An updo is the most practical thing a curly bride can wear. It gets the hair off a warm neck, it keeps humidity from swelling the lengths around the face, and most versions need little or no heat, so the curl pattern you’ve spent months caring for stays intact. The craft is in the base: where I anchor the pins, how much I stretch the hair first and how I keep the surface textured instead of flat. The thirty updos below run from loose chignons to goddess braids, and I’ve added the details I’d want a bride to know before she picks one.
Length, Density and the Padding Hidden Inside a Curly Updo
Curly hair shrinks, so a bride with shoulder-length curls stretched might only have chin-length hair to work with when it’s dry. Most updos here need hair at least to the shoulders when the curls are relaxed. Shorter than that, a half-up style or a small low bun with pins and accessories is more realistic.
Fine or thin curls can still carry a full updo. I often add a small padding or a donut made to match the hair colour, then pin the curls over it, so the bun looks full without pulling every strand tight. Clip-in pieces in a matching curl pattern can add volume too, but they need to be matched in texture as well as colour, or they show.
- Very thick hair: smaller sections, more pins and a lower placement to spread the weight.
- Fine hair: a padded base and a light texturizing spray at the root for grip.
- Coily hair: stretch gently first, so the updo has a smoother shape and less shrinkage.
1. Low Curly Chignon for Brides
If I could only offer one curly updo, it would be the low chignon. I twist the curls loosely and pin them at the nape, leaving a few face-framing pieces at the cheeks. Low placement means the weight rests on the strongest part of the head, so it stays secure without pulling. It sits under a veil easily, and a jeweled pin is optional. Round, oval and heart-shaped faces all suit it.
2. Curly High Bun With Face-Framing Tendrils
The high bun lifts the face and shows the neck and shoulders, which is why I suggest it for off-the-shoulder and strapless gowns. I gather the curls toward the crown over a small padded base and pin them into a full knot, then free a couple of tendrils at the hairline. It balances longer face shapes. On very heavy coils, a high bun can cause a headache by evening, so I’d test it for a few hours at the trial.
3. Braided Curly Updo Bun
Braiding a section before coiling it into a bun gives the updo a woven texture and a firmer hold. I braid while the curls are damp with cream, so the plait stays defined, then wrap it into a top knot or low bun. The braid gives my pins something solid to lock into. Leave a few curls loose or tuck everything in for a sleeker finish. It suits boho and rustic weddings particularly well.
4. Half-Up Curly Wedding Updo
Half up is the choice for a bride who wants her length on show. The top section goes back and is secured; the rest falls over the shoulders. I add a small twist or braid where the sections meet, because a flat join on curly hair tends to slip as the curls relax. It takes a veil or floral crown easily and works with nearly every neckline.
5. Curly Updo With Flower Crown
A flower crown over a curly updo needs a little height underneath to look balanced. I twirl the hair into a loose, voluminous bouffant and pin it softly, then rest the crown so curls peek out around it. Blooms echoing the bouquet tie it together. Fresh crowns wilt in heat, so I fit them last, right before you leave for the ceremony, or use faux blooms for long outdoor days.
6. Natural Textured Updo for Black Brides
A natural textured updo for coily hair is about shaping, not flattening. I stretch the hair gently first, usually with a blow-dry on low or a twist-out, then sculpt the coils into a rounded shape and secure it with large U-pins. Moisture matters: dry coils snap when pinned, so I work in a leave-in before I start. Pearls, gold pins or baby’s breath sit well in the texture, and statement earrings complete it.
7. Goddess Braid Curly Updo
Goddess braids are the most durable bridal updo I know. Thick, defined braids are swept back into a textured bun or coiled crown, often with curly ends left loose. They’re usually installed a few days ahead, so the scalp has time to settle before the wedding. Gold cuffs or delicate pins add a luxe finish, and the style holds through a full celebration without a single touch-up.
8. Loose Curly Updo With Volume
A loose updo gives curls room to bounce. I pin the curls up softly, never pulled tight, so the silhouette stays airy, with a few pieces falling at the face and neck. The risk with loose updos is collapse, so the pins go into a firm, hidden base while the surface stays relaxed. A sparkly clip or fresh flowers personalize it. It suits boho and classic weddings alike.
