If you’re bored with wearing your hair in the same-old loose hairstyle, why not freshen up your everyday look with a fashionable braided updo that’s elegant and sophisticated?
For a romantic option you can do at home, follow our Dutch braided updo tutorial.
Many braided updos can change your entire appearance and give others a new impression of your style. Braided updos are a creative, versatile, and fun way to change your look daily, weekly, or monthly.
Certain braided updos are more complex and will likely require the assistance of a hair braiding professional to put them in (and maybe even take them out). This is especially true of braids with extensions or intricate weaving in the back or top sections where it’s hard to reach on your own.
Others are easy to fashion; all you need is a bit of patience and some simple hair tools and accessories, such as combs, clips, pins, and elastics.
Different Ways to Style Braided Updos
Even if we are talking about fishtails, crochet, or box braids, the opportunities they give you when styling an updo are enormous.
By using these braiding styles, you can obtain hairdos that are perfect for school, office, weddings, parties, and luxurious events.
Check out the examples below and discover the best ideas to make your hair look outstanding!
1. Oversized Braided Crown Buns
Pile your braids high on top of your head to create a large twisted and woven bun that covers the entire crown area. You can also tilt the bun, so it leans forward towards the front or slightly to the side for a more dramatic, stately appearance.
2. Oversized Rope-Twist Topknots
Extra-long rope twists can be worn in an updo or left loose when you’re in the mood for a change.
Weave in copper, white or blonde extensions to accent or match your natural hair color, and sweep up the twists into a rounded bun that sits at the top of your head.
3. Double Dutch Braids into a Low Bun
Part your hair in the center, weave two thick Dutch braids on each side and twist them together at the nape of the neck to create a loose chignon bun.
As you weave your braids, take special care to ensure the highlighted sections stay towards the surface of the braid. Leave wispy tendrils and flyaways for an easy-going casual look.
4. Side Braids with a Flower-Accented Chignon
Strapless or spaghetti-strap wedding gowns are designed to show off your neck and bare shoulders. Complete the summery style with an angelic braided updo accented with wisps of baby’s breath or small flowers that match your gown.
Feed one or two large side braids into a twisty chignon bun for a timeless braided updo that will look fabulous in your wedding album for years to come.
5. Cornrow Buns with Face-Framing Braids
Feed-in braids are a popular alternative to use in braided updos because they add the necessary length and girth to cornrows that are too short and thin to arrange into a bun or ponytail.
If you want to master the technique itself, our stitch braid tutorial breaks it down step by step.
To dress up this protective hairstyle, leave a few loose braids in front of the ears and adorn the forehead with a hair ornament or braid wraps. Coloured extensions or a few decorative wraps can change the finish without changing the cornrow pattern.
6. Side Braids and Twists with Low Coiled Buns
Thick braids are easy for most people to do on their own at home with no special skills or equipment needed.
To create a French braided updo, simply part your hair in the middle or on the side, and weave a loose (or tight) braid from the front toward the back. If you have very long hair, you can twist a simple chignon at the nape of the neck.
7. Fishtail Crown Updo
Style your long, straight hair into a fishtail braid to create a messy braided updo. By leaving each section slightly loose, you’ll have some extra slack to wind the braid around your head like a crown.
Wispy tendrils caress the neck and jawline for a feminine touch, and sun-kissed blonde highlights add points of visual interest to the braid itself. For an occasion, small flowers can be tucked into the crown braid; loose face-framing strands give it a softer finish.
8. Waterfall Braid Bun
Waterfall braids are a lot easier to put in than they look; if you can manage a simple three-part braid, then there should be no reason that you can’t learn the waterfall technique.
Once it’s in, a waterfall braid can be easily styled into a braided updo by gathering all the hair into a ponytail and using bobby pins to secure a twisted bun in the back.
9. Highlighted Dutch Braids with Tucked Ends
Weave your ash brown-to-honey blonde hair into two extra-large Dutch braids joined at the back by a large, low-lying bun.
The contrast between the light and dark strands of hair creates a dramatic three-dimensional effect that makes the braids look like they’re popping off the scalp.
Eye-catching highlights make a dramatic impression. Leave some light wispy bangs and loose wavy tendrils to frame the face.
10. Pull-Through Crown Updo
Did you grow up thinking that you needed three separate sections to braid your hair? Umm, you’d be wrong about that! Pull-through braids are made with two sections and a few rubber bands to keep the structure in place.
Position your pull-through braid on one side and wind it up the other, leaving lots of curly blonde tendrils around the face. It’s a feminine braided updo that’s easy to maintain on your own.
11. Blonde Braided Mohawk
A mohawk-style braid updo features a braid (or series of braids) that runs the length of the crown from the forehead area to the nape of the neck.
