Updos have stayed the bridal default for practical reasons: they keep hair off your face and neck, they hold a veil or tiara properly, and a well-pinned one looks the same at midnight as it did at the ceremony. The 35 below range from sleek modern knots and classic chignons to braided crowns, curly updos and flower-filled boho styles. With each one I’ve noted how I build it, which hair it suits and where it tends to struggle, so you can walk into your trial knowing what to ask for.
How Much Chair Time an Updo Really Needs
When I plan a wedding morning, I schedule the bride’s hair around how complex the updo is, not around a fixed slot. Here’s roughly what I allow, though it varies with hair length and thickness.
- Sleek bun, knot or low chignon: about 45 minutes.
- Textured or twisted updos, braided buns: about an hour.
- Voluminous curly updos, victory rolls, braided crowns on long thick hair: 75 to 90 minutes.
I like to finish the bride’s hair about an hour before she gets dressed, which leaves time for the veil to go in after the dress is on, and for photos. If your bridesmaids are also having their hair done, the bride usually isn’t first or last in the chair. Going first risks the style settling too early; going last leaves no buffer if something runs late.
Heavy Updos on a Sensitive Scalp
Some brides get a headache from an updo within two hours, and it’s almost always tension, not weight. Tight elastics at the crown and pins pushed hard against the scalp are the usual causes. If you know your scalp is sensitive, tell me at the trial. I’ll build a lower base, use a softer elastic, and slide pins along the hair rather than into the skin.
Wear the trial updo for the rest of that day. If it aches by the evening, it will ache by the reception, and we can change the structure while there’s still time.
1. Classic Low Chignon Updo
The low chignon is the updo I’d suggest when a bride isn’t sure, because it’s the easiest to anchor and the easiest to wear with a veil. I gather the hair at the nape over a small hidden base of crossed pins, then wrap and pin the knot into that base. It sits under a veil comb neatly and leaves room for statement earrings. Keep it sleek for a formal ceremony, or leave a few face-framing tendrils loose. Pearl pins or a fine hair vine finish it. It suits most face shapes, and on shoulder-length hair I can still make it work with a small padding underneath.
2. Messy High Bun With Tendrils
The messy high bun has to be messy on purpose. I curl the hair first, add a dry texture spray for grip, gather it high on the crown and pin the bun in sections so it holds. Then, at the end, I pull out a few pieces around the face. Baby’s breath or small wildflowers can be tucked in for outdoor and rustic weddings. The height adds length to the neck. If you’re wearing a veil, it needs to attach under the bun rather than on top, so mention it early.
3. Sleek Ballerina Bun
The sleek ballerina bun is clean lines and nothing else, high or low with a defined center part. I smooth the hair back with gel and a narrow bristle brush, secure it with an elastic, wrap the bun and pin it flat with U-pins. A touch of shine serum keeps it glossy. It pairs with minimalist gowns and bold jewelry and suits a city wedding. There are no flyaways to hide behind, so cowlicks and short baby hairs at the hairline need patience, and a tight high bun can cause a headache over a long day.
4. French Twist Updo
The French twist sweeps hair vertically up the back of the head into a long, sleek roll. It’s been a bridal staple for decades because the clean line elongates the neck. I backcomb lightly at the back so the twist has grip, roll it, then pin it with U-pins pushed into the fold so they stay hidden. A veil tucks neatly under the twist. Keep it smooth for a formal ceremony or loosen a few strands for softness. A sparkly comb along the seam adds glamour.
5. Braided Crown Updo
A braided crown wraps the hair around the head like a halo and keeps it completely off the face, which is welcome at a warm-weather ceremony. I start two braids behind the ears, take them over the top and pin the ends under each other, with bobby pins slid sideways under the plaits. Tiny flowers can be woven along it. It suits boho and garden weddings and flowing silhouettes. It works best on medium to long hair; on shorter hair I’d add a clip-in braid.
6. Twisted Low Bun With Pearls
Twisted sections gathered into a low bun and scattered with pearl pins give a soft, feminine updo. I twist each section separately and pin them one by one, which gives the bun dimension. Pearls with a coiled stem hold far better than straight-stem pins, which slide out of smooth hair. They pair nicely with pearl drop earrings. It suits classic and modern weddings. Loose tendrils soften the finish, though I’d keep them few so the twists still show.
