20 Updo Hairstyles From Casual Buns to Black-Tie Chignons

An updo transforms any haircut from casual to intentional — gathering, pinning, twisting, or braiding hair upward changes the silhouette, reveals the neck and face, and signals that you have put thought into your look. The best updos work with your natural texture rather than fighting it, and they can be as simple as a thirty-second bun or as elaborate as a pin-curled arrangement that takes an hour.

This guide covers twenty updos arranged from everyday casual to formal event-worthy, with specific techniques for each. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, there is an updo here that works with your texture. For hair accessories and tools, see our hair tools guide.

1. The Classic Low Chignon

All hair gathered into a smooth, structured bun at the nape — the most elegant and timeless updo that works for every occasion from job interviews to black-tie galas. The low placement is universally flattering because it elongates the neck and creates a clean, sophisticated silhouette from every angle. Smooth the surface with a light gel, twist the ponytail into a coil, and pin securely.

The low chignon works on every texture — straight hair creates a sleek, polished version, wavy and curly hair create a textured, romantic version. Add a decorative comb or pin at the base for formal events. Leave a few tendrils free at the face for a softer look that works for weddings. The chignon holds all day with bobby pins placed in an X pattern.

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2. The Messy High Bun

Hair gathered at the crown and twisted loosely into an undone bun — the most popular everyday updo because it takes thirty seconds and looks effortlessly chic. The messy high bun is not actually messy — the pieces that escape, the loose twist, and the slightly off-center placement are all deliberate choices that create a studied casualness. Pull pieces free at the face and nape after securing.

The high placement adds height and draws the eye upward, making the messy bun one of the most face-flattering everyday updos. Use a silk scrunchie rather than a thin elastic to prevent breakage and creasing. The messy bun works at every hair length from a bob to ultra-long hair — shorter hair creates a smaller, chunkier bun while longer hair creates a more voluminous one. This is the ultimate low-maintenance updo.

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3. The French Twist

Hair swept to one side, twisted vertically, and tucked into itself along the center back of the head — creating a sleek, elongated vertical line from nape to crown. The French twist is the most sophisticated updo on this list and looks like it requires professional help, but it can be done at home with practice and bobby pins. The vertical line elongates the back of the head and creates a stunning profile.

The French twist works best on straight and wavy hair where the smooth surface creates a clean, uninterrupted vertical line. On curly hair, a looser interpretation with visible curls escaping creates a romantic variation. This is a classic party and formal event updo that reveals the neck and shows off earrings and necklines. Secure with long hairpins placed vertically along the twist.

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4. The Textured Bun

A deliberate mix between polished and undone — the textured bun has visible pieces, gentle volume, and an intentional imperfection that makes it more approachable than a sleek chignon but more polished than a messy bun. Tease the ponytail lightly before wrapping for volume, and pull small sections out after pinning for texture.

The textured bun works on every texture and looks different on each — straight hair creates clean, defined pulled pieces while curly hair creates organic, romantic texture. This is the ideal everyday-to-evening updo that transitions from work to dinner without adjustment. The textured bun sits at mid-height — not as high as a topknot, not as low as a chignon.

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5. The Claw Clip Updo

All hair twisted and secured with a claw clip — the fastest updo that doubles as a fashion statement through the clip itself. The claw clip gathers hair without the commitment of elastic or pins and can be repositioned in seconds. The twisted hair fans out above the clip, creating volume and texture that a pin-secured updo does not achieve.

Choose a claw clip that matches the occasion — a tortoiseshell clip for everyday, a metallic or jeweled clip for events, an oversized acetate clip for a fashion statement. The claw clip updo works on medium-length and long hair and is one of the most popular low-maintenance styles because it takes five seconds and looks intentional. The claw clip is also gentler on hair than elastics because it does not create a tension crease.

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6. The Braided Updo

Multiple braids arranged and pinned into a formal updo — the braided texture adds visual complexity and holds more securely than smooth-hair updos. Create two or three braids, then cross, loop, and pin them into an arrangement at the back of the head. Each braid becomes a structural and decorative element that adds interest to the updo from every angle.

The braided updo is one of the most secure styles for all-day events — the braided surfaces grip each other and prevent the loosening that smooth updos experience. This makes it ideal for wedding celebrations, dancing, and outdoor events. The braided updo works on every texture and looks most dramatic on coily hair where the braid texture is most pronounced and creates the most volume.

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7. The Gibson Tuck

Hair rolled under and tucked into itself at the nape — an Edwardian-era updo that creates an elegant, horizontal roll across the back of the head. The Gibson tuck requires nothing more than bobby pins and works on medium-length to long hair. Use a headband or ribbon as an anchor — wrap the hair up and over the band, tucking the ends underneath as you go.

