When it comes to special occasions, updo hairstyles are the perfect choice for adding elegance and sophistication to your look. Whether you’re attending a wedding, prom, or any formal event, an updo can transform your style and make you feel like royalty.
Each style in this list has been carefully chosen to suit various hair types and lengths, ensuring there’s a perfect updo for everyone.
1. Romantic half-up curls
This enchanting half-up hairstyle is perfect for any romantic occasion. Soft, voluminous curls cascade down, while the top half is elegantly pinned back with delicate accessories.
The loose tendrils framing the face add a touch of softness, making it ideal for weddings, proms, or date nights. This look combines the best of both worlds, offering the beauty of flowing hair with the elegance of an updo.
2. Sleek twisted low bun
For a chic and polished look, this sleek twisted low bun is a winner. The hair is smoothed back into a twisted bun at the nape of the neck, creating a sophisticated and timeless style.
This updo is perfect for formal events, business meetings, or any occasion where you want to exude confidence and grace.
3. Braided crown updo hairstyles
This braided crown updo is both elegant and charming. The braid starts at the front and wraps around the head, creating a beautiful crown effect. The remaining hair is gathered into a loose, textured bun at the back.
This hairstyle is perfect for outdoor weddings, garden parties, or any event where you want to feel like a queen. The intricate braiding adds a touch of whimsy and romance, while the loose curls soften the overall look.
4. Classic low ponytail with a twist
Add a twist to your classic low ponytail with this elegant variation. The hair is smoothed back into a low ponytail, with a small section wrapped around the base to conceal the hair tie.
It’s an effortless style that can transition from day to night with ease.
5. Double braid low bun
This intricate double braid low bun is a stunning choice for any special occasion. Two braids frame the head, meeting at the back to form a beautifully textured bun.
The loose tendrils add a touch of romance, making this updo perfect for weddings, whether you’re the bride, the bridesmaid, or just a guest. Decorate it with the nicest pins that you have for that extra special look.
6. Pearl-adorned updo hairstyles
For a touch of elegance, try this pearl-adorned updo. The hair is styled into a loose, textured bun with delicate pearls woven throughout, adding a luxurious touch to the overall look.
The pearls catch the light beautifully, creating a soft glow that complements any outfit. All in all, this updo strikes the perfect balance between classic elegance and modern chic.
7. Voluminous high bun
This voluminous high bun is a showstopper, no question about it. The hair is teased for extra volume and gathered into a high bun on top of the head, creating a dramatic and glamorous effect.
The height of the bun elongates the neck and adds a regal touch to your look. Pair it with a bold lip color for an unforgettable ensemble.
8. Messy top knot
For a more relaxed yet stylish look, this messy top knot is perfect. The hair is gathered into a high bun, with loose strands left out to frame the face, giving it a casual yet chic vibe.
This effortless updo is ideal for casual events, brunches, or any occasion where you want to look chic without trying too hard.
9. Sleek chignon
This sweet chignon is a classic choice for any formal event. The hair is smoothed back and twisted into a low chignon at the nape of the neck, creating a timeless and elegant updo look.
This style exudes sophistication and grace, making it perfect for weddings, galas, or black-tie events. Its simplicity highlights the beauty of your hair’s natural texture and shine.
10. Braided high bun updo hairstyles
This braided high bun is both trendy and elegant, combining the texture of a braid with the height of a high bun. The braid adds a unique element to the updo, making it more intricate and eye-catching.
These types of updo hairstyles are always a great addition to any outfit meant for a truly special occasion.
11. Delicate floral updo
This delicate floral updo is a picture-perfect look for a bride, isn’t it? The hair is elegantly swept back and styled into a voluminous updo, with intricate floral accessories woven throughout.
This style combines classic beauty with a touch of nature, creating a pure fairytale look.
12. Voluminous cascading waves
Turn heads with this voluminous cascading waves updo. The hair is styled into large, flowing waves that spill down the back of the head, creating a glamorous overflow effect.
The height at the crown has hints of high class parties, while the loose waves provide an unpredictable touch of romance and playfulness.
13. Elegant twisted chignon
This elegant updo is a timeless hairstyle, created by smoothing back the hair and twisting it into a low chignon.
The simplicity of the twist highlights the natural shine and texture of the hair, making it a versatile and classic choice. Pair this with understated jewelry for a truly elegant ensemble.
14. Regal braided bun
For an air of royalty, this braided bun is the way to go. The hair is intricately braided and styled into a high bun, creating a look that can only be described as majestic.
The braids add texture and detail, while the bun keeps it tied together, both literally and metaphorically. Overall, this hairstyle is a beautiful blend of classic and contemporary styles.
15. Romantic fishtail braid bun
Fishtail braid updo hairstyles are an incredibly cute idea for special occasions where you want to showcase your style and creativity. In this case, the hair is styled into a fishtail braid that wraps around into a bun, creating a maze-like look.
It appears complex and carefree at the same time, and perhaps most importantly, keeps the hair out of your face while you eat, drink, and dance the night away.
16. Textured high bun with curls
Get yourself a chic girl look with this textured high bun with curls. The hair is teased for volume and styled into a high bun, with loose curls adding a playful touch.
This updo is obviously meant for slightly more casual events, but if you combine it with an elegant dress, classy makeup, and sophisticated jewelry, you’ve got an ensemble that you can proudly walk down the red carpet in.
17. Classic French twist
This timeless updo is a classic choice for formal events, radiating an air of Parisian chic elegance. With its sophisticated and refined appeal, it effortlessly adds a touch of glamour to any outfit.
Whether attending a wedding, gala, or special evening event, this is one of those updo hairstyles that are always a versatile and stylish option.
18. Messy bun with face-framing tendrils
For a more relaxed yet stylish look, this messy bun with loose face-framing strands is perfect. At first glance, it looks effortless and casual, but it has an aura of permanent style, which helps it be a great option even for the most prestigious of events.
19. Braided halo updo
This braided halo updo is both elegant and charming, with the braid wrapping around the head like a halo, creating a beautiful and ethereal effect.
The remaining hair is styled into a loose, textured bun at the back, providing wonderful contrast to the more structured front part.
20. Vintage beehive updo hairstyles
Take inspiration from the glamorous past with this vintage beehive updo. The hair is teased and styled into a high beehive, creating a design that screams retro cool.
This hairstyle is perfect for themed parties, formal events, or any occasion where you want to look like a high society lady from the roaring 20s.
In conclusion, updo hairstyles are a timeless and versatile option for any special occasion. They offer a blend of elegance, sophistication, and creativity that can enhance your overall look and make you feel extraordinary.
Whether you prefer a classic chignon, a romantic braid, or a modern twist, there’s an updo to suit every personality and event. We hope this list of 20 unique updo hairstyles has inspired you to try something new and find the perfect style for your next big event.
The right hairstyle can make a world of difference, so embrace the beauty of updos and let your hair be the focal point of your appearance.