20 Coiled Updo Methods for Natural Hair Textures

1. The Classic High Puff

The high puff is a timeless, effortless updo that celebrates the full volume of your hair. Gather all your hair at the crown of your head, secure it with a coiled-friendly hair tie (like a spiral or satin band), and gently pull the hair forward to create a full, rounded puff. You can leave out a few baby hairs or face-framing curls for a soft touch.

2. Twisted Crown Updo

This regal style involves creating two large twists starting from your temples, wrapping them around your head like a crown, and pinning them securely at the nape. It’s perfect for keeping hair off your face and looks incredibly elegant on coily textures, as the twists hold their shape beautifully.

3. The Pineapple Puff

An adaptation of the classic pineapple method for preserving curls, this updo is perfect for day-old wash-and-gos. Gather your hair at the very top of your head with a loose scrunchie, but instead of letting all the curls hang free, gently tuck the ends under and pin them to create a voluminous, cascading puff that sits high.

4. Coiled Bun with Hair Donut

A hair donut (or sock bun) isn’t just for straight hair! Create a high ponytail, slide the donut over it, and then evenly distribute your coils around the base, tucking the ends under and securing with pins. The result is a surprisingly neat, full, and perfectly round bun that showcases your texture.

5. Flat Twists into a Low Bun

Start with two or more flat twists from your hairline going back. Once you reach the nape, gather the remaining hair (twisted and loose) into a low bun or chignon. This style combines the beautiful patterning of flat twists with the polish of a bun, ideal for work or formal events.

6. The Coily Gibson Tuck

A vintage-inspired look that works wonders with volume. Create a low ponytail but only pull the hair halfway through on the last loop of the hair tie, creating a loop. Then, tuck the remaining length of hair under the loop and pin it securely against your head. It creates a beautiful, voluminous roll at the nape.

7. Bantu Knot Updo

Why not wear the knots as the style? Instead of taking them down for curls, section your hair and create Bantu knots all over your head. You can arrange them symmetrically or randomly for a bold, cultural, and stunning geometric updo.

8. Two-Strand Twisted Updo

Create multiple two-strand twists all over your head. Once set, you can gather and pin them into an updo of your choice—a high bun, a low gathered style, or even a twisted crown. The texture of the individual twists adds incredible detail and dimension.

9. The Coiled Mohawk

For a fierce and fashionable look, gather the hair from the sides of your head into small flat twists or cornrows, directing them toward the center. Let the hair in the center section flow freely or style it into a series of puffs or buns along the crest. This style celebrates height and attitude.

10. Roll, Tuck, and Pin Updo

This is a free-form, artistic method. Take small sections of hair, roll them towards your scalp, and pin them in place. Repeat all over, creating a textured, abstract sculpture. It’s perfect for shorter lengths or for creating a truly unique, avant-garde look.

11. French Braids into a Coiled Bun

Incorporate braiding for a secure and stylish base. Create two French braids from the front going back, then combine the ends with the rest of your hair into a large coiled bun at the back. The braids add detail and help manage hair around the hairline.

12. The Top Knot

The quintessential quick updo. Gather your hair at the crown, twist it tightly, and wrap it around its base to form a knot. Secure with pins or a scrunchie. For coiled hair, the top knot is often delightfully full and has a great organic shape.

13. Cornrow Cascade Updo

Cornrow the front and crown of your hair in a pattern that directs all the hair to one side or the back. Then, gather the loose ends from the cornrows and any remaining hair into a cascading side bun or a collection of pinned curls. This style is intricate and breathtaking.

14. Coiled Space Buns

Divide your hair into two high sections and create two playful puffs or buns. With coiled hair, these space buns are full of personality and volume. You can make them neat or intentionally fuzzy for a fun, youthful vibe.

15. The Tucked French Roll

Create a deep side part, then gather your hair at the nape as if for a low ponytail. Instead of securing it, roll the hair under itself upwards towards your head, pinning as you go to create a sleek, tucked roll. Coily hair provides great grip for this style.

16. Twist-Out Updo

Start with a head of well-defined twist-out or braid-out curls. Then, gather and pin those lush, voluminous curls into an updo. The pre-styled texture means your updo will have incredible body, definition, and a touch of glamorous chaos.

17. The African Threaded Updo

Incorporate the beautiful art of threading. Using colorful thread or yarn, wrap sections of your hair from root to tip. Then, style these threaded sections into an updo—buns, knots, or a gathered style. The color and texture are stunning.

18. Half-Up, Half-Down Coiled Style

Take the top half of your hair and style it into a small puff, bun, or a set of pinned-back twists, leaving the bottom half flowing freely. This is a perfect way to show off your curl pattern while keeping hair out of your face.

19. The Interlaced Ponytail Updo

Create a high ponytail. Then, take small sections from the ponytail and loop them under, pinning them to the base to create an interlaced, woven effect. It turns a simple ponytail into a detailed, textured updo.

20. The Goddess Updo with Accessories

Create any simple coiled updo—a bun, a twist, a puff—and then adorn it. Weave in a string of pearls, insert decorative hair pins, wrap a beaded chain around a bun, or add a fresh flower. Accessories elevate your updo to a goddess level.

Your coils are not a limitation; they are the very foundation of endless creativity. Each of these 20 methods offers a new way to appreciate the volume, texture, and beauty of your natural hair. Whether you’re seeking practicality, artistry, or elegance, there’s a coiled updo waiting to become your new signature look. Don’t be afraid to mix, match, and personalize these techniques. The best style is the one that makes you feel most confident and radiant.