The updo is a popular hairstyle for women that has been a fashion trend in recent years. Updo hairstyles are generally chic looks that can elevate your style for a classy finish. If you want to try a new look, these stylish updos will work with different hair lengths and textures to create stunning styles. Whether you have medium or long hair, there are several great updo styles that will make you feel gorgeous and confident.
Some women will want an elegant updo for a fancy event that requires a formal look, while others may prefer a cute low updo style for easy everyday wear. As a versatile choice, you can experiment with a half-up hairstyle to keep only some of your hair tied up or find styling options that feature a bun, knot, braid or bangs.
With so many different styles, it can be hard choosing a simple way to wear your hair up.
To inspire you, we’ve compiled a list of the best updo hairstyles. From sexy to easy and cute options, explore these popular updo styles to find beautiful looks.
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Updo Hairstyles
Updo For Medium Length Hair
The updo can be a timeless hairstyle for medium length hair that offers versatile styling options for a cute look. With medium hair, updos can be casual and easy or elegant and formal to suit your desired look. Whether you feature buns, knots, braids or a combination of designs, the medium length updo hairstyle is a fashionable option that will look great on all women.
Low Updo
The low updo is a fashionable hairstyle that can still exude classic beauty and elegance for a stunning finish. The low bun style offers a polished and classy look that you can combine with braids, twists, pin curls and bangs to create an amazing feminine hairstyle. If you want to stand out at any event, the low bun updo will elevate your outfit for a flawless look.
Cute Updo
Cute updos are beautiful hairstyles that work well for prom night, formal events and date nights. These attractive updo styles can be casual and easy to create for women who need a functional look but still want to look and feel beautiful. For more formal events, a trendy and sexy updo with a twisted bun, braided hair or bangs in the front might offer the hottest look.
Half Up Half Down
The half up half down is a versatile hairstyle that provides an attractive and modern look for women who want a cute low-maintenance style. Half up hairstyles offer a great balance between trendy and easy, making these styles perfect for medium length hair that you want out of your face but still designed to look pretty. You can add braids, buns or knots to feature unique elements for a beautiful finish.
Elegant Updo
The elegant updo is a timeless hairstyle that looks fancy and can take a semi-formal to formal outfit to the next level. These trendy updo styles can be simple with a low bun for a timeless look or chic and elaborate for the perfect wedding hair. From braids to buns and knots, there are many classy updo hairstyles that you can pull off for any nice occasion.
Spiral Curl Updo
A few loose ringlets can add a lot to your look. Without the curls, this style would likely look much stiff and reserved. However, with the stray pieces falling around her face and shoulders, it looks straightforward and elegant.
Updo with Flowers
Flowers and hair have been paired together for many centuries, but even in the modern era, they can be used as a unique statement piece. By weaving a few sprigs of your favorite small flower into the base of your updo, you will be sure to turn heads.
Braids Updo
Everyone loves chunky braids. Both stylish and reserved, this updo is perfect for anyone that wants to add a little personality to their look. The layered braid look can be challenging to put together, but the result is worth the time and effort.
Braid Crown Updo
Elegant and timeless, the braided crown has been a favorite style for centuries. Unlike medieval updos, this modern twist on the braid crown is an excellent way to show off your contrasting highlights.
Simple Messy Knot Updo
When it comes to messy knot updos, there is nothing wrong with a easy and low-maintenance design. It is the updo for the girl-on-the-go, featuring messy, undone ends and lots of bobby pins. The knot is so easy that you can adjust your bobby pins on-the-go if they start to slip out during your daily activities.
The Fishtail, Twist, Knot, and Spiral Updo
Nowadays, women are going bolder than ever before with their updos. This stunning combination updo features many braids, twists, knots, and even some loose spiral curls! Perfect for a bride or prom, this modern updo is a beautiful choice for any woman.
Elegant Flower Bun
A classic voluminous low bun with swooping bangs is a stunning style that looks gorgeous with lovely flowers While you can add herbs to updos of any kind, there is something particularly regal about pairing them with a low bun. This magical look is sure to draw the eye of everyone in the room, whether you’re the bride or not.
