Gone are the times of the tightly slicked-back updo styles. Nowadays, it’s all about loose, flowy hairstyles that appear relaxed and understated yet polished and chic. Curls, braids, side ponies, and more can come together to form the ideal loose updo! Here are our favorite loose updos suitable for any occasion.
#1 Chic Twisted Updo
This chic ‘do is easily one of my favorites of all these loose updos. It’s simple to create and defines the art of “messy but perfect!” This look is ideal if you have fine to medium hair of any length. A touch of natural wave would be wonderful and provide additional body, but hair of any texture will work. A round face shape will be beautifully complemented by this look.
If you are working with second-day hair and want to absorb some of yesterday’s oil that has built up at your roots and create extra volume, use Unite’s Expanda Dust. Sprinkle at your roots, but remember to use it sparingly because a little bit goes a long way!
#3
#5: Subtle Side Braid
This delicate side braid introduces an elegant element to your loose updo, perfect for weddings or any romantic gathering. This style suits those with medium to long hair featuring minimal layers. Any hair texture can achieve this look! It particularly enhances a long and narrow face shape. For those with finer hair struggling to maintain a tight braid, consider using a working spray (like Session Spray by Kevin Murphy) on your hair prior to braiding.
#6: Gracefully Gathered
This charming and effortless low bun strikes the ideal balance between casual and elegant. It beautifully frames the face and is suitable for virtually any hair type! Suppose you have naturally curly hair. Lucky you! You can skip step 2! Virtually any hair texture will work for this, and as long as your hair is about shoulder length or longer, this style is a great choice for you. Any face shape will complement this look. A good curling iron is essential for creating this updo and many others. Try a Hot Tools curling iron. They are quality products that are durable and affordable!
#7: Elegant Loose Updo Adorned with Pearls
Try an elegant loose updo adorned with pearls for your next formal occasion! This romantic hairstyle will capture attention no matter the event. Pro Tip: Bring some extra bobby pins to ensure your style stays put. However, also refrain from touching your hair too much as it can diminish some of the volume.
#8 Bohemian Casual Updo
This style features a bohemian messy updo. My favorite aspect is the fanned fishtail braid and how it exudes a relaxed and playful vibe. My suggestion for a client would be to enjoy this style! Embrace freedom and let your individuality shine through. This specific updo is perfect for anyone wanting to be noticed while keeping a lighthearted approach.
#9: The Curled Princess with Pins
This charming and detailed hairstyle would be ideal for an evening out. It’s simple to achieve and pairs beautifully with any stylish outfit. This hairstyle works best for medium to long hair with few layers. Hair with fine to medium texture would be most suitable. This look particularly flatters a square face shape. To ensure your pin curls hold their shape, apply gel to each section prior to curling. I recommend Gellac by Bumble and Bumble!
#10 Double the Twist
This gorgeous updo features a twist…make that two twists! This style is fantastic for those with long, thick hair. Minimal layers work best for this look. If your face shape is heart or oval, this style will suit you perfectly! Before styling your hair in this manner, consider applying a small amount of pomade or gel. I recommend Undressed by Kevin Murphy. The smooth texture ensures you’ll achieve beautifully shiny twists. Just remember not to use any product on the ends of your hair where the curls are; keep that area product-free!
#11: Elegant & Enchanting
This style is gentle, elegant, and enchanting. Numerous brides adore the effortless appearance, and I take joy in crafting it for them. The delicate addition of a small clip or brooch can finalize a charming look like this. This style is always attainable! My client here had very fine hair. We incorporated 14-inch brown extensions that matched her hair seamlessly. The hair was lightly curled initially to establish a base for me to work with. I employed What a Tease to achieve soft volume. I prepared the hair with Shaper Plus by Sebastian and completed the style with Hard Head by TIGI to guarantee the look endured all day for her momentous occasion!
#12: Elegant Voluminous Updo for the Groom’s Mother
The groom’s mother can wear an elegant voluminous updo. This stunning loose-style updo suits a soft, graceful woman. This style enhances curved faces because it adds fullness to the lower crown, the back of the neck, and the base of the skull. You can create this look by tying two vertical ponytails at the nape, curling small strands with a 1-inch barrel, and pinning the curls into an attractive shape. For some added sophistication, leave out face-framing bangs or side pieces.
