Updos are a fantastic way to accentuate your natural curls while offering versatility in styling. Whether you’re attending a formal event, heading out for a casual evening, or simply want to experiment with your look, these updo styles are perfect for long curly hair. To maintain the integrity of your curls, it’s essential to use anti-frizz products, sea salt sprays, and curl-specific moisturizing creams or sprays that keep your curls defined and frizz-free.
Here’s a detailed guide to 21 stunning updos tailored for long curly hair:
1. Curled Ponytail with Rolled Bangs
This style exudes a playful “girl-next-door” vibe, popularized by Ariana Grande. It’s ideal for date nights, casual outings, or even semi-formal events.
- How to Achieve: Start by teasing the hair at the crown to create volume. Take the front section of your hair and twist it back toward the crown, securing it with bobby pins. Gather the rest of your hair into a high ponytail and wrap it into a simple bun. Let the remaining curls cascade naturally over the bun for a chic yet effortless look.
- Pro Tip: Use a lightweight hairspray to hold the style without weighing down your curls.
2. Curly French Updo
Blake Lively’s elegant take on the French updo is both simple and sophisticated, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute events.
- How to Achieve: Comb your hair back and tease the crown for added volume. Tie your hair into a high ponytail. Create a loose French braid starting from the crown and secure the ends with an elastic. This style offers a polished finish while maintaining the natural texture of your curls.
3. Classic Bun with Front Waves
Taylor Russell’s braided bun is a timeless choice for any occasion, from date nights to parties.
- How to Achieve: Divide your hair into two sections. Style the front section into small finger waves using a styling gel or mousse. Gather the rest of your hair into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. This hairstyle is both easy to create and incredibly versatile.
4. Messy Halo Bun
Inspired by Nathalie Emmanuel’s bold look from Game of Thrones, this style combines elegance with a touch of fierceness.
- How to Achieve: Gather your curls into a loose half-up bun at the crown, ensuring it resembles a halo. Allow the ends to fall loosely on one side, framing your face. This style works best when paired with soft curls and minimal product for a natural finish.
5. Classic Top Knot
Sarah Hyland’s messy top knot is a go-to option for those looking to add height and drama to their look.
- How to Achieve: Tease the hair at the crown to create volume. Gather all your hair at the top of your head and tie it into a high ponytail. Wrap the ponytail around its base to form a messy bun, securing it with U-pins. Finish with a light mist of hairspray for hold.
6. Top Knot with Side Braids
Taraji P. Henson’s bold top knot with side braids is perfect for showcasing personality and flair.
- How to Achieve: Part your hair down the middle and create two front-to-back braids on either side. Gather the rest of your hair into a top knot and secure it with pins. This style is especially striking on relaxed natural hair.
7. Braided Updo with Cornrows
Queen Charlotte’s regal updo from Bridgerton features intricate cornrows and a voluminous top knot.
- How to Achieve: Create small cornrows along the sides of your head. Gather the remaining hair into twisted braids and wrap them into a large bun at the crown. Secure with U-pins for a royal-inspired look.
8. Curly Side Updo
Zoe Saldana’s curly side updo is universally flattering and works for all face shapes and occasions.
- How to Achieve: Divide your hair into sections and lightly twist each section a few times. Gather all the twisted sections to one side of your head and secure them into a messy bun. Leave a few strands loose around your face for a soft, romantic touch.
9. Braided Headband Messy Bun
Heidi Klum’s braided messy bun adds a stylish edge to any outfit.
- How to Achieve: Section your hair horizontally from ear to ear. Gather the bottom section into a messy bun. Create a French braid with the top section and secure the ends around the bun. Let the ends flow freely for a boho-chic vibe.
10. Messy Bun
Angelina Jolie’s messy bun is effortlessly classy and suitable for both formal and casual settings.
- How to Achieve: Tease the hair at the crown for volume and gather it into a loose bun. Allow a few strands to frame your face. If the bun loosens, embrace the messy look—it’s part of the charm!
11. Half Updo
Carrie Underwood’s half updo is perfect for showcasing natural curls while keeping hair out of your face.
- How to Achieve: Tease the crown for volume and pull back the top section of your hair. Secure it at the back with bobby pins. Curl the ends of your remaining hair with a wand and set with hairspray.
- Pro Tip: Add dried or fresh flowers for a bohemian touch.
12. High Ponytail
Jennifer Lopez’s high ponytail is sleek, stylish, and full of movement.
- How to Achieve: Tease the crown for volume and gather your hair into a super-high ponytail. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. Use texturizing spray to enhance your curls.
13. Easy Updo
Hayden Panettiere’s wavy updo is both effortless and glamorous.
- How to Achieve: Leave your bangs curled to frame your face. Gather the rest of your hair into a low bun, keeping it loose and tousled for a playful look. Accessorize with floral clips for added elegance.
14. Crowning Braid and Long Curls
Delta Goodrem’s milkmaid braid paired with voluminous curls is perfect for fine or thick hair.
- How to Achieve: Create a crown braid around your head and let the rest of your curls flow freely. This style is versatile and works for both casual and formal events.
15. Topknot
Thandie Newton’s asymmetrical topknot is chic and summer-ready.
- How to Achieve: Gather your hair slightly off-center at the top of your head and secure it with pins. Keep the style loose to avoid breakage.
16. Curly Ponytail with Bouffant
Megan Fox’s bouffant ponytail adds drama and sophistication.
- How to Achieve: Tease the crown for volume and gather your hair into a high ponytail. Keep the curls loose and defined for contrast.
17. Curly Sock Bun
AnnaLynne McCord’s gravity-defying sock bun is trendy and fun.
- How to Achieve: Use a sock bun tool to create a voluminous bun. Leave a few tendrils loose for a softer look.
18. High Bun with a Bouffant
Vanessa Hudgens’ quiffed bun is both glamorous and face-slimming.
- How to Achieve: Backcomb your bangs and pin them back for volume. Gather the rest of your hair into a high bun.
19. Wavy Updo
Taylor Swift’s classic updo with loose tendrils is romantic and timeless.
- How to Achieve: Pin your hair back tightly and let a few strands frame your face. Use texturizing spray for added dimension.
20. Curled Updo with Bouffant
Demi Lovato’s flirty bouffant updo is perfect for showcasing your curls.
- How to Achieve: Curl your hair with a curling iron, backcomb for volume, and sweep it into a ponytail. Twist and pin the hair into place.
Bonus: Formal Updo
Nico Parker’s formal curly updo is elegant and refined.
- How to Achieve: Apply curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair and let it air dry. Gather your hair into a low ponytail and twist it into a loose bun. Pull out a few face-framing tendrils and finish with hairspray.
These styles celebrate the beauty of curly hair while offering practical solutions for everyday wear and special occasions. Experiment with different looks to find the ones that best suit your personality and face shape!
