Long hair gives you volume to work with, but it can also make updos feel heavy or slow. This gallery focuses on styles that come together quickly: a three-minute high bun, a rolled low chignon, a double knot ponytail, a pretzel chignon and a triple stacked bun, alongside braided looks such as a fishtail halo with a bun, a chunky halo braid, a Dutch braid crown and a braided low bun that stays put all day.
The weight of long hair is the main thing to plan for. Braiding before wrapping a bun keeps strands contained, and splitting hair into two or three smaller sections, as in the stacked bun and the double knot pony, spreads the load so nothing drags. Very thick hair may need U-pins or a sturdy claw clip rather than small bobby pins.
Texture matters too. Second-day hair and natural waves hold messy buns and rolls better than slippery, freshly washed hair, so use dry shampoo or texture spray for grip. Fine hair gains fullness from teasing at the crown before you start.
1. Loose Braid and Chignon
Classic chignons suit formal and professional settings, but texture keeps them from looking stiff. Here a loose braid and wavy side bangs give the low bun an easy, relaxed feel while still looking neat enough for the office or an evening event.
Inspiration: @kykhair
2. Large Messy Bun
Extra length turns into impressive volume in this large, low twisted bun. Deliberate messiness adds texture and makes the bun look even fuller, so long hair becomes an advantage rather than something to tame. Secure it with a few U-pins.
Inspiration: @nicoledrege
3. Elegant Updo with a Barrette
Tease the roots, twist the lengths, pin it up and add a jewelled barrette, and this simple chignon becomes special-occasion ready. Without the accessory, the bun is casual enough to wear any day of the week.
Inspiration: @tonyastylist
4. Voluminous Balayage Updo
A voluminous loopy bun with balayage looks refined when the sides swoop down slightly and the face-framing layers are given a gentle curl. It transitions smoothly from a busy workday to a night out. Pin it loosely for softness.
Inspiration: @sunkissedandmadeup
5. Two Braids and Ponytail
Two chunky Dutch braids leading into a low ponytail look more complicated than they are. Thick, long hair makes the plaits especially bold, and bright colour adds a unique twist to this sporty style. Finish with a soft elastic.
Inspiration: @thehairstandard
6. Braided and Rolled Updo
Wispy braids woven into a lavender-and-silver roll create a soft, romantic updo. Tucking the hair away gives a polished impression even when the texture is deliberately messy. Pancake the braids slightly before pinning them into the roll so they look fuller and softer.
Inspiration: @chitabeseau
7. Swirled Bun with a Fishtail
Turn an ordinary twisted bun into a statement with a fishtail braid at the back. Balayage highlights woven through the plait show off the colour and add visual and textural interest. Pancake the fishtail gently for extra width.
Inspiration: @goldplaited_
8. Low Braided Bun
Strands slipping out of a bun are a common frustration with long hair. Braiding first and then wrapping the plait into a bun keeps everything together and adds lovely texture. Secure the bun with spiral pins for extra hold.
Inspiration: @blondeme_bykim
9. Soft Low Rolled Chignon
Sleek updos can still have volume. Tease the roots for lift before rolling the hair into a soft, low chignon, which works for dressy days as well as grand occasions. Pin it loosely at the nape for a soft finish.
Inspiration: @annette_updo_artist
10. Wavy Low Ponytail
Show off wavy hair with a low ponytail, elevated by wrapping a section of hair around the elastic for a sleek finish. Swoop the sides slightly to add elegance. Hide the elastic with a bobby pin tucked under the wrap.
Inspiration: @_hairbygabrielle
11. Fishtail Halo Braid and Bun
Wrap a fishtail braid around the crown and gather the rest into a low bun. The style is simple to do but looks effortless and elegant in equal measure. Pin the halo braid along the crown so it stays flat and secure.
Inspiration: @circlesofhair
12. Messy Braided Updo
Messy snake braids of varying sizes wind across the back of the head for a boho look. They highlight ombre or balayage beautifully, and pastel colour makes the updo festival-ready. Tug the plaits gently to make them fuller.
Inspiration: @braidstudio
13. Side Fishtail Braid
Romantic and practical, a side fishtail braid tames very long hair while showing off its length. An ombre adds dimension to the woven pattern. Pull the edges of each section gently to widen the braid, and tie it off with a small clear elastic for a neat finish.
Inspiration: @nicoledrege
14. Careless-Looking Top Knot
Toss your hair up into a top knot and you are ready to go. This careless-looking bun gets hair out of your way in seconds, offers cool-girl appeal and shows off every shade of balayage.
