12 Updo Hairstyles That Turn Heads

Every woman deserves a go-to hairstyle that boosts her confidence without requiring any effort. No matter your hair type, length, or skill, there's always an updo hairstyle that you can master in minutes.

From Angela Bassett and Beyonce to other women, updos are versatile and perfect for any type of occasion. That's why our experts have picked 12 currently trending updo hairstyles to make you look stunning with ease. Whether it's a casual, messy bun or an elegant style for your special event, we get you covered.

With simple tutorials and tips, you'll master all these trending updo hairstyles in less time. Ready to take your hair game to the next level? Let's Go!

Why Updos Are a Must-Try Hairstyle?

Updo hairstyles are the perfect blend of elegance and convenience between friends or with a date, which keeps your hair out of your face and keeps your look polished all the time. Here's why they deserve a slot in your hairstyle rotation:

1. Instant Elegance

Updo hairstyle adds instant upgrade to any look. Whether it's just an office formal event or you just want to upgrade your everyday style, this unique option always generates an effortless and sophisticated vibe. With countless different and beautiful options, there's always an updo that makes your occasion happier.

2. Works for All Hair Types

Whether your hair type is curly, straight, short, or long, updo hairstyles can be adapted with any hair type to enhance your look. They are versatile and can be customized for many shows to suit your hair texture and length.

3. Makes Thin Hair Look Fuller

For those who have fine or thin hair, updo hairstyles can generate a cool illusion of fuller and thicker locks. By creating a volume at the crown and using strategic pinning techniques, an updo can add beautiful dimensions in any direction and deep depth in the hair.

4. Hair Protection

With an updo hairstyle, your ends are tucked away and protected, which prevents it from being exposed to very excessive hair or any type of friction from styling tools and hair accessories. This helps to keep your hair always healthy and prevents split ends.

5. Saves Time

No more struggling with daily styling routines; with updo hairstyles, you can save time and effort in your hair care routine. Once your style is set correctly, then you can use it for many days without needing to be restyled.

12 Modern Updo Hairstyles to Elevate Your Look

After learning about the benefits of updo hairstyles, now your mind is raising questions about which updo styles are currently trending and how to achieve them. Here are 12 modern updo hairstyles that will elevate your look instantly in any event:

1. Big Bantu Knots Updo

This updo features big bantu knots on top of the head. It looks great on natural hair and can be styled with hair jewelry or a headband. Perfect for festivals or a fresh everyday look, this style is fun and trendy.

Just part your hair into sections and twist each into a bun secure with a bobby pin and add hairspray for a long-lasting hold.

2. Effortless Curls

Rihana frequently rocks her voluminous curls and everyone can see why curly? Her hair builds a simple and elementary updo hairstyle, as its texture hides defects at some points which makes her more confident.

• To get the look instantly, use a curling iron or wand to create loose curls.
• Then, gather all your hair in hand, make a unique messy bun, and secure it with bobby pins to keep it all day long.
• If you want the extra volume to feel more daring, then first take a small section of any side and put it at the top of your head. We guarantee these effortless and bouncy curls will put everyone in wonder.

3. High Braided Ponytail

A high-braided ponytail effectively highlights your facial expressions, particularly enhancing the beauty of your cheekbones and generating a unique visually appealing look.

• To achieve this look instantly, you'll need a medium to long hair and basic braiding skills.
• First of all, divide your hair into different parts and create box braids for each section.
• Then, pull your braids straight back, which aligns your ponytail with your eye or brow line for a lifted effect. This style frames your face beautifully and generates a polished look that works for casual and formal events. Its bold and versatile advantages will exude elegance and confidence.

4. Sculptural Braids

Regina King is the queen of braided hairstyles, and her sculptural braids are no exception in the fashion industry. This look features intricate cornrows, which generate a stunning architectural design that is perfect for making a statement at any event and showing your creativity to old colleagues.

To accomplish this complex updo, it's best to visit hair salon. From formal events to casual outings, sculptural braids are a unique and elegant option for any occasion.

5. Hair Wrap Updo

Natural hair can benefit you from break, and updo hair wrap is the best stylish way to protect your strands while making a bold statement. Choose some vibrant patterned wrap to instantly add flair to your look.