#13 Elegant Blonde High Bun
An elegant blonde high bun is a boho chic way to achieve a simple up-do style. You can use this look for various occasions. These loose bun hairstyles are ideal for bridesmaids or school dances. Avoiding overly sleek styling is essential when you want that lived-in texture. It’s vital to maintain this style in a very organic manner. My favorite method for achieving this is by adding small bun anchors to the base of the pony. This is a great trick to help retain the volume of up ‘dos without relying on heavy products.
#14: Elegant Textured Loose Updo
This is a stunningly textured updo. I loved the use of this bridesmaid’s natural curls! We did not need to use irons on her hair and were still left with gorgeous texture. This style works best on girls with natural curls that can be used for a no-heat updo! For those girls that want this look without the natural curls, I recommend using a smaller iron to curl the framing pieces and loosely pinning them back for added volume and texture. This style is perfect for those naturally curly girls that want to look like themselves by preserving their curls but still elevate it a bit!
#15: Chic Top Knot Updo Featuring Bangs
The chic top knot updo with bangs is a sophisticated yet effortless hairstyle. It combines a messy high bun with trendy, wispy bangs. This adaptable look merges elegance and casual flair, perfect for everyday wear. A gentle face frame enhances the illusion of a longer face and defined cheekbones.
#16: Effortless Textured Updo for Mother of the Bride
The effortless textured updo is a graceful and stylish hairstyle for the mother of the bride on a memorable wedding day. This elegant updo blends loose, textured waves and well-placed hair strands for a soft, romantic look. As a timeless and flattering option, this hairstyle carries a charming and gentle vibe with braids, making it perfect for any special occasion.
#17 A Charming Side Ponytail
This wonderfully easy-to-create side ponytail updo is both charming and uncomplicated. It’s a fantastic choice for a casual day date or a day at the office! This look is perfect for you if you have medium to long hair of any texture. It will work particularly well for you with a round face shape. A great finishing spray will be the perfect complement to this already stunning style! Try Classic Hairspray by Bumble and Bumble. It’s light and won’t leave your hair feeling crunchy or sticky.
#18: Beautifully Side Swept
This beautiful upstyle is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s a trendy take on your average to-the-side look! This look is perfect if you have short to medium-length hair with a finer texture. A square face shape will be complemented by this look. I know it may seem silly, but when creating updo styles, you want to be sure to use a good bobby pin to hold your hair in place. My favorite is by the brand Goody. They come in a variety of colors and won’t bend easily!
#19: Effortless & Natural
Loose updos that exude femininity are ideal for formal events. Request a soft and textured look to achieve a contemporary vibe. A low-nape bun appears enchanting with face-framing waves and a few strands left out. If your locks aren’t lengthy enough, consider a few clip-in extensions to enhance volume.
#20: Elegant and Soft Updo
I love the pieces left out around her face and toward the back. Her hair was quite fine, so Kevin Murphy Doo.Over spray was used all over before curling with a flat iron. After everything was in place, I used Kevin Murphy Session.Spray to set and a spritz of Shimmer. Shine to finish. This is an elegant and soft updo that anyone with some face-framing layers can wear.
#21 Simplistic yet Stylish
This fun and versatile look is perfect for any occasion or event that comes your way! It’s ideal for those with thicker hair textures and beautifully enhances a round face shape.
#22 Charming and Intimate
This laid-back yet incredibly stylish loose updo makes my heart flutter! It’s so effortless and subtle but carries a wealth of elegance and sophistication. It’s an absolute must-try! I adore this style on individuals with short to medium hair of any texture. It’s quite adaptable, but it might be more manageable for those with less hair! Consider this look if you have a round face shape or wish to soften asymmetrical features.
This style will necessitate a firm hairspray to keep it securely in place. I recommend Air Control by Aveda. Apply some of this product, and your hair will stay put! If your hair is particularly fine and you struggle to keep it to one side like this, use a bit of a lightweight gel and comb it to one side. This should assist in maintaining the style.
#23 Elegantly Side Swept
This enchanting and face-framing style is one you’ll want to explore. This look is incredibly adaptable and suits almost everyone! Long, medium, or short hair can be styled this way. This hairstyle will elegantly enhance a round face shape.