9. Curly Top Knot for Weddings
Top knots on curly hair keep their texture, which is what makes them bridal instead of gym-ready. I gather the curls high and twist them into a relaxed knot at the crown, leaving a few curls loose at the face. It shows off earrings and suits minimalist gowns. No heat is needed. Very long or heavy hair can drag a top knot downward, so I build it on a small padded base.
10. Twisted Curly Low Bun
Twisting sections before wrapping them into a low bun gives definition and grip. I twist each section in the direction the curl wants to go, then wrap them into a knot at the nape. The twists hold better than loose curls, which is why I recommend it for long days. It works with veils and floral pieces, and pearls or greenery tuck straight into the twists.
11. Curly Updo With Pearl Pins
Pearl pins suit a curly bun or chignon well. I scatter them in loose clusters, with more near the bun and fewer at the edges, so the eye travels across the style. Pins with a slight wave in the shank grip curls better than straight ones. The contrast of smooth pearl against textured curl is subtle, so fewer pins usually do more than many.
12. Bohemian Curly Updo
A boho updo is gathered loosely, with curls escaping at the face and neck on purpose. I add dried flowers, greenery or a thin braid for detail. The trick is keeping it soft without it falling apart by the reception: I pin the base firmly and only loosen the surface. It suits flowing gowns and outdoor settings.
13. Curly Faux Hawk Updo
A curly faux hawk updo is for a bride who wants something unexpected. I pin the sides tightly against the head, often with small hidden braids or flat twists for grip, then lift the center curls into a soft ridge. It shows off bare shoulders and suits sleek, modern gowns. A veil is tricky with this one; a short veil placed under the back of the hawk works best.
14. Curly Updo With Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath tucked into a curly bun holds up for the whole day without water. I pin the curls into a soft bun or chignon, then weave sprigs through, either clustered on one side or scattered. The tiny blooms don’t weigh the hair down. It suits spring and outdoor weddings, and it’s one of the cheapest floral choices for hair.
15. Curly Updo With Side Swept Curls
A side-swept updo gathers most curls to one side into a bun or twist, with a cascade of curls sweeping across the forehead and cheek. I pin that cascade at the temple with a hidden pin, because loose curls across the face tend to fall into the eyes by mid-afternoon. A sparkling comb on the swept side adds a little glamour, and the shape suits vintage and modern weddings.
16. Curly Crown Braid Updo
A crown braid keeps every strand off the face. I braid the hair and wrap it around the crown, with curls softening the edges, and leave a few loose at the nape. It’s hands-free and holds through hours of celebration, which is why I suggest it for outdoor and rustic weddings. Flower crowns or tucked-in blooms rest easily on it.
17. Messy Curly Bun for Brides
A messy bun is the hardest updo to get right, because messy has to look intentional. I gather the curls into a soft, undone knot with plenty of loose pieces, but each loose piece is chosen, not accidental. It suits boho and casual weddings. A sparkly pin or fresh flower adds detail, and it’s comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing it.
18. Curly Updo With Veil
A curly bun or chignon is a reliable anchor for a veil. I place the comb above the bun for a dramatic fall or below it for a softer look, always into a firmly pinned base. Leave a few curls at the face. After the ceremony, lift the comb out upward, and the updo underneath stays intact for the reception.
19. Curly Updo With Gold Accessories
Gold pins and cuffs bring warmth to a curly updo. I gather the curls into a textured bun or twisted style, then add gold pieces near the bun or through the twists. Against dark curls and coils, the metal stands out clearly in photos. I match the gold tone to the jewelry, because mixing warm and cool golds looks unplanned.
20. Curly Updo With Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs soften a curly updo by framing the face on both sides. The rest of the hair goes into a bun or chignon. I curl the bangs slightly to match the texture, using a small barrel or a little gel. They suit round and heart-shaped faces especially. If you don’t already have bangs, have them cut six to eight weeks before the wedding, so they have time to settle.
21. Curly Updo With Headband
A headband over a curly updo frames the face and holds the front in place. I pin the curls into a soft bun or half-up style, then slide on a jeweled or pearl band. It suits formal and boho dresses equally. Check how the band feels behind the ears after an hour, because a stiff headband can start to ache long before the reception ends.
