Updo hairstyles for Black women are timeless, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a formal event, or just want a chic everyday look, updos offer endless possibilities.
In this guide, I’ll share 25 stunning updo hairstyles that celebrate Black hair’s beauty and versatility. Let’s explore these elegant styles together!
1. Sleek High Bun
The sleek high bun is a classic updo hairstyle for Black women. It’s perfect for formal events or a polished everyday look. This style works best on straightened hair and requires a bit of edge control for that flawless finish.
To create this look, gather your hair into a high ponytail and smooth it with a brush. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Add a shine spray for extra gloss and hold.
2. Braided Crown Updo
The braided crown updo is a regal and elegant choice. It’s ideal for weddings or special occasions. This style combines braids and an updo for a unique, eye-catching look.
Start by creating two cornrows along the sides of your head. Wrap the braids around your head like a crown and pin them in place. Leave the back of your hair in a low bun or twist for a cohesive finish.
3. Twisted Updo with Curls
The twisted updo with curls is a romantic and feminine style. It’s perfect for date nights or formal events. This look combines twists and loose curls for a soft, textured finish.
Begin by twisting sections of your hair and pinning them at the back of your head. Leave a few curls loose around your face for a flirty touch. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
4. Low Bun with Side Swept Bangs
The low bun with side-swept bangs is a sophisticated and timeless style. It’s great for both casual and formal settings. This look is simple yet elegant, making it a go-to choice for many.
Sweep your bangs to one side and secure them with bobby pins. Gather the rest of your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Smooth any flyaways with a bit of gel or edge control.
5. Faux Hawk Updo
The faux hawk updo is a bold and edgy style. It’s perfect for those who want to make a statement. This look works well for parties or fashion-forward events.
Create two high ponytails on either side of your head. Fluff the ponytails to create volume and secure them with pins. Use a strong-hold gel to define the edges and complete the look.
6. Elegant Chignon
The elegant chignon is a timeless updo hairstyle for Black women. It’s perfect for formal events or professional settings. This style is sleek, polished, and easy to achieve.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail and twist it into a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins and smooth any loose strands. Add a decorative hairpin for a touch of elegance.
7. High Ponytail Updo
The high ponytail updo is a chic and modern style. It’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This look is simple yet striking, making it a favorite for many.
Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Wrap a small section of hair around the band to hide it. Use a shine spray to add gloss and hold to the style.
8. Half-Up, Half-Down Updo
The half-up, half-down updo is a versatile and stylish choice. It’s perfect for those who want to show off their curls or waves. This look is great for both casual and formal settings.
Gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a clip or elastic band. Leave the bottom half of your hair loose for a relaxed finish. Add a decorative hair accessory for extra flair.
9. Bantu Knot Updo
The Bantu knot updo is a unique and cultural hairstyle. It’s perfect for celebrating Black heritage and style. This look is great for festivals or cultural events.
Create small sections of hair and twist them into Bantu knots. Secure each knot with a bobby pin or elastic band. Leave the knots as they are or unravel them for a curly finish.
10. Twisted Updo with Accessories
The twisted updo with accessories is a glamorous and eye-catching style. It’s perfect for weddings or red-carpet events. This look combines twists with decorative hairpins or jewels.
Twist sections of your hair and pin them into an updo. Add decorative hairpins or jewels for a luxurious touch. Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
11. Side-Parted Updo
The side-parted updo is a sleek and sophisticated style. It’s perfect for formal events or professional settings. This look adds a touch of elegance with its deep side part.
Create a deep side part and smooth your hair with a brush. Gather your hair into a low bun or twist at the nape of your neck. Secure with bobby pins and add a shine spray for a polished finish.
12. Voluminous Pompadour Updo
The voluminous pompadour updo is a bold and glamorous style. It’s perfect for making a statement at special events. This look combines height and volume for a dramatic effect.
Tease the front section of your hair to create volume. Smooth the top layer and pin it back into an updo. Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the volume intact.
13. Fishtail Braid Updo
The fishtail braid updo is a intricate and beautiful style. It’s perfect for weddings or romantic occasions. This look combines braiding and an updo for a unique finish.
Create a fishtail braid with your hair and wrap it into a bun at the back. Secure with bobby pins and leave a few strands loose for a soft touch. Add a floral hairpin for extra charm.
14. Top Knot Updo
The top knot updo is a trendy and effortless style. It’s perfect for casual outings or running errands. This look is quick to achieve and keeps your hair out of your face.
Gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a knot. Secure with bobby pins and smooth any flyaways. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.
15. Mohawk Updo
The mohawk updo is a bold and edgy style. It’s perfect for those who want to stand out. This look works well for parties or fashion-forward events.
