Which updo fits depends on how forgiving your hair and your schedule are: a Half-Up, Half-Down takes almost no commitment, while a Sleek Low Bun or Sleek High Bun shows every flyaway and a Braided Updo asks for patience.
1. Twisted Updo
2 sections of hair wrapped around each other and pinned low give this updo its romantic look, and the twist reads as polished even when the hair underneath is a little soft.
Dark or brown hair shows the rope pattern clearly.
I prefer working on second-day hair, since freshly washed strands slip out of the twist.
Pin it at the nape with U-shaped pins, tucking the ends under, and pull a few strands loose near the ears if you want it softer.
2. Messy Bun
A messy bun only looks intentional when it has some volume, and that comes from the loose pieces you leave out. Curls at the face and a fuller, slightly off-center top do more than any product.
For a reader who wants an updo that comes together fast, this is my first pick.
Curl a few sections first, gather the hair high, wrap it loosely, and pin it without smoothing. Pull gently at the wrap to widen it.
The trade-off: it is casual, so I would skip it for a formal event.
3. Chignon
Low, braided and pinned at the nape, a chignon is the updo I trust when the dress code is unclear. Adding a braid to the wrapped section gives the shape texture without making it fussy.
A loose braid in the ponytail folds under itself more easily, and a few pins on each side hold the shape in place.
A ruffled or detailed neckline pairs well, since the hair stays quiet and low. Fine hair gains width if you tug the braid links apart a little before pinning.
4. Wavy Updo
Loose waves or curls pinned up keep an updo from looking stiff, and the face-framing ringlets do the softening. It suits anyone who finds sleek styles too severe.
Curl the hair first and let it cool before touching it; brushing breaks the curl into frizz.
Pin the curls up in loose clusters with small gaps, and leave a few ringlets down by the face. Natural curls can skip the iron entirely, which makes this the easiest version.
5. High Voluminous Updo
A bit of lift at the crown, paired with a fringe swept to one side, gives this updo its height without much styling effort. The fringe softens the height so it does not feel harsh.
Tease the crown lightly before gathering the hair high, then smooth only the surface.
Pin it firmly, since volume is heavy. Leave the front section out and sweep it to one side as you finish.
It works best with bangs or a section you are willing to cut around, so it is not a spur-of-the-moment choice if your hair is all one length.
6. Sleek Low Bun
Tight and smooth at the nape, a sleek low bun is the cleanest updo here and the most demanding. Every flyaway shows, so the finish matters more than the shape.
Use a small amount of smoothing product, then brush the hair into a low ponytail at the nape before coiling it.
An elastic at the base and a few hidden pins underneath keep the bun in place. Dark hair looks especially glossy this way.
I like it with a plain top, where the neck becomes the focus. Skip it if you want something forgiving.
7. Braided Updo
Several braids woven into one shape make this the updo that holds up through a long day, since the braiding itself locks the hair in place.
The pleats and pattern of the braids do the decorating, so a busy top still works beside it.
I would braid in sections, pin each one as it finishes, and tuck the ends under so nothing pokes out. Practice on second-day hair, which grips better.
It takes more patience than a bun, and I would not try it for the first time right before an event.
8. Sleek High Bun
Pulled tight to the crown, a sleek high bun stretches the neckline and makes a black dress look more deliberate. Pearls sit well beside it because the hair leaves the ears and collarbone bare.
Brush the hair up into a high ponytail first, smoothing with a little product, then coil it and secure it with an elastic and a few pins.
Check the back with a hand mirror, since the ponytail base is where lumps show.
Evenings are where I would wear it. Like the low version, it shows every flyaway.
9. Half-Up, Half-Down
Keeping the length of long black hair down while a high ponytail sits on top gives you an updo without committing to one. It suits anyone who likes their hair around the shoulders but wants it off the face.
Gather only the top section, tie it high, and leave the rest loose. Smooth the ponytail with a brush so the straight lines stay clean against the plain, simple look of the lower hair.
Half-up, half-down is the most forgiving updo there is, and it goes with almost any top.
Tips for Styling Updos
Strong-hold hairspray is the last step, and it should go on after the style is pinned, not before. A light mist over the finished shape locks it in without making it stiff.
Accessories finish the look. A clip or comb tucked near the base of the style reads as polished, and if the hair is plain, the accessory does the talking.
Time changes the plan. A smooth, straight updo can take as little as 10 minutes or up to 45, depending on how much teasing, gelling and brushing goes into it.
A simple style also leaves room for your clothing and jewelry to get the attention, so I keep the hair quiet when the outfit is busy.
If you wear a ponytail, wrap a few strands around the hair tie to hide it. That small step makes it look finished.
Occasions for Updos
Updos suit nearly any occasion, so one skill covers a lot of your calendar.
For a wedding or prom, pick the updo after you pick the dress: a strapless neckline shows off a sleek chignon, while beaded straps or a statement earring may need something quieter.
For the office, a low twist or smooth bun with no loose pieces reads as put together.
Dress the same style up or down instead of learning a new one. Add a pretty pin for the evening, or keep it plain for work.
If your hair is fine or short, hair extensions can add volume and length for a fuller look. Pick a shade that matches your own hair closely, and try the style once before the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hairstyle makes an older woman look younger?
A half-up, half-down style is a flattering choice.
A high ponytail on top keeps hair off the face, while the length stays loose around the shoulders, which reads soft instead of severe. It is also the most forgiving updo and goes with almost any top.
What are easy hairstyles I can do myself for medium hair?
For medium hair you style yourself, a messy bun asks the least of you and forgives the most.
Loose waves in a few sections give the bun grip; twist the hair up high, pin it without smoothing, then tug the wrapped part outward until it looks full and a little undone.
Leave a few pieces out at the face for texture, because the loose bits are what make it look intentional. A half-up style takes less effort still: tie just the crown section high and let the length fall.
