🎀 12 Easy Updos For Long Hair
Okay, real talk. Long hair is gorgeous, majestic even. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like a glorious, heavy blanket that just wants to get in your face, snag on your purse strap, or stick to your lip gloss. The struggle is real, my friends. But fear not, because we’re about to dive into the holy grail of hair hacks: the easy updo. No more elaborate Pinterest fails or arm cramps from attempting a style that requires a cosmetology degree. We’re talking quick, chic, and totally doable looks that’ll get your mane up and out of the way, making you look like you actually tried (without, you know, actually trying that hard). Your neck will thank you.
1. The Classic Messy Bun
Alright, let’s kick things off with the undisputed champion of “I woke up like this” hair. The messy bun is your go-to when you want to look effortlessly chic without, you know, making any actual effort.
It’s all about gathering your hair high or low, twisting it loosely, and securing it with a hair tie. Don’t overthink it. The messier, the better, honestly. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for that extra “I just threw this up” vibe.
Pro tip: For extra volume and grit, spritz some dry shampoo or texturizing spray before you start. It gives your hair something to cling to, preventing slippage.
Why it works: It’s the ultimate lazy-girl hack that somehow always looks intentional. Pure magic.
2. The High and Mighty Bun
Think of this as the messy bun’s more polished, slightly more ambitious cousin. This style lifts your hair right to the crown of your head, making you feel instantly taller and more put-together.
Gather all your hair into a super high ponytail, then twist it into a neat (or semi-neat) bun and pin it down. A little hairspray tames those flyaways, making it perfect for when you need to look a bit more serious, but still want to be comfortable.
Pro tip: Use a hair bungee instead of a traditional elastic to get a super tight, bump-free ponytail base before you start twisting. Your scalp will appreciate it.
Why it works: It’s sleek, it’s chic, and it keeps literally every strand off your neck. Hello, elegance.
3. The Low Twisted Knot
This one screams understated elegance and is surprisingly simple to achieve. It’s perfect for those days when you want to look sophisticated without spending an hour in front of the mirror.
Part your hair down the middle or to the side, then gather it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail tightly and coil it into a small, tight bun at the nape of your neck. Secure it with bobby pins. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Pro tip: A tiny bit of shine serum smoothed over before twisting adds a luxurious finish and helps control frizz.
Why it works: It looks incredibly fancy, but it’s just a twisted pony. Your secret is safe with us.
4. The Half-Up Top Knot Hero
Can’t decide between hair up or hair down? Why not both? The half-up top knot is the ultimate compromise, giving you the best of both worlds.
Grab the top section of your hair, from your temples to your crown, and twist it into a small, sassy bun right on top of your head. Leave the rest of your hair flowing free. It’s playful, it’s practical, and it makes you look instantly cooler.
Pro tip: For extra lift at the roots of your top section, backcomb slightly before twisting. Voluminous hair is always a win.
Why it works: It keeps hair out of your face while showing off your beautiful length. Maximum impact, minimal effort.
5. The Claw Clip Comeback
Yes, darling, the claw clip is back and it’s chicer than ever. Forget your ’90s flashbacks; these clips are now a fashion statement and your long hair’s best friend.
Gather your hair as if you’re making a low ponytail, then twist it upwards and fold it over itself. Grab a stylish claw clip and secure it vertically, catching all those lovely strands. It’s incredibly fast and looks effortlessly put-together.
Pro tip: Invest in a good quality, larger claw clip. It actually holds all that glorious long hair without snapping or slipping.
Why it works: It’s the ultimate grab-and-go updo that looks far more intentional than it actually is. Instant chic.
6. The Bubble Braid Bonanza
This one sounds more complicated than it is, we promise. The bubble braid updo is a fun, whimsical way to get your hair off your neck and turn heads.
Start with a high ponytail. Then, place elastic bands every few inches down the ponytail, gently pulling each section to create a “bubble” effect. Once you have a few bubbles, coil the entire bubbly concoction into a bun and pin it. Or, just leave it as a bubbly pony for a different vibe.
Pro tip: Use clear elastics for a seamless look. And don’t be shy about gently tugging those bubbles for maximum poof.
Why it works: It adds texture and visual interest without requiring any actual braiding skills. Sneaky, right?