22. Curly Rolled Updo
Rolled updos are vintage-inspired and structured. I roll sections of curls and pin them into smooth shapes, leaving a few tendrils loose. Rolling works best on curls stretched slightly first, because tight curls resist forming a clean roll. It holds through hours of dancing and suits old-Hollywood gowns, especially with a jeweled comb.
23. Curly Updo With Tiara
A curly updo with a tiara is the most formal look here. I pin the curls into a soft bun and place the tiara in front of it, securing the ends through its loops into a small backcombed base. The curls support it better than sleek hair would. It suits grand ballroom weddings and fairytale themes, and a few curls left loose at the face keep it soft.
24. Curly Side Bun Updo
A side bun sits behind one ear and gives the face a flattering angle. I gather the curls to that side and pin the bun firmly, leaving a few curls loose on the opposite side. It’s particularly good with one-shoulder or asymmetrical gowns, with the bun on the bare side. A floral accent or jeweled pin near the bun covers the final pins.
25. Curly Updo With Greenery
Greenery suits curly bridal updos because leaves tuck easily between curls. I pin the curls into a soft bun or twisted style, then weave in eucalyptus, ivy or small leaves. Eucalyptus holds up longest out of water; soft leaves can wilt in heat. Keep it all green or add small flowers. It suits outdoor, rustic and boho weddings.
26. Curly Bun With Braided Crown
A braided crown over a curly bun combines two strong elements. The braid wraps around the head like a halo, and the remaining curls gather into a soft bun at the back. I braid first and pin it tightly, then build the bun, so the braid holds the structure. Flowers tuck into the braid easily. It suits boho and fairytale weddings.
27. Curly Updo With Hair Vine
A hair vine woven through a curly updo adds fine detail without weight. I pin the curls into a soft bun or half-up style, then bend the vine to the head’s shape before weaving it in, pinning it at several points. Crystal vines catch light; leafy ones look natural. It suits boho and garden weddings.
28. Curly Updo With Deep Side Part
A deep side part gives a curly updo drama and a flattering asymmetrical shape. I part far to one side, then sweep the curls up into a bun or twist. Curly hair wants to drift back to its natural part, so I pin it firmly at the crown. Leave a cascade of curls on the fuller side, and add a jeweled comb where the curls sweep up. It suits formal and glamorous weddings.
29. Curly Updo With Twisted Sides
Twisted sides frame the face and keep curls secure. I twist the hair on each side back and gather it into a bun or chignon. The twists create texture and act as anchors for the pins. Pins or flowers can sit where the twists meet the bun. It works for formal and relaxed weddings, and it’s the one I reach for when an updo mustn’t loosen during the dancing.
30. Curly Updo With Loose Tendrils
Loose tendrils are what soften any curly updo. I gather the curls into a bun or chignon and leave several pieces loose at the face, neck and ears, defining each with a little gel so they hold their curl instead of drooping. It suits every curl pattern. Once they’re set, leave them alone, because touching is what makes tendrils frizz.
Unpinning at Midnight Without Wrecking Your Curls
Brides rarely think about the end of the night, but a curly updo can hold dozens of pins. Pull them out slowly, one at a time, before you go to sleep, and drop them into a small bag so you don’t find them in the bed. If a section feels tangled, don’t force it apart with a brush.
The next morning, work a generous amount of conditioner through the hair before detangling, with fingers or a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends. Gel and hairspray from the day dissolve more easily in conditioner than in water alone. Then wash and style as usual, and your curls should return to their normal pattern within a wash or two.
Braided updos come down differently. Goddess braids or a protective style can stay in for days or weeks after the wedding, which suits a bride heading straight off on honeymoon. Keep the scalp clean with a diluted cleanser on the parts, sleep in a satin scarf, and have the braids taken out gently, with conditioner, when the time comes, rather than rushing it the night you get home.
An Updo Built on Your Own Texture
The curly updos that last are the ones built with your texture rather than against it. A low chignon, goddess braids or a flower crown can all work if the base is firm and the hair is moisturized. Add pearls, greenery or a tiara to personalize it, bring two or three favourites to your trial and ask how each will hold up by evening.
You'll Like These Ideas:
Leave a Reply