14 Trendy Hairstyles Updo To Save For Your Next Salon Visit
If your Pinterest boards are overflowing with elegant hairstyles updos but you still haven’t found “the one,” you’re in good company. Updo hairstyles are some of the most searched looks online because they work for nearly every occasion, from weddings to weekday office meetings, while keeping hair off your neck and face. The challenge isn’t finding pretty pictures; it’s understanding which updo actually complements your hair texture, length, and face shape before you sit in the stylist’s chair.
Stunning Hairstyles Updo To Try
This guide breaks down the most flattering updo styles with real explanations, not just images, so you walk into your salon appointment knowing exactly what to ask for and why it will work for you.
1. Classic Low Bun Hairstyles Updo
The classic low bun sits gracefully at the nape of the neck and remains one of the most timeless updo hairstyles for formal and professional settings. It works beautifully on straight or wavy hair and suits oval, heart, and oblong face shapes especially well, since the low placement softens angular features. This style is ideal for long or medium length hair and pairs effortlessly with both sleek finishes and slightly textured strands for added dimension. Ask your stylist for a smooth front section with a slightly looser bun for a modern, undone feel that still photographs beautifully for special events.
2. Messy Top Knot Hairstyles Updo
A messy top knot brings relaxed, effortless energy to any updo lineup and works wonderfully for casual outings, gym days, or laid back weekend brunches. Thick or medium density hair holds this style best, though texturizing spray can help finer strands achieve volume. Round and square face shapes benefit most, since the height elongates the face visually. This look suits women who want polish without spending much time styling, making it a favorite among busy professionals and students alike. Pull a few face framing pieces loose for a softer, more romantic finish.
3. Braided Crown Updo Hairstyles
The braided crown updo wraps hair around the head like a delicate halo, creating a romantic, bohemian aesthetic that photographs exceptionally well outdoors. Long hair with natural waves works best for this style, though extensions can help shorter lengths achieve a fuller crown effect. Heart and oval face shapes are particularly flattered by the soft framing this braid creates around the hairline. This updo suits brides, festival goers, and anyone drawn to a fairytale inspired aesthetic. Request loose, slightly pulled braids from your stylist for a fuller, more textured crown rather than a tight, uniform plait.
4. Sleek High Ponytail Updo Hairstyles
A sleek high ponytail updo delivers a sophisticated, editorial finish that instantly lifts the face and elongates the neckline. Straight or blow dried hair achieves the smoothest result, though a flat iron can tame waves beforehand for a glassy finish. This look flatters nearly every face shape but particularly enhances round and square features by adding vertical lift. Career women, performers, and anyone attending a sleek evening event gravitate toward this polished style. Ask your hairstylist to wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it completely for a seamless, professional appearance.
Learn More About Updo Hairstyles.
5. Twisted Half Up Updo Hairstyles
The twisted half up updo blends the romance of loose hair with the structure of an updo, making it a versatile choice for both daytime and evening occasions. Medium to long hair with some natural texture holds twists beautifully, while smoother strands may need light texturizing spray for grip. Oval, heart, and diamond face shapes all suit this balanced style since it frames the face without overwhelming it. This look appeals to women who want elegance without committing to a fully pulled back style. Request soft, loose twists rather than tight ones for a more natural, flowing finish.
6. Low Side Bun Hairstyles Updo
A low side bun offers a slightly asymmetrical, romantic alternative to the traditional centered updo and works exceptionally well for evening events or date nights. Wavy or curly hair adds beautiful texture to this style, though straight hair achieves a sleeker, more contemporary look. Oval and oblong face shapes are especially flattered by the soft angle this bun creates near the jawline. This style suits anyone wanting a touch of glamour without excessive volume. Ask your stylist to leave soft tendrils around the face for a relaxed, undone finish that still feels intentional.
7. French Twist Hairstyles Updo
The French twist remains one of the most elegant updo hairstyles for formal occasions like galas, weddings, and award ceremonies, thanks to its clean, vertical silhouette. Straight to slightly wavy hair holds this twist most securely, and medium to long lengths work best for achieving a smooth roll. Heart and round face shapes benefit from the height and structure this style provides. This look suits women seeking timeless sophistication reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Request a slightly looser twist with a few pinned strands for texture rather than an overly stiff, rigid finish.
8. Bubble Ponytail Updo Hairstyles
A bubble ponytail updo transforms a simple ponytail into a playful, structured statement by sectioning hair into rounded segments using small elastics. This trendy style suits straight to slightly wavy hair and works particularly well on medium to long lengths for fuller, more defined bubbles. Round, oval, and heart face shapes all pair nicely with this elongating silhouette. Younger audiences, fashion forward women, and anyone wanting a fun twist on a classic ponytail tend to love this look. Ask your hairstylist to gently pull each section for volume, creating fuller bubbles that catch the light beautifully in photos.
9. Pinned Curls Updo Hairstyles
The pinned curls updo showcases voluminous, vintage inspired curls pinned strategically around the head for a glamorous, retro finish. Naturally curly or curled hair achieves the most authentic texture, though straight hair can be curled beforehand using a wand. Oval and heart face shapes are wonderfully complemented by the soft volume surrounding the crown. This style suits brides, vintage style enthusiasts, and anyone attending a formal event seeking dramatic flair. Request varying curl sizes from your stylist to create dimension, and ask for a few pieces left loose for a softer, more natural finish.
10. Box Braid Updo Hairstyles
A box braid updo offers a protective, long lasting style that works beautifully for textured and curly hair types seeking versatility and low daily maintenance. This look suits virtually every face shape since braids can be styled high, low, or asymmetrically depending on personal preference. Busy professionals, travelers, and anyone wanting weeks of styling ease gravitate toward this option. Box braids also hold intricate updo patterns exceptionally well, from twisted buns to wrapped ponytails. Ask your stylist about braid thickness and parting patterns that suit your scalp comfort and desired final silhouette.