7. The Faux Braided Crown
Want to look like you spent hours weaving a majestic braid around your head? This “faux” version is your secret weapon. All the regal vibes, none of the actual braiding agony.
Take two small sections of hair from either side of your head, just above your ears. Braid each section. Bring one braid across the top of your head and pin it. Do the same with the other braid, overlapping slightly. Gather the rest of your hair into a low bun or ponytail at the back.
Pro tip: Loosen the braids slightly before pinning them for a softer, more romantic feel. A spritz of flexible hold hairspray keeps everything in place.
Why it works: It creates the illusion of an intricate crown with minimal braiding. Who doesn’t love a good illusion?
8. Space Buns for Days
Feeling playful? Or just really need your hair completely out of the way for, say, a dance party or a serious workout? Space buns are your answer. They’re cute, they’re fun, and they’re surprisingly secure.
Part your hair down the middle. Create two high pigtails. Twist each pigtail into a bun and secure with hair ties and a few bobby pins. Boom! Instant adorable, gravity-defying hair.
Pro tip: For extra volume in your buns, tease each pigtail a bit before twisting. Or, use a donut bun maker for perfectly round buns.
Why it works: They’re super cute, keep your hair totally contained, and bring out your inner pop star. What’s not to love?
9. The Scarf-Wrapped Statement
Elevate any basic bun with the power of a stylish scarf. This trick makes it look like you put in way more effort than you actually did, and adds a pop of color or pattern.
Create your favorite bun (messy, high, low, whatever floats your boat). Then, take a pretty silk or cotton scarf, fold it into a band, and wrap it around the base of your bun. Tie it in a knot or a bow, letting the ends dangle or tucking them in.
Pro tip: Choose a scarf with a vibrant print or interesting texture to really make your updo pop. It’s an instant outfit upgrade.
Why it works: It’s a chic accessory that hides any less-than-perfect bun moments and adds instant personality. Fashion meets function.
10. The Rolled-Up Romance
This updo looks like it belongs in a period drama, but it’s deceptively easy. It’s perfect for a more formal occasion or when you just want to feel a little extra fancy.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail. Create a gap just above the elastic by splitting your hair. Flip your ponytail up and through that gap, pulling it all the way through. Repeat this once or twice, tucking the ends into the roll you’ve created. Pin securely.
Pro tip: A little texturizing spray beforehand gives your hair more grip, making the roll easier to form and hold.
Why it works: It creates a beautiful, intricate-looking roll without any actual braiding or complex twisting. Pure magic, again.
11. The Knotted Pony Perfection
Forget your basic ponytail; we’re adding a twist, literally. This updo is a step up in sophistication from a regular pony but still ridiculously simple.
Divide your hair into two sections, as if you’re tying a shoelace. Tie the two sections into a simple knot at the nape of your neck. Tie another knot if your hair is super long. Secure the ends with a clear elastic, then tuck the remaining tail into the knot and pin it.
Pro tip: Gently pull apart the knots to make them look fuller and more voluminous. A little light-hold hairspray will keep those knots from unraveling.
Why it works: It’s an unexpected twist (pun intended) on a classic that looks put-together and unique. Who knew knots could be so chic?
12. The Loop-De-Loop Luxe
This is probably the fastest “bun” you can make, perfect for those five-minute dash-out-the-door situations when you still want to look presentable. It’s the ultimate minimalist updo.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail. On the last loop of your hair tie, pull your hair only halfway through, creating a loop with the ends dangling. Fan out the loop slightly and pin the dangling ends around the base of the loop to secure it. Voila!
Pro tip: For a slightly more voluminous loop, gently tug on the sides of the loop to expand it. A few well-placed bobby pins are your best friend here.
Why it works: It’s ridiculously fast, surprisingly elegant, and looks like a proper bun without all the fuss. Your hair tie does most of the work.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! Twelve ridiculously easy ways to elevate your long hair game without breaking a sweat or needing a professional stylist on speed dial. From the perfectly imperfect messy bun to the chic-as-heck scarf updo, these styles are your new best friends for looking put-together and fabulous, even on those ‘I can’t even’ kind of days. Go forth and conquer, my stylish warriors. Your hair (and your sanity) will thank you for these speedy transformations.