All-Business Bun
This business professional bun is simple and stylish for women who need a work-appropriate hairstyle. This twisted bun puts a new spin on the modern styles available to elegant working women.
Cute Bun Updo
Voluminous hair says luxury, and there is nothing that says extravagance like this giant, chic Bun. Sporting a small bouffant up top, anyone with this Bun will feel like they’re worth a million dollars. While some are simple and low-maintenance, this luxurious look is an amazing option worth trying.
Simple Low Updo with Knot
As a picturesque creation, the low knot-bun is a cute hairstyle that combines a knot and bun for a perfect finish. Featuring comfortable, natural waves, any woman can feel confident with this simple wedding look.
Front Spiral Updo
Any pretty low knot can look better with a cascading spiral in the front. With this swooping curl framing your face, you will be able to bring extra attention to your fabulous low-knot.
Braid and Knot Updo
This full, twisted knot is an excellent way to make a statement today. Every girl is going to want this look for homecoming or prom. To feature a large and winding French braid, the braid ‘n’ knot is a look any modern girl will love.
Jewelry For Your Updo
A simple-yet-elegant updo can be transformed into something spectacular with the addition of a little bling. With some hair jewelry, you will see the difference between a little chic and completely magnificent.
Braided Crystal Twist Updo
Braids and twists are growing increasingly popular and look stunning when you add crystal hairpieces into the style. This edgy and over-the-top mix is what you will want if you want to bring attention to yourself when you walk into a room. Every bride should have some hair crystals.
Loose Updo
Some loose hair in the front can add a casual look to your updo. Leave down your natural waves to frame your face and subtract any stiffness from your low-knot.
The Ins and Outs Updo
Updos that are this delicate should be done by your stylist because only they will know the ins and outs of weaving your hair together to make such a masterpiece. This classy look is ideal for any wedding, school dance, or formal event.
A Big Twisted Updo
Just featuring lots of twists and turns, this combination bun is an eye-catching look for any woman that wants everyone to look her way. With a couple of strands left loose up front, this elaborate hairstyle still looks inviting and effortless.
Stern Classic Updo
For the woman that wants to be taken seriously, this low-bun is the perfect solution. A clean take on the classic bun, this updo is both business-appropriate and fashion-forward.
Braided Bun
A messier take on the Bun, this French braid-and-bun combination is a modern updo that will take anyone’s breath away. With a little volume at the crown, this updo is complicated in all the right ways.
Tousled Low Knot
This low knot says that you’re a busy woman in a hurry, and in this day and age, there is nothing wrong with that. Women working to have it all should be treasured, respected and valued. Requiring many bobby pins, you can do this look yourself.
Fancy Updo with Bling
Women love adding a little bling to their bridal look. This low bun has a shimmery beautiful barrette that is sure to sparkle.
Twisty Knot Updo
Low knots are popular and on-trend right now with so many ways to keep the look fresh and unique. These twists turn into a lovely low-knot that is unexpected.
Hair Bouquet Updo
With bobby pins and the right stylist, you can turn your updo into a hair bouquet for a classy look.
Crowned Updo
Some romantic spirals, a crown of flowers, and a messy flat knot can go a long way. After placing the crown on your head, you will feel like the fairy princess you were always born to be.
Chic and Easy Updo
With these fierce pin-curls, the party in the back is one you will want to go to. Leave a lovely spiral in the front to make it look a little more casual.
Gorgeous Complex Knot
This complicated knot should be put together by a stylist because, while it looks simple, it is a complex design. Several twists and bobby pins must be placed for you to pull off this dazzling updo.
Angelic Bride Updo
If you like pure perfection, this updo might be the right bridal choice for a beautiful and elegant look. With some twists and turns, it is an angelic look, perfect for the bride that wants all eyes on her.
Big Drama Updo
If you like dramatic hairstyles, this updo may be a match made in heaven. Tall, voluminous, and full of product and pins, this hair is more of a statement than anything. Whether you have a cool party to attend or date night with your significant other, you’ll be the diamond in the room with this striking hairdo.