To make it more pop-up always pair it with a monochromatic outfit for an effortless and elegant contrast. This style always protects your hair in any weather condition and offers endless additions to make your hairstyle more beautiful without a hassle.

Whether you prefer to wrap your hair tightly or loosely to make this more beautiful, this hair wrap always protects your hair in every situation and generates a nostalgic vibe.

6. Space Buns Updo

The rapper Megan Thee Stallion revived the classic '90s style, which is known as space buns, with a distinct zig-zag center part. This playful hairstyle easily fits in any festival or party to generate an old-school vibe in your appearance.

• To get the style, part your hair down the middle with a zig-zag shape, create two high ponytails, and twist each into a bun.
• Use bobby pins to hold your hairstyle together while adding clips or scrunchies for authentic '90s charm. This trendy fashionable style helps you to protect your face and neck from hair on hot summer days.

7. Massive Braided Updo

A braided bun is a timeless and chic look that always boosts every woman's confidence and never goes out of style. Whether you are planning to attend a casual date or formal event, this style always impresses you.

Add textures and sophistication by incorporating multiple braids into the bun to generate an extra beautiful look. Feeling bold? Go for up to three braids to create a secure, eye-catching updo that can last all night. The best part? It works beautifully with most hair lengths and textures, so it's a style anyone can pull off.

8. Traditional Pineapple Updo

The pineapple never goes out of style, but it always uses a modern twist to make your look pleasing. Yara Shahidi shows us how to keep it chic and elegant all the time without taking hassle.

This classic style will always protect your neck and face on hot summer days. For an updated look, add loose waves or curls to the front before pulling it back.

You can always try braids or twists for a unique spin. Celebrities like Zendaya and Yara Shahidi have rocked this look with their own flair and give their fans one more chance to make them feel proud, so don't be afraid to make it yours!

9. Face-Framing Updo

An updo is a unique and timeless hairstyle that is suitable for any type of occasion while maintaining an engaging and vibrant look. The best part of a face-framing updo hairstyle is it always generates a cool and beautiful sophistication to any face which makes it perfect for weddings and even helps on many occasions to look more special.

First, start by curling or waving your hair with your hands or hair comb, then gather them into a low ponytail in your neck.

• Twist the pin section of the ponytail into a bun and pull it out of a few strands around your face to maintain the softened glance.
• Lastly, use hairspray and now you have a chic updo that will make a difference in a night party.

10. Boho Micro Braids Bun

Boho micro braids are gorgeous on their own, but a simple topknot can take them to the next level. This style highlights the braids' texture while adding dimension.

• To create this at home or just want to learn, first gather all your mirco braids into a high ponytail at the crown, then twist them into a bun and create some baby hair.
• Now, the result will be stylish and bold, which makes your look more beautiful with high necklines and perfect for all formal events or chic evenings out. 

11. Braided Front Bun

For a show-stopping look that is inspired by curl queen Nai Vasha, the braids front bun is a bold masterpiece that always stands out anywhere. This type of intricate braids which lead to sleek buns are ideal for night parties to formal occasions and also enhance your daily life.

To achieve it, section braids to form the crisscross pattern carefully, then gather the front into a high bun. It's the perfect combination of fashion and creativity that always shines in your braided hairstyle.

12. Pigtails

Pigtails are a unique classic hairstyle that exudes youthful charm and always generates playful energy. It is very versatile and easy to style in every situation, and its sleekness and polished look make you carefree all the time.

• To create this, simply part your hair down in the middle and create two ponytails on either side you want and secure them with any hair scrunchie or elastic band.
• Leave them straight and curl them into small sections to generate extra textures. Try colorful scrunchies for a bold look, or keep it chic with sleek strands with minimal attachments. However you style them for parties or for office colleagues, pigtails are always a fun way to elevate your look.

In a Nutshell

So, next time when you are running out of time for an important meeting or you are bored with your old look and want to upgrade your style then don't hesitate to delay trying out one of these stylish updos to boost your look instantly. Always try to experiment with different techniques and accessories to make you feel more confident in any situation.

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Remember to always have fun with your hair and embrace them with your unique style. So go ahead, give these easy updos hairstyles a try, and watch as they transform your overall look. Keep on experimenting, and who knows, you may even create your signature updo! Happy styling!