An updo has a practical job before it has a pretty one. It has to stay where I pinned it through hugs, a veil going on and off, an outdoor ceremony and hours of dancing. When it’s built well, it also frames the face, shows off the neckline of the dress and looks finished from the back, which is the angle guests see during the whole ceremony. Below are 30 updos, from sleek low buns to braided crowns and soft chignons with loose tendrils, with notes on how each one is built and which hair it suits.
Updos for Fine, Heavy and Curly Hair Need Different Foundations
Two brides can show me the same photo and leave with two different hairstyles. What changes is not the look on top but what I build underneath it.
Fine or thin hair
Fine hair slips out of pins and flattens over the day. I prep it with texture spray or dry shampoo for grip, tease lightly at the roots, and use crossed pins in an X so they lock. For a full bun, a small hidden padding piece or a few clip-in wefts do more than any amount of hairspray.
Thick or heavy hair
With thick hair, weight is the problem. One heavy bun pulls on the scalp and starts to ache by the reception. I split the hair into sections, pin each one separately and spread the load across the back of the head. Some thinning of the bun underneath helps too.
Curly and coily hair
Curly hair holds pins beautifully because of its texture. The choice is whether to wear it in its natural pattern or stretched. Both work. What I avoid is brushing curls dry, since it turns them into frizz, and I protect edges by not pulling tight around the hairline.
1. Low Bun Wedding Updo
I start more bridal appointments with a low bun than any other style, because it suits nearly every face shape and neckline. The hair is brushed back, gathered at the nape and wrapped into a neat bun. Sitting low, it leaves room for a veil comb above it and doesn’t press on the back of the head when you lean against a chair. Keep it sleek for a modern look, or pull a little volume through the crown to soften it. It also lets statement earrings show.
2. Textured Low Updo With Loose Tendrils
A textured low updo is meant to look like you gathered your waves and pinned them in a few minutes. It takes longer than that. I curl the hair first, brush the curls out, then pin loose sections so the volume looks unplanned. The tendrils at the cheeks and neck are chosen, not left over. Fine hair needs texture spray before I start or the shape collapses by the evening. It suits outdoor and boho weddings, with a few gold pins or tiny flowers.
3. Braided Crown Updo
A braided crown wraps across the head like a halo, with the ends tucked underneath or into a small low bun. Length is the deciding factor: it needs at least shoulder-length hair to reach around, and layered hair pokes out of the braid unless I add clip-in pieces. Keep it tight and neat, or pull the braid loops wider for fullness. Tuck in baby’s breath or small blooms for a garden wedding. It looks right with a flowing dress.
4. Classic Chignon
A chignon is hair gathered low and twisted into a smooth, rounded knot at the back of the head. It’s a classic for good reason: it keeps the face and neck clear and sits comfortably under a cathedral veil. I build it around a hidden elastic base so the pins have something solid to anchor into, which is why it lasts through long ceremonies and receptions. It suits vintage gowns and statement jewelry, worn sleek or slightly loosened.
5. Messy Bun Updo
The messy bun is the most misunderstood style I do. It looks careless, but every loose piece is placed. If the hair is truly just thrown up, it photographs as unfinished and droops by the speeches. I tease the base lightly for grip, pin the bun in sections, then pull out the wisps last. It suits boho brides in flowy dresses and outdoor settings, and a couple of flowers or a thin headband are enough decoration.
6. French Twist Updo
A French twist sweeps the hair to one side and rolls it vertically into a tucked seam at the back. Because the roll sits flat against the head, it lengthens the neck and gives a clean outline from the side. A modern version leaves a bit of volume and a few loose pieces. It holds well when I lock it with crossed pins along the seam, so it suits brides who’ll be moving a lot. Very short layers are the problem; they spring out of the roll.
7. Twisted Low Updo
A twisted low updo is made from sections twisted gently and pinned into a loose, textured shape at the nape. Twists add volume on fine hair, which is why I often choose them over a plain bun for thin hair. On thick hair they spread the weight across several pins instead of one heavy knot. Pearl pins or a little greenery tucked between the twists finish it, and it sits well with most dress styles.
8. Braided Low Bun
This one combines a braid with a low bun, either wrapped around it or woven into it. One braid looks neat; several braids pinned together give a fuller bun when the hair is thin. I braid before I curl anything else, so the braid stays tight while I work. Pull the edges slightly for softness. It needs medium to long hair and works under a veil or with floral accents.
9. Sleek Low Bun
A sleek low bun is the editorial choice: hair smoothed back with no bumps and wound into a glossy bun at the nape. It pairs with minimalist dresses and bold jewelry. The part changes the mood: center for clean and modern, deep side for softer. I’d warn anyone with a sensitive scalp or a lot of baby hairs: getting it truly flat needs tension and a strong gel, and frizz at the hairline shows up immediately in close-ups. It works best on straight or blow-dried hair.
