An elegant updo does not have to mean a salon appointment. Many of the looks in this collection rely on simple building blocks, such as twists, small rolled ponytails, a French braid or a teased crown, that combine into something that looks intricate. You will find a romantic tucked braid, a deep side-parted knotted bun, a textured low twisted bun, a 1960s-inspired chignon with a poof, a Regency ball braided bun, a headband roll, a big vintage twirl, a bouffant back bun and the classic ballerina bun.
Hair type affects which ones are easiest. Thick or curly hair holds braided and Regency-style buns with lots of grip, while fine, flat hair benefits from teasing and twirls that create volume. Very smooth, straight hair is perfect for sleek chignons but may need texture spray so pins do not slide. Some styles, like the bouffant back bun, are tricky on curls and work better after a quick pass with a flat iron.
Most of these can be dressed up or down: swap a fabric headband for a jewelled one, or leave a few wispy strands out for softness.
1. Easy Braided Updo
A loose French braid is tucked under at the nape for a fully pulled-up look with a romantic, almost medieval feel. Wispy strands are part of the charm, so this is perfect when you want a polished look without chasing perfection.
2. Knotted Bun Updo
A knotted bun sits to one side beneath a deep side part on long hair. It is simple to create yet refined enough for an upscale event, and it holds far better than its soft appearance suggests.
3. Beautiful Twisted Updo
Many small twists are pinned at the back to build a low bun with rich texture. Although the result looks complicated, the technique is repetitive and easy to master with a little practice. Finish with hairspray to keep the twists defined.
4. Formal Updo for Long Hair
Small ponytails rolled into mini buns across the head create an intricate vintage updo. It works on any hair type and can be completed in under twenty minutes once you have the hang of it.
5. Messy Texture, Elegant Shape
A messy low bun with a refined overall shape shows how undone texture can look elegant. Tease the hair for volume and use your fingers instead of a brush so the mess stays deliberate. Finish with a light hairspray to hold the shape.
6. Easy Elegant Headband Updo
Hair rolled around a headband creates a low, simple updo suitable for daily wear. Swap the band for something jewelled or floral to make it formal, or keep a plain fabric one for the office.
7. Chignon with Poof
A sixties-style poof at the crown is combined with a graceful low chignon. Letting a few strands fall loose keeps the look soft, and the style is surprisingly quick to recreate. Tease the crown gently to build the poof, then smooth the top layer.
8. Regency Ball Elegant Updo
Perfect for thick or curly hair, this Regency-inspired updo starts with a mid-height ponytail, leaving a side section free. Braid and twist the pony into a bun, then braid the loose section and wrap it around as a crown.
9. Easy Wrapped Updo
A modern wrapped updo on blonde hair needs only setting spray and pins. It suits every hair type, and teasing the hair first gives the wrap more volume and a better finished shape. Smooth the outer layer with a brush to finish.
10. Ultimate Elegant Updo
This fancy braided updo takes more time but remains achievable. Divide the hair into three sections, backcomb, twist and pin the middle one, then work the sides into braids and twists around it. Plan extra time and a mirror to see the back.
11. Three Minute Woven Updo
Sections from the top of the head and just above the ears are twisted and pinned in different directions to create a woven effect. It looks complex but is one of the quickest options here.
12. No-Frills Elegant Updo
A hair poofer from a beauty supply shop is the secret behind this simple low updo, though a child’s slap bracelet can do the job too. It is casual enough for school or work yet can be dressed up for events.
13. Super Fast Chignon
A low twisted chignon that needs no pins at all is ideal for rushed mornings. It works best on long, straight hair, which can be twisted and tucked into itself to stay in place. Smooth hair with a little serum for a polished result.
14. Big Twirl Updo
The Big Twirl brings volume to flat, fine hair and is equally good for thick hair that feels heavy worn down. This vintage-inspired updo suits the office as well as a dressy evening. Secure the twirl with U-shaped pins for comfort.
15. Bouffant Back Bun
A bouffant back bun moves the volume from the crown to the back of the head. Smooth, straight hair gives a sleek front and a full back; curly hair is easier to manage after flat ironing.
16. Ballerina Bun
The ballerina bun is the classic high updo for any hair type and length. It does not need to be perfectly tidy, and longer or thicker hair naturally creates a bigger, fuller bun. Smooth the ponytail with a brush before twisting it.
17. Elegant Side Bun Updo With A Braid
A French braid runs sideways along the nape from one ear to the other before twisting into a side bun. Easier to style on damp hair, this wedding-inspired look suits any special occasion. Use a strong-hold spray to keep it tidy all day.
Prep that makes updos last
Updos hold best on hair that has some grip. Second-day hair is ideal; if your hair is freshly washed, add a volumising mousse before blow-drying and finish with dry shampoo or texture spray at the roots. Curling straight hair loosely before pinning gives each section more body and makes twists look fuller.
Pinning like a pro
- Use bobby pins to lock sections flat against the head, sliding them in with the ridged side down.
- Use U-shaped hairpins to hold buns and twists without flattening them.
- Criss-cross two pins in an X for the most secure hold under heavier buns.
- Match pin colour to your hair so they disappear.
- Set the finished style with a flexible hairspray, then use a stronger hold on any areas that tend to fall, like the nape.
For special occasions, do a practice run a few days beforehand so you know how long the style takes and where you need extra support.