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Like some hairstyles for one-shulder dresses, the updo is fabulous for any occasion, as it’s multifaceted, trendy, and easy to assemble.
Therefore, it’s little surprise that updo hairstyles have been a go-to style for women for years, with lots of ways to wear this classic look for something a little different.
In this article, we run through 12 updo hairstyles you can turn to for any occasion, be it a wedding, a day at the office, or your next birthday bash!
Knowing about updo hairstyle
An updo hairstyle is any style where the hair is gathered and secured above the shoulders, often using some accessories like pins and ties. It’s simple in idea but versatile in practice, which is why people continue to choose it.
Many like updos because they keep hair tidy, stay put for long hours, and work for both casual days and special events. They help highlight the face, pair well with accessories, and reduce the need for constant styling.
Updos have been around for thousands of years, appearing in ancient cultures and later becoming common in European courts and early Hollywood films. Their popularity has shifted with fashion trends, but the style has never disappeared.
Today, updos remain widely used—seen at weddings, workplaces, red carpets, and all over social media tutorials. The modern appeal comes from their balance of practicality and polish: they’re easy to adapt and suitable for nearly any occasion.
1. Crown braid
As for braided updo hairstyles, the crown braid is the spot-on look. We also rate this as one of the best updo hairstyles for weddings. Work the braiding around the crown of your head and add accessories like pins or flowers, depending on the occasion. The result will be a regal upbraid that will turn heads for the right reasons, whether you’re the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest.
5-step guide to creating a crown braid:
Step 1: Brush your hair to remove tangles, then part it down the middle to create two equal sections.
Step 2: Begin from one side and braid it into a classic three-strand braid, securing the end with a small elastic.
Step 3: Repeat the braid on the other side, making sure both braids are similar in tightness.
Step 4: Take one braid and wrap it over the top of your head like a headband, pinning it in place with bobby pins.
Step 5: Cross the second braid over or behind the first and pin it securely. Tuck the ends under the braids and adjust for comfort and shape.
2. Pinned back
One of the classiest ways to wear an updo is to pin it back. Bobby pins are the top-choice tool to use, and you can hold the style together with a dry texture spray.
To achieve the look, comb back the sides with a small teasing brush and hold it in place with a band or scrunchie. This cute updo hairstyle is very much trending in 2025 and is impressive for all smart occasions.
Guide:
Step 1: Brushed, dry your hair. Decide whether you want a middle or side part.
Step 2: Take a small section of hair from one side of your face about temple to ear.
Step 3: Twist or smooth the section back toward the crown, keeping it flat or slightly lifted depending on the look you want.
Step 4: Secure it with one or two bobby pins, placing them in an X-shape for better hold.
Step 5: Repeat on the other side, or leave it as a single-side pin for an asymmetrical style.
3. Curly updo
Who said updos are the reserve of women with straight hair? Updo hairstyles for curly hair are a stunning look in 2025, which showcases stunning texture and depth.
Consider rolling your hair into micro curls and using a curling product to accentuate them. You can then showcase your curly updo at any special event you’re attending in the near future.
Tutorial:
Step 1: Naturally curly hair or curl your hair using a wand or rollers for added texture.
Step 2: Lightly separate and fluff the curls with your fingers to create volume. Avoid brushing to keep the curl pattern intact.
Step 3: Gather the hair loosely toward the back or crown. Leave a few curls around the face if you want a softer look.
Step 4: Twist the gathered section into a loose bun or roll. You should let some curls fall naturally for an effortless finish.
Step 5: Pin the bun in place with bobby pins, securing from multiple angles so it feels stable but still soft.
Step 6: Adjust the curls around the bun, pull a few out or tuck some in until you like the shape.
4. Pony updo
There’s undoubtedly a cross-over between the updo and the ponytail, and we’re all for it. A pony updo requires shape and depth, so try brushing your hair up at the front and pinning your pony high at the back. This way, your pony is a little more sophisticated, and it’s an easy updo hairstyle that anyone can achieve at home.
Guide:
Step 1: Brush your hair and gather it into a mid or high ponytail.
Step 2: Secure the ponytail with a strong elastic and tug at the crown to add a bit of volume.
Step 3: Take the ponytail and twist it loosely from base to ends.
