Tired of the same old ponytail? Ready to elevate your hair game with styles that scream sophistication and effortless chic? Then welcome to your ultimate guide to must-try updos! Whether you’re prepping for a glamorous gala, a casual brunch, or anything in between, we’ve got the perfect updo to match your vibe.
Get ready to explore a treasure trove of elegant updo hairstyles for every occasion, from the polished boardroom to a dreamy wedding. We’re diving headfirst into iconic styles, deconstructing them into achievable looks you can master at home. Craving a timeless classic? Discover our sleek chignon ideas and easy classic French twist tutorials. Prefer something a bit more relaxed? Our messy bun tutorial will show you how to achieve that perfectly imperfect look, complete with flattering face-framing pieces.
Looking for something extra special? We’ve got braided updo inspiration galore, including stunning variations on the braided crown updo. Brides-to-be, prepare to fall in love with our suggestions for a romantic updo for weddings, guaranteed to turn heads as you walk down the aisle. And for the prom queens among us, explore our favorite updo for prom styles, sure to create unforgettable memories.
We’ll also cover essential techniques, like twisted updo guides for adding texture and dimension, low bun hacks for achieving that effortless elegance, and tips for perfecting the high ballerina bun. Finally, learn how to accessorize your updo with decorative hairpin styles to truly personalize your look. Let’s unlock the secrets to stunning updos together!
1. Elegant Updo Hairstyles for Every Occasion
Looking for the perfect updo to elevate your look for a special occasion or just to add a touch of elegance to your everyday style? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve curated 50 stunning updo hairstyles for every hair type and event, from quick and easy messy buns to sophisticated chignons. Get ready for some serious hair inspiration and practical styling tips! Whether you’re after romantic updo for weddings or a chic look for a night out, you’ll find something here. Explore a range of options, from classic to modern, and discover your new go-to updo. Let’s dive in!
2. The Classic Low Bun
The classic low bun is a timeless and versatile hairstyle that works for both casual and formal settings. This elegant updo is easy to create and can be customized with different textures and accessories. A low bun exudes sophistication and is perfect for showcasing your neckline and jewelry.
Styling Tip: Add a touch of elegance with a pearl-studded hairpin or a delicate hair comb placed above the bun.
3. High Ballerina Bun
The high ballerina bun is the epitome of elegance and grace. This sleek and polished updo is perfect for a formal event or a dance recital. It elongates the neck and creates a sophisticated silhouette.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep flyaways at bay and ensure a smooth, flawless finish.
4. Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
This relaxed and effortless style is perfect for a casual day out or a weekend brunch. The messy bun offers a comfortable yet chic look, and the face-framing pieces add softness and femininity. Look for a great messy bun tutorial to master this look!
Styling Tip: Gently pull out a few strands of hair around your face to create a softer, more romantic look.
5. Sleek Chignon Ideas
The chignon is a classic updo that has been a favorite for centuries. Sleek chignon ideas offer a refined and polished look, perfect for a wedding or a black-tie event. This elegant updo can be styled in various ways, from low and understated to high and dramatic.
Styling Tip: Use a smoothing serum to tame frizz and create a sleek, polished finish before creating your chignon.
6. Braided Crown Updo
This romantic and whimsical updo is perfect for a bride or a bridesmaid. The braided crown adds a touch of fairytale magic to your look. This style is versatile and can be adapted for different hair lengths and textures, providing beautiful braided updo inspiration.
Styling Tip: Loosen the braids slightly for a softer, more bohemian look.
7. Twisted Updo Guides
Twisted updos are a simple and elegant way to add texture and dimension to your hairstyle. These styles are easy to create and can be customized to suit your personal style. Twisted updo guides can show you how to achieve anything from a simple twist to a more complex, interwoven design.
Styling Tip: Use bobby pins to secure the twists in place, making sure to hide them beneath the hair.
8. The Waterfall Braid Updo
The waterfall braid creates a beautiful cascading effect that is both romantic and eye-catching. This updo is perfect for a wedding, prom, or any special occasion where you want to make a statement. It’s a visually stunning style that draws attention.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing spray to add grip to the hair and prevent the braid from slipping.
9. Romantic Updo for Weddings
Searching for the perfect romantic updo for weddings? Consider a soft, flowing style with delicate details. Think loose curls, braids, and floral accents. This look exudes romance and femininity, perfect for your special day.
Styling Tip: Incorporate fresh flowers or jeweled hair accessories to add a touch of sparkle and elegance.
10. Side-Swept Updo
A side-swept updo is a flattering and versatile style that works for almost any occasion. This updo can be styled in various ways, from sleek and polished to loose and textured. This style adds a touch of asymmetry and elegance to your look.
