25 Trendy Updo Hairstyles For Long Hair

Updos aren’t just about pulling hair away from the face; they’re about balance, confidence, and the quiet artistry of structure meeting softness. From sleek high buns that radiate strength to loose, braided styles that feel romantic and lived-in, updos allow long hair to transform without losing its essence. Here are 25 ideas to try.

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1) Top Knot Updo

This hairstyle features a perfectly sleek, high-positioned bun placed at the crown of the head, created by twisting or braiding the hair into a compact, sculpted knot. The base is smooth and tightly secured, giving a clean and powerful silhouette. Minimal accessories work best with this hairstyle. Large hoop earrings, studs, or sleek drop earrings complement it beautifully.

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2) Sculpted Stacked High Bun Updo

The height, volume, and layered structure require significant hair length to achieve fullness and balance. All the hair is lifted away from the face and neck, making it a true updo. This style represents one of the most dramatic forms of long-hair updos. It’s designed to showcase length through structure rather than flow.

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3) Twisted Half-Up Bun

Stylists recommend this hairstyle because it flatters almost every face shape. It adds volume at the crown, which enhances overall balance and posture. The half-up structure keeps hair away from the face while maintaining softness. It photographs beautifully from all angles, making it ideal for special occasions. Most importantly, it offers elegance without looking overly styled.

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4) Twisted Crown Braid Updo

This hairstyle suits women who appreciate refined, elegant looks. It feels polished without being overpowering. The crown placement enhances posture and confidence. It works across different ages and styles. The look feels graceful, composed, and naturally beautiful.

 

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5)  Half-Up Twisted Bun with Loose Curls

The loose curls add movement and softness, preventing the style from looking heavy or formal. Subtle highlights or natural color variations stand out beautifully in this style. It looks like the kind of style that moves beautifully when you walk or turn your head. There’s a gentle charm to it that feels youthful without trying too hard.

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6) Soft Textured Low Bun Updo

The bun has a relaxed, airy texture, with subtle strands woven and tucked to give a natural, effortless finish. A few soft tendrils are intentionally left out to frame the face and neckline. Avoid heavy or oversized accessories. Sometimes, no accessory at all keeps the look perfectly balanced.

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7) Soft Braided Nape Bun Updo

Gentle face-framing curls are left loose, giving the look a romantic, lived-in feel. A delicate flower accessory is tucked into the bun, adding charm and softness. This hairstyle holds best with textured hair rather than freshly washed hair. Use a small amount of texturizing spray if the bun loosens. Avoid over-touching the braid to keep it intact

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8) Textured High Bun with Face-Framing Curls

Long hair allows the bun to look full and layered rather than flat. All the hair is gathered and secured upward, making it a true updo. If a curl loosens, refresh it gently with your fingers rather than re-styling the whole bun. Remove pins carefully to prevent tangling.

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9) Soft Braided Nape Bun Updo

Longer hair allows the twists to overlap smoothly and the bun to look full and balanced. All the hair is gathered and secured at the back, keeping the neckline open and graceful. This is a true updo that focuses on texture rather than height. It’s a timeless choice for long-hair styling.

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10) Classic Sleek High Bun Updo

This hairstyle features a smooth, neatly gathered high bun positioned at the crown of the head. The hair is brushed back cleanly with a glossy, refined finish, creating a structured and elegant silhouette. Pulled-back hair sharpens the jawline and cheekbones. The height elongates the face naturally. The smooth finish adds refinement and poise.

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11) Half-Up Half-Down Curls with Decorative Hair Pin

The top section is styled and pinned back, offering the structure and elegance of an updo. The remaining length stays loose, allowing long hair to shine naturally. This makes it ideal for women who want an updo feel without hiding their hair length. It perfectly balances sophistication and softness.

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12) Scarf-Integrated Braided Ponytail

The hair is sleek and smooth at the crown, creating a clean, lifted look, while the braid itself feels bold and dimensional. The scarf acts like an extension of the hair, blending fashion with function. Choose a scarf fabric that isn’t too slippery to maintain grip. Finish by gently pulling the braid apart slightly for fullness and texture.

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13) Side-Swept Braided Low Bun with Floral Accent

This hairstyle enhances natural femininity and grace. It feels sophisticated without being stiff or severe. The low placement gives comfort and elegance at the same time. It suits women of all ages because it feels classic rather than trendy. The style makes women feel polished yet soft.

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14) Intricate Multi-Braided Bun Updo

Long hair is essential here to create the multiple braid variations and the structured bun. The style gathers and secures most of the hair while still showcasing length through braided details. It offers the elegance of an updo with the creativity of advanced braiding. This makes it a standout option among long-hair updos.

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15) Ponytail with Natural Waves

While it’s not a full updo, the half-up structure lifts the hair from the face and crown, giving a refined shape. It offers the neatness of an updo with the freedom of leaving hair down. This makes it perfect for long hair that you want to showcase without looking messy. It’s a soft, everyday-friendly version of an updo.

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16) Embellished Low Chignon Updo

All the hair is gathered and secured into a structured bun, keeping the neck and shoulders completely exposed. Long hair is essential to achieve the layered folds and smooth volume of the bun. This hairstyle is perfect for weddings, bridal receptions, and formal ceremonies. It also suits fashion events, stage performances, and editorial photoshoots.

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17) Soft Half-Up Twisted Bun with Flowing Waves

The half-up bun highlights facial symmetry and posture. The flowing waves enhance hair texture and shine. The style feels light, graceful, and feminine. It enhances beauty without hiding individuality. Soft, glowing makeup pairs perfectly with this romantic hairstyle. A natural base with a subtle highlight enhances the elegance.

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18) Side-Braided Low Ponytail with Soft Waves

The side braid gently frames the face and softens facial angles. Loose curls near the face highlight cheekbones naturally. The low placement balances the jawline and neckline. The waves add a youthful, sweet charm.

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19) Boho Braided Bun with Loose Accent Braids

This hairstyle features a compact braided bun positioned at the back of the head, created with interwoven braids for texture and depth. From the bun, a few slim braids and loose strands are intentionally left hanging, adding an artistic, undone feel. Divide the hair into sections and braid multiple small and medium braids for texture. Gather the braids into a bun, securing them loosely to avoid stiffness. Leave a few braids and strands free for a relaxed, boho effect.

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20) Soft Half-Up Bun

Stylists love this hairstyle because it flatters most face shapes and hair textures. The lifted crown creates balance and elegance. The half-up bun adds structure without hiding hair length. It transitions easily from casual to dressy. It also photographs beautifully from all angles.

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21) Braided Double Space Buns with Pastel Color Blend

This hairstyle suits women who love standing out and expressing individuality. It feels empowering and unapologetic. The structured symmetry adds confidence and strength. It works especially well for women with artistic or edgy fashion sense. The look celebrates uniqueness rather than conformity.