11. Chignon Updo Hairstyles
The chignon updo is a refined, low set bun typically positioned at the nape, offering understated elegance perfect for professional settings or sophisticated evening events. Straight or smooth wavy hair creates the cleanest chignon shape, while medium to long lengths provide enough hair for a fuller result. Oblong and oval face shapes are particularly flattered by this style’s gentle, rounded silhouette. This look suits women who prefer subtle glamour over dramatic volume or height. Request a slightly textured finish with face framing pieces for a softer, more contemporary take on this classic style.
12. Space Buns Updo Hairstyles
Space buns bring a youthful, playful energy to the updo category and have become especially popular for festivals, casual outings, and creative photoshoots. Medium to long hair works best for achieving full, rounded buns on either side of the head. Round, oval, and heart face shapes all suit this symmetrical style nicely. This look appeals to younger audiences and anyone wanting a fun, statement making alternative to traditional formal updos. Ask your hairstylist about adding small braids leading into each bun for extra texture and a more elevated, intentional finish.
13. Wrapped Ponytail Updo Hairstyles
The wrapped ponytail updo elevates a simple ponytail by wrapping a section of hair around the base to conceal the elastic completely, creating a polished, seamless look. Straight to wavy hair works beautifully here, and medium to long lengths provide enough hair for a substantial wrap. This versatile style flatters nearly every face shape, making it a reliable choice for weddings, interviews, or formal dinners. Ask your stylist to position the ponytail slightly higher or lower depending on your neckline and outfit for the most flattering overall silhouette.
14. Curly Updo with Volume Hairstyles
A curly updo with added volume celebrates natural texture by piling curls high or loosely at the crown, creating a striking, voluminous silhouette. This style is specifically suited for naturally curly or coily hair types and works wonderfully for special occasions where statement hair is welcome. Round and oval face shapes benefit from the height this look provides. Women embracing their natural texture for weddings, parties, or photoshoots often choose this updo. Request strategic pinning from your stylist that supports curl pattern without flattening volume at the roots.
How to Choose the Right Updo Hairstyle
Choosing the right updo starts with honestly assessing your hair type, length, and how much time you realistically want to spend styling each morning or evening. Sleek styles like the French twist or wrapped ponytail suit straight hair best, while braided crowns and pinned curls celebrate texture beautifully. Consider the occasion too, since formal events call for more polished silhouettes, while casual outings welcome relaxed, undone finishes. Your face shape also matters significantly, as height adding styles flatter round faces, while softer, lower updos complement angular or heart shaped features.
Best Hair Types and Face Shapes for Updos
Most updo hairstyles can be adapted across hair types, but certain textures naturally lend themselves to specific looks. Fine hair often benefits from styles incorporating braids or twists, since these add visual volume without extra product. Thick or curly hair holds height and texture effortlessly, making crown braids and pinned curls especially striking. Regarding face shapes, oval faces suit nearly any updo, while round faces benefit from added height, and heart shaped faces look stunning with soft, face framing pieces left loose around the hairline.
Styling and Maintenance Tips
Proper preparation makes a significant difference in how long your updo lasts throughout the day or evening. Always start with slightly dirty or texturized hair, since freshly washed strands tend to be too slippery for secure pinning. Use bobby pins that match your hair color for a discreet finish, and consider a flexible hold hairspray rather than a stiff, crunchy formula. For curly or coily textures, applying a curl defining cream beforehand helps maintain shape throughout the style without unwanted frizz forming later.
How to Ask Your Hairstylist for This Look
Bringing a clear reference image is the most effective way to communicate your desired updo, but describing key details helps too. Mention the placement you prefer, such as high, low, or side positioned, along with how sleek or textured you’d like the finish to appear. Specify whether you want face framing pieces left loose and how much volume you’re hoping to achieve at the crown. If you have a specific event, share the dress style or neckline so your stylist can tailor the updo’s height and silhouette accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest updo hairstyle to do myself at home?
A messy top knot or simple low bun tends to be the easiest options for beginners, requiring minimal pinning and forgiving imperfect sections, making them ideal for practicing at home before special occasions.
How long does an updo hairstyle typically last?
With proper pinning and a flexible hold hairspray, most updos comfortably last eight to twelve hours, making them reliable choices for weddings, long workdays, or evening events without needing touch ups.
Are updo hairstyles suitable for thin or fine hair?
Yes, fine hair works well with updos, especially styles incorporating braids, twists, or teasing at the crown to create the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair throughout the style.
Can curly hair be styled into a sleek updo?
Curly hair can achieve a sleek updo using a flat iron or smoothing cream beforehand, though many curly haired individuals choose to embrace natural texture for a more voluminous, statement making result instead.
What products help an updo last longer in humid weather?
Anti humidity hairspray, lightweight gel, and setting spray applied before and after styling help combat frizz and keep pinned sections secure even in humid or rainy conditions throughout the day.
Which updo works best for a wedding guest versus a bride?
Wedding guests often suit relaxed styles like twisted half ups or low buns, while brides typically choose more intricate options like braided crowns or pinned curls for added formality and detail.
Conclusion
Updo hairstyles offer endless versatility, transforming effortlessly from casual daytime looks to glamorous evening statements depending on texture, placement, and finishing details. Whether your hair is straight, curly, fine, or thick, there’s an updo style here designed to flatter your features and suit your lifestyle. Save your favorites, bring them to your next salon appointment, and use these descriptions to communicate exactly what you envision. With the right preparation and a clear conversation with your stylist, achieving your dream updo becomes simple and stress free.