Artistic Updo
This updo is the classic woman that wants to look a little artsy, a little unique, and maybe even a little disheveled (in a good way). Loose pieces make for a romantic, effortless look.
Modern Classic Updo
This updo hairstyle features a bun, a braid, and a little bling. This modern take on the big bun is ideal for any bride that wants everyone to remember how beautiful she looked on her special day.
Bunched Updo
A braid and some strategic twisting make this romantic knot. A lot of hair is required for this look, so your stylist may need to install some extensions if your hair is short. The extra time will be worth this result, though. No matter where you’re going, this elegant updo is perfect for any femme.
Nape Twist
This soft low-twist is a simple and sweet look worth exploring. Just add a little shimmer in the form of a barrette, and you’re ready for a lunch date night out, or an outdoor wedding.
Roman Queen Updo
In Ancient Rome, it was commonplace to wear an olive branch in a crown of braids. Whether you have Italian roots or not, this is a classic throwback that everyone will love.
Curly Knot
With some heat curls and some pins, you can create this elegant look quite easily. Though it may look quite difficult, this updo can be done at home. If you’re a teenage girl going to homecoming or a twenty-something getting ready for a date, this is for you.
Natural Romantic Updo
Embracing the natural flow of hair is what makes this so successful. With a large, slightly disheveled bun and a simple, swooping braid, this is a look for any woman anytime.
Bun and Bob Updo
This large, tight low-bun looks breathtaking with the front left down. Emulating a bob up front is a new and unique take on 1920s fashion.
Messy Updo
A messy knot and some loose strands are the right way to say “I care enough, but not too much.” It can be done with natural hair, using bobby pins and styling products.
Princess Braid and Bun
This taut, classic bun is perfectly framed with a thick, bountiful braid. With a small bouffant on top, this elegant look is a showstopper.
Low Double-Twist
Some looks that look natural are not. With multiple twists leading to a large middle twist, you will need the help of a friend to achieve this brunch look.
Loosely Curled Updo
The trick to this full, spiral-laden updo is the curls. Whether you want to apply heat curls or do pin curls before you go to bed, you will have to be sure to master those spirals before attempting this style.
Braided Faux Hawk
This fabulous faux hawk may be the right updo for an edgy look. With braids, curls and twists, this will take your stylist some time. To get the right look, you’ll want to invest some time in the salon chair. This faux hawk masterpiece is well worth every moment spent.
Chunky Braided Updo
Updos with chunky braids are a stylish option that suits many different occasions and outfits. Whether you want to show off pieces of lavender or a whole head of emerald green, these big braids are sure to look fabulous on you.
Tousled Updo
While time and energy went into this low-sitting updo, it still manages to like you didn’t try. Since that’s a good thing today, you might as well let loose and go for a more tousled style.
1960s Bun
This massive bun is a nod to the voluminous look that was popular in the 1960s. With an icy barrette to modernize it, this high bun is a way to bring 1965 to 2017.
Triple Knot
This tricky updo features three large knots. They twist in and out of one another to create one finished piece. Able to be worn to a wedding, to a party, or even to brunch, the triple knot is a way to let everyone know that you put some effort into your hair.
Woven Updo
This low-knot is classic elegance but we don’t recommend it as a DIY style. Best for a bride or homecoming queen, this professionally executed knot will take a few hours in the salon chair.
Loose Base Braid Updo
By placed right at the nape of the neck, this big, loose braid can be worn for any formal occasion. Romantic and country chic, this is for any woman that wants to look lovely without looking too dramatic.
French Braid Knot
A low, messy knot with a simple French Braid can turn any lunch date into something special. Perfect for summer or fall, this updo can be worn anywhere.
Complex Romantic Updo
An extremely laborious updo, this style is best worn by brides or prom princesses. You are sure to light up an entire room with this braided, twisted, pinned look. You may like to add some dimension, consider colored highlights as shown in the picture. Soft silver-blue and peach add an extra element to this flowered dream. While you can pick any color you want, you should highly consider a contrasting color to add a little something extra.
