18 Red Carpet Updo Ideas Worn by Celebrities
The red carpet is more than a parade of stunning gowns and dazzling jewelry; it’s a masterclass in hair artistry. While waves and loose locks have their moment, there’s something undeniably powerful and polished about a perfectly executed updo. It frames the face, highlights couture necklines, and radiates an aura of timeless elegance. But where do you find inspiration for your next big event? Look no further than the celebrities themselves, who trust top stylists to create iconic looks that dominate headlines.
The Classic Sleek Bun
Never underestimate the power of simplicity. The classic sleek bun is a red carpet staple for a reason: it’s chic, sophisticated, and puts all the focus on your features and attire. The key is in the execution—smooth, flyaway-free hair pulled taut into a precise knot, often placed at the nape of the neck or the crown.
Celebrity Inspiration: Zendaya is a modern master of this look. She often elevates the sleek bun with a sharp center part and not a hair out of place, proving that minimalism can be the ultimate statement. Similarly, Lupita Nyong’o has showcased stunning variations, sometimes adding a braided headband or placing the bun higher for a more regal effect.
The Textured, Loose Chignon
For those who love elegance but prefer a softer, more romantic vibe, the textured chignon is a perfect choice. This style embraces deliberate looseness, with face-framing tendrils and a sense of effortless volume. It says “I just threw this up,” but in the most artful, red-carpet-worthy way possible.
Celebrity Inspiration: Margot Robbie’s many red carpet appearances often feature this style. Her chignons are never too tight, always with soft waves pulled back and gentle pieces left free around the face. Blake Lively also favors this look, often pairing it with bold makeup and statement earrings for a balanced, glamorous finish.
The Modern Braided Crown
Move over, flower crowns. The braided crown updo is a regal and intricate style that adds a bohemian yet polished touch to any look. Whether it’s a single Dutch braid wrapped around the head or a complex series of micro-braids, this style is a beautiful way to keep hair off the face while showcasing artistry.
Celebrity Inspiration: Sophie Turner has worn stunning braided crown updos, often incorporating her fiery red hair into elaborate, Game-of-Thrones-esque designs. Lily Collins also embraced this look with a delicate, fairy-tale braid circling her head, creating an ethereal and romantic aesthetic.
The Voluminous Pompadour Updo
Channel old Hollywood glamour with a voluminous pompadour updo. This style features dramatic height and volume at the front, smoothly transitioning into an updo at the back. It’s bold, confident, and perfect for making a grand entrance.
Celebrity Inspiration: Taylor Swift has famously rocked this look, pairing it with a classic red lip for a full retro effect. Ariana Grande, while often in a high ponytail, has also ventured into this territory with her signature high-volume front and a sleek bun, making it distinctly her own.
The Architectural Sculptural Updo
For the fashion-forward individual, the architectural updo is wearable art. These styles feature geometric shapes, unexpected parts, and sculptural forms that defy gravity. They are often seen at avant-garde events or fashion-forward award shows.
Celebrity Inspiration: Zoë Kravitz is a fearless pioneer of this category. From sleek, twisted knots with severe lines to updos with cut-out details, she treats her hair as part of her overall architectural ensemble. Katy Perry has also experimented with highly sculptural, almost futuristic updos that become the focal point of her look.
The Messy (But Intentional) Top Knot
The “undone” top knot is the cool-girl cousin of the sleek bun. It’s relaxed, a bit messy, and exudes an off-duty model vibe, even on the red carpet. The trick is to make it look effortless while still being secure and stylish.
Celebrity Inspiration: Jennifer Lawrence has been spotted with this look, often with wispy strands and a sense of volume that feels refreshingly real. Selena Gomez also masters the casual-yet-chic top knot, pairing it with both casual and elegant outfits to bridge the gap between everyday and evening wear.
The Elegant Low Twist
Sophisticated and serene, the low twist is a beautifully understated updo. It involves twisting sections of hair into a graceful knot or roll at the nape of the neck. It’s exceptionally graceful and works wonderfully with accessories like hair vines or delicate clips.
Celebrity Inspiration: Naomi Campbell has worn countless elegant low twists throughout her career, often accessorized with nothing more than her flawless bone structure. Kate Middleton, The Princess of Wales, also favors this style for formal engagements, demonstrating its royal-approved elegance.
The High Dramatic Ponytail-Updo Hybrid
Why choose between a ponytail and an updo when you can have both? This style starts with a high, tight ponytail that is then woven, twisted, or wrapped into an updo. It combines the youthful energy of a ponytail with the formal finish of a bun.
Celebrity Inspiration: Beyoncé has owned this look, turning a high ponytail into an elaborate updo with braids and curls for major performances and events. Jennifer Lopez also frequently opts for high, dramatic ponytails that transition into chic knots, emphasizing her powerful stage presence.
The Retro Finger Waves and Roll
A direct nod to the 1920s and 1930s, this updo is all about precise, sculpted waves close to the head, leading into a soft roll or bun. It’s a look that oozes vintage charm and meticulous styling.
Celebrity Inspiration: Emma Stone stunned in a platinum finger wave updo, perfectly complementing the Art Deco themes of a particular awards season. Rihanna has also reinterpreted this classic, often adding a modern edge with darker color or bold accessories.
How to Choose Your Red Carpet Updo
With so many stunning options, how do you pick? Consider your face shape, the neckline of your outfit, and the overall vibe of the event. A sleek bun pairs perfectly with a high-neck gown, while loose, textured styles soften sharp jawlines. Most importantly, choose a style that makes you feel confident and powerful. Bring these celebrity photos to your stylist as a starting point for a conversation about what will work best for you.
Remember, the best red carpet updos, like those worn by these celebrities, blend artistry with personal expression. They are not just hairstyles; they are an integral part of the storytelling of the night. So, whether you go for architectural drama or romantic softness, wear it with the confidence of a star stepping onto her own personal red carpet.