The hair on both sides, from the ear to the braid, is combed smooth, so the mohawk braid/s will appear to be even higher at the top.
Mohawk braided updos usually work best on thick hair that has enough length to form and retain the braid’s shape.
12. Upward Cornrows with a Curly Crown
If you have super-short hair that you’d like to keep protected or style into a braided updo, crochet braids can be an excellent option.
Once your natural hair is corn-rowed into your desired pattern (make sure to braid them in an upwards direction), ringlets of any curl tension or color can be crocheted to the crown to create a full head of curly locks. Dress up your look with highlights, intricate braid patterns, or braid jewelry.
13. Side Braids and Twists with a Soft Bouffant
Heidi-style side braids are easy to do and a delicate and feminine way to wear your honey-blonde hair if you don’t want to spend money on a professional salon.
Loose curly tendrils emphasize your cheekbones and neck. Use a decorative hair stick to hold the twisted chignon in place.
14. Woven Fishtail Low Buns
Women with extra-long hair have lots of options to choose from when it comes to wearing braided updos, but the weight of the hair will always be a consideration.
Fishtail braids show off all the natural highlights in your auburn or blonde hair and do a superb job of hiding all the pins and clips you need to keep the intricate braidwork in place.
15. Double Braids into Space Buns
Youthful, fun, and flirty, that’s what most young ladies are looking for when deciding on which braided updo they’ll wear to the prom.
Look your best for this once-in-a-lifetime event and choose a style with small symmetrical braids and twists that feed into two large pom-pom buns on top.
16. Loose Central Braid into a Low Bun
Loose braided updos are comfortable and easy to style on medium-length or long hair; if the hair is too short, the braid won’t hold its shape.
Start braiding high on the crown and fold thick side pieces in as you work your way down. Leave long wispy bangs to frame the face and wavy tendrils to touch your collarbone and the tops of your shoulders.
17. Fishtail Braid into a Curly Low Bun
Whether you’re attending a wedding or a fancy event where the looks need to be ravishing, a fishtail updo that ends in a sublime low big bun will certainly catch anyone’s eye. Spare a strand from your bangs and curl it. Let it fall on one side.
18. Highlighted Halo Braid with Wispy Bangs
A halo braid that beautifully crowns your head is a spectacular idea for women who want a relaxed yet stylish look. To get better framing, spare the bangs and sideburns when braiding and let them cover your forehead.
19. Curved Cornrows with a Blue-Accented Bun
Cornrow braids can come in all shapes and sizes, and if your goal is to recreate this outstanding hairdo, gather all the braids into a high bun on top of your head.
To give the hairstyle a great look, use hair jewelry and maybe some blue hair extensions to blend in the braids.
20. Double French Braids into Low Buns
Messy braided hair is everything you need if you are searching for a stylish, glamorous look. Section the hair in two and French braid each part. Secure the braids and build two big low buns in the nape area.
21. Mohawk Braids
Using cornrows, you can design a fabulous mohawk like the one presented above. Style a voluminous braided updo that uses all the braids.
22. Rolled Twist Updo with Gold Cuffs
A retro updo is ideal for black women who crave a ravishing look. Build your braids and crochet your extensions on them. Decorate the hairstyle with golden cuffed beads.
23. High Braided Bun with a Jeweled Comb
The bigger the better! Black brides can flaunt this elegant updo on their special day. The hair is slicked back in a ponytail with hair extensions that are braided and stacked up on the top of the head. Swoop down the baby hairs and add an embellished hair comb.
24. Fulani Braids with a Curly Updo
Inspired by the Fula people of Africa, these Fulani braids are sure to attract some attention. They are characterized by a central braid with different-sized braids along the sides. Secure the remaining curls in an updo and decorate with hair rings, cuffs, and beads. Tada!
25. Pink and Blue Braided Space Buns
Rock vibrant shades on your head without damaging the hair. Go for a thin central braid with diagonal chunky plaits along the sides that end into the space buns.
The platinum extensions with a hint of blue and pink give off Harley Quinn vibes. Finish off with shiny beads.
26. Jumbo Crown Updo with Gold Cuffs
Classy and romantic, what more to ask for? African-American girls can wear their long to medium-length tresses like a crown on their heads.
Arrange chunky sections of hair around the head. Secure with pins and add hair cuffs for a chic appeal.
27. Oversized Front Braid with Loose Loops
The messier it gets the better it looks. Try out this bedhead look by braiding the hair in a messy manner and fixing the braids at the front covering a part of the forehead. Pull loose as many strands as you want for a ruffled finish.