Step 4: Wrap the twisted ponytail around its base to form a soft bun.
Step 5: Pin the bun in place using bobby pins. Secure from multiple sides so it feels stable.
Step 6: Pull out a few strands around the face or loosen parts of the bun.
5. Short half updo
A stunning updo hairstyle for short hair is this short half updo. Using the Laifen Swift Special, blow dry your hair so it flows back from the front. A flat iron can also help you to achieve the swept-back look that’s a signature of this style. Good enough for all hair colors and shapes, this half updo is easy to maintain and will be a firm favorite if you try it this year.
Tutorial:
Step 1: Add a bit of texture spray if your hair is very smooth to help it hold.
Step 2: Use your fingers to gather the top section of your hair. Leave the sides and bottom layers down.
Step 3: Decide on your style: smooth and neat, or slightly tousled for a softer look. Lightly tease the crown if you want extra volume.
Step 4: Secure the gathered section with a small elastic, clip, or a couple of bobby pins. Keep it snug but not too tight.
Step 5: Adjust the front pieces and the half-up section until the shape feels balanced. Loosen a few strands around your face if you prefer a relaxed feel.
6. Micro braids
Another hairstyle for updo with braids that has captured the imagination in 2025 is the micro braids updo. Rather than leaving your wavy micro braids to cascade down your back, you can pin them into a stylish updo for a different look. Simply pin the micro braids into a top knot and let the others flow down to your shoulders.
Guide:
Step 1: Detangle your hair. Apply a light leave-in conditioner or oil so the strands are smooth and easy to separate.
Step 2: Decide where you want the micro braids: scattered throughout, framing the face, or placed evenly across the head.
Step 3: Use a tail comb to section off a very small piece of hair, roughly the width of a toothpick.
Step 4: Divide that tiny section into three equal strands and begin a tight, neat three-strand braid all the way to the end.
Step 5: Secure the tip with a small elastic if your hair unravels easily; otherwise, leave it as is.
Step 6: Repeat the process with more small sections until you achieve the pattern or amount of micro braids you want.
7. Double knot updo
If you’re looking for beginner easy updo hairstyles, the double knot is hard to ignore. Suited to women with thick hair, the double knot invites you to pin two bunches of your hair. You can do two at the back or one on either side of your head. If you have particularly thick hair, you can even try a triple-knot updo.
Guide:
Step 1: Add a bit of texture spray if your hair is very smooth to help the knots hold.
Step 2: Split your hair into two equal sections, left and right, as if you’re about to make pigtails.
Step 3: Tie the two sections together in a loose knot at the back of your head, just like tying the first step of shoelaces.
Step 4: Tie a second knot right under or on top of the first.
Step 5: Use bobby pins to secure the knots in place, pinning from different angles so they feel stable.
Step 6: Tuck in any loose ends, or pull out a few face-framing pieces for a softer loook.
8. Minimalist bun
Elegant updo hairstyles for prom or any other special occasion don’t come any more charming than the minimalist bun. Chic and wordly, this sleek bun has a clean center parting and is smoothed over the ears. Though a minimalist hairstyle, pair it with sparkly earrings and even a tiara to elevate the look on your big day.
Guide:
Step 1: Decide whether you want a middle or side part, or keep it brushed straight back.
Step 2: Gather your hair into a low or mid ponytail and secure it neatly with an elastic.
Step 3: Twist the ponytail tightly from base to ends.
Step 4: Coil the twisted ponytail around the elastic to form a small, compact bun.
Step 5: Pin the bun securely with bobby pins. Keep everything close to the head.
9. Low twisted bun
There are lots of natural updo hairstyles to choose from, but we love the low twisted bun. This style is all about the low pony, which is twisted and held in place by pins.
You can frame your face with your fringe or some hair sweep across your eyes. This look is particularly popular in Hollywood right now and is both elegant and chic.
Guide:
Step 1: Brush your hair to remove tangles and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Step 2: Secure the ponytail with an elastic.
Step 3: Split the ponytail into two equal sections.
Step 4: Twist each section downward until both strands feel tight.
Step 5: Wrap the two twisted strands around each other, forming a rope-like twist. Then coil the twist around the base of the ponytail to create the bun.
