8 Cute Updo Hairstyles
Whether it’s for a formal event like a wedding, prom or party, or it’s just a regular day, updos can be perfect for any occasion. Some days we just want to put our hair up in lieu of washing it, and we want more options than just a ponytail.
While trends come and go, updos are always in style and the options are endless. They can really be a way to express yourself through your hair without doing something extreme like cutting or coloring it. Some looks can be achieved at home with the right tools and products, while very intricate updos are better left to the pros.
Cute Updo Hairstyles
Cute Updo Hairstyles – Get it here!
By far, the easiest updo to achieve, and the most common, is a ponytail. This one, however, is more formal than just throwing your hair up with an elastic. Using a hairspray, natural bristle brush and a bobby pin or two, you can achieve this special occasion ponytail with your own skills. After straightening your hair, slick it into a ponytail and then secure with a hair tie. Ensure that there are no bumps in the hair that’s pulled back and then wrap a small section of hair around the tie to cover it. Use a bobby pin to secure that section and you’re all set!
Cute Updo Hairstyles
Cute Updo Hairstyles – Get it here!
If you want to take your ponytail up an even further notch, try this style that incorporates volume at the front. If you have bangs that won’t comb back into a ponytail, this updo is ideal for you. Slick your hair into a pony, leaving out the front bang area of your hair. Doing a higher ponytail will give you a more glamorous look. Using a teasing brush or a fine tooth comb, with the help of hairspray, tease the front section and then gently brush it into place. Secure it with a couple of bobby pins directed into that section to disguise them.
Cute Updo Hairstyles
Cute Updo Hairstyles – Get it here!
A ponytail can look glamorous even on curly hair. What makes this updo special is that it’s slicked very well into the hair tie and the curls are tight and full. If you have very curly hair and want to achieve this look, start from when your hair is damp. This will assist in combing your roots very smooth and using gel or hairspray will keep them that way. It also helps to achieve the curls after you have your hair fastened by scrunching or diffusing with a strong hold gel or silicone based styling aid.
Cute Updo Hairstyles
Cute Updo Hairstyles – Get it here!
This updo can be known as a messy bun or a chignon. It’s quite easy to achieve on your own so you won’t have to call on a professional to do this for you. Starting with a low ponytail, simply bunch your hair into a loose bun shape and then stick bobby pins in to secure it. That’s it! You could wear this updo to a wedding or even just to the office. If you have bangs, they may be left down, swept across the forehead or secured back and out of the way.
Cute Updo Hairstyles for long faces
Cute Updo Hairstyles for long faces – Get it here!
With the ‘topknot’ being very popular right now, this messy bun is both on trend and formal. Achieving this look will involve the same steps as the previous updo, but will be started with a higher ponytail. This messy topknot bun will look great as a bridal updo this coming wedding season. It’s modern and flattering for all face shapes and will accompany a headpiece and veil beautifully.
Cute Updo Hairstyles with bangs
Cute Updo Hairstyles with bangs – Get it here!
Even though this style will start off with a simple ponytail, you may need a hairstylist to achieve the ultra smooth chignon. This updo works perfectly with the heavy, blunt bang to give it a retro mod look. The sleekness of this updo is suitable for women who want to elude a chic and sophisticated vibe. It’s also not too formal and will not only look great with a cocktail dress, but casual clothes as well.
Cute Vintage Updo Hairstyles
Cute Updo Hairstyles – Get it here!
You often see updos like this on Hollywood red carpets. Perhaps because it elongates the neck and provides a slimming effect, or maybe to keep your eye drawn to the face. This look will accentuate a beautiful make up application and show off a dazzling dress with its simplicity and glamor. Wear it with any style of neckline and some sparkly earrings for maximum appeal.
Cute Updo Hairstyles for blonde hair
Cute Updo Hairstyles for blonde hair – Get it here!
There’s nothing more sexy and feminine than curls piled on top of the head. A look that transcends decades, this updo is beautiful on every face shape and can incorporate a French twist into the back for short hair lengths. Styled with a bang or without, the curls add a softness and height that is appropriate for a party or the office. Achieving this look can be simply done by curling and then pinning in the ends of a super high ponytail.
Tools You’ll Need To Style At Home
Performing an updo on yourself at home can seem daunting. Maybe you won’t attempt it on your own for your wedding day or prom, but putting your hair up into cute updo styles can be a more regular practice for you if you have the right tools.
BaByliss Pro – Porcelain Ceramic Straightening Iron with Removable Comb, 1.5 Inch
A straightening iron will be beneficial in prepping your hair for your style. For a sleek, formal ponytail or just to direct your bangs, it will smooth your hair and eliminate frizz. It’s also possible to curl your hair with most curling irons so it’s a multi-use tool. Look for one that goes up to at lease 400 degrees fahrenheit and no wider than 1.5 inches.
Conair Infiniti Professional Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron
Even though a flat iron can perform the task of curling, it’s much easier to use a curling iron for most people. Starting off your updo by curling all of your hair will give you many options and the pattern of the curl will help bobby pins and clips to be easily secured. A curling iron that is one inch in diameter is an appropriate size for most people.
Denman Dress-Out 3 Row Teasing Hair Brush D91 for Long Hair
A narrow brush like this can have many purposes when creating an updo at home. Often used for teasing and backcombing, it can also come in handy when slicking your roots into a ponytail. Smoothing sections and brushing ends before pinning are also easily done with this brush. Not only is it great for updos, you can keep it in your purse to add volume to your hair throughout the day.
Two other must-haves are bobby pins and hairspray. Bobby pins will obviously assist you in securing sections where you desire and can be reused over and over. Aerosol hairspray is ideal for setting a final look, while a pump hairspray can help form pieces into place and add a gloss finish. Be careful not to overuse a pump hairspray on your updo as it can easily give your hair a crispy look.
Trends In Updos
As seen on many celebrities on the red carpet, braids are easy to incorporate into an updo and give the wearer a youthful, fun look. Even with a formal dress, a braid can remain beautiful and sophisticated.
Updos that are pulled to the side are seen everywhere from the runway to teens on prom night. A chignon or messy bun pulled to below the ear is a chic look that allows for a hairpiece or barrettes to be placed on the opposite site. Longer ponytail styles look beautiful as they come from behind the ear and lay over the shoulder.
Half updos are frequently worn by those who want a special look, yet don’t want their hair all up. These styles are pinned or tied up, leaving the bottom half of the hair down to drape over the shoulders. Easy to achieve in your own home, it’s casual enough to wear without a special occasion to go to and can be dressed up or down.
Messy updos have taken the red carpet by storm and are styled to look edgy and daring. While others may have sleek and severe updos, wearing a messy updo will set you apart from the rest. Leaving out wispy pieces around the face or teasing all of your hair before you pin it up will help you achieve the messy look.
If you have a special occasion coming up and aren’t decided on a look yet, practice pulling your hair up different ways at home in your bathroom mirror. With the tools and products suggested, you should be able to get an idea of what you like an what looks good on you. Doing this will give you practice and you just may be able to achieve the beautiful updo you desire without the help of a hairstylist.
