Updos are an easy way to bring creativity and versatility to your look. Whether you’re going to a wedding, headed out for a night out on the town, rocking out at a concert, or simply wanting to change things up, give one of these eye-catching simple updos a try!
#1: Elegant French Twist Updo
This stunning French twist updo is perfect for medium to long hair, showcasing a beautiful blend of volume and sleekness. Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, this hairstyle features a twisted bun with soft curls framing the face, adding a romantic touch. The hair type is straight with a medium density, allowing for easy styling. It requires minimal teasing for volume and can be adorned with accessories for added elegance, making it a versatile choice for special occasions.
#2 Effortless Updo with Loose Strands
This effortless updo beautifully showcases medium-length hair, perfect for those with straight to slightly wavy textures. The loose strands frame the face, complementing various face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped. This style is low-maintenance yet chic, ideal for both casual and formal occasions. A texturizing spray can enhance volume and maintain a relaxed look, while bobby pins secure the updo. Embrace this distinctive hairstyle for a fresh, modern twist!
#3 Textured Top Knot with Face-Framing Tendrils
Great for medium to thick hair, this textured top knot adds volume without feeling bulky. The soft, face-framing tendrils break up the look and flatter oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s a low-maintenance style that works well for casual or busy days, though flyaways may be a downside for finer hair types. The tousled bun gives the whole style a modern, undone finish that feels intentional, not messy.
#4: Double Pull-Through Braids and a Roll Bun
Try a double-sided pull-through braid with a rolled-up bun. Try splitting your hair in half down the center for a fun, easy style. Use small elastics to create little ponytails down each side. Pull each ponytail in through the next to mimic braiding. Make your hair wrap around itself into a low bun and secure it with bobby pins.
#5: Side Braid and Side Bun
Soft, feminine, and elegant styling doesn’t have to be very complex. If you know how to do a French braid, start one on the side of your head opposite to the side braid. Work your way down to the nape to resemble a headband. Then, secure the braid into a bun and pin it as a chignon. In this hairstyle, the hair is folded in half like a tiny loop and secured. Finish by applying a light hairspray for a firm hold, but avoid making the hair too stiff.
#6: Easy Braid with Low Twist Bun
Start by creating an easy braid with a low twisted bun. For the updo, begin by braiding one section along the forehead. Use this section to create a headband and secure it into a low ponytail at the nape. Choose between a Dutch braid, which is flipped out and more puffy, and a French braid, which is flipped in and closer to the scalp. Finally, finish with a looser twisted bun like the one shown above, a chignon, or a tight twisted bun.
#7: Textured Beehive Updo for Mother of the Groom
This textured beehive updo is suitable for the groom’s mother. Start assessing your face shape, then curl your hair to gain maximum texture and body. Tease the crown of your hair, pull it back into a French Twist, and wrap it inward. Then, use cross pins to secure the hold. To achieve extra volume and shape, pull through the crown. Finally, finish the style with a shrink hairspray.
#8: Modern Wavy Updo for Mother of the Bride
A modern updo is a fitting hairstyle for the bride’s mother. A simple, elegant updo can be a key feature of your mother-of-the-bride style. Add some flow to your bun by separately wrapping strands of curls. Let some end pieces hang loose for a natural effect. Finally, let strands of hair frame your face. Mix these with the curls and secure everything with hairspray.
#9: Voluminous Ponytail with Face-Framing Pieces
Wearing your hair in a big ponytail with hair strands that frame your face is a trendy way to style your hair. Even if you don’t have long hair, you can still create this look with hair extensions to make your ponytail stand out.
#10: Loosely-Styled Twisted Low Middle Bun
This loosely-styled low middle bun is an excellent option for those seeking simple, cute updos. Start by sectioning hair from the center of your head back, then gathering it into two of the same ponytails. Tie each section off with an elastic band. Twist the pieces together to create a long rope shape. Roll it up towards the nape of your neck, securing it with bobby pins into a secure knot at the base of your scalp.
#11: Blonde Top Bun with Long Bangs
Long bangs with a voluminous blonde top bun will draw attention to your eyes and the softness around your face. You can wear the bangs short or long, depending on your preference. This would be a good everyday look or a chic upstyle for a beachy wedding.
#12: Easy Center Top Knot
Create an effortless yet chic look with a center top knot. This simple updo is perfect for beginners, as it can be achieved in just a few steps. Start by gathering the hair at the crown of your head and tying a half-up ponytail to secure it. Twist the length of your ponytail before pinning it into the desired high but loose bun shape. Use bobby pins to help secure pieces in place and achieve your desired style. Hairspray can also be added for extra hold. Try the Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt Hairspray. Finish off these cute easy updos with Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Rose Hair Serum for nourishment.
#13: Soft Messy Twisted Bun
A soft messy twisted bun is a classic updo perfect for beginners. It’s created by gathering the hair at the nape of the neck, some left out to frame the face, and twisting it into a bun. To finish off this look, spritz with hairspray for hold. The best part about this style is that it looks great on all hair types and lengths. But if you would like a fuller look, add some clip-in extensions. Add a few curls using your curling iron for an extra boost in volume and texture. Allow cooling and gently run your fingers through for a softer feel.
#14: Soft Curly Top Bun
The soft curly top bun is the perfect way to create a secure and simple updo hairstyle that’s cute and easy for beginners. Pair it with any outfit for an instant upgrade! Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail to achieve this look. Then, separate the tail into two sections. Twist each section around itself until you have created a tight coil at the base of your head. Secure with bobby pins and finish off with hairspray for a long-lasting hold.
#15: Side Bun and Big Braid for Long Hair
Many long-haired ladies love the look of a side bun and big braid for formal occasions. This braided sleek, chic style is easy to achieve with some simple accessories to keep it in place. To get this look, communicate your desired outcome to a hair professional. They’ll need some sections of hair pulled back into two plaits on either side. Then, they’ll be twisted together at the nape. Finish off with a few pins or clips, and you’re ready!
#16: French Braid and Bun Hairdo
One of the most asked-for looks is a plait of some sort. I find a plait into a bun at the back of the nape is a modern but chic take on an updo. Remember that tight, stiff hair is not what you want, so opt for a looser, full plait. If your hair isn’t thick enough, your stylist can use padding to give your hair more volume.
#17: Face-Framing Brunette Bun
Airy, loose updos are the look right now. A low knot gives a sophisticated class. Ask for volume at the crown to provide a softer shape and leave strands loosely curled around the face to frame it. For long hair, remember your bun will look full. But the position may need to be brought up to allow for the clothes neckline.