Braided updos are very much in vogue this season. Whether it’s a fishtail braid, a waterfall braid, or simply a classic three-strand braid, this charming detail can enhance nearly any style to provide it with a fresh appearance. Explore these sought-after braided updos and discover how to transform a basic upstyle into a fashionable and elegant look!

#1: Elegant Fishtail + French Braid Updo
This hairstyle is an updo that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s day or night. It also serves as a lovely choice for weddings. This fishtail French braid elegantly weaves around the head. My favorite aspect of this style is its detailed design. It’s genuinely captivating! If I spotted a woman sporting this look on the street, I wouldn’t hesitate to stop and give her a compliment.

#2: Elegant Updo with a Braid
This hairstyle exudes a laid-back charm and boasts a bohemian flair. I adore the effortless bun combined with the flowing braid. It’s graceful, yet maintains a casual feel. I usually begin by creating the braid, followed by curling the hair. This approach ensures there are no stray ends from my curls protruding from the sides of the braid.

#3: Enchanting Princess-Themed Updo
Hair styling can range from sleek and polished to an enchanting princess-themed 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.

#4: Chic Low Updo
One of the most elegant options when searching for a hairstyle is a chic low updo. Styles like this hold you together through any situation and transition smoothly from day to evening. Remember to inquire about extensions if you choose to work with a stylist. This will assist in achieving a fuller look. As a specialist, various techniques can be employed to bring your ideal style to life.

#5: Elegant Braided Details
Consider incorporating elegant braided details into your upcoming styled updo. My recommendation for achieving a beautiful updo is to weave in some braids. This adds richness and texture to the overall appearance. Keep in mind that you’ll need a substantial amount of hair for a braided style. If your hair is on the thinner side, using a few extensions will enhance your look.

#6: Timeless Updo Featuring Braid Detail
This hairstyle is one of the most frequently requested looks I receive for brides. It’s a timeless updo featuring a braid detail. The best part is that it flatters most face shapes! The ideal hair type for this style would be mid-length with a medium texture. However, it is such a flexible style that it will complement long lengths and fine hair.

#7: Elegant Festive Updo
If you’re seeking an elegant festive updo, consider adding a large braid. This will enhance the holiday spirit! Integrating a braid is a quick and effortless method to elevate a classic updo style. Begin by securely gathering all your hair into a high ponytail. Next, utilize the remaining hair to create a traditional braid. Apply a texture spray for added volume. Fasten the braid with bobby pins and hairpins to ensure it remains intact throughout the evening. This look is ideal for any holiday gathering.

#8: Stunning French Plait Updo
I adore this crown braid! It’s effortless yet impactful and a delightful, playful hairstyle. This style looks fantastic on one-length hair. Use Wella hairspray to finish and smooth out your hair.

#9: Charming Loose Updo
An exquisite loose boho updo style deserves nothing less than to be proudly displayed to the world! With the right texture, these loose braids and twists that culminate in an adorable bun can be effortlessly created.

#10: Protective Hairstyles for Black Women
Your stylist should take care to prevent traction alopecia by keeping your hairline intact. Consider trying various twists and braids for a fresh look. This will allow you to explore different styles and techniques with your hair.

#11: Chic Double Dutch Updo
Double dutch updo braids styled into a relaxed loose bun can effortlessly transition from casual to elegant.

#12: Stylish Low Bun with Textured Braids
This style features a low bun adorned with textured braids. What I love most about these hairstyles is their versatility, making them ideal for any formal occasion.

#13: Timeless Fishtail Braided Crown Updo
This hairstyle offers a delightful and effortless way to elevate your daily appearance! What I appreciate about it is its simplicity, making it accessible for everyone. I suggest this look for clients who are busy yet desire a polished appearance regardless of the occasion. The best part about this hairstyle is that it’s adaptable to all hair types, as it primarily involves two braids that are pinned together.

#14: An Exquisite Waterfall Updo
This refined updo is a delicate waterfall braid gathered into a low, loose side bun that embodies simple elegance. What I adore about this style is how effortless yet beautiful it is. I believe less is more, and my favorite looks are sophisticated and polished yet brimming with character, charm, and joy.

#15: Elegant Fishtail Updo
This is a fishtail braid upstyle that I created on a bridesmaid. I adore how it sweeps from the left side of her head to the right to capture the best angles for photos. It also showcases a wonderful balance, and the hair accessory complements the look beautifully. Braided styles work wonderfully for those with thick hair.

#16: Stunning Updo
This look is ideal for the enchanting 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 ensure it stays in place.

#17: Elegant Braided Low-Do
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 a refined, natural, elegant, down-to-earth style.

#18: Chic Styles for Black Women
A chic style is an elegant look for black ladies. You can achieve this look with all-over box braids for serious bohemian vibes!

#19: Stylish Asymmetric Updo
This stylish asymmetric braided look features height, texture, and a messy bun to create a soft yet contemporary appearance. The blonde hue enhances this style’s vibrancy. Braids shine brightest in blonde shades, as evident in the detail. I appreciate the texture and laid-back vibe. It’s a delightful twist on a traditional updo.

#20: Stunning Styles 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 gathered the remaining hair and braided it together, twisting it around to form a bun shape. Using bobby pins, I secured the braid to her head and pulled out additional pieces.