Styling Tip: Create a deep side part for a more dramatic and glamorous effect.
11. Dutch Braid Updo
The Dutch braid is a beautiful and intricate braid that can be incorporated into various updo styles. This braid is created by crossing the strands under each other, which creates a raised effect. It is a stylish and unique alternative to a French braid.
Styling Tip: Practice the Dutch braid beforehand to ensure you can create it smoothly and evenly.
12. Faux Hawk Updo
For an edgier updo look, try the faux hawk. This style mimics the look of a mohawk without actually cutting the hair. It’s a bold and daring choice for a night out or a special event.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold gel or mousse to create the desired shape and texture.
13. French Twist Variation
Elevate your look with a classic French twist with a modern twist. The classic French twist is a timeless style that can be adapted to suit different hair lengths and textures. A slightly messy or textured version adds a contemporary touch.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing spray to add grip and volume to the hair before creating the twist.
14. Low Bun Hacks
Discover low bun hacks to create this simple yet elegant style quickly and easily. Use a sock bun or a hair donut to add volume and shape. These tricks can help you achieve a perfect low bun even if you have fine or thin hair.
Styling Tip: Secure the bun with bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless finish.
15. Pinned Curls Updo
This elegant updo is created by pinning individual curls into place. This style is perfect for a formal event or a wedding. Pinned curls add texture and dimension to your hair, creating a beautiful and romantic look.
Styling Tip: Use hairspray to set the curls and ensure they stay in place throughout the day or night.
16. Gibson Tuck
The Gibson tuck is a vintage-inspired updo that is both elegant and easy to create. This style involves tucking the hair into itself at the nape of the neck. It’s a perfect choice for a romantic or bohemian look.
Styling Tip: Use a decorative comb or hairpin to secure the tuck and add a touch of embellishment.
17. Twisted Half-Up Half-Down
This style combines the elegance of an updo with the free-flowing nature of long hair. The top section of the hair is twisted and pinned back, while the rest of the hair is left loose. It’s a versatile and flattering option for any occasion.
Styling Tip: Curl the loose hair for added volume and texture.
18. Braided Bun
Combine two classic styles into one with a braided bun. This updo involves braiding the hair before creating the bun. The braid adds texture and visual interest to the bun.
Styling Tip: Experiment with different types of braids, such as French braids, Dutch braids, or fishtail braids.
19. Knotted Updo
This modern updo is created by tying the hair into a series of knots. This style is perfect for a night out or a special event. Knotted updos add texture and dimension to your hair, creating a unique and eye-catching look.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the knots in place.
20. Space Buns Updo
This fun and playful updo is perfect for a festival or a casual day out. Space buns are created by dividing the hair into two sections and creating two small buns on either side of the head. This style is youthful and energetic.
Styling Tip: Add glitter or colorful hair clips to enhance the playful vibe.
21. Ponytail Braid Updo
Elevate a simple ponytail with a braid. This style involves braiding a section of the hair and incorporating it into a ponytail updo. The braid adds texture and visual interest to the ponytail.
Styling Tip: Experiment with different types of braids, such as French braids, Dutch braids, or fishtail braids.
22. Top Knot
The top knot is a quick and easy updo that is perfect for busy days. This style involves gathering the hair into a high ponytail and twisting it into a bun on top of the head. It’s a chic and practical option for any occasion.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing spray to add grip and volume to the hair before creating the knot.
23. Waterfall Twist Updo
This elegant updo combines the beauty of a waterfall braid with the simplicity of a twist. This creates a cascade of beautiful hair.
Styling Tip: Secure the twists with bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless finish.
24. Braided Headband Updo
Create a faux headband with a braid. This style involves braiding a section of the hair across the forehead to create the illusion of a headband. It’s a romantic and bohemian option for any occasion.
Styling Tip: Loosen the braid slightly for a more relaxed and effortless look.
25. Loop Braid Updo
This unique updo involves creating a series of loops with the hair and braiding them together. This style is perfect for a formal event or a wedding. Loop braids add texture and dimension to your hair, creating a beautiful and intricate look.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the loops in place.
26. Side Braid Updo
This casual yet elegant updo involves braiding the hair to one side and securing it in place. This style is perfect for a day at the beach or a summer wedding. Side braids add a touch of romance and femininity to your look.
Styling Tip: Add a few flowers or hair accessories to enhance the bohemian vibe.
27. Fishtail Braid Bun
Combine the intricacy of a fishtail braid with the elegance of a bun. This unique updo is perfect for a special occasion.
Styling Tip: Practice the fishtail braid beforehand to ensure you can create it smoothly and evenly.