7. Half-Up Half-Down With Curls
Half up, half down gives you both structure and flowing hair. I pin the top section back with crossed bobby pins under a small twist or braid and curl the length below. A decorative clip covers the join. It frames the face and shows off long hair, and it suits almost any venue. The hanging hair pulls on the pins all day, so on thick hair I use a small elastic for the top section first and pin over it.
8. Soft Romantic Chignon
A soft chignon is loosely gathered at the nape with airy texture and a few pieces escaping. It’s relaxed rather than polished. I build a firm base underneath and loosen only the surface, so it looks soft without collapsing. It suits flowing fabrics, soft makeup and garden or intimate weddings. A few small blooms or a fine pin decorate it. Loose doesn’t mean less pinning: I usually use more pins in a soft chignon than in a sleek one.
9. Braided Bun Updo
A braided bun leads a braid into or around a soft bun, which adds detail from behind, the view your guests have during the ceremony. Tight braids look structured; loose ones look boho. I braid first, then pancake the edges gently, then form the bun and wrap the braid around it. It holds well through long celebrations. Flowers or pearl pins tucked into the braid finish it. It suits boho, rustic and classic weddings and many hair textures.
10. Vintage Victory Rolls
Classic vintage victory rolls are sculpted curls rolled and pinned at the crown, a 1940s look that pairs with vintage gowns and red lips. I set the hair on hot rollers first, then roll each section around two fingers and pin it from underneath. They need structure, so I use a firm-hold hairspray between each roll. A birdcage veil or a brooch finishes them. It takes skill, so ask your stylist whether they’ve done them before.
11. Low Bun With Face-Framing Pieces
A low bun with face-framing pieces is one of the most flattering updos I do. The bun sits neatly at the nape and a few strands soften the face. I curl the front pieces slightly away from the face, which opens it up rather than hiding it. It works for formal and casual weddings and with both minimal and ornate gowns. Leave the tendrils a little longer than you think; they spring up once curled.
12. Twisted Updo With Hair Vine
A hair vine traced through a soft twisted updo adds sparkle without a tiara. I twist and pin the updo first, then weave the vine through and secure it every few inches with small bobby pins, since its own wire won’t hold in place on smooth hair. Choose pearls, crystals or tiny leaves to suit your theme. It suits romantic and boho weddings and looks intricate in photos from behind.
13. High Bun With Center Part
A high bun with a center part is sleek and editorial. Hair is smoothed back from a clean middle part into a polished knot on top of the head. The symmetry flatters, and with nothing around the face it shows off earrings and the neckline. I find the true center from the bridge of the nose with a tail comb, since an off-center part shows in front-on photos. Shine spray keeps it glossy. It suits modern ballrooms and city weddings.
14. Boho Braided Updo With Flowers
A boho braided updo mixes loose braids, soft twists and fresh flowers. Wildflowers, roses or baby’s breath work, but choose hardy stems: spray roses and baby’s breath last hours out of water, while delicate petals wilt in the heat. I ask the florist for small wired pieces so they pin in cleanly. It suits outdoor and festival-style weddings and photographs well in natural light.
15. Sleek Low Knot
The sleek low knot is a compact knot at the nape with no extra detail. It’s for minimalist brides and pairs with satin gowns and bold accessories. I use a smoothing balm and secure the knot with U-pins, then finish with a glossy spray. With nothing distracting, attention stays on your face and the dress. It suits city weddings and evening receptions. It’s also one of the few updos I’d say survives humidity well, since there’s no curl to drop.
16. Curly Updo for Natural Hair
A curly updo gathers natural curls and coils into a sculpted, voluminous shape. I work with your texture: hair washed and styled the day before, a little curl cream to redefine, then curls gathered in sections with large hairpins rather than bobby pins, which flatten them. A decorative pin, flowers or a sparkling accessory personalizes it. It holds well through the day. I’d keep a satin scarf for the car ride to the venue to protect the shape.