10. Half Up Half Down Updo
Half up, half down gives you a pinned section on top and loose hair underneath. Pull the top back into a twist, a braid or a small bun. The loose part is the risk: curls fall faster than pinned hair, especially in humidity. I set the curls with a hot tool, let them cool fully in pin curls, and only then brush them out. It suits most lengths and works with a veil, a flower crown or a delicate hairpiece.
11. Floral Accented Updo
Fresh flowers woven into a bun, twist or braid feel natural for spring and summer weddings. The practical part is choosing flowers that last out of water. Baby’s breath, wax flower and spray roses hold up for hours; gardenias and soft-petaled blooms bruise and brown quickly. I ask the florist to wire small pieces for me, since loose stems slide out. Matching the bouquet keeps everything coordinated.
12. Pearl Embellished Updo
Pearls look refined in hair, whether as single pins, a vine, or a few scattered pearls through a bun or twist. They suit vintage and modern gowns alike. Keep it to a handful for a subtle look or run a full vine for more presence. Pearl pins stay put best when pushed in against the direction of the twist, so they lock against the hair instead of sliding out. They add a quiet shine without competing with your jewelry.
13. Boho Braided Updo
The boho braided updo mixes loose braids, soft twists and undone texture into a low bun, with pieces left around the face. It suits outdoor, beach and garden weddings and looks good in candid photos. Natural waves or textured hair give the best grip. On very smooth, straight hair I add sea salt or texture spray first, because loose braids slip apart in silky hair. Wildflowers, greenery or a thin headband finish it.
14. Vintage Updo With Finger Waves
Finger waves bring old Hollywood into a vintage updo featuring finger waves, with sculpted S-shaped waves near the face and the rest gathered into a low bun or roll. The waves are set while the hair is wet with gel or created with a flat iron and clips, and they need to set fully before the clips come out. It’s a precise style that suits formal and vintage weddings, with a cathedral veil or a sparkling hairpiece. Smooth hair shows the waves best.
15. Curly Updo
A curly updo gathers natural curls or coils into a full bun or pinned shape. I work with the hair’s own pattern rather than fighting it: refresh the curls with a little water and a cream, then pin in large sections without brushing them out. Brushing curly hair turns it into frizz. Leave a few curls loose around the face. A sparkling pin or fresh flowers finish it, and it sits well with modern and traditional gowns.
16. Side Swept Updo
A side-swept updo gathers the hair to one side, giving an asymmetric shape that shows off a statement earring and suits a one-shoulder gown. Waves, twists or braids can run through the swept section. One honest drawback: all the weight sits on one side, so I anchor it with crossed pins behind the ear to stop it tipping forward as the day goes on. A veil works well on the opposite side.
17. Crown Braid Updo
A crown braid follows the hairline all the way round and tucks into the back, keeping every strand off the face. That makes it comfortable in heat and in wind. Keep it tight and neat or loosen the loops for more softness. I pin the braid every few centimeters, otherwise it starts to slide back by the reception. Small flowers or pearls tucked in suit garden weddings. It needs medium to long hair.
18. Twisted Chignon
A twisted chignon starts with several twisted sections that are gathered into a smooth, rounded knot at the back. The twists add texture and a little extra fullness compared with a plain chignon. Keep it sleek or loosen the twists for softness, then add pearl pins or a veil. It flatters most face shapes and dresses. Because the twists distribute the hair, it holds its shape well through a long day.
19. Volume Bouffant Updo
A bouffant lifts the crown for height and gathers the rest into a bun or twist. That height balances strong features and suits a formal or retro look. I build it with backcombing at the roots, then smooth the top layer over it so you don’t see the teasing. Fine hair often needs a small hidden padding piece for the volume to last. It works well with a tiara or a statement veil.
20. Knotted Updo
Knots are looped sections tied into each other and pinned at the nape or crown. The result looks detailed and a little architectural. Medium-thickness hair handles it best: very fine hair makes tiny knots that get lost, and very thick hair makes knots that are too bulky. Keep it sleek for an editorial finish or soft for romance. It suits minimalist gowns, because the hair itself is the detail.
21. Bridal Updo With Veil
An updo gives a veil something secure to hold onto, and the hairstyle still shows underneath. A low bun or chignon works especially well because the veil comb can sit just above it. Place the comb above the bun for a veil that frames the hair, or below it for a veil that falls straight. When the veil comes off for the reception, the updo should look complete on its own, so I always build it as a finished style first. It works with cathedral, fingertip, and birdcage veils.
