A casual updo should take minutes, survive a full day and still look as though you made a choice rather than simply tied your hair out of the way. Each of the twenty styles here adds one small idea to a basic ponytail or bun: braided pigtails swirled into twin knots, a deconstructed grunge ponytail, a double twisted side pony, a boho twist around a thin headband, a sculpted bow bun, a flat twist halo, a fishtail chignon, a criss-cross low bun and three tiny twisted buns finished with a bow.
Most of these looks rely on texture. Wavy, curly or day-old hair holds twists and pins much better than freshly blow-dried, slippery strands, and several of the styles specifically say not to brush the hair first. A few, like the wrap-around bun and the bow bun, are exceptions and start from sleek, straight hair.
Length is the other consideration. Medium hair can manage a boho twist, halo bun or pin-curl updo, while chunky braided chignons, fishtail knots and the deconstructed pony look best with hair past the shoulders.
1. Braided Pigtail Twists
Several small braids are gathered into two pigtails, which are then twisted into swirled buns and pinned in place. The result feels youthful without looking childish. Leaving the buns a little messy keeps the style relaxed and suited to weekends or festivals.
2. Casual Updo With A Deconstructed Pony
A grunge-inspired deconstructed ponytail pairs well with almost any casual outfit. Gather the hair, twist once and pin at the nape, then make a few loose braids and push two strands of each up toward the base to create a soft, messy texture.
3. Wrap Around Bun
Wrap a sleek ponytail around its base and pin it in place for a bun that works both casually and formally. Start with straight hair and pin back any bangs. A light mist of hairspray prevents flyaways and keeps the shape neat.
4. Casual Updo With A Double Twisted Pony
Divide the hair diagonally from one temple to the opposite nape and twist each section inward. Where they meet, join them and secure with a scrunchie. The double twist gives an ordinary side pony an interesting, rope-like detail.
5. The Boho Twist Updo
Unbrushed, textured hair is twisted section by section around a thin headband, with the ends tucked out of sight. The boho updo suits medium to long hair and has a carefree, hipster-chic look. Pin wherever extra security is needed.
6. The Loose Top Knot Casual Updo
Gather unbrushed hair into a loose high ponytail, split it in two, twist each half and wrap them around each other. Pinning creates the look of a real knot. The style is ideal on the go and shows off ombre colour especially well.
7. Side Ponytail With A Bouffant And Braid
A low side ponytail gets an upgrade with a braid taken from near the parting and plaited to the ends. Backcomb the crown for volume before forming the pony, then incorporate the braid. It is a cute, quick idea for school or work.
8. Casual Updo With A Lovely Bow Bun
Despite resembling a bun, this bow is a cleverly sculpted ponytail. Split a sleek crown pony into two loops to form the bow, then use the ends to wrap the centre and pin them down. It looks impressive yet is quite simple once practised.
9. Flat Twist Halo
A flat two-strand twist runs around the head like a halo, giving a classic Grecian style a fresh update. Start at the hairline and add hair to the twist as you go until you return to the beginning. Pin the ends neatly out of sight.
10. The Fishtail Knot
Section the hair from ear to ear, fishtail braid the top portion and tie the bottom into a simple knot. Twisting the braid around the knot and pinning it creates a style that looks intricate yet suits any occasion.
11. Braided Under Tuck Casual Updo
Make a small ponytail at the back as a base, then braid the remaining hair in several plaits of different tightness. Each braid is lifted and tucked behind the base with the ends hidden. The result has a relaxed, earthy elegance for any age.
12. Knots Braid Halo With Bangs
Bangs are styled separately, while the rest of the hair is split into two knotted braids made by repeatedly tying two strands together. The braids are pinned across the head above the bangs. Pull a few pieces loose for a romantic touch.
13. The Fishtail Chignon Casual Updo
Split the hair from ear to ear, fishtail a few inches of the top section, then combine it with the lower hair in a ponytail. Twisted and pinned at the nape as a bun, it makes a feminine chignon that suits many outfits.
14. Side Fishtail Ponytail With Curly Ends
Wavy or curly hair is gathered to one side and fishtail braided tightly from low down, stopping a few inches before the ends so the curls show. No elastic is needed. It is chic, effortless and requires only your fingers.
15. Casual Updo From A Fairytail
Several braids are twisted together into a bun, then decorated with favourite hair accessories for a princess-like finish. Textured hair helps the style hold its shape. Creative placement of pins or flowers makes each version unique.
16. The Criss-Cross Casual Bun Updo
Pin the top half back first, then bring strands from the lower section across horizontally from alternating sides and pin them. Finishing with a low bun gives a sophisticated woven look in roughly ten minutes.
17. The Halo Bun
A side-parted lace braid follows the hairline and turns into a twist behind the ear. The rest of the hair is twisted to the ends and shaped into a bun at the nape. It is a fresh, tasteful alternative to a plain casual updo.
18. Messy Pin Up Casual Updo
Textured hair is divided into medium sections, formed into loose pin curls and secured as you go until everything is lifted off the shoulders. Pulling at a few pieces adds a messy, vintage-inspired finish that works for both errands and evenings out.
19. Triple Twisted Buns
Without parting, divide the hair into three sections and twist each into a small bun, pinning them as you go. Three little knots look fun and playful. A colourful bow or clip makes the style even more charming.
20. Wrapped Braided Chignon
Two chunky braids at the corners of the nape are wrapped around a simple chignon formed from the remaining hair. The braids completely hide the elastic. The style looks classy and gives even casual clothes a refined, polished air.
Picking an everyday updo for your schedule
If you have five minutes, stick to single-step ideas: a loose top knot, a wrap-around bun or a side fishtail with curly ends. With ten to fifteen minutes, try the criss-cross bun, the halo bun or the braided pigtail swirls. Save multi-braid looks such as the braided under tuck or the fairytale updo for slower mornings or weekends, at least until you have practised them a few times.
Small tricks that make casual styles hold
- Spray dry shampoo at the roots before you begin; it adds grip and a little lift.
- Slide bobby pins in with the wavy side down, and cross two pins in an X for heavy sections.
- Pull braids apart gently with your fingertips before pinning to make them look thicker.
- Keep a small claw clip in your bag in case pins start to slip by late afternoon.
- A scrunchie or ribbon in a contrasting colour turns a simple ponytail-based style into an outfit detail.