Your outfit is killer, your makeup is flawless, but your hair? Cue the panic.
Whether you’re heading to prom, a gala, a milestone birthday, or even a fancy date night, the right updo can elevate your look from “nice” to “who is she?!”
Updos aren’t just about keeping hair off your neck (though that’s a perk!). They’re a chance to show off your personality, highlight your best features, and make you feel like the main character of the night.
Here, you’ll find 21 versatile updos that work for any special occasion, no matter your hair type, face shape, or vibe! Think braided drama, messy-chic buns, sleek twists, and curls that defy gravity.
We’ve even thrown in tips to keep your style Instagram-ready from the first selfie to the last dance. Let’s get you camera-ready!
1. Elegant Braided Updo with Pearl Accessories
This timeless updo blends intricate braids with delicate pearl accents, making it perfect for weddings, formal events, or even a romantic night out. This style suits oval, heart, and round face shapes and works beautifully on medium to long hair.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Secure the pearls with bobby pins or pearl hair combs, and use a light-hold hairspray to keep flyaways in check.
2. Voluminous Textured Updo
If you love big, bold hair, this updo is for you! The volume and texture create a chic yet effortless look, perfect for proms, galas, or even a fancy brunch with friends. Ideal for thick or wavy hair, this updo flatters all face shapes and adds instant glamour to any outfit.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use a texturizing spray before styling and fluff with your fingers for extra volume.
3. Twisted Low Bun Updo
Simple yet stylish, the twisted low bun is a go-to for busy professionals, bridesmaids, or anyone who wants a chic, put-together look in minutes.
Its elegant twists add dimension, making it perfect for all hair types and face shapes. Bonus? It keeps your hair off your neck while looking effortlessly stunning.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Apply a smoothing serum for a sleek finish and secure the bun with U-pins for long-lasting hold.
4. Braided High Bun with Cornrows
This edgy yet elegant updo combines sleek cornrows with a braided high bun, creating a bold and polished look. It’s a stunning choice for black-tie events, vacations, or even everyday wear.
Ideal hairstyle for textured and curly hair, this style enhances facial features and works especially well for oval and square face shapes.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Keep your scalp moisturized and use edge control gel for a sleek, refined finish.
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5. Loose Braided Low Bun
Soft, romantic, and effortlessly chic, this style is a favorite for weddings and date nights. The loose braids frame the face beautifully, making it a flattering choice for round and oval face shapes. It’s also ideal for medium to long hair with a natural wave or soft curls.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Loosen the braids with your fingers for a softer look and mist with a flexible-hold hairspray.
6. Sculpted Swirl High Bun for Black Girls
A true work of art, this updo features intricate sculpted swirls that create an eye-catching, regal look. Whether for a wedding, prom, or a special event, this style turns heads. Perfect for natural or relaxed hair, it enhances high cheekbones and works well with oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use a strong-hold gel to keep the swirls intact and wrap your hair at night with a silk scarf.
7. Sleek Twisted Knot Bun
Minimalist yet stunning, this twisted knot bun is ideal for work, formal events, or even a classy night out. The sleek finish keeps it polished, while the twisted details add elegance. It’s perfect for straight or slightly wavy hair and works well with oval and square face shapes.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use a shine-enhancing serum for a glossy look and secure with bobby pins for a firm hold.
8. Voluminous Glam Updo with Sleek Edges for Black Girl
This voluminous updo pairs dramatic height with sleek, polished edges for a glamorous, red-carpet-worthy style. It’s ideal for those with natural hair who want a high-impact, elegant look. Perfect for weddings, parties, or special occasions, this updo suits round, oval, and square faces.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Define edges with edge control gel and use a volumizing mousse to enhance the lift.
9. Curly High Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils
Soft curls gathered into a high bun create a playful yet elegant vibe. The face-framing tendrils add a touch of romance, making this style perfect for casual outings or special events. Best suited for naturally curly or wavy hair, it flatters oval, heart, and diamond face shapes.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use a curl-defining cream on the tendrils for a natural, bouncy effect.
10. Boho-Inspired Twisted Low Bun
Laid-back yet elegant, this bun features soft twists that give it a bohemian charm. Whether for a festival, a beach wedding, or an everyday stylish look, it works beautifully on wavy or textured hair. It’s a must-try for oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Add texture spray for a more effortless, undone look and secure with hidden pins.
