You’ll be ready to rock those long tresses this season with these quick and easy updos for long hair. These styles will have you looking perfect for an outdoor wedding, music festivals or a simple picnic at the park.
If the idea of styling all that long hair gets you tangled up, take it slow! Begin with an easy ponytail, braid or low bun. Then divide that up into smaller sections or make multiple braids.
Take one section or braid at a time to twist, curl, and pin-up to your heart’s content. Now, you’re ready to enjoy the best of both worlds. Happy styling!
Before your next hair appointment, check out these photos of easy updos for long hair.
Long Updo Hair with Fishtail Braids
This look is a classic romantic low updo with a Dutch fishtail braid accent, which is a masterpiece by Florida-based stylist Saretta Bowerman. Romantic style updos are ideal for special events like weddings, proms, and big fancy galas.
To wear this look for a wedding or special event, Bowerman advises that “your hair be at least shoulder length. If it is not, consider getting clip-in extensions or use a hair pad for the day off to create fullness.”
Cute updos for long hair using a Fishtail show up best on hair that has dimensional color, so if you don’t have that already, consider getting highlights or lowlights. Your stylist will need a curling iron, a good setting spray, a texture spray, a finishing hairspray, and lots of bobby pins.
Braided Messy Side Bun
It’s a fun textured and tousled hair that’s perfect for bridesmaids! This side-do is sure to hold well and look pretty all day.
Braided Updo
Who doesn’t love playing around with different styles? This mix of French braids and a twisted low bun adored with a cute floral crown is melting our hearts. Hairdos for long hair like this create a very feminine and soft look, perfect for sophisticated women.
Sleek Braided Low Bun
If you wanna go simple and easy, these side braids put into a messy low bun are the best option. You can just top it off with a gorgeous hair band for a look fit for royalty!
Naturally Curly Updo
Fall in love with this super gorgeous curl easy updo for long hair! That amazing texture of curly hair is made possible by using anti-frizz products.
Milkmaid Braids
This style is an exquisite mix of French and Dutch braids that finishes neatly and wonderfully! The headband effect makes the total hair goals!
Inspiration for Wedding Updos
Unmistakably beautiful styles for an unforgettable day. Let your face glow by putting your hair in a twisted bun that can be accessorized and styled in the most refined way possible.
Bouffant Updo
This one’s a beehive hairstyle with a lot of twists! Easy updo hairstyles for long hair are ideal for casual days and formal occasions when you wanna glam up.
Crown Dutch Braid Updo
Don’t you love how the contrasting dark and light tones take this exceptional updo hairstyle to the next level?! This infinite-looking hair tiara will save you on days when you don’t feel like washing your hair. It looks sleeker on straight hair.
French Braid Updo
This one features two classic loose and big braids that easily join into a beautiful low bun. It is one of the most elegant updos for long hair that is so perfect for summer, either a casual or formal event!
Cute Updo for Black Women
Show off your natural beauty with this effortless but classy, messy ‘do! All you need is a hair tie and some curl-defining product, and you’ll surely get the best texture and definition for your locks!
Sock Bun
Every girl should know how to do this really cute and easy hairstyle! With the help of a hair donut, you can get a voluminous and clean look! If you want to flaunt your long locks, do a high ponytail instead.
Simple French Twist Updo
The French twist makes the perfect updo for long hair. It’s a very simple but equally elegant updo that will stay stylish and up-to-date at all times.
According to stylist Anna Kononova from Russia, the most stunning thing about this hairstyle is its flexibility. “You can style this way any type of the hair – shoulder-length or waist-length hair – just varying how tight you roll it. This hairstyle suits also perfect for any occasion, be it a romantic dinner for two or any grand affair. You can style the hair more formally by adding some straight lines, or more romantically – you need just curl some hair locks and decorate the updo with jewelry or flowers.”
To create this hairstyle, use a hair straightener and a gaufre styler to fill the hair with volume. As to products, Kononova used OSIS silk shine cream to make hair straighter and shinier and also to texturize locks. She adds, “I also applied OSIS extreme hold hairspray to fix the hairstyle. Please mind, that you’ve to use any hairspray in short bursts and apply it from a distance to make it invisible.”