Step 6: Pin the bun in place with bobby pins and adjust any loose pieces.
10. French twist
To achieve it, you need to twist and pin your hair at the back and it’s super popular right now as it’s riding the wave of nineties nostalgia. It’s also extremely easily bent and is a popular long updo hairstyle that’s low-maintenance. Though you can wear a French twist updo anywhere, we love this look for brides.
Guide:
Step 1: Gather your hair at the back as if forming a low ponytail, but don’t secure it with an elastic.
Step 2: Slowly twist the entire length of the hair upward, guiding it toward the crown while keeping the twist snug.
Step 3: As you twist, let the hair roll inward against your head to form the classic “folded” shape of a French twist.
Step 4: Hold the twist in place and insert several bobby pins vertically along the seam to secure it.
Step 5: Tuck the ends neatly inside the twist, and then smooth the surface.
11. Messy slicked-back bun
One of the easiest ways to wear an updo is to go for the slicked-back look. You achieve it with a slicked-back look at the front, paired with slightly messy strands in the pony at the back. It achieves a carefree look and is easy to style in several ways.
Tutorial:
Step 1: Use a comb or your fingers to brush the front and sides straight back toward the crown or nape.
Step 2: Gather all your hair into a ponytail—high, mid, or low depending on the look you want—and secure it with an elastic.
Step 3: Loosen a few sections at the crown or sides with your fingers to add that intentional “messy” texture.
Step 4: Twist the ponytail gently and wrap it around the base to form a loose bun.
Step 5: Pin the bun in place with bobby pins.
12. Cornrow updo
Last but certainly not least is the cornrow updo hairstyle. You can work cornrows in numerous ways, but we think micro braids work well for an updo. Collect your braids high and in the back and center of your head for the ultimate updo.
Alternatively, you can wear the pony to one side for something a little different. This look ranks as one of our favorite updo hairstyles for black hair in 2025.
Tutorial:
Step 1: Part the hair into the number of cornrows you want—four, six, or more—using a tail comb for clean lines.
Step 2: Beginning at the front of each section, braid close to the scalp using the classic underhand cornrow technique, working your way toward the crown or nape.
Step 3: Once each cornrow reaches the end of its scalp section, finish the remaining length as a regular braid and secure it with a small elastic if needed.
Step 4: Gather the loose braided ends into a bun or roll at the back or top of your head.
Step 5: Pin the braided ends in place and adjust the bun for symmetry.
5 tips to keep updo hairstyles neat
With the right techniques, your updo can stay neat and comfortable for hours. These simple, practical tips make it easier to keep your style intact without constant fixes.
Tip 1: Prep better
Give your updo a strong foundation by starting with clean, dry hair. Adding a touch of light texture creates grip that helps pins stay in place. This small step makes the entire style feel more secure and last noticeably longer.
Tip 2: Use a professional dryer with temperature control (Laifen Swift)
Before styling, smooth the surface of your hair with controlled airflow. A professional dryer like the Laifen Swift, which offers multiple temperature settings, lets you manage frizz, add volume where needed, and create a polished base. The right heat level prevents dryness while giving your updo a durable touch.
Tip 3: Choose pins and elastics
Not all hair accessories are equal. Use sturdy bobby pins that match your hair color and secure them in an “X” pattern for extra hold. Snag-free elastics prevent breakage and keep tension consistent. Using different sizes helps control both large sections and tiny flyaways for a balanced look.
Tip 4: Keep hands off
Touching your hair throughout the day loosens the structure and introduces frizz. Once your updo feels secure, try to leave it alone. If a piece shifts slightly, adjust only the section that needs it instead of reworking the whole style.
Tip 5: Use a flexible hold spray
Finish with a light mist of flexible hold spray. It provides enough support to keep the shape intact while still allowing natural movement. This keeps your updo looking effortless, not stiff, and helps it stay fresh from morning to evening.
Lastly
The updo might be an easy haircut, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stylish. This look has long been in fashion, thanks to its ease of styling and protective nature. Updo hairstyles offer endless possibilities, and the 12 styles we’ve covered show just how adaptable they can be. These updos let you highlight your features, stay comfortable throughout the day, and create a look that feels uniquely yours. With a few pins, a bit of practice, and the right technique, you can turn everyday hair into something special.