#21: Stunning Multi Braided Updo
This hairstyle is a braided upstyle that appears soft and relaxed. My favorite aspect of this style is that it suits shorter hair beautifully, as the braids hold it all in place. I enjoy being able to craft something that the client perceives as unattainable.

#22: Gentle Low Knot with Extended Bangs
A gentle low knot with extended bangs is a simple yet elegant updo for your next occasion. This style features a braided design, which can be on one side or both sides of the hair. The hairstyle culminates in a bun positioned 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 secure them back for a tidier finish.

#23: Chic Braided Mohawk Updo
A braided Mohawk updo offers a fresh take on the classic upstyle. If you typically shy away from traditional updos, the braided Mohawk updo is definitely worth exploring.

#24: Elegant Updo
With a variety of textured hairstyles available, we now have numerous options for styling our hair in a protective manner. Whether attending a formal occasion or lounging by the pool, these styles offer a manageable solution for an extended duration. Maintenance is straightforward, and further styling into a bun or an intricate braid may be achievable, depending on the initial setup.

#25: Reversed Dutch Updo Style
This hairstyle is elegant yet playful! I integrated a Dutch braid into a casual bun. My favorite element of this style is the braid. Braids are the most sought-after trend for many of my bridal projects. I always begin with a sleek blow-dry. For the braid, I frequently apply a texturizing powder, depending on the hair’s density.

#26: Effortless Updo for Dark Brown Hair
This style is a textured and easy-going upstyle. Something like this is ideal for a bridesmaid or relaxed bride who wants to enjoy the evening without fretting over her hair! This look suits those with shorter and thicker hair. It’s effortlessly adjustable for any face shape by modifying the hair left out before the braid. By leaving the hair more loosely styled, you can soften a face. Pulling the hair back tightly creates a bolder appearance.

#27: Loosely Styled Fishbone Braid
This loosely styled fishbone braid is ideal for this client’s gentle strawberry-blonde locks. We opted for this updo due to her long, thick, silky hair that resists curling with hot tools. This design allows us to gather everything elegantly without the need for curling iron preparation.

#28: Elegant French Side Braid Updo
I describe this as a beautifully arranged French braid with a relaxed side bun. I love how it can transition effortlessly from a casual look to a sophisticated style. I recommend curling hair loosely with a light hairspray, then creating a deep side part.

#29: Gorgeous Boho Updo Featuring a Delicate Braid
Curating a mood board is the best visual way to start exploring bridal looks. I suggest a gorgeous boho updo featuring a delicate 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.

#30: Elegantly Simple Updo
I describe this look as incredibly feminine and sophisticated! The wonderful aspect of it is that it merges both simplicity and grace. I applied Volupt spray from Sebastian before curling to enhance the hair’s texture.

#31: Chic Braided Bridal Updo
This stylish yet simple look is perfect for bridal hair but can also complement a casual outfit. Utilizing root crimpers to enhance density, I applied a heat shield protection spray to texturize the hair. Additionally, I incorporated texturizing dust at the root area to boost thickness and volume. After completing the style, I topped it off with a light spray of Bed Head Maxed-Out to secure the look, followed by a gentle application of dry wax hairspray.

#32: Whimsical Side Braid Adorned with Blooms
This simple updo is ideal for daily use or sophisticated enough for a bride on her memorable day. I adore the contrast of the whimsical texture of the hair with the delicate fishtail braid.

#33: Bold Braids
Ok, this is elegant boho or sleek but bold. 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.

#34: Braiding Made Simple for Short Hair
Absolutely, you can braid short hair! Give this updo a try for a polished appearance.

#35: Chic Updo for Copper Tresses
This style is effortless, fashionable, and relaxed. Add some fresh florals or secondary hair accessories, and it’s ideal for a bride or her bridesmaids. I suggest utilizing a volumizing powder and hairspray. This look is perfect for someone who is stylish and may lead a busy lifestyle. It’s a swift style!

#36: Elegant Twists
This hairstyle is chic and beautiful with a touch of flair. My favorite aspect of this look is how soft and romantic the twists appear from the back, while the side view presents a sleeker silhouette with a slight lift at the crown for an effortlessly stylish vibe.

#37: Charming Braided Updo
This look can be both formal and casual. It has an effortless and enchanting appeal. 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 add extra volume, and I also used texture spray. My favorite one is Redken Windblown 05. This hairstyle will suit all face shapes and medium and long hair.

#38: Divine Goddess Updo
This style is a boho elegant updo perfect for any summer occasion. What I love most about this look is its adaptability and the free-spirited, bohemian influences that create a relaxed yet divine appearance.

#39: Stylish Reverse French Braid Updo
I’m really fond of this hairstyle! It’s an incredibly trendy look right now and perfect for any event. The texture from the braid is gorgeous, especially on lighter hair shades.

#40: Easygoing Textured Braided Bun Updo
This hairstyle features a soft, textured bun integrated with a braid. I adore how it appears gentle and effortless, while the simple braid along the back adds a unique touch to the updo. For this look, I recommend a bit of backcombing beforehand, as lightly teasing the hair prior to styling contributes to both volume and texture.

#41: Stylish Low Updo with Caramel Balayage
A fantastic way to keep your hair away from your face while looking effortlessly polished 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 achieve your hairstyle.
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