11. Voluminous Curly Updo with Soft Tendrils
This curly updo is all about volume and movement, giving a dreamy and ethereal vibe. Great for weddings, proms, or any event where you want to shine, it’s best for naturally curly or permed hair.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use a lightweight curl-enhancing mousse to keep the curls bouncy and defined.
12. Elegant Low-Textured Bun with Soft Waves
A classic choice that never goes out of style, this low bun combines texture with soft waves for a refined, feminine look. Ideal for professional settings or special occasions, this updo works on medium to long hair and suits all face shapes.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Spritz with a shine spray for a polished effect and secure with discreet bobby pins.
13. Voluminous Textured Updo with Soft Waves
If you love a romantic yet dramatic look, this updo is for you. The added volume creates an effortlessly chic appearance, perfect for bridesmaids, evening events, or date nights. It complements oval, heart, and round face shapes beautifully.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use a volumizing powder at the roots for extra lift and secure with a light-hold hairspray.
14. Romantic Low Chignon with Soft Waves
This low chignon exudes timeless romance, with soft waves adding a delicate touch. It’s a stunning choice for weddings, proms, or any elegant event. Perfect for medium to long hair, it works beautifully on oval and heart-shaped faces, giving a soft and graceful look.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use a curling wand for soft waves before styling, and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray for movement.
15. Elegant Twisted Low Bun with Soft Blonde Waves
This hairstyle blends sleek twists with subtle blonde waves for a sun-kissed, effortlessly chic finish. It’s a go-to for those who want a polished yet natural look, making it ideal for work, weddings, or formal gatherings. This style suits long or medium hair and enhances oval and square face shapes.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Apply a lightweight mousse to maintain volume while keeping the bun secure.
16. Elegant Bridal Updo with Soft Highlights
Designed for brides who want a mix of elegance and softness, this updo incorporates subtle highlights to enhance depth and dimension. The carefully placed curls and twists create a dreamy look that complements wedding dresses beautifully. This style is perfect for all hair textures and works well for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Set with a strong-hold hairspray to ensure it lasts all day, especially for outdoor weddings.
17. Voluminous Curly Updo with Face-Framing Layers for Black Girls
A bold, statement updo that enhances natural curls while adding volume and definition. Face-framing layers keep it soft and flattering, making it perfect for weddings, special events, or even a high-fashion look. Ideal for naturally curly or coily hair, this style highlights cheekbones and works well with oval and square face shapes.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance shape and a silk scarf at night to maintain the style.
18. Elegant Twisted Low Bun with Pearl Accessories
This low bun is a blend of simplicity and luxury, with delicate pearl accents adding a touch of glam. Whether you’re attending a wedding, a gala, or a romantic dinner, this hairstyle is effortlessly chic. It’s best suited for medium to long hair and complements all face shapes beautifully.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Secure pearls with discreet pins and finish with a shine spray for an elegant glow.
19. Voluminous Curly High Bun
A voluminous high bun with curls gives an effortlessly stylish, yet playful look. This updo is perfect for summer events, formal gatherings, or just adding a little extra glam to your day. It’s ideal for curly or wavy hair and suits round and oval face shapes best.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Fluff out your curls for added volume and secure with a strong-hold hair tie to keep it in place.
20. Elegant French Twist Updo
A true classic, the French twist is the definition of timeless elegance. Sleek yet voluminous, it’s perfect for business meetings, formal occasions, or even a chic brunch. Best suited for straight or slightly wavy hair, this style flatters all face shapes and gives a refined, polished finish.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use a smoothing serum to tame frizz and secure with hidden pins for a seamless look.
21. High-Volume Twisted Updo
This bold, high-volume updo is perfect for making a statement. Featuring intricate twists and plenty of height, it’s a great choice for weddings, proms, or upscale events. This style works best for thick or textured hair and complements oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully.
Styling & Maintenance Tips: Use volumizing powder at the roots to boost height and a strong-hold hairspray for all-day wear.
Before You Go…
Your perfect updo is in this list—whether you crave boho braids, sleek buns, or voluminous curls.
Remember: match your style to your face shape, prep with the right products, and don’t shy away from bold accessories.
Which style are you saving for your next event? Let us know in the comments below!
Pin your favorites💕 to your “Hair Inspo” board for later.
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