Inspiration: @sunkissedandmadeup
15. Sloppy Fishtail Updo
A fishtail along one side of the head, pulled back into a loose chignon, gives long hair polish while keeping plenty of body and texture. Loosen the braid slightly before pinning it into the chignon, and leave a few pieces out around the face for softness.
Inspiration: @kellymccormickhair
16. Lilac Half-Down Updo
Bored of ponytails? This half-down style keeps long lengths on show while an intricate bun on top adds glamour. Piecey lilac highlights give it a feminine finish. Tease the crown lightly before twisting the bun so it has height, then pin it securely.
Inspiration: @dawnbradleyhair
17. Chunky Halo Braid
A chunky halo braid around the crown is an easy updo for long hair. Pull at the plait to fan it out and leave a few thin pieces at the front for a softer, slightly messy feel.
Inspiration: @kellgrace
18. Intricate Bun and Ponytail Updo
A wispy bun paired with a wavy ponytail creates a fuller half-up style for special occasions. A jewelled barrette adds vintage glamour to the finished look. Curl the ponytail with a large-barrel iron first so the waves stay soft and full beneath the bun.
Inspiration: @chrisweberhair
19. Voluminous Low Bun
Extra long hair naturally provides enough volume for a stunning twisted low bun, so there is no need for extensions or padding. Make it smooth and polished or soft and messy. Use spiral pins to keep the weight secure.
Inspiration: @goldplaited_
20. Sleek Nape Bun
Streamlined and modern, this sleek nape bun is wrapped with a section of hair for a minimal, catwalk-ready finish. It suits weddings, red carpets and formal dinners alike. Smooth the hair with a little gel or serum and secure the bun tightly at the nape.
Inspiration: @jenniekaybeauty
21. Easy Pretzel Chignon
Fine hair responds especially well to this pretzel chignon. Part to one side, tease the crown and smooth the top, twist and pin, then loop the rest into a pretzel shape and pin again. It looks different every time.
22. Triple Stacked Bun
Brush hair back and create three ponytails, one beneath the other. Twist each around your finger, pin it in place and spray. The stacked bun looks intricate but is very quick. Use clear elastics for a neat finish.
23. Ballerina Bun with Braids
Braid a few sections anywhere you like, then gather everything into a ponytail, braid it and wrap it into a ballerina bun. A few loose strands only add to the charm. Use spiral pins for heavy hair.
24. Dutch Braid Crown
Second-day hair is ideal for this Dutch braid crown. Braid along the hairline, pin the plait in a crown shape, then twist the rest into a loose, messy bun. Pull the braid gently to widen it before pinning.
25. Rolled Low Chignon
Make a low ponytail and slide the elastic down toward the shoulder blades. Flip the ends up and roll the hair toward the nape, then pin it and secure the sides if needed. Finish with a light hairspray.
26. Three-Minute High Bun
Pull hair into a high ponytail, looping it only halfway through on the last pass. Wrap the ends around the base, tug the bun to loosen it, and pin. Done in about three minutes. Mist with hairspray to finish.
27. Soft Wavy Tuck
Best for hair well past the shoulders, this soft wavy tuck looks feminine and romantic. Add a hair accessory for extra polish on a date or a relaxed weekend. Curl the hair loosely before tucking it.
28. Double Knot Ponytail
Pretty enough for a wedding, quick enough for the office: divide hair into two sections, twist them and tie them into a knot twice to form this double knot ponytail. Mist with hairspray so the knots hold.
29. Messy Mahogany Updo
Curly hair makes this messy mahogany updo effortless. It leaves plenty of room for strands to fall freely and looks relaxed yet deliberate. Curl the lengths with a large-barrel iron first, then pin sections loosely at the crown and leave some ringlets free around the face.
30. Easy Headband Tuck Updo
A chunky headband does most of the work in this Greek-style tuck. Simply roll the lengths into the band for a perfect summer, festival or everyday updo. Choose a band that grips well and tuck the hair in small sections so it stays secure all day.
Pins, elastics and how to place them
- Use spiral pins or U-pins for heavy buns; they grip more hair with less pressure.
- Insert bobby pins with the wavy side down, sliding them against the direction of the bun.
- Choose snag-free elastics or coils to avoid breakage, especially on the same spot each day.
- For buns that keep sliding, anchor a small ponytail first and pin the bun to it.
Making long hair updos comfortable
Headaches from updos usually come from tight elastics and too much weight in one place. Position buns low when you are wearing them for many hours, and switch the placement from day to day to avoid tension on the same follicles. Loosen the hair slightly at the hairline by pulling out a few pieces; this softens the look and reduces pull. Before bed, take the style down and loosely braid the lengths to keep them from tangling.