Perfect Braided Chignon for Prom
We’re loving this messy hair that combines twists, braids, and a cute bun altogether! It gives a soft yet sophisticated vibe that’s perfect for a glam night.
This long hair updo is all about being lived in and bohemian. Created by hairstylist Heather Schmick of Spokane, WA, the result is messy yet polished and looks amazing if dressed up or down – its versatility is why it’s one of the greatest features of this hairdo!
“This look is all about being lived in, carefree, and relaxed yet stunning. It can be worn on almost all hair types but is best on medium to long hair and really doesn’t require much backcombing or volume,” says Schmick.
To achieve this look, start by securing the top back with an elastic or bobby pin leaving the hair by your ears out and down. Then take the remaining hair in the back and separate it into 2 or 3 twists and secure with an elastic.
Take the twists and wrap them up into a bun-pinning with bobby pins to secure. Take one side by your hair and braid the section pinning it across the bun, then take the other side and twist it back over the bun. To make it a softer style, drape the side pieces of hair over the ears and leave some whispies out around the face.
Schmick suggests, “Volume spray, texture spray, and a finishing spray are all you will need. But curling the hair with a wand or iron is a plus. Have fun creating this fun and beautiful look!”
Messy Updo
This messy updo by Finland-based hair artist Alina Aarnio is timeless and elegant. The best thing about it is how long it lasted. “I did it in the morning and this picture was taken in the evening. It lasted the whole day perfectly,” Aarnio emphasizes.
If you don’t have much time, you can do overnight curls, spray some hairspray and just pin them up. Aarnio notes, “This was such an effortless look to do! You don’t even need more than a bit over shoulder-length hair to do it.”
Infinity Knot Bun
This infinity knot bun is one of the best updos for long hair for a day-to-night style. It’s made by Selina Zeller, a style creator in Bern, Switzerland.
“I usually wear a 3 strand braid over the day and if I have a special event in the evening I can take the braid and twist it in a bun. In this picture, I wear a lazy wrap bun – a wonderful bun and hold so well. You can use any hair accessories you prefer,” Zeller states.
An updo hairstyle is perfect for everyone who has chest-length hair or longer, so you can braid enough to wrap it up. Zeller would recommend an invisible hair tie at the end of your tips. Braid as long as it is possible because the hair tassel has to hide under the bun.
Zeller notes, “With my experience, braiding is much easier without freshly washed hair, so I do this updo on the second day. It looks elegant and more complicated than it really is. Perfect for beginners.”
Vintage Updo
An updo hairstyle is a vintage glamour low bun with texture and pin curls—a creation by bridal hair specialist Maggie Langdon of Salt Lake City, UT. The cutest thing about it is the design of the pin curls on the side and that it is guaranteed to stay looking polished all day for photos!
“You need to take the time to find the right stylist to do it. Getting a hair consultation prior to the actual appointment helps to make sure the clients show up knowing what to expect and the stylist is prepared. Products for this hairstyle are gel and definitely a lot of hairspray and bobby pins,” Langdon advises.
Gorgeous Messy Fishtail Updo
A messy fishtail updo offers a polished texture. It has definition and movement that catch your eye yet still has smoothness and simplicity in the bun!
The greatest part is the added detail of the French fishtail because most people ask to incorporate a traditional French braid. The fishtail by stylist Jenna Carrano of Shelton, CT is a beautiful alternative that doesn’t get enough credit!
“Have your hair blown out the day before to prep for smoothness and volume, as this style does not require curling beforehand. Because of the braid, this is not a super loose style so be prepared to see your hair pulled a little tighter into place. Always ask for pieces to be left out around your face for balance against this tighter look,” Carrano suggests.
Boho Braided Headband
When looking for easy updos for long hair, this Coachella-inspired braid crown is the way to go.