The Gibson tuck is one of the most underrated wedding hairstyles because it looks vintage-elegant and holds all day without professional help. It takes under five minutes once you master the rolling technique. The tuck creates a soft, rounded shape at the nape that works with every face shape and looks beautiful from every angle, particularly the back.

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8. The Topknot

A tight, sleek bun positioned at the very top of the head — the ballerina bun that creates maximum height and a clean, pulled-back face. The topknot is the most face-clearing updo because every strand is gathered upward and away. Smooth the surface with gel, gather into a high ponytail, and wrap the tail into a tight coil at the crown.

The topknot works best on long hair where there is enough length to create a full bun at the crown. On shorter hair, use a donut form to create volume. The sleek topknot reads as professional and polished, while a slightly messy topknot with loose pieces reads as cool and effortless. Both versions clear the face completely and show off earrings, necklines, and bone structure.

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9. The Banana Bun

Hair twisted vertically into a long, curved bun that follows the natural curve of the back of the head — named for its crescent shape. The banana bun sits higher and longer than a chignon, creating a distinctive silhouette. It works best on long hair where there is enough length for the full vertical twist. Secure with a large claw clip or vertical hairpins.

The banana bun is a French styling staple that looks effortlessly sophisticated and takes under one minute once the technique is mastered. The vertical placement is more casual than a chignon but more structured than a messy bun. It holds hair securely without a tight elastic, making it one of the gentlest updo options for preserving hair health.

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10. The Low Twisted Bun

Two sections twisted away from the face, crossed at the nape, and pinned into a flat, elegant bun. The twists create visual interest that a plain bun lacks, and the twisting technique keeps face-framing pieces soft rather than slicked back. This is the most elegant five-minute updo — polished enough for professional settings but romantic enough for dates and events.

The low twisted bun is particularly flattering for women over 40 and over 50 because the soft twists frame the face without severity. Use a smoothing serum before twisting for a polished finish without flyaways. The twists also disguise the gathering point, creating a seamless flow from hair to bun that looks effortless.

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11. Pinned Curls Arrangement

Individual curls or waves pinned in a deliberate arrangement at the back of the head — each curl becomes a design element in the overall composition. This updo uses texture as decoration, showcasing the natural curl pattern as a feature rather than smoothing it away. Pin each curl at a slightly different angle and height for the most organic, three-dimensional arrangement.

The pinned curls updo is one of the most stunning wedding hairstyles because the textured surface holds flowers, pearls, and decorative pins naturally. Leave several curly tendrils free at the face and nape to soften the look. This updo works best on naturally curly or waved hair where the texture is the decorative element — on straight hair, curl with an iron first to create the texture needed for pinning.

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12. The Side-Swept Updo

All hair gathered and pinned to one side of the nape or behind one ear — creating an asymmetric updo that drapes elegantly over one shoulder. The side-swept updo is romantic, glamorous, and one of the most photographed formal updos because it creates an interesting profile from both sides — one side reveals the gathered hair, the other reveals the neck.

The side-swept updo works on every texture and length from medium to long. On curly hair, pin curls to one side for a textured, romantic drape. On straight hair, create a sleek twist that pins behind one ear. This updo pairs beautifully with a statement earring on the exposed side.

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13. The Double Bun

Two small buns stacked vertically at the back of the head — the lower bun near the nape and the upper bun at the crown. The double bun creates more visual interest than a single bun and distributes hair weight more evenly across the head. This works particularly well on thick hair that creates too large a single bun or on medium-length hair that is too short for one large bun.

Each bun can be sleek or textured depending on the occasion — smooth for professional settings, messy for casual days. The double bun is a modern, fashion-forward alternative to the single bun and photographs as more interesting and dimensional. Secure each bun with its own elastic and bobby pins for a hold that lasts all day.

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14. The Ponytail Tuck

A low ponytail folded and tucked through a gap above the elastic — creating a rolled, chignon-like effect at the nape that looks polished but takes under sixty seconds. Tie a low ponytail, create a gap above the elastic by splitting the hair, flip the tail up and through the gap, and pin. The result looks like a practiced updo.

The ponytail tuck works on straight and wavy hair and creates a more polished look than a standard ponytail without the complexity of a true chignon. Add a decorative clip or pin at the tuck point for an evening upgrade. Repeat the tuck-through two or three times for a more elaborate, rolled effect that holds more securely.

