How Much is Hair and Makeup for Bridesmaids?

Written by Erin in Budget and Finance,Dress, Attire and Personal Styling

Do you want to book your bridesmaids in to get their hair and makeup done for your wedding and are curious about the cost? This article will explore the average cost and what may require an additional cost.

On average, hair and makeup for a bridesmaid will cost $75 USD for each service. This price, of course, can fluctuate and be a lot higher depending on the skill and rate of the stylists and what exactly you want to be done in regard to your bridesmaids’ hair and makeup. 

It is very common to get the bride’s hair and makeup professionally done for their big day. For bridesmaids, however, this might not be included for all weddings. Keep reading to discover what costs may be involved with this and know what your options are to save on expenses but still keep the bridesmaids looking their best!

The Cost of Your Bridesmaids’ Hair and Makeup

Many brides-to-be pay for their bridesmaids to get their hair and makeup done. Having bridesmaids with their makeup and hair styled professionally can enhance your wedding photos and have everyone looking their best for your special day. You can guarantee that no one will turn up at your wedding looking like they have not put in any effort, or that they will stand out in ways you don’t want.

The cost of the bridesmaid’s expenses such as hair, makeup, dresses, and accessories may determine how many bridesmaids the bride chooses to have at her wedding. Let’s dive into the costs of hair and makeup for bridesmaids, so you have an idea of the average cost for a skilled wedding hair and make-up artist. 

Average Cost For Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup

Brides.com states that the average cost for a bridesmaid hairstyle is $75 USD per service, but it can range between $50 USD and $150 depending on the rate of the stylist, location, how many bridesmaids there are, and what styling is being done. Makeup services will cost about the same as hair services.

There are often packages where you can get both hair and makeup done for a single price. It may be done by the same person or by one hair stylist and a makeup artist that work together. Alternatively, you can hire two separate people, one to do the hair and one to do the makeup.

Bridesmaids’ hair and makeup will usually cost a lot less than the bride’s because it is the bride that often has a different and more complicated hairstyle and have more done makeup-wise, which is reflected in the price.

Additional Hair and Makeup Costs

There are some additional costs to be aware of that may increase the cost of hair and makeup. This may include:

Stylist Travel Fee

If the stylist has to travel, they may include a travel fee in their pricing. Try to book a local stylist or see if you can travel to them if you want to keep costs down.

Hair and Makeup Trial Costs

If you want a hair and makeup trial for yourself or for your bridesmaids to make sure you are happy with the look, then go for it, but it may cost an extra $50-$150, according to Weddingforward.com.

The more glam and detailed the makeup, the more time and money it will be, compared to a more simple, natural look.

Hair and Makeup Accessories 

If you are going to have accessories in your hair, such as combs, crowns, flowers, or other objects, this will be an additional cost. This is also true for certain makeup items, such as false eyelashes or getting your eyebrows tinted before the wedding. 

You may source these products or services yourself and give them to the stylist to use or do. The stylists may have products you can purchase from them directly as well.

Ways To Save on Hair and Makeup Costs

If you know you just can’t afford to cover the cost of getting your bridesmaid’s hair and makeup done, you could ask them if they could pay for it themselves or instead do their own hair and makeup nicely instead of getting it done by a professional.

There are a huge number of makeup and hairstyling tutorials online, so it’s possible to learn how to do really impressive makeup on your own, where your only cost will be the supplies you need. Make sure to have plenty of time to practise in advance, so no one has any extra stress with a new makeup technique or hairstyle on the morning of your big day.

Going for a more neutral makeup look, and simple hairstyles will make it much easier for your bridesmaids to do their own hair and makeup.

Are you struggling to decide how much you need to spend on your wedding?
Download our free calculator here to help you finalise your wedding budget number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Pays for Bridesmaids’ Hair and Makeup?

As a general rule, the bride pays for her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup if she wants them to have it done. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes the bride may split the cost with the bridesmaid or ask her bridesmaids to pay for it themselves if they want to get it done. It is completely up to the wedding couple to decide what they can afford and what they want to do. 

Is It Rude To Ask A Bridesmaid To Pay For Her Dress?

Some bridesmaids already assume that they are the ones who will be paying for their dress at their friend’s wedding, however, some may think that the bride will cover it. The bride should clarify very early on what she will and will not cover when it comes to spending money on the bridesmaid. 

Both the bride and bridesmaid need to be clear about their budget and what they are willing or can spend. Do not assume that your bridesmaid can afford to buy their own dress, pay for hair and makeup, travel for your bridal shower, and more.

Final Words

Bridesmaids’ hair and makeup will cost on average $75 USD for each service but will vary. Do your research and get quotes from local stylists as early as you can to see what your options are. Starting this process early will help you find the best price and also ensure you get exactly the services you want. Stay open and flexible to the many options that you have!

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