Before curling each section of hair, apply a heat-protectant spray. Damage Manager by Kevin Murphy is lightweight and will keep your hair nourished and radiant! Loose updos are the trend of tomorrow. I foresee that we will keep trending towards romantic, soft styles, so I hope these loose hairstyles inspire you!
#24 Effortlessly Elegant
This gently gathered updo is simple and an excellent way to highlight your new face-framing highlights or long sweeping bangs. This style works best for medium to long hair that’s voluminous. A layered cut is ideal for this hairdo. This is a great choice if you have a heart-shaped or oval face. Before drying your hair and beginning to style it with heat, it’s always a good idea to apply a heat protectant to prevent damage. Consider using Damage Manager by Kevin Murphy. It’s an outstanding product!
#25: Gracefully Simple
This look is gracefully simple. My favorite thing about this updo is how easy and quick it is to create such a romantic hairstyle! This look can be dressed up or worn casually, and the twist braid creates some interest.
For anyone considering this look, it can be customized depending on how loosely you pull out the braids when styling. This look can be done with short hair for a fun and edgy style or with long hair like these loose, romantic curls into a low bun in the back. Even though this is a loose and effortless style, once you get the braids pulled out a little and everything looking how you want it, make sure to spray spray spray with a medium to firm hold hairspray so everything stays in place nicely!
#26: Half-Up Half-Down Style
This elegantly styled half-up half-down hairstyle is both effortless and stylish! This half up half down look is one of the most versatile options. It suits all hair lengths and textures remarkably well. A heart-shaped face will be beautifully framed by this style. If you have side bangs or a straight-across fringe, consider leaving them out for this look! Just style them to your liking before gathering your half-ponytail.
#27: The Hidden Treasure
I refer to this hairstyle as “the hidden treasure” because it appears to be an ordinary low ponytail/bun from the front. When viewed from the back, the complexity of the loose braid comes to light, making it appear as an entirely different style! This look is ideal for those with shorter hair that is fine to medium in texture and has only minimal layering. Loose hairstyles like this will enhance your features, especially if you have an oval or heart-shaped face. For those with fine hair, it is advisable to apply a working hairspray before starting the braid to prevent strands from slipping out. I highly recommend Spray de Mode by Bumble and Bumble!
#28: Chic and Romantic
This elegant updo exudes romance, timelessness, and chic style. I adore the relaxed vibe it brings. After setting the hair, I utilized Bumble and bumble’s Pret-a-Powder dry shampoo to enhance texture and volume. I suggest this look for clients with medium to long hair that holds a curl beautifully. It is ideal for a woman seeking a sophisticated yet fashionable appearance.
#29: Casual Updo with Fishtail Twist
This is a casual bun with a textured fishtail twist. This updo appears intricate yet effortlessly crafted, making it perfect for any occasion. This hairstyle stands out on its own, without the need for extra décor. If your hair is fine, think about using clip-in hair extensions to enhance the volume of the twist. You might also crimp your hair with BaByliss PRO Spectrum White Crimper for added height to give your twist a more three-dimensional look. The secret is to keep this style textured and fun. Once your twist is finished, gently tug on each section to loosen the braid. Finally, pull out a few strands to softly frame your face.
#30 Easygoing and Casual
This charming style features a braid that enhances its beauty and originality. It’s quite simple to achieve and will certainly draw attention! This look works best for those with medium to long hair and minimal layers. If your hair has a fine to medium texture, this style will suit you well. A square face shape will be beautifully highlighted by this hairstyle.
This style is easiest to replicate if your hair isn’t freshly washed. Attempting this look the day after washing your hair is perfect. If you struggle with oily roots, apply a bit of dry shampoo to them. I recommend Fresh Dust by L’oreal!
#31: Elegant Loose Updo in a Bun with Floral Accents
An elegant loose updo in a bun with floral accents and face-framing tendrils is a fantastic choice for any formal event. To achieve this look, begin by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron. Then, create loose waves by gently brushing out the curls. If you collect your hair into a high bun, secure it with an elastic. Incorporate a few floral accents throughout for an additional special touch. Consider letting out a few tendrils to frame your face. Lastly, set your style with a Design.ME Hold.ME Three-Way Hairspray.
