18 Textured Updo Ideas That Embrace Natural Waves

Why Textured Hair Makes the Best Updos

Before we dive into the styles, let’s appreciate the science of the swirl. Natural waves and texture provide a built-in advantage when creating updos. The inherent volume means you don’t need a mountain of teasing or product to achieve a full-looking bun or braid. The bends and curves create natural grip, helping pins and elastics hold more securely without slipping. This texture also catches the light beautifully, adding dimension and a soft, touchable quality that super-sleek hair often lacks. In short, your waves are your best styling tool.

The Effortless Everyday Textured Updos

These styles are your go-to for looking put-together in minutes. They celebrate the “I woke up like this” aesthetic, but with a touch of intentional flair.

The Textured Messy Bun: The queen of casual updos. The key is to start with day-old waves or add a texturizing spray. Gather your hair high, at the crown, or at your nape, but instead of wrapping it tightly, loosely twist and coil, securing with a coil-less hair tie or scrunchie. Pull out face-framing waves and a few tendrils at the neck for that essential softness.

The Half-Up Twisted Crown: This style keeps hair off your face while showcasing your length. Take two sections of hair from above each temple, twist them gently back, and secure them together at the back of your head with a small clip or pin. For extra texture, gently pull apart the twists after securing to make them fuller and more relaxed.

The Low Textured Pony: Avoid the slicked-back look. Instead, gather your hair at your nape with your fingers, not a brush, to preserve all that beautiful volume. Before securing the final loop of the hair tie, pull the ponytail halfway through to create a loose, folded effect. Pull out a few waves around your face and ears.

Braided Beauty: Updos with Intricate Detail

Braids and waves are a match made in heaven. The texture gives braids body and helps conceal any “perfect” braiding mishaps, making them look intentionally boho.

The Textured Dutch Braid Updo: Start a Dutch braid (an inside-out French braid) along your hairline, incorporating all your hair as you go. Once you reach the nape, continue with a regular three-strand braid, then coil and pin it into a low bun. Gently pull on the edges of the Dutch braid to pancake it and maximize its textured appearance.

The Rope Braid Twist Bun: This elegant style is simpler than it looks. Split your hair into two sections. Twist each section tightly in the same direction, then twist the two twisted sections together in the *opposite* direction (this is key for hold). Wrap the resulting rope braid into a bun and secure. The wave pattern creates a beautifully defined, rope-like effect.

The Side-Swept Braided Crown: A perfect festival or wedding guest style. Create a loose French or Dutch braid starting on one side of your head, following your hairline over the top like a headband. Secure it with pins behind the opposite ear. Let the rest of your waves flow freely, or twist them into a low side bun.

Elegant & Elevated Textured Styles for Special Events

Texture doesn’t mean casual only. These ideas prove that natural waves can be the star of the most sophisticated looks.

The Textured Chignon: Ditch the tight, polished chignon. Create a low ponytail but don’t pull the last loop of the hair tie through. You’ll have a loop of hair. Split the loop open and tuck the ends up and through, securing with pins. Use your fingers to gently pull and loosen the entire chignon, allowing waves to peek out for a soft, undone finish.

The Voluminous Twist & Pin Updo: This is a freeform, artistic style. Section your hair and start twisting small to medium sections, pinning them strategically at the back of your head in a criss-cross, overlapping pattern. The goal isn’t uniformity, but a beautiful, sculptural pile of textured twists. It’s incredibly forgiving and unique.

The Gibson Tuck with a Textured Twist: A classic with a modern edge. Gather your hair as if for a low ponytail, but at the nape, create a loose “tuck” by folding the hair under itself and securing with pins from underneath. Instead of smoothing the top, leave it voluminous and allow your natural waves to create a soft, cascading effect from the tuck.

Quick & Chic: 5-Minute Textured Updos

For those mornings when time is not on your side, these styles are your saviors.

The Claw Clip Updo: The ultimate quick fix. Flip your head over, gather all your hair, twist slightly, lift up to your desired height, and secure with a large, stylish claw clip. Let the ends and sides fall out naturally. The texture keeps it from looking too neat.

The Top-Knot with Face-Framing Waves: A high ball of texture. Gather hair into a high ponytail, twist around the base, and secure with a coil-less tie or pins. The magic is in the pull-out: generously pull out wavy pieces around your entire hairline to soften the look.

The Twisted Hairband Style: Take a section of hair from each temple, twist them backward, and pin them at the back of your head without joining them. This creates an instant, textured headband effect that holds back hair with effortless style.

Pro Tips for Styling Textured Updos

Embrace Product: A good texturizing spray, sea salt spray, or mousse is non-negotiable. Apply to damp or dry hair to enhance your wave pattern and add grit for hold.

Ditch the Brush: Use your fingers as your primary tool. They preserve volume and prevent frizz. A wide-tooth comb is great for detangling before you start.

Pin Strategically: Use bobby pins that match your hair color. Always insert them with the wavy side down for maximum grip. Criss-cross them for security.

The Power of Pulling: After securing any section—a braid, a twist, a bun—gently pull it apart. This “pancaking” technique increases volume and blends the style seamlessly with your natural texture.

Second-Day Hair is Prime Hair: Don’t style on freshly washed hair if you can avoid it. Day-old waves have more natural grip and separation, making them ideal for textured updos.

Celebrate Your Unique Texture

The beauty of these 18 textured updo ideas lies in their adaptability. Your waves are uniquely yours—their pattern, their volume, their personality. Use these styles as a starting point and don’t be afraid to modify, loosen, or add your own flair. The ultimate goal is a hairstyle that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and authentically you. So put down the straightener, pick up some pins and texturizing spray, and let your natural waves take center stage.