Stunning Long Hair in an Easy Updo
This look is one of many easy long hair updos tied lower near the nape that people can try when it comes to attending a wedding party or a graduation ceremony (especially in Jakarta, Indonesia).
Created by freelance hairstylist Liu Janice from Indonesia, this low updo is not too messy and not too stiff, but still neat. “Since most of my clients have black or dark brown hair, there isn’t much visual texture in many updo styles. This particular updo does show off the texture in dark hair and enhances the total look,” she states.
Choosing this type of textured low bun like in the photo is a great choice if you have a darker hair color because it adds a little bit of “extra” instead of doing a full chignon low bun. The textured pattern of this look will add a more natural look to the low bun and sometimes, there is no need to use any hairpieces to accentuate this hair.
When considering the look, try to be very gentle when twisting the long hair for the low bun since the style needs to be kind of messy but still neat. Janice notes to “be very light-handed and, of course, pin the hair to the bun with a bobby pin or hairpin tightly to prevent it from falling. To create this look, you need a strong aerosol hairspray, bobby pins, hairpins, a donut bun.”
Updos like this don’t only work with longer hair but it also looks great with medium-length hair. Any hair type can wear it, but styling is easier when the hair is not too loose and not too stiff.
The hairstyle is suitable for a mature woman that prefers a neat (but not stiff) hairstyle who is attending a wedding party or her daughter or son’s graduation ceremony. The impressions from this look are simple but glam, neat with a little touch of messy, and very romantic.
Simple Classic Chignon
This is a simple classic chignon. Look creator Ahmad Inaro from Indonesia finds it very simple but looks elegant. It is perfect for a special wedding day!
To get this look, the most important thing is to make a perfectly sleek low ponytail, then make it into a chignon without using too many bobby pins. Inaro suggests using an extra hold hairspray.
“This look is perfect for someone who has long and thick hair, and especially great for someone who has dark hair. This look will show others your personality and lifestyle,” Inaro mentions.
Low Bun Updo
This is a lived-in but put-together low bun updo, as described by bridal hair specialist Krystle Waivio of Grand Rapids, MI. “My favorite thing about this look is that it looks so easy, breezy, and simple. Fancy buns are popular for most occasions, especially if you are wanting to show accessories as well,” she points out.
Something to always think about with updos is the hair color. This updo works great with light or dimensional color that shows off movement and texture like blonde hair with highlights.
The updo style was created on medium-length hair with layers. Waivio recommends using a texture spray and volumizing powder to help give volume and whimsy! If you prefer updos that are a little more put-together, pinning wispy ends into the low bun will do the trick.
Romantic Long Loose Updo
Opt for a romantic and loose updo, designed by Nadja Boll, a hairstylist from Vorarlberg, Austria.
“I love that it’s a quick and playful hairstyle with a touch of an undone look. Messy updos can provide a little unique twist from the traditional sleek and straight ones,” Boll notes.
An undone look is both modern and trendy. It is very elegant, stylish, and versatile and could be worn by a bridesmaid or even to a prom.
Boll recommends this kind of hairstyle for ladies with full hair. A big curler, a texture spray, and volume powder are the base products for this style. She continues, “This look is perfect for all face shapes because you can change the styling in front to flatter specific features.”
Romantic & Tousled
Go for a romantic and tousled bridal updo on long hair. Style creator Dianne Joie Alcantara of Baguio City, Philippines accented it with a makeshift clip to give it a little more bling.
“My favorite part about this look is that it’s not a very complicated hairstyle to create. Most lengths of hair, aside from the extremely short and the extremely long and voluminous hair, can achieve this look,” Alcantara points out.
This is recommended for ladies who are very sweet, very romantic, and optimistic. It’s ideal for someone who isn’t very concerned if the entirety of her face is unobstructed as the hairstyle has a very clean front.
Prior to the wedding day itself, Alcantara advised the model not to use any moisturizing products or any product that will make their hair greasy, limp, or lifeless. It’s shocking to know hairstylists actually prefer hair on the dry side. “The heat styling will last much longer and the products I use will eventually round out the dryness that their hair had,” she explains.