22. Rolled Updo
A rolled updo tucks and pins sections into smooth rolls at the back or sides. Clean lines give a structured, vintage feel. Rolls hold very securely because each one is pinned along its length, which makes this a good choice for long celebrations. Smooth hair rolls neatly; very layered hair needs extra pins or clip-ins to keep ends from escaping. Keep it tight for formality or soften it with texture, then add a veil or sparkling pins.
23. Fishtail Braid Updo
A fishtail braid is made from two sections, crossing small pieces from the outside of each, so it looks intricate though the method is simple. Pin it into a low bun or wrap it around the head. Pulling the edges wider gives a fuller braid, which helps on fine hair. Tiny flowers or pearls can be threaded through. It suits outdoor weddings and needs medium to long hair.
24. Sleek High Bun
The sleek high bun is ballet-inspired: hair smoothed back tightly into a bun at the crown. It lengthens the neck and shows off bold earrings and minimalist gowns. Two cautions from experience: a high bun can clash with a veil comb, and a tight pull up to the crown gives some people a headache within a couple of hours. If that’s you, ask for it slightly lower and with less tension. Smooth, glossy hair shows the clean finish best.
25. Wispy Updo With Face Framing Pieces
Wispy face-framing pieces are what make this loose bun or twist look soft. The pieces need to be cut into the hair already, or the stylist ends up pulling out random strands that look like flyaways. I curl the tendrils separately and leave them alone until the last minute, as touching them makes them drop. It suits boho, garden and outdoor weddings and wavy or textured hair. A few small flowers or gold pins finish it.
26. Accessorized Updo With Hairpins
Decorative hairpins turn a simple bun, twist or chignon into something personal. Scatter them through the hair or cluster them on one side. Bring your pins to the trial so I can plan where they go before I finish the style; pins added at the end often sit on top of the hair rather than locked into it. Matching them to the gown’s beading or embroidery ties the look together. It’s the easiest way to add detail to any updo.
27. Loose Romantic Updo
A loose romantic updo gathers hair loosely into a low bun or twist with plenty of soft pieces. It moves when you move. The honest trade-off: the looser the style, the less it can survive wind, rain or very energetic dancing, so I build a firm, hidden foundation underneath and keep only the surface soft. It pairs with flowy gowns and outdoor settings, with flowers or delicate pins.
28. Updo With Tiara
Wearing an updo with a tiara needs a base that holds the tiara securely. I usually build volume at the crown and pin the tiara combs into a small teased section, then hide extra pins through the band. A high bun or a fuller style gives the most height. Place the tiara just ahead of the crown so it doesn’t slip backward. It suits formal gowns and cathedral veils.
29. Braided Bun Updo
A braided bun puts braids into or around a classic bun. One braid wrapped around the base looks tidy; several braids give a fuller, more textured bun. Loosen the strands for softness or keep them tight. I find this style forgiving on hair that has grown out unevenly, because braids hide uneven lengths well. It works with a veil, pearls or fresh flowers, at elegant, boho or traditional weddings.
30. Modern Textured Updo
A modern textured updo gathers tousled, full hair into a soft bun or twist, with a few deliberate flyaways and face-framing pieces. It looks current and relaxed. The texture comes from curling the hair first and then breaking the curls up with fingers, not a brush. It suits wavy or naturally textured hair best. Add gold pins or a little greenery, and wear it with a boho or modern gown.
Prep the Night Before So the Pins Have Something to Grip
Freshly washed, silky hair is the hardest hair to pin up. For most clients I ask for hair washed the day before, fully dried, with no conditioner on the roots and no oil or serum. Very oily hair is the exception and may need a wash the same morning, so ask your stylist what suits yours.
- Arrive with completely dry hair. Damp hair won’t hold a curl.
- Wear a button-up shirt so nothing goes over your head once it’s done.
- Bring your veil, comb, tiara or pins. Each one changes where I anchor the style.
- Tell me if the ceremony is outdoors or near water, since humidity changes my choice of products.
Getting the Pins Out at Midnight
At the end of the night, take pins out slowly from the outside in, feeling for each one before you pull. Ripping the style apart breaks hair. Once the pins are out, use your fingers rather than a brush, then apply a little conditioner or oil to the backcombed areas and let the hair rest. A gentle wash the next day will remove most of the spray.
Your Hair Texture Decides More Than the Photo Does
Start from your own hair, then look at the photos. Sleek low buns and classic chignons, braided crowns and modern textured styles all have their place, but your length, density and texture decide which ones will last. Bring inspiration pictures to your stylist and book a trial a few weeks ahead so there’s time to adjust. Save the styles you love and take them with you.
You'll Like These Ideas:
Leave a Reply