28. French Braid Bun
A classic combination that’s always in style. This updo is easy to create and adds a touch of sophistication to any look.
Styling Tip: Make sure the braid is tight and secure before creating the bun.
29. Messy Low Chignon
For a relaxed and effortless look, try a messy low chignon. This updo is perfect for a casual date or a weekend brunch. It’s a comfortable yet chic option that requires minimal effort.
Styling Tip: Gently pull out a few strands of hair around your face to soften the look.
30. Dutch Braid Chignon
This elegant updo combines the beauty of a Dutch braid with the sophistication of a chignon. It’s a perfect choice for a formal event or a wedding.
Styling Tip: Make sure the Dutch braid is even and secure before creating the chignon.
31. Twisted Rope Braid Updo
This intricate updo involves twisting two strands of hair together to create a rope braid. The twisted rope braid adds texture and visual interest to your hair.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing spray to add grip and volume to the hair before creating the rope braid.
32. Milkmaid Braid Updo
This romantic updo involves creating two braids and wrapping them around the head like a headband. This style is perfect for a summer wedding or a garden party.
Styling Tip: Loosen the braids slightly for a softer, more bohemian look.
33. Waterfall Twist Chignon
Combine the elegance of a waterfall twist with the sophistication of a chignon. This creates a soft and romantic look.
Styling Tip: Curl the loose hair before twisting for a more dramatic effect.
34. Knotted Ponytail Updo
This modern updo involves tying a ponytail into a series of knots. This creates a unique and eye-catching look.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the knots in place.
35. Side Swept Chignon
This updo involves sweeping all of the hair to one side and creating a chignon. The asymmetry adds a touch of drama.
Styling Tip: Create a deep side part for a more glamorous effect.
36. Low Braided Bun with Accessories
This elegant updo involves braiding the hair into a low bun and adding accessories. Decorative hairpin styles can add sparkle and detail to your look.
Styling Tip: Choose accessories that complement your outfit and the occasion.
37. Half-Up Space Buns
This playful updo involves creating two small buns on the top of the head and leaving the rest of the hair down. This style is perfect for a festival or a casual day out.
Styling Tip: Curl the loose hair for added volume and texture.
38. High Ponytail with Wrap
A sleek and modern take on the classic ponytail. Wrapping a section of hair around the base adds a touch of sophistication.
Styling Tip: Use a smoothing serum to tame frizz and create a polished finish.
39. Loose French Braid Updo
This romantic updo involves creating a loose French braid and securing it into a bun or a chignon. This is great updo for prom, offering a soft and effortless look.
Styling Tip: Gently pull out a few strands of hair to create a softer, more bohemian look.
40. Double Dutch Braid Bun
This intricate updo involves creating two Dutch braids and securing them into a bun. This style is perfect for a special occasion.
Styling Tip: Make sure the Dutch braids are even and secure before creating the bun.
41. Gibson Roll with Flowers
A vintage-inspired updo with a touch of floral elegance. This style is perfect for a wedding or a garden party.
Styling Tip: Choose flowers that complement your hair color and skin tone.
42. Crown Braid with Loose Waves
This bohemian updo combines a crown braid with loose, flowing waves. This style is perfect for a summer wedding or a music festival.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing spray to add grip and volume to the waves.
43. Twisted Bun with Hair Scarf
Add a touch of personality to a simple twisted bun with a colorful hair scarf. This style is perfect for a casual day out.
Styling Tip: Choose a scarf that complements your outfit and your personal style.
44. Messy Braid into Low Bun
A relaxed and effortless updo that combines a messy braid with a low bun. This style is perfect for a casual day out.
Styling Tip: Gently pull out a few strands of hair to create a softer, more bohemian look.
45. Chignon with Jeweled Hairpin
Elevate a classic chignon with a jeweled hairpin. This style is perfect for a formal event.
Styling Tip: Choose a hairpin that complements your outfit and your personal style.
46. Faux Bob Updo
Achieve the look of a bob without cutting your hair. This updo involves tucking the hair under at the nape of the neck.
Styling Tip: Use bobby pins to secure the hair in place.
47. Side Parted Low Bun
A simple and elegant updo that involves parting the hair to the side and creating a low bun.
Styling Tip: Create a deep side part for a more glamorous effect.
48. Twisted Side Ponytail Updo
This elegant updo combines twisted sections of hair with a side ponytail. This is great updo for prom or a special occasion.
Styling Tip: Curl the ponytail for added volume and texture.
49. Half Up Braided Top Knot
Combine the edginess of a top knot with the romance of a braid. This updo is great for anything.
Styling Tip: Keep the braid neat for an elegant look, or loosen it for a more relaxed style.