Unique Updo Styling
The odds are that you have never seen an updo like this. This beautiful style is a head-turner for special occasions, but there aren’t many other places you could sport this look. This one will take your stylist some time; don’t waste those hours in the salon chair!
Graceful Twist and Knot Updo
This loose twist and low knot are easy enough to do yourself, which is great since this look is perfect for day looks. After all, not everyone has their stylist ready to give them a Sunday brunch makeover.
Modern Bride Updo
This taut-knot is perfect for any special occasion. With a swoop and some twists, this will be lovely for any face shape.
Show-Stopping French Braid Updo
This dramatic French braid is twisted upside-down. Rather than many alternative styles that leave all of the volumes in the bottom, this look embraces a more voluminous top. Topped with sexy, full pin-curls, this look is runway ready.
Big Curls and Little Flowers Updo
The big, country curls are straight from a dream. By complementing this updo with a small crown of flowers, you have a lovely look for an outdoor wedding!
Brushed Back Updo with Bun
This sultry style is easy to do yourself. With some backcombing, a little hairspray, bobby-pinks, and a hair donut, this low bun and voluminous-crown could be your next dinner date look. This simple at-home hairdo can make any woman feel like a million bucks.
Criss-Cross Updo
This sophisticated hairstyle keeps you guessing. Even after several glances, it is hard to follow the one-of-a-kind patterns throughout the style. Featuring chunky braids and twists, this massive knot should only be attempted by professionals.
Continuous Braid Updo
While only those with long hair will be able to pull off this hairdo, it is worth getting extensions or taking some time to let your hair grow. This chunky, infinite braid wraps around the back of the head for an elegant look.
Beautiful Prom Updo
This prom updo hairstyle is a classic style for girls who want princess curls that will look gorgeous on the dance floor. With a small bouffant, you will look glamorous and beautiful at any school dance.
Layered and Elegant Updo
Every bride loves a little hair jewelry in this day and age. These swooping, elegant layers of hair create shape and volume, unlike any other updo. Loose twists create this large-scale fishtail braid, held in place by the small pieces of jewelry. Add a little backcombing at the crown, and you will drop jaws everywhere.
Celtic Knot
As complex as a Celtic knot, this look is best suited for brides or prom-goers. Suitable only for special occasions, you will want to visit your salon for this great twisted knot. Be sure that you are ready to spend some time with your hairstylist; it may take them a few tries before you are both happy with the finished product.
Spirals, Curls and Braids Updo
This braided updo is a stunning style that requires effort for a perfect finish. From the tight, prominent French braid to the sweet spiral and romantic curls, this look is ideal for any special occasion! While you may want to save it for homecoming or prom, you can wear this updo anywhere.
Bountiful Curled Updo
If you have thick hair, this will be a fabulous updo match for you. This bountiful knot sits lowly, and therefore, it can hold the weight of your hair. If you have a hard time finding updos that work for you due to your thick hair, this one will certainly be worth a try.
Classic and Simple Updo
While this may look like bunched buns, this is a grandiose knot that can elevate any style. These faux buns are a new take on the classic bun style. Still elegant like a single bouffant bun, the extra twists and knotting make this look stand out.
The “More Is More” Updo
This beautiful tight French braid ends with a curly, twisted knot. Based on this style, we have to say that it is a good match. With the face framed with beautiful, pronounced spirals, any woman that chooses this hairdo knows that she wants to be the center of attention.
Bridal Twist and Jewels Updo
Romantic and feminine, this low-knot is the perfect nest for a vine of glimmering hair jewels. Organic hairstyles are on trend right now, and this bridal updo fits the part. Though it appears natural and comfortable, it is still breathtakingly graceful.
Low Braid Style
We will never get tired of chunky braids, and this ‘do is another example of a big braid done well. Knotted together elegantly by a patient stylist, this low-braid could be worn on any particular day in a woman’s life, whether it is a wedding date or a graduation date. With or without hair jewelry, this braid is an attractive addition to any look.
Woven Updo
A fishtail braid pairs with a woven knot in ways that many could not imagine. This updo is the kind of look for any woman that wants to be noticed in a crowd. Complicated in all the right ways, this style is editorial but can be more casual if necessary! You can even sport this on a date with your special someone.
