MomSkoop
Getting your hair styled at a salon can be expensive and time-consuming, especially when you need a fancy updo for special occasions. The good news is that you can create stunning updos right at home without professional help or complicated tools.
Whether you’re heading to a wedding, prom, or just want to look polished for work, these modern updos are simple enough for anyone to master with a little practice.
1. Classic Bun
Nothing beats the timeless elegance of a classic bun when you need to look put-together in minutes. This style works for almost any occasion, from job interviews to date nights, and it never goes out of fashion.
Start by brushing your hair into a high ponytail and securing it with an elastic band. Twist the ponytail around the base, tucking the ends underneath, and pin everything in place with bobby pins.
The beauty of this updo lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can make it sleek and professional with some gel, or leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer, romantic vibe that’s perfect for evening events.
2. Messy Top Knot
When you’re running late but still want to look cute, the messy top knot becomes your best friend. This effortlessly cool style takes less than two minutes and looks intentionally chic rather than rushed.
Flip your head upside down and gather all your hair at the crown of your head. Twist it loosely and wrap it around itself, securing with a hair tie and a few strategically placed pins.
The secret is embracing the imperfection—pull out a few wispy pieces around your face and don’t worry if some strands escape. That’s exactly what gives this updo its relaxed, carefree charm that works perfectly for casual outings or lazy weekends.
3. Braided Crown
Picture a delicate braid wrapping around your head like a natural crown—that’s the magic of this romantic updo. Perfect for outdoor weddings or music festivals, it channels major bohemian princess energy.
Part your hair down the middle and create two separate braids on each side of your head. Bring one braid across the top of your head and pin it behind the opposite ear, then repeat with the other braid underneath.
This style looks intricate and time-consuming, but it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. Adding small flowers or decorative pins can transform this everyday style into something truly special for formal events.
4. Low Chignon
Sophisticated and refined, the low chignon screams elegance without being stuffy or overly formal. French women have been rocking this timeless style for decades, and it continues to dominate red carpets worldwide.
Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then twist it gently. Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail, creating a neat coil, and secure everything with bobby pins that match your hair color.
What makes this updo so appealing is its understated beauty—it doesn’t compete with your outfit or accessories but complements them perfectly. A bit of hairspray keeps everything smooth and polished throughout the day.
5. Ponytail Twist
Transform a boring ponytail into something extraordinary with just a few simple twists. This clever upgrade takes your basic go-to style and makes it office-appropriate or even party-ready.
Create a regular ponytail wherever you prefer—high, mid, or low. Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band to hide it completely, securing the end with a bobby pin underneath.
For extra flair, try twisting the wrapped section before winding it around, which adds texture and visual interest. This tiny detail makes people think you spent way more time on your hair than you actually did, and that’s always a win.
6. French Twist
Channel old Hollywood glamour with this iconic updo that’s graced movie stars and royalty for generations. The French twist exudes confidence and sophistication, making you feel like you just stepped off a vintage movie set.
Gather your hair to one side and twist it upward along the back of your head. As you twist, tuck the ends into the roll you’ve created and secure everything with bobby pins inserted vertically.
Though it looks complicated, the French twist becomes easier with practice—your arms might get tired the first few times, but that’s normal! A finishing spray keeps flyaways under control and maintains that polished, elegant appearance all day long.
7. Sock Bun
Ever wondered how dancers and ballerinas get those perfectly round, voluminous buns? The secret weapon is actually an old sock cut and rolled into a donut shape.
Pull your hair into a ponytail and slide the sock donut to the base. Spread your hair evenly around the donut, covering it completely, then tuck the ends under and secure with bobby pins as you roll the donut down toward your head.
This genius hack creates a flawless bun that looks professionally styled, even if you have thin or fine hair. The sock adds volume and structure that’s impossible to achieve with just your natural hair alone, and it stays put for hours.
8. Sleek Low Ponytail
Sometimes the most powerful statement comes from keeping things simple and polished. A sleek low ponytail proves that minimalism can be incredibly chic when executed properly.
Apply smoothing serum to damp hair and blow-dry it straight using a paddle brush. Brush everything back into a low ponytail, using a fine-tooth comb to eliminate any bumps, and secure with a hair elastic.
The key is achieving that glass-like shine and smooth surface without a single flyaway in sight. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it, and finish with a light mist of shine spray for that runway-ready finish that looks expensive.
9. Side Braid
Romantic and whimsical, a side braid swept over one shoulder creates an instantly softer, more feminine look. This style works beautifully for second-day hair when your locks have a bit more texture to work with.
Sweep all your hair to one side and divide it into three equal sections. Braid down to the ends, keeping the tension loose rather than tight for a more relaxed vibe.
Gently pull on the braid sections to make it look fuller and more voluminous—this technique is called pancaking. You can leave it as a simple three-strand braid or try a fishtail version for something a little more intricate and eye-catching.
10. Gibson Tuck
Named after the Gibson Girl illustrations from the early 1900s, this vintage-inspired updo brings antique charm to modern styling. It looks fancy enough for weddings but is surprisingly simple to create at home.
Create a low ponytail but don’t pull it all the way through on the last wrap—leave a loop. Take the remaining length and tuck it up and under into the loop, pinning it securely underneath.
The Gibson tuck has a soft, rolled appearance that frames your face beautifully while keeping everything secure and elegant. Adding a decorative comb or clip at the base enhances the vintage aesthetic and gives it that extra special touch for formal occasions.
11. Wrapped Low Bun
Polished yet approachable, the wrapped low bun strikes the perfect balance between casual and professional. This reliable style transitions seamlessly from office meetings to dinner dates without missing a beat.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail and twist it into a rope. Wrap this twisted rope around the base of your ponytail, forming a compact bun, and secure it with bobby pins inserted in an X pattern for maximum hold.
Unlike higher buns that can feel heavy or cause headaches, this low placement sits comfortably at your neck throughout the day. Smooth any bumps with a boar bristle brush and set everything with a flexible-hold hairspray that won’t make your hair crunchy or stiff.
12. Bubble Ponytail Updo
Fun and playful, the bubble ponytail updo adds a modern twist to traditional updos with its distinctive segmented look. Social media loves this style because it photographs beautifully and shows off your creativity.
Start with a high ponytail and add elastics down its length, spacing them evenly. Gently pull on each section between elastics to create the bubble effect, then carefully pin the entire ponytail up and under itself.
This style works particularly well for medium to long hair and looks amazing with highlights or balayage that show off the dimensional bubbles. You can make the bubbles big and dramatic or keep them smaller and more subtle depending on your personal style and the occasion.
13. Knotted Updo
Artistic and unique, the knotted updo proves that you don’t need braiding skills to create something truly impressive. Actual knots replace traditional twists and braids, resulting in an unexpectedly beautiful texture.
Divide your hair into two sections and tie them in a simple knot, just like tying your shoelaces. Continue knotting down the length, then pin the knotted section up against your head in whatever shape looks best.
This unconventional technique creates interesting dimension and movement that stands out from typical updos. It’s perfect for those who struggle with braiding but still want something more creative than a basic bun—plus, it’s a guaranteed conversation starter at any event you attend.