17. Twisted Halo Updo
A twisted halo wraps twisted sections around the crown in a soft ring. It’s gentler than a braided crown and quicker to do. I twist each section away from the face and pin it flat as I go. Tiny flowers or pearl accents add charm. It suits garden, beach and boho weddings and medium to long hair. On fine hair, a little texture powder at the roots makes the twists look fuller.
18. Elegant Updo With Veil
If you’re wearing a veil, the updo should be planned around it. I gather the hair smoothly and leave a solid spot of crossed pins exactly where the veil comb will go, either above or below the bun. A comb pushed into loose hair slips; a comb in a pinned base stays put all day. The veil lifts out for the reception without disturbing the updo. It suits formal church ceremonies and traditional celebrations. Bring the actual veil to the trial.
19. Low Side Bun
A low side bun sweeps the hair to one side and gathers it near the shoulder. It shows off one side and looks good in profile photos. I curl or twist the hair first, then pin it into a loose bun just behind the ear, anchored to crossed pins on the opposite side so the weight doesn’t pull it back. Flowers or pearl pins add romance. It pairs with off-shoulder and sweetheart necklines. Tell your photographer which side the bun sits on.
20. Braided Low Bun
A braided low bun starts with a braid that flows into or wraps around a soft bun. A tight braid looks structured; a loose one looks boho. I braid first, then roll and pin, using a few extra pins at the point where braid meets bun, since that’s where it loosens. Flowers or pearls tucked in finish it. It holds well and suits rustic, garden and classic weddings.
21. Voluminous Updo With Curls
A voluminous curly updo gathers full, bouncy curls into a high or low updo with lots of volume. I set the curls with hot rollers, let them cool completely, then pin each curl individually rather than gathering them in handfuls. That’s what keeps the shape full instead of flat. A sparkling clip or fresh flowers finish it. It suits formal ballrooms and glamorous celebrations. It’s a lot of hair, so it takes longer than most; budget an hour.
22. Twisted Updo With Tiara
A twisted updo crowned with a tiara is the most regal style here. Elegant twists gather into an updo, and the tiara sits in front of it. I pin the tiara through its end loops into crossed bobby pins on each side, and a little backcombing under the band gives it something to grip. Pick a delicate or statement tiara to suit the gown. It pairs with formal gowns and grand ceremonies. Try the tiara on for a full hour at the trial; some pinch behind the ears.
23. Knotted Updo
The knotted updo loops sections into soft, intertwined knots. It looks artistic and sculptural. I tie each knot loosely, pin it through the center, and build the next one over it. Keep it sleek or add tendrils. Pearl pins or a vine sit nicely in the gaps. It suits contemporary weddings and looks most impressive from behind, so it’s worth mentioning to your photographer.
24. Loose Curly Updo With Tendrils
A loose curly updo with tendrils gathers curls into a relaxed shape and leaves soft strands around the face. It’s romantic and natural. I set the curls first, let them cool, then gather them loosely, pinning each curl rather than the whole section. Small flowers or a delicate accessory can be tucked in. It suits garden, beach and boho weddings and flowing gowns. Tendrils are the first thing to frizz in humidity, so I set them with a light spray.
25. Sleek High Ponytail Updo
A sleek high ponytail is technically a ponytail, but styled high and polished it has the presence of an updo. I smooth the hair up with a brush and gel, secure it with two elastics, one at the base and one just above, which stops it drooping. A wrapped section hides the elastic. Extensions add length. It suits modern, minimalist gowns and city weddings and makes a fun switch for the reception. On a long day, a heavy high pony can pull at the scalp, so I’d test it at the trial.
26. Braided Updo for Long Hair
A braided updo makes the most of long hair: several braids woven together into a structured shape. I braid in sections, then wrap and pin each braid separately so the updo has depth. Flowers or pearls can be woven through. It holds well through long celebrations and suits boho, rustic and classic weddings. Very long, thick hair can make a braided updo heavy, so I sometimes thin out the underneath section to keep it comfortable.
27. Low Bun With Bangs
Brides with bangs don’t have to hide them. The low bun with bangs keeps the fringe styled and the rest smooth in a knot at the nape. I blow-dry the bangs first, sleek, wispy or curtain-style, then do the bun. If the bangs are new, cut them at least two to three weeks before the wedding so they’ve settled. It suits modern and classic weddings.
