Braided updos are all the rage this season. Whether a fishtail braid, a waterfall braid, or just your everyday three-strand braid, this little flair can be added to almost any style to give it an updated look. Check out these popular braided updos and learn to change an ordinary upstyle into a trendy and chic look!
#1: Trendy Braided Mohawk Updo
A braided Mohawk updo is an innovative twist to the traditional upstyle. If you usually avoid common updos, the braided Mohawk updo is worth trying.
#2: Elegant Braided Bridal Updo
This simple but effective style is beautiful for bridal hair but would also suit a casual wardrobe. Using root crimpers to increase density, I used a heat shield protection spray to texturize the hair. I also used texturizing dust on the root area to add more thickness and volume. After styling, I finished with a light spray of Bed Head Maxed-Out to set the style, followed by a light spray of dry wax hairspray.
#3: Glam Holiday Updo
If you’re looking for a glam holiday updo, try incorporating a large braid. This will add holiday cheer! Incorporating a braid is an easy and simple way to spice up a traditional updo style. First, tightly secure all your hair in a high ponytail. Then, use the remaining hair to do a traditional braid. Add a texture spray for extra volume. Secure the braid with bobby pins and hairpins so it stays in place all night. This is perfect for any holiday company party.
#4: Soft Low Knot with Long Bangs
A soft low knot with long bangs is a simple yet stylish updo for your next event. This style includes a braided pattern, which can be on either or both sides of the hair. The hairstyle ends with a bun placed just above the back of the neck. Any bangs you have can be left out for a varied look around the face, or you can tie them back for a neater appearance.
#5: Chic Low Bun with Textured Braids
This look is a low bun with textured braids. My favorite thing about these hairstyles is that they look versatile and perfect for any formal event.
#6: Stunning Updo
With all the textured hairstyles out there, it has given us more options on how to wear our hair in a protective style. From going to a formal event to vacationing by the poolside, these hairstyles can provide manageable wear for an extended time. Maintenance is minimal, and further styling into a bun or larger braid may be possible, depending on the original foundation.
#7: Lovely Loose Updo
A breathtaking loose boho updo styles deserves nothing else but to be shown off to the world! With the right texture, these loose braids and twists that end in a cute bun can be achieved easily.
#8: Fancy Braided Accents
Try adding fancy braided accents to your next styled updo. My advice when wanting an updo is to add some braids. This gives your style some depth and texture throughout the look. Remember, you need a lot of hair when wanting a braided look. If you don’t have enough hair, adding a few extensions will help with that.
#9: Princess-Inspired Beautiful Updo
Hair styling can range from sleek and polished to a princess-inspired beautiful updo. It helps to work with a hairpiece to give the illusion of more hair. Ask your stylist if they know how to work with them and which would be best for your hair.
#10: Stylish Low Updo
One of the best ways to go when searching for a hairstyle is with a stylish low updo. Styles like this hold you together through any element and go from day to night with ease. Remember to ask if they can add extensions if you go with a stylist. This will help to create a fuller style. As a specialist, many techniques can be used to create your dream style.
#11: Protective for Black Women
Your stylist should avoid traction alopecia by leaving out your hairline. Try putting your hair in different twists and braids. This will help you to focus on different collections of hair.
#12: Beautiful Boho Updo with an Accent Braid
Curating a mood board is the best visual way to start exploring bridal looks. I recommend a beautiful boho updo with an accent braid to my summer and spring brides. The universal rule is unlayered hair is the best to braid because it remains interlocked. Adding extensions is an alternative to add fullness and stability to your style. When working with your bridal stylist, inquire about different variations of an updo. Each updo may or may not work with your dress and theme. Lastly, you’d want to run a trial to see how the overall look comes together.
#13: Braided Low Updo with Caramel Balayage
A great way to keep your hair out of your face but looking very pulled together is a side braid. Pull the braid back into a low ponytail and twist it into a low bun. This will create the illusion of having spent time at the salon to get your hair done.
#14: Stylish for Black Women
A stylish style is a classy look for black ladies. You can achieve this look with all-over box braids for serious bohemian vibes!
#15: Beautiful Updo
This look is perfect for the beautiful boho bride. Create more excitement with ornamental flowers or crystals throughout the hair. The braiding creates more movement and texture while giving off boho vibes. Always finish the style with plenty of hairspray to hold it.
#16: Trendy Double Dutch Updo
Double dutch updo braids formed into a simple loose bun can easily go from casual to formal.
#17: Beautiful French Plait Updo
I love this crown braid! It’s simple but effective and a great, fun hairstyle. This works great on one-length hair. Use Wella hairspray to finish and smoothen your hair.
#18: A Wonderful Waterfall Updo
This elegant updo is a graceful waterfall braid gathered into a low, loose side bun that looks like simple refinement. What I love about this style is how simple yet stunning it is. I believe less is more, and my favorite looks are classy and put-together yet full of personality, whimsy, and fun.
#19: Daring Braids
Ok, this is sophisticated boho or sleek but daring. My favorite thing is the “starburst” braid under the fishtail. My tips to help recreate this would be to take your time, use a light and flexible wax or paste, and take a step back now and then to look at the style from different angles.
#20: Classic Fishtail Braided Crown Updo
This style is a fun and simple way to spice up your everyday look! What I love about it is that it’s simple, and anyone can do it. I recommend this look to a client who is on the go but wants to have still a pulled-together look no matter the occasion. What’s great about this style is that you can do it on all hair types since it is essentially just two braids you pin together.
