21 Updos For Long Hair Ideas That Are Trending Right Now

21 Updos For Long Hair Ideas That Are Trending Right Now

Long hair gives you so much to work with when it comes to updos, but that also means it’s easy to feel stuck between a hundred Pinterest tabs. If you’ve got length to spare and you’re looking for something beyond the basic ponytail, you’re in the right place. Here are 21 updos for long hair that people are actually wearing right now, from low-maintenance everyday looks to statement styles for weddings and nights out.

Low Twisted Bun

This one sits right at the nape of your neck and has a soft, undone quality that never looks stiff. You twist sections instead of tightly braiding them, so the finished bun has natural texture and a few loose pieces falling around your face.

It works beautifully on straight or wavy hair and looks especially good on oval and heart-shaped faces. Fine hair benefits from a little texturizing spray beforehand to give the twists something to grip. Maintenance is low, and it holds up through a full workday without needing touch-ups.

Braided Crown Updo

A braided crown wraps around the head like a halo, using two French braids that meet at the back and tuck into a low bun or simply pin flat. It’s romantic without trying too hard, which is probably why it keeps showing up at weddings and garden parties.

Thick or medium hair holds the braids best, though fine hair can pull it off with some backcombing at the crown for extra volume. Round faces look great with this because the braid adds height and vertical line. Expect to spend fifteen to twenty minutes on this one, more if your braiding skills are still developing.

Sleek High Bun

Nothing says polished quite like a sleek high bun. Hair is pulled straight back with zero flyaways, twisted into a tight knot at the crown, and finished with a shine serum for that glassy, wet-look finish.

This style is a favorite for anyone with straight, thick hair, though a good gel and some patience can make it work on wavy or curly textures too. It’s flattering on almost every face shape since the height balances out width. Just know this isn’t a “get ready in five minutes” style, it takes some slicking and smoothing to get that clean look.

Messy Top Knot

The messy top knot is the updo equivalent of a Sunday morning, easy, relaxed, and a little imperfect on purpose. You gather hair loosely at the crown, twist it a couple times, and let it flop into a soft knot rather than pinning it down tight.

Wavy and curly hair textures naturally give this style more character, while straight hair might need a texturizing spray to keep the knot from sliding out. It suits basically every face shape and hair thickness, which is part of why it’s stayed popular for years. Maintenance is minimal, making it a go-to for gym days or lazy mornings.

Fishtail Braided Updo

A fishtail braid pulled into an updo has a delicate, almost lacy texture that a regular three-strand braid just doesn’t give you. The braid can run down the back and coil into a bun, or wrap sideways for an asymmetrical look.

This one photographs beautifully, so it’s popular for engagement shoots and formal events. Medium to thick hair shows off the fishtail pattern most clearly, and it works well on long faces since the diagonal weave adds width. Give yourself extra time here since fishtail braiding takes more practice than a standard braid.

Low Ponytail Bun

Think of this as the more grown-up cousin of the messy top knot. You pull hair into a low ponytail at the nape, then twist and wrap it around the base to form a neat little bun, securing with pins.

It reads as polished but not fussy, which makes it a solid pick for office days or dinner reservations. Any hair texture can pull this off, and it flatters square and round faces particularly well since it elongates the neckline. Upkeep is easy, and it tends to survive rain and wind better than looser styles.

Half-Up Braided Space Buns

Space buns got a glow-up, and this half-up version keeps the fun without going full festival. The top half of your hair splits into two braids that twist into small buns, while the rest stays down in loose waves.

It’s a great choice for thick or medium hair since the buns hold their shape well, though fine hair can use dry shampoo for grip. Heart and oval faces suit this look nicely because it keeps volume balanced on top. This one leans more casual and playful, so save it for weekends or festival season rather than the boardroom.

Twisted Chignon

A chignon is that classic low bun shape you see on ballerinas, but adding twists throughout gives it texture and keeps it from looking too severe. Hair gets sectioned, twisted, then coiled into a low knot near the nape.

This suits medium to thick hair especially well, since the twists need some substance to hold their shape. It’s a flattering pick for oval, heart, and diamond face shapes. Because it looks so refined, it’s become a go-to for job interviews, formal dinners, and any occasion where you want to look put together without seeming overdone.

Braided Ponytail Wrap

Here, a simple ponytail gets an upgrade by wrapping a small braid around the base to hide the hair tie completely. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how finished the whole look feels.

Straight and wavy hair both take to this style easily, and it works on any face shape since you’re really just dressing up a ponytail. It’s low maintenance, quick to do, and a smart option when you want something that looks more intentional than a basic pony but still takes under ten minutes.

Voluminous Bubble Braid Updo

Bubble braids create these fun little segments that puff out along the length of the braid, giving major volume and dimension. Pulled up into an updo, it becomes a showstopper without needing a single strand of actual braiding skill, since you’re mostly using small elastics.

Fine hair actually looks great with this technique because the bubbles create the illusion of thickness. It suits round and oval faces well. This is a great pick if your braiding skills are limited but you still want something that looks intricate and camera-ready.

