15 Easy Updo Hairstyles for an Elegant Finish

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Vijay B.

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Whoa, updos! They’re like the superhero capes of hairstyles – instant elegance with a dash of mystery.

Ever found yourself in a hair emergency, frantically YouTubing “easy updos” 20 minutes before a big event?

Been there, done that, got the bobby pin scars to prove it.

But fear not, my fellow follicle warriors! I’ve got your back (and your hair) with these 15 easy-peasy updo ideas that’ll have you looking like you spent hours at the salon.

Trust me, I’ve tested these on my own unruly mane during countless last-minute panics.

Ready to transform from “I woke up like this” to “I’m ready for the red carpet”?

Let’s dive in!

Messy Bun

Woman with effortless messy bun updo

Ah, the messy bun – the “I’m not trying, but I look fabulous” of hairstyles.

It’s like the yoga pants of the hair world – comfy, versatile, and secretly chic.

Pro tip: The messier, the better. Seriously, if it looks like you just rolled out of bed, you’re doing it right.

Embrace those flyaways! They’re not mistakes, they’re artistic expression.

French Twist

Woman with elegant French twist updo

Ooh la la! Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with this timeless classic.

It’s like origami for your hair – looks complicated, but it’s surprisingly simple.

Remember: A French twist is like a good croissant – it should look effortless, even if it took you 17 tries to get it right.

Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – we’re going for “chic Parisian”, not “uptight librarian”.

Braided Crown

Woman with bohemian braided crown updo

Who needs a tiara when you can rock a braided crown?

This style screams “I’m a woodland fairy princess, but I also do my own taxes”.

Perfect for music festivals, weddings, or just feeling like royalty while binge-watching Netflix.

Pro tip: If you can’t braid, just twist! It’s like braiding’s lazy cousin, and it looks just as cute.

Top Knot

Woman with sleek top knot updo

The top knot: for when you want to look put-together, but also want to nap at any given moment.

It’s like a ponytail that aimed high and achieved its dreams.

Bonus: It’s great for those “I should have washed my hair yesterday” days. We’ve all been there.

Remember, the higher the knot, the closer to heaven. Or at least, closer to looking like you’ve got your life together.

Side Bun

Woman with elegant side bun updo

The side bun: because sometimes you need to keep things interesting.

It’s like the regular bun’s cooler, slightly rebellious sister.

Perfect for when you want to say “I’m sophisticated, but I also know how to party”.

Pro tip: Add some loose tendrils around your face for that “I woke up like this” vibe. Even if “this” took 30 minutes and 47 bobby pins.

Twisted Updo

Woman with intricate twisted updo

This style is like a twist on… well, twists.

It’s perfect for those “I have no idea what I’m doing but it looks cool” moments.

Just keep twisting and pinning until it looks like modern art. Voila!

Remember: If anyone asks, it’s supposed to look asymmetrical. You’re not messy, you’re avant-garde.

Chignon

Woman with elegant chignon updo

The chignon: fancy name, simple style.

It’s like the little black dress of hairstyles – timeless, elegant, and goes with everything.

Perfect for when you want to feel like you’re in a Jane Austen novel, but with better hygiene.

Pro tip: Add a sparkly hair accessory and boom – you’re ready for the ball, Cinderella!

Braided Bun

Woman with intricate braided bun updo

The braided bun: for when you can’t decide between braids or a bun. Why not both?

It’s like the mullet of updos – business in the front, party in the back.

This style says “I’m put together, but I also know how to let my hair down”. Literally.

Remember: If you mess up the braid, just wrap it around anyway. It’s not a mistake, it’s texture.

Twisted Ponytail

Woman with chic twisted ponytail updo

The twisted ponytail: because sometimes a regular ponytail just won’t cut it.

It’s like your hair decided to do yoga – twisted, elevated, and surprisingly zen.

Perfect for the gym, a casual date, or pretending you’re a off-duty model.

Pro tip: The messier, the better. Those flyaways? They’re not rebels, they’re trendsetters.

Half-Up Top Knot

Woman with trendy half-up top knot hairstyle

The half-up top knot: for when you want the best of both worlds.

It’s like the mullet’s cooler, more socially acceptable cousin.

Perfect for those “I want my hair out of my face, but also want to feel pretty” days.

Remember: This style is like pizza – even when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good.

Low Bun

Woman with elegant low bun updo

The low bun: classy, sassy, and a little bit badassy.

It’s like the yoga pants of hairstyles – comfortable, versatile, and secretly chic.

Perfect for work, weddings, or just feeling like a boss while doing laundry.

Pro tip: Add a cute hair accessory and suddenly you’re ready for the red carpet. Or at least, the grocery store red carpet.

Braided Updo

Woman with elaborate braided updo

The braided updo: for when you want to feel like a Disney princess, but cooler.

It’s like a friendship bracelet for your head – intricate, personal, and totally nostalgic.

Perfect for weddings, festivals, or just feeling magical while doing the dishes.

Remember: If you can’t braid, just twist and pin. It’s not cheating, it’s creative interpretation.

Gibson Tuck

Woman with vintage-inspired Gibson tuck updo

The Gibson tuck: vintage vibes with modern sass.

It’s like your hair took a time machine to the 1940s, but kept its smartphone.

Perfect for when you want to channel your inner pin-up girl, but still need to answer work emails.

Pro tip: Add a bandana for extra retro points. You’re not stuck in traffic, you’re in a vintage car commercial.

Twisted Chignon

Woman with sophisticated twisted chignon updo

The twisted chignon: fancy name, fancy style, surprisingly easy.

It’s like your hair decided to get all dressed up, even if you’re still in pajamas.

Perfect for fooling everyone into thinking you spent hours on your hair.

Remember: If it looks a bit messy, just call it “deconstructed”. Instant art school cred.

And there you have it, folks! 15 updos that’ll make you look like you’ve got your life together, even if your apartment is a mess and you’re surviving on coffee and dry shampoo.

Remember, the key to any great updo is confidence. And maybe a ton of bobby pins.

Now go forth and conquer, you fabulous hair warriors!

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