#21: Sophisticated Swirls
This look is sophisticated and pretty but with a little edge. My favorite thing about this look is how romantic and soft the swirls are from the back but from the side. It is sleeker with a little poof in the crown to give a more effortless style.
#22: Asymmetric Updo
This asymmetric braided style has height, texture, and a messy bun to create a soft but modern look. The blonde color makes this style pop. Braids look best in blonde tones, as you can see in the detail. I love the texture and relaxed feel. It’s the perfect little twist on a classic updo.
#23: Gorgeous for Black Hair
I gave her a natural part, evenly collected hair on both sides to create two inverted French braids, and connected them at the back. Once I created the two braids, I slowly pulled them apart, allowing them to expand and give more volume and dimension. Then, I collected the rest of the hair and braided it together, twisting it around to create a bun shape. Using the bobby pins, I connected the braid to her head and pulled out more pieces.
#24: Sweeping Fishtail Updo
This is a fishtail braid upstyle that I did on a bridesmaid. I love how it sweeps from the left side of her head to the right to look its best for photos. It also has a great balance, and the hair accessory looks perfect. Braided styles are really good for girls with thick hair.
#25: Relaxed Texture Braided Bun Updo
This look is a relaxed, textured bun with a braid. I love how it looks soft and natural, but adding the simple braid across the back gives the updo something extra. I suggest a little backcombing when creating this look and lightly backcombing the hair before your style adds volume and texture.
#26: French Side Braid Updo
I describe this as a pulled-apart French braid with a loose side bun. I love how it can be worn casually or as a formal style. I recommend curling hair loosely with a light hairspray, then creating a deep side part.
#27: Gorgeous Multi Braided Updo
This look is a braided upstyle that looks soft and undone. My favorite thing about this style is that it works well on shorter hair, as the braids keep it all together. I love being able to create something that the client thinks is impossible.
#28: Pulled Apart Fishbone
This pulled-apart fishbone is perfect for this client’s soft strawberry-blonde hair. We chose this updo for the client because she has long, thick, silky hair that will not curl with any hot tool. This style lets us pull everything up without prepping it with curling ironwork.
#29: Effortless Updo for Brown Hair
This look is a textured and effortless upstyle. Something like this is perfect for a bridesmaid or laid-back bride who wants to dance the night away without worrying about her hair! This look is perfect for someone with shorter and thicker hair. It’s easily adapted for every face shape by simply adjusting the hair left out before the braid. By leaving the hair looser, you can soften a face. Pulling the hair back tight creates a more dramatic look.
#30: Fishtail + French Braid Updo
This look is an updo that’s great for day or night. It would also be a good option if attending a wedding. It’s a fishtail French braid that snakes around the head. My favorite thing about the style is the intricacy. It’s truly eye-catching! If I saw a woman walking down the street with this style, I would stop and compliment her.
#31: Upside Down Dutch Updo
This look is classy but fun! I incorporated a Dutch braid into a messy bun. My favorite part of this look is the braid. Braids are the hottest trend for a lot of my bridal work. I always start with a smooth blow-dry. For the braid, I often use a texturizing powder, depending on the thickness of the hair.
#32: Simply Elegant Updo
I describe this look as very feminine and classy! The great thing about it is that it combines both simplicity and elegance. I used Volupt spray from Sebastian before curling to give a bit of texture to the hair.
#33: Romantic Updo
This look can be both formal and informal. It looks effortless and romantic. For full braids like this, I recommend a lot of texture. It makes the overall style look more lived-in. I curled her hair before styling. Curls give extra volume, and I also used texture spray. My favorite one is Redken Windblown 05. This hairstyle will work great with all face shapes and medium and long hair.
#34: Sweeping Updo
This look feels very relaxed and has a boho vibe. I love the imperfect bun and sweeping braid. It’s elegant, yet not too serious. I always start looking like this with the braid. Then, I begin curling. This guarantees that I won’t have any wispy ends from my curls poking through the sides of the braid.
#35: Easy for Short Hair
Yes, you can braid short hair! Try this updo for a well-put look.
#36: Goddess Updo
This look is a boho chic updo suitable for any summer event. My favorite thing about this look is its versatility and the hippie/bohemian influences that make it look natural and carefree while giving a Goddess-like effect.
#37: Reverse French Braid Updo
I love this style! It’s such a popular look at the moment and great for any occasion. I love the texture that the braid creates, especially with lighter-colored hair.
#38: Ethereal Side Braid with Flowers
This simple updo is perfect for everyday wear or elegant enough for a bride on her special day. I love the contrast of the ethereal texture of the hair against the subtle fishtail braid.
#39: Sophisticated Chignon
In a practical sense, we’d refer to this style as a braided low-do. However, I describe something like this more creatively and refer to it as an understated, earthy, sophisticated, down-to-earth style.
#40: Classic Updo with Braid Accent
This hairstyle is one of the most commonly requested styles I get for brides. It’s a classic updo with a braid accent. The best part is that it looks great on most face shapes! The ideal hair type for this style would be mid-length with a medium texture. However, it is such a versatile style that it will work with long lengths and fine hair.
#41: Trendy Updo for Copper Hair
This look is effortless, trendy, and casual. Add some fresh flowers or other hair accessories, and it’s perfect for a bride or bridesmaids. I recommend using a volumizing powder and hairspray. This is the perfect look for someone who is stylish and possibly has a busy lifestyle. It’s a quick look!
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