28. Twisted Side Updo
A twisted side updo gathers twists to one side near the shoulder. It’s vintage-inspired and asymmetrical, and it shows well in profile. I twist each section toward the gathered side and pin it into place, then decorate with flowers or a sparkling clip. It pairs with off-shoulder gowns and soft necklines. On thick hair, the side can get heavy, so I make sure the pins are anchored on the far side too.
29. Elegant Bun With Hair Accessories
Accessories can make a simple bun the centerpiece. Sparkling combs, pins or a delicate headpiece add glamour and personality. I always pin a plain bobby pin first and slide the decorative comb through it, so the weight is held by something secure. Choose crystals, pearls or florals to match your theme. It suits formal and glamorous weddings. Bring the accessories to the trial; some are much heavier than they look.
30. Soft Updo for Short Hair
Short hair can still go up. A soft updo for short hair gathers shorter lengths into a textured shape using pins and twists. I add texture spray first, then twist small sections and pin them up and in, hiding the shorter ends inside the twists. It suits modern and boho weddings. Small flowers or sparkling pins add charm. Hair at chin length or just above is about the shortest I can gather; shorter than that, a pinned-back style works better.
31. Romantic Updo With Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath woven through a soft updo looks airy and fresh. It holds up well out of water, which is why florists use it in hair. I ask for small sprigs, wired, and pin them in last. Scatter them throughout or cluster them on one side. It suits bohemian and rustic weddings and photographs well in natural light. Keep the clusters small; large bunches look like a wreath.
32. Structured Bun for Modern Brides
A structured bun is all about sculptural form: a sleek, defined knot with crisp lines. It suits contemporary brides with a minimalist aesthetic and pairs with modern dresses and bold jewelry. I build it over a bun form or donut to get the clean shape, smooth the hair over it, and pin it flat. A glossy finish keeps it sharp. It photographs well with its crisp lines and suits city weddings.
33. Braided Halo With Loose Curls
A braided halo with loose curls mixes structure and softness: braids around the crown and curls flowing below. It suits brides who can’t choose between up and down. I braid the halo first and pin it flat, then curl the length below. Flowers woven into the braid add charm. It pairs with boho and garden weddings. The curls below will drop before the braid does, so I set them firmly.
34. Polished Updo With Side Part
A deep side part adds structure to a polished updo. Hair sweeps from the part into an elegant gathered shape. I blow-dry the root in the new direction first, because a part that isn’t trained drifts back. Keep it sleek or add soft waves. It suits modern and classic gowns and many face shapes. It’s an updo with a little vintage glamour, and it photographs best from the open side.
35. Textured Updo With Pearls
A softly textured updo with pearl pins scattered through it balances relaxed and refined. I texturize the hair, gather it loosely, then place pearls last, after hairspray, so the spray doesn’t dull their finish. Scatter them or place them in a line. Pearl jewelry ties it together. It suits modern and classic weddings and catches light softly in photos.
Fifty Pins Later: Getting the Updo Out at Night
No one tells brides that taking down a bridal updo can take half an hour, and that pulling it apart in a hurry is how you lose hair. A few things I tell every bride before she leaves the chair:
- Take out the accessories and veil first, then find the pins by feel, working from the outside in.
- Count roughly how many I used. I’ll tell you at the end, so you know when you’re done.
- Don’t brush straight away. Hair full of hairspray and backcombing snaps easily. Work a little conditioner or oil through the lengths with your fingers first.
- Detangle from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, then wash with a clarifying shampoo the next day.
If you have a long night ahead and a long drive home, I’d keep a small bag for pins. Bobby pins left on a hotel pillow tend to end up in someone’s foot.
An Updo Is Only as Good as Its Base
The right updo reflects your personality, works with your gown and holds through the whole day. Sleek modern knots, soft braids and flower-filled boho styles all suit different brides. Book a trial with your stylist to test your favorites, and bring the veil, accessories and a photo of the dress. Think about the venue, season and how long the day will run. Whichever style you choose, the secret is the same: a firm, well-pinned base under whatever you see on the surface.
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