Create a mohawk by gathering the middle section of your hair into a high ponytail. Fluff the ponytail for volume and secure with pins. Use a strong-hold gel to define the edges.
16. Twisted Rope Updo
The twisted rope updo is a simple yet elegant style. It’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This look is easy to achieve and looks stunning.
Twist two sections of your hair together and wrap them into a bun. Secure with bobby pins and smooth any loose strands. Add a decorative hairpin for a touch of glamour.
17. Curly Updo with Headband
The curly updo with a headband is a playful and stylish choice. It’s perfect for showing off your natural curls. This look is great for both casual and formal settings.
Gather your curls into a loose updo and secure with bobby pins. Add a stylish headband to complete the look. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the curls in place.
18. Low Twisted Updo
The low twisted updo is a classic and elegant style. It’s perfect for weddings or formal events. This look is simple yet sophisticated.
Twist sections of your hair and pin them into a low updo at the nape of your neck. Smooth any flyaways with a bit of gel. Add a decorative hairpin for extra elegance.
19. High Puff Updo
The high puff updo is a fun and youthful style. It’s perfect for casual outings or festivals. This look is easy to achieve and looks great on natural hair.
Gather your hair into a high puff and secure with an elastic band. Smooth the edges with edge control. Use a shine spray to add gloss to the puff.
20. Braided Bun Updo
The braided bun updo is a intricate and beautiful style. It’s perfect for weddings or special occasions. This look combines braids and a bun for a unique finish.
Create a braid with your hair and wrap it into a bun at the back. Secure with bobby pins and leave a few strands loose for a soft touch. Add a floral hairpin for extra charm.
21. Side Braid Updo
The side braid updo is a romantic and feminine style. It’s perfect for date nights or formal events. This look combines braids and an updo for a soft, textured finish.
Create a side braid and wrap it into a bun at the back. Secure with bobby pins and leave a few curls loose around your face. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
22. Twisted Crown Updo
The twisted crown updo is a regal and elegant choice. It’s ideal for weddings or special occasions. This style combines twists and an updo for a unique, eye-catching look.
Start by twisting sections of your hair and wrapping them around your head like a crown. Pin them in place and leave the back of your hair in a low bun or twist. Add a decorative hairpin for extra elegance.
23. Low Bun with Braided Detail
The low bun with braided detail is a sophisticated and timeless style. It’s great for both casual and formal settings. This look is simple yet elegant, making it a go-to choice for many.
Create a small braid along the side of your head and gather the rest of your hair into a low bun. Secure with bobby pins and smooth any flyaways. Add a decorative hairpin for extra flair.
24. High Twisted Updo
The high twisted updo is a chic and modern style. It’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This look is simple yet striking, making it a favorite for many.
Twist sections of your hair and pin them into a high updo. Smooth any loose strands with a bit of gel. Use a shine spray to add gloss and hold to the style.
25. Curly Frohawk Updo
The curly frohawk updo is a bold and edgy style. It’s perfect for those who want to make a statement. This look works well for parties or fashion-forward events.
Create a frohawk by gathering the middle section of your hair into a high puff. Leave the sides loose for a curly finish. Use a strong-hold gel to define the edges.
FAQs
1. What are the best products for maintaining updo hairstyles?
Use edge control, shine spray, and strong-hold hairspray to keep your updo in place.
2. Can I do an updo on natural hair?
Yes, updos work beautifully on natural hair. Use twists, braids, or bantu knots for a stunning look.
3. How long does an updo hairstyle last?
With proper care, an updo can last for several days. Use a silk scarf at night to preserve the style.
4. Are updos suitable for weddings?
Absolutely! Updos are elegant and timeless, making them perfect for weddings.
5. Can I add extensions to my updo?
Yes, extensions can add volume and length to your updo. Choose extensions that match your hair texture.
6. How do I prevent frizz in my updo?
Use a smoothing serum or gel to control frizz. Avoid touching your hair too much throughout the day.
7. What tools do I need for an updo?
You’ll need bobby pins, hair elastics, a brush, and styling products like gel or hairspray.
8. Can I do an updo on short hair?
Yes, even short hair can be styled into an updo. Use pins and accessories to create volume and texture.
9. Are updos protective styles?
Yes, updos can be protective styles as they keep your hair tucked away and minimize manipulation.
10. How do I choose the right updo for my face shape?
Consider your face shape when choosing an updo. High updos elongate round faces, while low updos soften angular features.
Conclusion
Updo hairstyles for Black women are versatile, elegant, and perfect for any occasion. From sleek buns to braided crowns, there’s a style for everyone. Experiment with these 25 updos to find the perfect look for you.
Whether you’re attending a wedding or just want a chic everyday style, updos are a fantastic choice. Embrace your beauty and try these stunning updo hairstyles today!