28. Micro Braids
Wear a vintage-inspired updo with a modern twist. The hair is styled into countless micro braids that are gathered in a jumbo chignon in a way that the ends fall on one side of the face like a fringe. Complete the look with a fabric headband.
29. Side Braids with a Looped Topknot
Don’t forget to express your bohemian style at a formal event too. The key to this look lies in the side braids with a zigzag parting in between and a puff at the front.
Opt for a knotted bun at the top with beads and some curled strands framing the face.
30. Side-Swept Cornrows with Crown Loops
Inspired by Beyoncé, side-swept cornrows are known as lemonade braids. With a deep side parting, the hair on one side is braided straight back while the remaining ones fall on the other side of the face. Gather the strands and wrap them into a side bun.
31. Braided Updo with Ribbon and Feathers
Show off your wild side by enhancing your braided updo with a few different hair accessories. Stick a clean bird’s feather into your hair to give your hairstyle a free bohemian look.
32. Braided Beehive
In this braided updo, the stylist has created a spectacular beehive style by wrapping the braids around and around to create height. It is a brilliant style if you are looking for a real showstopper to wear to your wedding.
33. Thick Roots
Roots can be left very dark on purpose to create thicker-looking hair with more depth and texture. Bleach your tips or dye them so that they are a really light color in order to have the maximum effect with this style.
34. Double Side Braids into a Tucked Updo
Instead of styling your hair into just one single braid, style it so that you have two identical braids running alongside one another. Chunky, loose braids are a perfect style choice for brides who do not want to look over-manicured.
35. Halo Effect
Give yourself a truly saintly look by fashioning your braids into a halo style. Your braids should sit atop your head in a full circle hairstyle. This style will look great at a formal event.
36. Wavy Cornrows with a Braided Topknot
Tight African inspired cornrows help to show off your beautiful bone structure. Give your style a touch of red carpet glamour by pulling your cornrows up into a braided topknot that sits high on your head.
37. Stacked Braided Buns with a Front Crown Braid
Create a spectacular headpiece out of your own hair by winding thick chunky braids up onto the top of your head. Make it seem more like a fascinator by pinning the braided updo at the front of your head rather than at the back.
38. Side Braid into an Oversized Rolled Bun
A chignon style is a bun that sits at the nape of the neck. Chignon hairstyles like these are very popular for wedding hairstyles because they are relatively simple to style yet still look gorgeous. Braid your hair and then roll the remainder round into a low chignon.
39. Crisscross Flat Twists into a High Bun
For a regal twisted style, choose two-strand flat twists instead of three-strand cornrow braids. Cross your hair upwards from the base of your skull towards the opposite side of your head. Gather all of the flat twists together into a topknot style.
40. Double Crown Braids with a Textured Bun
A mid-braid starts from the top of your head rather than coming from the bangs area. Style a loose mid-braid into your hairstyle and then pull all of the rest of your hair up into a high bun which sits near to the crown of your head.
41. Spiral Fishtail Bun
The Nautilus style takes its inspiration from the gorgeous shapes which can be found in some seashells. Start off with a high braid and then roll your hairstyle round into a bun made up of concentric circles on just one side of your head.
42. Upside-Down French Braid with a Topknot
Braid your hairstyle from the bottom to the top, instead of doing it the other way around. Twist any hair that is left over and then pull it around into a secure topknot hairstyle. This braided updo is also great if you want to show off a neck tattoo.
43. Pinned Mini Braids with a Side-Swept Front
From the front, this amazing hairstyle looks like it might just be a standard pixie cut. Once you look at the back of the style you will spot that it consists of lots of little braids that are tightly woven together.
44. Braided Headband with a Rounded Bouffant
Braid your hair tightly over the top of your head to act like a headband. Straighten your bangs and let them cover your forehead to give yourself a really cute women’s hairstyle.
45. Sleek Jumbo Halo Braid
If you would like to try something more feminine, wrap your hair into a halo braided updo. This look is perfect for both casual and elegant occasions, for jeans and a T-shirt or a wedding gown.
46. Angled Cornrows into a Low Braided Bun
No one has said you can’t be creative with your braided updo. On the contrary, play with the partings. Instead of making them straight, try to section your hair asymmetrically.
47. Wide Cornrows with a Copper Curly Crown
This updo with braid will definitely make you look attractive and so stylish! Curly hair, braids, and a top bun are everything that you need to achieve this lovely hairstyle look.
48. Braided Space Buns with Rope-Twist Pigtails
Space buns and braids are always a good idea. However, if you go for a bold braided updo then you can be sure your style will be upgraded, from casual to amazing!
49. Jumbo Cornrows with an Oversized Low Bun
Huge braids mean there is less work, so if you are into braids, wrap them in a bun. You will get that Greek vibe which will leave everyone breathless.
