12 Easy updo Ideas for natural Hair You Can Do at Home
Are you tired of the same old wash-and-go routine? Do you look at intricate updos on social media and think, “I could never do that myself?” Well, think again! Embracing your natural hair texture doesn’t mean you have to stick to simple styles. In fact, updos are one of the most versatile, elegant, and practical ways to showcase the beauty of your coils, curls, and kinks.
We’ve curated a list of 12 easy updo ideas for natural hair that range from quick and casual to sophisticated and stunning. Get ready to unlock a new world of hairstyling possibilities!
1. The Classic High Puff
Let’s start with a timeless favorite. The high puff is a quintessential natural hair style that is as easy to create as it is stylish. It’s perfect for those days when your hair is in that “not-quite-fresh” state but you still want to look put-together. This style beautifully frames your face and highlights your features.
How to do it: Start by gathering all your hair at the crown of your head. Use a soft, coiled hair tie (or a scrunchie for extra gentleness) to secure a high ponytail. If your hair is particularly short or has a lot of shrinkage, you can use a puff cuff for support. Gently pull on the sides of the puff to create more volume and fullness. For a sleeker look, you can smooth down your edges with a bit of edge control and a scarf.
2. The Elegant Twisted Updo
This style looks incredibly complex but is deceptively simple. It’s perfect for a date night, a job interview, or any event where you want to exude effortless elegance. The twisted updo uses the basic technique of two-strand twists to create a intricate-looking bun.
How to do it: Part your hair down the middle. On each side, create a two-strand twist, starting from your hairline and working your way back. You can make them as thick or as thin as you like. Once you have two large twists, cross them over each other at the back of your head, wrapping and tucking the ends under to form a bun. Secure with bobby pins. The result is a beautifully textured and secure updo that will turn heads.
3. The Pineapple Puff
A playful twist on the classic puff, the pineapple puff is a fun and flirty style that adds a unique shape to your look. It’s called a “pineapple” because the gathered hair resembles the top of the tropical fruit. This style is excellent for showcasing your hair’s length and volume in a creative way.
How to do it: Gather your hair into a very high ponytail, right at the very top of your head. Instead of pulling all the hair through the hair tie on the last loop, leave the ends out to create a “puff” that sits on top. You can fluff it out for maximum volume. This style works best on stretched hair or hair with a looser curl pattern, but can be adapted for tighter textures with a pick.
4. The Braided Crown
Feel like a queen with this regal style. The braided crown is a romantic and ethereal updo that is perfect for weddings, brunches, or any day you want to feel extra special. It keeps your hair completely off your face and neck, making it a practical choice for warmer weather.
How to do it: Part your hair down the middle. On one side, create a Dutch braid (a reverse French braid where the sections are crossed under instead of over) starting at your hairline and braiding back towards your ear. Repeat on the other side. Once both braids are complete, bring the end of the left braist over the top of your head to the right side and pin it securely. Do the same with the right braid, bringing it over to the left side. Tuck the ends under and secure with bobby pins to form a beautiful crown.
5. The Tuck and Roll
This is the ultimate “looks complicated but is super easy” updo. The tuck and roll is a sleek and sophisticated style that works beautifully on stretched natural hair or blown-out hair. It gives the illusion of a classic chignon but requires no intricate twisting or braiding.
How to do it: Pull your hair into a low ponytail but do not pull the end all the way through on the last loop—you should have a loop. Split the loop in half to create a hole. Then, take the tail end of your ponytail and tuck it up and through the hole. Roll the base of the ponytail upwards, towards the base of the loop, and secure the roll with bobby pins underneath. It creates a neat, rolled bun that looks professionally done.
6. The Half-Up, Half-Down Top Knot
Why choose between wearing your hair up or down when you can have the best of both worlds? The half-up, half-down top knot is a trendy and casual style that keeps the hair out of your face while letting your beautiful curls flow freely in the back.
How to do it: Take the top section of your hair, from about your temples back to the crown. Gather it as if you were making a ponytail on the very top of your head. Twist this section loosely and then wrap it around the base to form a small, messy bun or top knot. Secure it with bobby pins. Let the rest of your hair hang down. You can pull out a few face-framing pieces for a softer look.
