20 Easy Women’s Hair Updos for Beginners: Step-by-Step Tutorials Anyone Can Master
Want to try a new hairstyle but feel intimidated by complex tutorials? Creating gorgeous updos doesn’t need to be hard or time-consuming. You can master beautiful updo hairstyles in just 10 minutes or less, even as a complete beginner.
These simple updo styles work for any hair length and texture.
Whether you’re heading to work, going to a special event, or just want to keep your hair out of your face, these easy techniques will help you create polished looks with minimal effort.
1: Elegant Low Bun
Pull your hair back and gather it at the nape of your neck.
Twist the hair into a spiral shape and wrap it around itself to form a neat bun.
Secure the bun with bobby pins, making sure to tuck in any loose ends. Add a few face-framing strands for a softer look.
2: Twisted Rope Braid
The rope braid is a quick and simple style that takes just 3-5 minutes to create. You only need to split your hair into two sections.
Twist each section to the right, then cross the right section over the left. Keep twisting and crossing until you reach the ends, then secure with a hair tie.
This style works best on straight or lightly wavy hair.
You can pin it up against your head for an elegant updo, or leave it hanging for a casual look.
3: Chic Messy Bun
Pull your hair into a loose ponytail at the height you want your bun. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around itself to form a bun shape.
Secure the bun with bobby pins. Let a few strands fall loose around your face for that effortless, casual look.
4: Simple French Twist
The French twist is a classic updo that looks fancy but takes just minutes to create.
Gather your hair at the back of your head and twist it upward along your scalp.
Pin your hair in place with bobby pins along the twist. Add extra pins at the top and bottom to keep everything secure.
Tuck loose ends into the twist and mist with hairspray for a polished finish. Leave a few pieces loose around your face for a softer look.
5: Quick Top Knot
Pull your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
Secure it with a hair tie that matches your hair color.
Twist the ponytail around its base to form a bun shape. Use bobby pins to hold it in place.
For a relaxed look, gently pull a few strands loose around your face. This style works great for busy mornings and takes just minutes to create.
6: Braided Ponytail Updo
Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band.
Split the ponytail into three sections and braid them together.
Wrap the braid around the base of your ponytail and pin it in place with bobby pins.
7: Classic Chignon
The classic chignon is a polished bun that sits at the nape of your neck. It’s perfect for formal events and work.
To create this look, brush your hair back into a low ponytail.
Twist the tail around its base and pin it in place with bobby pins.
Spray with hairspray to keep flyaways neat and secure your elegant updo.
8: Half-Up Twisted Knot
Take two sections of hair from each side of your face.
Twist each section back gently toward the crown of your head.
Join the twisted pieces together at the back and tie them in a small knot. Secure it with bobby pins to keep everything in place.
This style works great with straight or wavy hair and takes just a few minutes to create.
9: Easy Double Buns
Double buns make a fun and playful hairstyle.
Part your hair down the middle and pull each side into a high bun.
Secure each bun with hair ties and bobby pins to keep them in place. This style works best with medium to long hair.
10: Formal Sleek Bun
Pull your hair into a tight, high ponytail at the crown of your head.
Wrap the ponytail around its base in a circular motion to form a bun. Secure with bobby pins and mist with hairspray to tame flyaways.
11: Boho Braided Crown
Create a soft, romantic look by braiding your hair around your head like a crown.
Start at one side, braid along your hairline, and pin the braid in place as you go.
Add small flowers or leaves to make your crown more whimsical. This style works best on shoulder-length or longer hair.
12: Vintage Curl Updo
Create soft, romantic curls by rolling small sections of hair and pinning them around your head.
This classic style works great for shoulder-length or longer hair.
Pin each curl close to your scalp to form an elegant updo that looks fancy but takes just minutes to style.
13: Quick Pin-and-Tuck Updo
Take a small section of hair from behind your ear.
Roll it inward and pin it in place with bobby pins.
Repeat this process around your head, working section by section. Keep rolling and pinning until all your hair is secured.
Remember to tuck any loose ends under and add extra pins where needed for a secure hold.
14: Simple Hair Bow Bun
Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band.
Wrap the ponytail around the base to create a bun.
Add a black bow at the base of your bun for a sweet, stylish touch. Leave a few strands loose around your face to soften the look.
15: Twisted Half-Up Braids
Take two small sections of hair from each side of your head above your ears.
Twist each section back and away from your face.
Secure the twisted pieces at the back of your head with a clear elastic band. You can leave the rest of your hair straight or add soft waves for extra style.
16: Effortless Braided Headband
Start by making a small braid along your hairline from ear to ear.
Pin it in place at each end to create a natural-looking headband effect.
This style works with straight or wavy hair and keeps your face clear while adding a pretty detail to your look.
17: Loose Low Knot
Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and tie it loosely with a hair elastic.
Twist the ponytail gently and wrap it around the elastic to form a relaxed knot.
Secure the knot with bobby pins and pull out a few face-framing strands for a soft, casual look.
18: Braided Bun Wrap
Start by making a basic three-strand braid with all your hair. Make sure the braid is secure but not too tight.
Wrap the braid around itself near the nape of your neck to form a circular bun shape. Pin it in place with bobby pins as you wrap.
Add a few extra pins to keep everything secure. Your braided bun wrap is now ready for any occasion.
19: Elegant Bubble Ponytail
Start by pulling your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band.
Create “bubbles” by placing elastic bands every 2 inches down your ponytail.
Gently pull each section outward between the bands to form round shapes.
Pin any loose strands near your face for a polished look. This style works great for special events or everyday wear.
20: Topsy Tail Updo
Create a fresh twist on your ponytail with a topsy tail updo. First, pull your hair into a ponytail. Then, make a hole above the hair tie.
Next, flip the ponytail up and through the hole. This simple technique creates an elegant look that works for any occasion.