Low Side Bun

Shifting a classic bun off to one side instantly makes it feel more romantic and a little less predictable. Hair gathers at the nape, sweeps to one shoulder, and twists into a soft bun that sits just above the collarbone.

This works well on wavy and curly hair since the texture adds body to the bun itself. Square and heart-shaped faces especially benefit from the asymmetry it creates. It’s a popular choice for date nights and evening events where you want something soft and a bit flirty.

Braided Updo With Face-Framing Pieces

Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact, and pulling a couple of face-framing pieces loose from an otherwise sleek braided updo does exactly that. The rest of the hair braids up into a bun or twist while these two pieces soften the look around your cheeks.

Any hair texture works here, though curly or wavy pieces frame the face with more movement. This is particularly flattering for square and rectangular face shapes since it softens strong jawlines. It’s become a wedding day favorite for exactly this reason.

Rope Twist Updo

A rope twist is created by twisting two sections of hair around each other, and the result looks like a thick, textured cord rather than a traditional braid. Coiled into an updo, it has a chunky, tactile quality that stands out.

Thick and medium hair show off the rope pattern best. This style suits oval and long face shapes nicely. It’s a quicker alternative to braiding for anyone who wants texture without the time commitment, since rope twists come together faster than a three-strand braid.

Curly Updo With Loose Tendrils

For naturally curly hair, this updo celebrates the texture instead of fighting it. Curls gather loosely at the crown or back, with a few spirals left hanging free around the face and neck.

This is one of the best options for curly and coily textures specifically, since it doesn’t require any straightening or heat. Round and oval faces look great with the added height at the crown. A curl-defining cream and some patience with finger coiling go a long way here.

Braided Bun With Ribbon

Adding a thin ribbon woven through a braided bun turns an ordinary updo into something a little more special, whether that’s for a birthday dinner or a holiday party. The ribbon color can match an outfit or just add a pop against your hair color.

Medium to thick hair holds the braid structure best for weaving the ribbon through cleanly. This look suits any face shape and adds a playful, slightly nostalgic touch without feeling costume-y. It’s an easy way to dress up a familiar style for a special occasion.

Twisted Half-Up Updo

Not quite a full updo, this style twists the crown section back and secures it, leaving the rest of your length down and loose, often in soft waves. It gives you that lifted, pulled-together look without committing to a full updo.

Wavy and straight hair both work nicely here, and it flatters basically every face shape since so much hair stays down to frame things naturally. It’s a favorite for anyone who loves the idea of an updo but doesn’t want their whole head to feel too tight or done.

Braided Updo With Volume At The Crown

Backcombing the crown before pulling hair into a braided updo gives you serious height and a slightly retro, glamorous feel. The braid itself can be simple since the volume up top does most of the visual work.

This suits fine to medium hair especially well, since the backcombing compensates for thinner strands. Round and oval faces benefit most from the added height. It reads as more formal, so this one tends to show up at galas, proms, and black-tie events.

Low Braided Ponytail Updo

A single braid running the length of a low ponytail, then coiled at the base, gives you a look that’s elegant but still feels a little effortless. It sits low on the neck and has a soft, draping quality.

Straight and wavy hair both take well to this. It’s a flattering choice for square and heart-shaped faces since it keeps the visual weight low and soft. Styling time is moderate, somewhere around ten to fifteen minutes depending on braiding speed.

Twisted Updo With Statement Hairpins

Sometimes the accessory is the whole point. A simple twisted updo becomes something else entirely with a few decorative hairpins or a jeweled comb tucked in at an angle. It’s a smart trick for turning a five-minute style into something that looks intentional and dressed up.

Any hair texture and thickness works here since the pins do the heavy lifting visually. This suits every face shape. It’s a favorite for anyone who wants an easy updo with a bit of sparkle for evening plans.

Braided Halo With Loose Waves

Similar to the braided crown but styled looser and paired with beachy waves left down, this version feels more bohemian than formal. A single thin braid wraps partway around the head while the rest of the hair stays down and tousled.

Wavy and curly textures pair especially well with this relaxed vibe. Oval and heart-shaped faces look great with the added dimension around the crown. It’s an easy pick for outdoor weddings, summer parties, or festival season.

High Braided Bun

Taking the braided bun and pushing it up high on the crown gives the whole look more drama and a bit of an editorial edge. The braid coils into a compact bun that sits noticeably higher than a traditional low bun.

Thick and medium hair hold this shape well without needing much extra product. It’s particularly flattering on round faces since the height elongates things nicely. This style tends to photograph well from every angle, which makes it a solid choice for events where you’ll be posing for pictures most of the night.

No matter which of these you try, remember that updos for long hair don’t need to be perfect to look good, a few loose pieces or slightly imperfect twists often make the whole thing feel more natural. Start with clean or day-old hair since fresh-washed strands can be trickier to work with, and don’t be afraid to use bobby pins generously. With a little practice, any of these 21 updos for long hair can become your new go-to for everyday wear or special occasions alike.