front to frame the face.
Set the style with a firm hold hairspray.
For added sophistication, wrap a pearl headband or floral hair piece around the base.
The Braided Crown
Intricate braided updos make for showstopping mother of the groom hairstyles.
One beautiful option is the braided crown – this doubles as a functional updo while also creating an ornate hair accessory.
Start by parting hair from ear to ear in a straight line across the top of the head.
Gather the front into a low ponytail then split into two sections.
Start a basic braid at the hairline, braiding back tightly along the part.
Continue the braid around to the other side, securing at the back with an elastic.
Loosen gently for fullness and pin into place.
Leave the remaining hair down in soft waves or create a chic low bun.
The Side-Swept Low Chignon
For a softer look, consider a side-swept low chignon.
This romantic updo lets a few loose face-framing pieces enhance your natural beauty.
Start by curling mid-lengths and ends in soft waves.
Gather all of the hair over one shoulder.
Twist it into a loose chignon, leaving ends slightly messy.
Pull out a few curled tendrils at the front to sweep across the forehead.
Set the style with a medium hold hairspray.
Add a delicate hair vine or pearl pins for embellishment.
The Textured Low Bun
This textured low bun is effortlessly chic.
It also works beautifully with short or medium length hair.
Prep damp hair with a volumizing mousse then blow dry using a round brush to create lots of body and bend in the mid-lengths.
Gather hair at the nape and tie in a loose ponytail.
Gently back comb the ponytail then wrap and fold it under, securing with pins to form a low bun shape.
Pull out the front pieces to create a soft frame.
Finish with hairspray for polished texture.
The Faux Bob
The faux bob is ideal for when you want an updo but don’t want to put your hair fully up.
It creates the look of shorter hair while maintaining feminine style.
Curl mid-lengths inwards with a curling iron to create shape.
Gather your curled hair at the nape, leaving out front sections.
Twist into a loose low bun, folding ends under and pinning into place.
Fluff the front sections so they fall softly around your shoulders and face.
Mist with firm hold hairspray and add a decorative comb for elegance.
Half Up Styles
Half up, half down styles are perfect for balancing formality with ease.
These looks work whether you have short or long hair.
For shoulder length hair, simply curl mid-lengths inwards and sweep both sides back.
Cross sections over each other and pin just behind one ear, leaving the rest of hair down in soft waves.
If you have long hair, try creating two twisted knotted buns on either side of the head.
Leave lower layers loose and cascading down the back.
Accessorize with floral pins or pearls.
The Fishtail Crown Braid
Fishtail braids make beautiful and intricate updos for mothers of the groom.
This half up style is understated yet still eye-catching.
Part hair down the middle from front to back.
Grab a section of hair from behind one ear and begin a fishtail braid, incorporating more hair as you cross under.
Continue braiding diagonally up across the back of the head toward the other ear.
Secure at the back then pin the braid in place around the crown.
Leave the rest of hair down.
The Textured Bow Bun
Use texture and accessories to elevate a classic low bun.
This textured bow bun adds character for a charming mother of the groom look.
Back comb damp hair at the roots and blow dry for volume.
Curl the mid-lengths and ends in soft waves then gather into a low ponytail.
Fold the ponytail into a round bun shape and pin in place.
Mist all over with texturizing spray.
Wrap a wide ribbon around the base and tie in front, allowing ends to fall like a bow.
The Top Knot Bun
A sleek top knot bun is perfect for a formal wedding celebration.
Ensure your style stays polished but unfussy.
Smooth your hair back with a paddle brush for a silky effect.
Gather it all atop your head toward the back and tie securely into a ponytail.
Twist the ponytail around itself until you have a neat bun shape.
Pin in place then tuck ends under.
Set with firm hold hairspray.
Add an optional headband or jeweled hair pins.
The Soft Wave bob
A wavy bob hitting around shoulder length is an easy yet sophisticated option.
This frames the face beautifully while providing versatile styling options.
Apply mousse and volumizing spray at the roots.
Diffuse hair upside down to encourage volume.
Curl mid-lengths and ends away from the face using a barrel curling iron.
Flip curls out gently once cooled for a uniform shape.
Mist all over with medium hold hairspray.
Finger style the front pieces lightly for movement and dimension.
The Sleek Pixie
Don’t be afraid to show off a chic short pixie cut as the mother of the groom.
When smoothed neatly, this style oozes sophistication.
Prep damp pixie hair with smoothing cream and blow dry straight down using a paddle brush.
Sweep bangs gracefully to one side.
Finish with silicone serum for intense shine.
Go for a side or half back jeweled comb to dress up the style.
The sleek pixie keeps all eyes on your glowing face.
The Curly Bob
Embrace gorgeous natural curls in a shoulder length bob cut.
This carefree texture provides an easy yet WOW-worthy mother of the groom look.
Apply curl defining cream and diffuse hair upside down for volume at the roots.
Let curls set naturally – no brushing.
Once dry, gently finger-style curls into place away from the face.
Mist lightly with firm hold hairspray.
A few strategically pinned back pieces at the sides helps keep this curly bob polished.
The Shoulder-Grazing Blowout
Maximize the volume of medium length hair with a bouncing blowout.
Gorgeous movement and shine makes this style perfect for the mother of the groom.
Apply mousse at roots and blow dry hair using a round brush to sweep sections up and under away from the face.
Concentrate on creating lift at the crown.
Smooth any frizz with a serum then set with a flexible hold hairspray.
Maintain bounce by tipping head upside down and finger fluffing the roots.
Finish by sweeping bangs to one side.
Finding the right hairstyle for the mother of the groom is all about balancing elegance, sophistication and comfort.
The best looks complement your hair length and texture while making you feel confident and beautiful.
Any of these stunning updos, polished bobs or textured blowouts are sure to have you shining as you support your son on his big day.
A few strategically placed accessories like floral pins, headbands and jeweled combs will add that extra polish befitting the mother of the groom.
With so many gorgeous options, you can embrace your personal style.
Select a hairstyle that celebrates your natural beauty while wowing as the mother of the groom.
