Ask Annie: Bridesmaid Hair Help

To kick off Marry You Me's first "Ask Annie" feature, I received this question from reader Jessica, who asks:

"Hi Annie! I need to recruit your skills and access to vast resources of all things wedding: will you do a post on "Best Bridesmaid Hair" sometime soon? :) I am in dire need of some ideas and as I'm sure you know, when you Google Image Search "bridesmaid hair" you get a lot of bad prom 'dos."

This is so true - no one wants to re-live their prom up-do of piled high and tight curls then hairsprayed into a helmet head hair. Not even for one of your best friend's weddings. The days of matching hairstyles for every bridesmaid are gone, and brides should let bridesmaids choose a flattering and appropriate hairstyle for themselves and not be all Bridezilla "you hair MUST be done this way" about it. That said, as Jessica pointed out, Googling "bridesmaid hair" can be un-helpful, and a little scary. Here are some of the best looking trends in not only the bride world but also perfect for the bridesmaids.

Trend #1: The Flower 'DoA low (key word: low, not high) and not super tight bun with fresh or faux flower accents is a huge trend right now for both brides and bridesmaids. Find adorable flower hair accents on Etsy by twigs and honey as well as Brenda's bridal veils, and also on flowerclip.com. Images 1, 2 via The Knot and image 3 from Weddingbee.

Trend #2: The Loose, Wavy Up DoThis trend is huge right now and is so flattering, romantic and pretty. As shown so well here by Lauren Conrad, Taylor Swift and Keira Knightley, it is all about loose waves lightly pinned up. Using a wave enhancing spray like John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Starlit Waves Wave Enhancing Spray or Victoria's Secret So Sexy Wave Enhancing Spray can help achieve the wavy look without the crunch.

Trend #3: Headbands"Ooh apparently headbands are back," says Carrie Bradshaw after spotting one at Charlotte York's engagement party. And they are. No longer a relic from your playground days, headbands can be adorable for a bridesmaid 'do.

Trend #4: Up then DownThis double duty style is huge with both brides and bridesmaids alike. With the removal of just a few pins (no rubber bands, you don't want to dent the hair), you can go from ceremony elegant to reception gorgeous. Images via The Knot.

Trend #5: The Side PonyNo, not an 80's style side pony, but an off -center ponytail with a piece of hair wrapped around the rubber band can be easy, elegant, and practically effortless! This style works best on longer hair without shorter layers, but can also work on medium length layered hair with a few pins. Image via Brides.

Trend #6: Down and CoiffedDoes anything beat you styling your own hair to its best self as only you know how? You've practiced countless times for dates and nights out with the girls - put it to good use and whip up a lovely, down hairstyle that you'll feel comfortable in. Image of January Jones via Smart Bride Blog.

And finally - but I have short layers, what should I do?
Q. I'd love to wear a sleek updo, but my hair is full of layers. What's the least obvious way to keep those short pieces in place?
A. N.Y.C. hairstylist Jimmy Paul recommends Invisipins (from $3 for 24; at Ricky's NYC, 212-949-7230). The matte bobby pins, designed to blend with four common hair colors, are a great alternative to typical shiny ones, says Paul, who has used them in the tresses of Gisele Bündchen and Jennifer Lopez. "I criss-cross them into an X," he adds, "for a strong hold that's dance-proof." - from InStyle Weddings