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15. Space Buns

Two buns positioned high on the head — playful, youthful, and more creative than a single bun. Space buns work on every length and every texture — coily hair creates the most voluminous, dramatic version while straight hair creates the most geometric, defined version. Position them symmetrically above the ears for the classic placement.

Space buns are one of the most popular party hairstyles and festival looks because they are eye-catching, fun, and keep all hair off the face and neck. Use satin scrunchies to prevent breakage. For a more polished version, smooth each bun with gel. For a more textured version, pull pieces loose after pinning. Space buns transition from casual to creative depending on the accessories — metallic pins, flowers, or glitter elevate the look for events.

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16. The Sock Bun

A donut-shaped form placed over a ponytail — the hair is then wrapped around the form and tucked underneath, creating a perfectly round, voluminous bun regardless of hair thickness or texture. The sock bun creates volume and shape that fine hair cannot achieve on its own and produces a uniform, professional result every time.

The sock bun works at any height — low at the nape for elegance, mid-height for everyday, or high at the crown for drama. It is one of the most popular updo techniques for thin or fine hair because the form provides the volume that the hair lacks. Pin the tucked ends securely and smooth any flyaways with a light hairspray. The sock bun is a reliable, foolproof technique that produces consistent results.

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17. The Twisted Crown

Two twists — one from each temple — that wrap back and meet at the center back of the head, creating a crown-like effect. The twisted crown is simpler than a braided crown but creates a similar structural frame around the head. Pin where the twists meet and let the rest of the hair fall freely below for a half-up version, or pin all remaining hair into a bun for a full updo.

The twisted crown takes under two minutes and holds with just a few bobby pins. It adds a structural, intentional element to any hairstyle and works on every texture and length from a bob to ultra-long hair. For wedding events, add a decorative pin or flowers where the twists meet for an elevated, romantic finish.

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18. The Loose Romantic Updo

An updo that prioritizes softness over structure — hair gathered loosely, pinned imprecisely, with tendrils and pieces escaping at the face, temples, and nape. The loose romantic updo looks like it might fall apart at any moment but is actually secured with strategic pinning. The softness and imperfection create an intimacy and warmth that sleek updos do not have.

This is the most popular wedding updo because it photographs beautifully in natural light and creates a romantic, bridal aesthetic. The loose pieces frame the face softly and the slightly undone quality looks effortless rather than over-styled. On curly and wavy hair, the natural texture creates the romantic quality naturally. On straight hair, add waves with a curling iron before gathering.

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19. The Ballerina Bun

A perfectly smooth, tight bun positioned at mid-to-high height — the polished bun that professional dancers wear. The ballerina bun is the most controlled, precise updo on this list — every strand is smoothed into place, the bun is perfectly round, and no pieces escape. This requires gel, a fine-tooth comb, bobby pins, and a bun net or hair elastic.

The ballerina bun is the most professional updo option and works in settings where polished appearance matters — performances, presentations, formal events. The precision required makes it less suitable for everyday wear but invaluable for occasions that demand flawless appearance. A bun net placed over the finished bun keeps every strand in place through hours of activity.

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20. The Scarf-Wrapped Updo

Any updo — bun, twist, chignon — wrapped with a silk or satin scarf for color, pattern, and a fashion-forward finish. The scarf conceals the mechanics of the updo (pins, elastics, flyaways) and adds a bold visual element that transforms a basic bun into a statement piece. Choose scarves in colors and patterns that complement your outfit and hair color.

The scarf-wrapped updo is particularly popular on coily and curly hair where the scarf serves double duty as both a styling element and a protective layer. The scarf preserves moisture, reduces friction, and looks stunning simultaneously. This is one of the most creative party and holiday updo options because the scarf adds pattern and color without any additional styling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What updo works for short hair?

A textured mini bun, a claw clip twist, and a braided half-up all work on short hair from a grown-out pixie to a bob. The shorter pieces that escape add character — embrace them as tendrils rather than fighting to pin them back. Bobby pins and small clips help contain the sections that are too short for the elastic.

How do I make an updo last all day?

Start with day-two hair that has more grip than freshly washed hair, or add a texturizing spray to clean hair. Use bobby pins in an X pattern at every securing point, and finish with a light-hold hairspray. For formal events, add a few extra hidden pins — it is always better to over-pin than to have an updo fall during an event.

What is the best updo for a wedding?

A low chignon with tendrils, a loose romantic arrangement with pinned curls, and a braided crown are the three most popular wedding updos. The best choice depends on the dress neckline (strapless suits low updos, high necklines suit high buns), the venue (outdoor suits romantic, indoor suits polished), and your natural texture.