Hipster Chic Updo
There is beauty in simplicity. A quiet, unkempt topknot with loose hair falling around the shoulders is the type of look that any modern woman would want to wear out for coffee, to the park, or even to class. Add some flowers for a little bit of hipster flair. After all, the hipster look is in!
Pins and Bling Updo
This updo hairstyle with a shimmery floral barrette can be a great look for prom. You’ll want to pair the style with a matching necklace and this high, voluminous knot will bring you the utmost confidence in pictures.
Glitter Band Updo
Sometimes, a simple accessory can make a huge difference. If you place a slim, glittery headband over a disheveled low-knot, you will have a quick, date-ready look for any weekend.
Flower-Bed Updo
A large natural flower-scape can complement a messy knot-bun. With some curls to add a bit of texture, this organic updo can many any woman feel beautiful.
Classically Curled Updo
While curls are commonplace in many updos, you can take the hairstyle to the next level with a lace band. By pinning up a high, curly knot with a little bit of backcombing, you will look sophisticatedly striking. A lace headband only elevates the regal nature of this style.
Updo with A Pop of Pearls
This side-swept hairdo is simple with the right amount of twists to make it interesting. With the small pearls lain atop the bottom of the volume, you will have a new spin on a known classic. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, speak to your stylist about adding a pop of color as pictured. It only makes this updo look even better!
Pastel Braid-Knot
If you have pastel hair, you will be able to emulate this look with any shade. This lavender and baby pink take is a glance at what happens when you braid two contrasting colors. Even if you are sporting something a little bit more natural, his aesthetically pleasing braid-knot will look good on anyone.
Beautiful Big Updo
Having a lot of hair can be either right or wrong for an updo. Many are concerned about the weight of their hair affecting the structural integrity of the style, but this mostly pinned updo can withstand the weight. With enough bobby pins, you are sure to rock this look all day!
Romantic Ringlets Updo
With a few pieces of hair jewelry and many curls, this updo can be styled for brunch, homecoming, a wedding or a day date. With some bobby pins, you or your stylist can put this style together more quickly than some more complicated updos. The versatility of this romantic look makes it an excellent choice for women of all backgrounds.
Classy Updo
This classy updo style looks timeless as-is but you don’t have to wear the twisted knot to the left. With many zigzags and swoops, the knot is not the only impressive part of this updo. Just a little volume on top makes this classic right for all faces of all shapes and sizes.
Low and Tucked Updo
With a bouffant on top and a twisted, tucked bun, this is a simple look that can be worn out to dinner, to a school dance, or even just at home! This tucking method sounds more complicated than it is, but with bobby pins and deft fingers, you can recreate this hairdo at home.
Peek-A-Boo Updo
Every woman loves a look with the element of surprise. From the front, this high bun looks spectacular, but it is the back that you will love the most. Some hair jewelry just beneath a big bun gives a little-unexpected glamour to a classic updo.
Types of Updos
When it comes to creating the style, finding the perfect updo hairstyle can be tricky. Whether you want a casual or formal look, updos are cute and feminine styles that provide an elegant option. Some women need an updo for medium length hair and others can create a more elaborate style with longer hair. From tousled knots to voluminous buns, there are many different types of updos to explore.
Knot Updo
The knot updo is a timeless top knot hairstyle that is low-maintenance, comfortable and cute. This pretty bun style can add a unique and fashionable finish to your look.
Bun Updo
The bun is one of the most popular hairstyles for women who want a simple and versatile look. Perfect for casual wear, bun styles offer an easy way to tie up your hair and still look cute.
Braided Updo
The braided updo is an amazing hairstyle that can add flair to your look, creating a chic and elegant style that will stand out. From the fishtail to the waterfall and three-strand, there are many braided updo styles to consider.
Combinations
For a truly fancy hairstyle, some updos have a combination of knots, buns and braids. Perfect for formal occasions, these complex and intricate updo styles should be reserved for brides, bridesmaids and classy events.