7. The Flat Twist Updo
Flat twists are a cornerstone of natural hair styling, and they form the perfect base for a stunning updo. This style is incredibly versatile and can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make it. It’s a fantastic protective style that can last for several days.
How to do it: Create flat twists all over your head. You can do a simple pattern like two large twists from the front to the back, or a more intricate cornrow-like pattern. Once all your hair is in flat twists, gather the ends and bundle them together at the back or top of your head. You can then tuck and pin the ends to create a bun, or simply pin the twists themselves into an artistic shape. The texture created by the twists is beautiful on its own.
8. The Gibson Tuck
A vintage-inspired classic, the Gibson Tuck is a beautifully rolled style that looks both polished and soft. It adds a touch of old-school Hollywood glamour to any outfit and is surprisingly simple to achieve. It works best on hair that is at least shoulder-length.
How to do it: Loosely pull your hair back as if for a low ponytail, but don’t secure it with a tie. Take one hand and create a “tunnel” by separating your hair from your scalp at the nape of your neck. With your other hand, begin to tuck the ends of your hair up and into this tunnel. Keep tucking until all the hair is rolled neatly inside. Use bobby pins strategically around the roll to secure it in place. The result is a soft, rolled bun that sits at the nape of your neck.
9. The Messy Bun with a Scarf
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple messy bun! This is the go-to style for a bad hair day, but by adding a colorful scarf, you can instantly elevate it into a stylish statement. It takes less than five minutes and always looks intentional and chic.
How to do it: Pull your hair into a high or low ponytail, but instead of making a neat bun, only pull the hair halfway through the hair tie on the last loop to create a loose loop. Pull at the sides to create volume and a “messy” look. Take a silk or satin scarf, fold it into a long strip, and tie it around your head, covering the hair tie. You can tie it into a bow on top or at the side for a extra flair.
10. The Bubble Ponytail Updo
This playful and modern style is a fun way to add interest to a simple ponytail. The bubble updo creates the illusion of multiple ponytails and adds incredible volume and length. It’s a hit on social media for a reason—it’s eye-catching and easy!
How to do it: Create a high ponytail and secure it tightly. Space out hair ties down the length of the ponytail, each about 3-4 inches apart. Once you have all the ties in place, gently tug and pull on each section of hair between the ties to puff it out, creating the “bubbles.” You can make the bubbles as large or as small as you like. For an updo version, you can then twist the tail end and pin it at the base.
11. The Faux Hawk Bun
For those who love an edgy, fashion-forward look, the faux hawk bun is a show-stopper. It gives you the dramatic effect of a mohawk without having to commit to the cut. This style is all about attitude and is perfect for a concert, a night out, or just when you’re feeling bold.
How to do it: Create two French or Dutch braids on either side of your head, starting at the hairline and going straight back to the crown. Gather the remaining hair in the center section, along with the ends of your braids, into a high ponytail. Create a bun with this ponytail. The braids on the sides will create a raised, textured path leading up to the dramatic bun, mimicking the look of a hawk.
12. The Simple Twist-Out Bun
This is perhaps the easiest way to create a full, textured, and beautiful updo. If you’ve done a twist-out, your hair is already pre-styled for this look. It maximizes the definition of your curls and turns your wash-day style into a quick and gorgeous updo.
How to do it: On hair that has been styled in a twist-out for defined curls, gently gather all your hair at your desired height (high, low, or side). Don’t brush or smooth it—embrace the texture! Loosely twist the gathered hair and then wrap it around itself to form a bun. Secure with a scrunchie or a coil-free hair tie. The goal is a loose, voluminous, and perfectly curly bun that looks effortlessly beautiful. Pull out a few curls around your face to frame it.
Embrace Your Crown: Final Tips for Perfect At-Home Updos
Mastering these easy updo ideas for natural hair is all about practice and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Remember to always be gentle with your hair to prevent breakage. Use a satin or silk scrunchie instead of a regular elastic, and invest in good, strong bobby pins that will actually hold your style.
Most importantly, have fun with it! Your natural hair is a canvas for your creativity. Play with different parts, accessories like hair clips, beads, or scarves, and don’t be afraid to mix and match techniques from different styles. Your home is your salon, and you are the artist. So go ahead, try one of these stunning updos today and fall in love with your natural hair all over again.