#32: Elegantly Braided
This stunning braided style is a fantastic option to keep your hair elegantly styled and away from your face. This look is perfect for those with thick hair that’s medium length and lacks a very layered haircut. A heart-shaped face will be beautifully highlighted by this look. Spray a bit of hairspray in the braided sections before you braid them. This will prevent you from having any flyaways or frizzy pieces! Try Classic Hairspray by Bumble and Bumble.
#33 Charming and Effortless
This effortless style is incredibly simple to achieve and looks stunning. This appearance is ideal for those with short, fine hair. A round face will be beautifully complemented by this style. The ideal finishing detail for this look would be to apply texture cream to the ends of your curls after you’ve secured them. Try Brilliantine by Bumble and Bumble. This style should embrace a messy and casual vibe. Don’t worry too much about crafting the “ideal” messy bun. Just let it flow!
#34: Casual Chic Updo
This style is a relaxed or casual updo. I particularly enjoy these styles for brides or bridesmaids, but they can be perfect for any semi-formal occasion. This loose messy updo is sophisticated yet not excessively refined and works wonderfully on long to medium hair.
#35 Chicly Tousled
This effortless, romantic updo is incredibly stylish and fashionable. It highlights your gorgeous features and face. This loose curly updo is ideal for you if you have medium to long hair that is fine to medium texture. This could be a fantastic way to showcase your long, swoopy side bangs. A square face shape will be beautifully enhanced by this look.
We can’t see the back of this photo, but I imagine it has a relaxed, not overly polished, vibe to complement the front of this style. Keep it tidy when pinning the curls, but don’t strive for perfection. Allow your hair to express itself!
#36: Charming Transitional Updo
This hairstyle is delicate and enchanting. My favorite thing about this updo is that its delicacy makes it easy to wear for any occasion. It could suit both a bridal setting and a fun night out. This particular client has TONS of hair, but this look is easily adaptable from day to night for anyone with shoulder-length or longer hair. It won’t budge on you with enough bobby pins and hairspray!
#37 Charming and Brief (Well, somewhat!)
This hairstyle is short…kind of! It’s yet another interpretation of a faux bob and can be achieved quite easily. It’s casual, beautiful, and has just the right amount of movement! This look will be most manageable for those with short to medium hair that has finer textures. If you have a round face shape, this hairstyle will enhance your features. If you desire a touch of extra texture in your hair, apply just a small amount of Aveda’s Texture Paste to your ends before you pin them up. A little goes a long way, so be sure to keep it focused on your ends only!
#38 The Chic Sidewinder
This hairstyle is a must-try for those with thick hair who want it up and out of their face! This look will also particularly enhance beautiful facial features or flashy accessories. This style is fantastic if you have thick hair that’s medium to long length. It’s a good way to keep your hair away from your face while maintaining elegance. This look is incredibly versatile and will flatter any face shape.
Try an alternative method if you’re to create this style without too much hassle. Gather your hair into three ponytails, starting at the back/middle of your head and continuing down to the last ponytail, which should be at the bottom of your hairline on one side. Then, begin pinning the curls from there. This technique should help you avoid using hundreds of pins to keep your hair secure!
#39 Beautiful Full Hair
This look is your perfect beautiful full hairstyle. It has plenty of volume and body and doesn’t compromise on trendiness! If you have naturally curly hair, all the better! If not, hair with a thicker or coarser texture will hold up better in this style. This style will complement a narrow or oval face shape. If you have naturally curly hair, use a diffuser to accentuate the curls and create this look without a curling iron!
#40: Charming & Contemporary
My favorite thing about this hairstyle is how adaptable it is. You could go casual or formal with it! You can wear it for a girl’s night out or to walk down the aisle. When I look at her hair, I see undone, playful, charming, and contemporary. This style does not require super long hair like so many updos can, so medium-length clients are in luck! This model’s hair is shoulder length, and it worked perfectly.
I used a good amount of Bumble and bumble Thickening DrySpun before putting the hair up to give it an airy and undone look instead of being slicked back. I also used MoroccanOil Hairspray to give it hold, but not too firm of a finish. I pulled some pieces out at the end to complete the perfectly imperfect look!
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