When it comes to length, Alcantara usually tells ladies to grow out their hair past their shoulders or cut it if their hair is too long. If you have dark brown to black hair, what’s suggested is to color it a bit lighter to complement skin tones. Just to a medium brown or lighter brown, nothing too vibrant such as reds or pinks.
Alcantara notes, “Prior to wearing this updo, just take care of your hair. Don’t let it dry out too much, but don’t use too much oil or moisture.”
Easy Casual Updo
Go for an easygoing updo for everyday wear. Stylist Lobke Martens of Schaijk, Netherlands loves the simplicity of this look because women can do it by themselves and look good in less time.
“If you want this look, use Redken Windblown to get that full effect on your knot along with a little help from Redken Powder Grip at your roots,” Martens suggests.
Sophisticated Low Bun
A low bun that looks effortless, sophisticated, and classic is always a head-turner. Indonesia-based stylist Roslynn Viandra created this look and her favorite thing about it is how easy it is to achieve. “I twisted the ponytail until it becomes a bun,” says Viandra.
Don’t forget to use a hairnet (if you want it to be sleeker) to secure the ponytail first, then twist until it becomes the shape you want. You can also use matte wax for the upper section. If you want the look to be messier, you don’t need a hairnet. If wanting an asymmetrical finish, opt for a side bun.
Ladies who have thin hair are perfect for this look. The thicker a person’s hair is, the more difficult it is to do the twisted part.
Viandra adds, “A small face with a v-shaped jawline is ideal for this look. You can wear this hairstyle in the office, at meetings, or even for a wedding event.”
The Messy Bun
This is the messy bun, which is an easy way to put your hair up, according to stylist Christina Sabounjian of Sydney, NSW.
“What I love most about this simple bun style is that it’s so versatile. It dresses up any look instantly! It’s sophisticated and elegant without being over the top, but also fun and glam at the same time. It gives just a little bit of red carpet flare,” Sabounjian explains.
The key product to create this style is something with texture and hold. For upstyling, there has to be some grit to the hair so it’s a lot easier to work with. If it’s too soft and clean. the style won’t hold.
On this look, Sabounjian used Wella Professional EIMI Dry Shampoo to prep the hair, then curled it using my GHD platinum. “As I was styling each section, I used Schwarzkopf osis + Dust It. We finished off with my favorite product, Goldwell Hair Fix Strong hairspray,” Sabounjian states.
The best tip Sabounjian can give for doing upstyles is don’t overthink. She emphasizes, “Go with what you’re feeling and feel the flow, that’s how you’ll achieve the best style.”
This look suits most women! It’s that kind of style that is chic and effortless. Most women of all shapes and sizes will do well with this style. Having those pieces around the front of the hair softens the face. You can also vary with volume for someone with a smaller frame and so on.
It is ideal to have medium to long-length hair for this.
Crown Braid for Bridesmaids
Here’s a crown of braids, designed by Danielle Sainty, a freelance hairstylist from Sydney, AU. “The look is very boho chic, and I love the way the braids are the star of this look. Adding in face-framing curls keeps the whole look relaxed and soft,” Sainty mentions.
Sainty started by blow-drying the hair smooth with a liquid texture spray to add some grip to the hair.
“I then divided the hair in half, braiding one section from the back to the front of the head in a Dutch braid or “inside-out braid”. Have her tilt their head forward so you get the right angle while braiding and remember to keep moving around the client to keep the braid close to the head. Leave some hair out around the face,” Sainty continues.
Repeat with the other side, then spray in a little dry texture spray or light hairspray. Pinch and pull the braid sections to pancake out the braid to make it bigger and fuller looking. Stack the braids across each other to create a crown and secure with pins.
Finally, Sainty advises to “curl the hair left out away from the face with a large curling tong. Finish with a light spray of hairspray.”
This style of updos is perfect for brides/bridesmaids in a country wedding, or for the “Bridechilla”. You can also add in some flowers or colored hair extensions to be music festival-ready. This look is great for warmer days to keep the hair off the neck. This look also suits all face shapes.