50. Red Cornrows with a Curly High Updo
If you are more into interesting hair colors and styles, then you should definitely try this. Braids tied into a messy curly bun on the top of your head will look fabulous on all rebels.
51. Jumbo Cornrows with a Stacked Crown Bun
Jumbo cornrows sweep upward into a tall, stacked bun. This updo hairstyle is an option for summer days as well as formal occasions.
52. Side-Parted Cornrows into Braided Low Buns
Chunky cornrows are called Goddess braids. African-American women can try out this protective hairstyle using extensions while plaiting the hair close to the scalp with or without a parting. Wrap the braids in a low bun and secure with pins. Done!
53. Curved Cornrows with Stacked Braided Buns
Try out a traditional Ghana hairstyle to turn some heads. Alternate thick braids with thin ones all around the head for a sassy appeal and style them in a chic top bun. Top off with shiny hair cuffs.
54. Basket-Weave Braid with Tucked Ends
The basket weave braid hairstyle requires effort to achieve but once done it will surely steal the show at any formal occasion. This look is ideal to flaunt highlights or incorporate temporary vibrant-colored extensions while braiding the hair to achieve a similar effect.
55. Side Rope Twists into Low Buns
Find braiding difficult? Check out this rope twist style. Separate two chunks at the front and twist them around one another while adding more strands all the way to the back. Loosen up the twists and secure the remaining hair in a messy bun.
56. Stacked Braids across a Low Updo
Although it seems complicated this look is easy to achieve. The sections on both sides of the face are intertwined and secured horizontally on the opposite side of the head. The hair left out is secured in a low bun or tucked beneath the braided mesh.
57. Halo Braids with Full Bangs
Face-framing bangs grazing the eyebrows look cute and are ideal to cover a large forehead. Flaunt them with a gorgeous halo braid and add little flowers. Try out a fishtail or French braid depending on your choice.
58. Spiral Braided Updo
Here is yet another unique braided updo hairstyle to make jaws drop wherever you go. Start braiding the hair from one point and continue in a circular pattern reaching the center of the spiral. Finish off with cute hair pins. Hypnotizing!
59. Upside-Down Braid with a Hair Bow
Girls loving Minnie Mouse should definitely give this look a try. Bend over to plait the hair in an upside-down braid while the remaining tresses are styled in a jumbo bow sitting on top of the head. Adorable and chic!
60. Braided Flower Buns
Turn those long locks into a lovely flower by styling the strands in a Dutch or French braid starting on one side of the head and swirling it around at the back to be secured with pins. A delicate headband creates a sophisticated appeal.
Whether you’re a creative type with a bit of extra time to practice on your own hair or you have a few extra pennies to go to a professional stylist, you can turn an ordinary ponytail or bun into a fantastic braided updo.
How to Style A Beautiful Braided Updo
For this hairstyle, you will need:
- Hairbrush
- Rubber bands
- A green satin ribbon that looks like a branch
- Bobby Pins
- hairspray
- Donut sponge for bun
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Start with separating the hair in half. Then, clip one half out of your way while working on the other side of the hair.
- Take one little piece of hair starting from the top part of the head and divide it into three strands.
- Start making a braid, with the difference that you will braid it inwards.
- Overlap the pieces of hair from the bottom side.
- Keep adding a little hair when you get to the left piece and to the right as well.
- Keep braiding until you get to the end of the head but not to the end of the hair.
- Tie the braid with a rubber band and repeat the same procedure to the other side. Make sure the braids are evenly apart from the middle of the head so that the hairstyle is symmetrical.
- Tie the two braids together and take off the rubber bands you put on each braid since you won’t need them anymore.
- Divide the rest of the hair into two parts and braid a loose rope out of it. Put the sponge at the lower back of the head and cover it with the loose rope braid.
- Secure using bobby pins. The green branch is optional; you can add it before or after the bun using your creativity and secure it with bobby pins as well.
- Put some hairspray all the way around. You can also leave two little pieces of hair on both sides and curl them to make this hairstyle more romantic.
Experimenting with different accessories and hair ornaments can transform a casual everyday braided updo into a sophisticated hairstyle that’s perfect for an elegant evening occasion.
Related Braided Styles with Loose Lengths
If you prefer to leave some length loose, try a braided half-up bun or twin space buns. A short bob can use one or two pinned-back braids, while long box braids can be gathered into a half-up bun.
Braided ponytails, loose curly cascades and chunky side braids are further alternatives to a fully gathered updo. Cornrows can lead into a wrapped ponytail or finish in loose curls; flowers or coloured strands change the finish.
