40 Updo Hairstyles for Long Hair to Mix Up Your Everyday Look
Buns, braids, and top knots are just the beginning.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
We don't know about you, but we're kind of over just straightening or curling our hair. Instead, we want to get more adventurous with updos that work with long, beautiful locks. Thanks to royals and celebrities, we found all the buns, braids, and other updo hairstyles we never knew we needed. Check out our favorite updos for long hair that work for any occasion. While you're at it, checkout our list of gorgeous layered hairstyles for for longer hair.
Low Bun With Loose Pieces
Meghan Markle's style has evolved over the years, but she continues to rock that low bun. And we love how she pulled a few pieces of hair out to frame her face.
Loose Braided Bun
A single braid for Tiffany Haddish's bun adds a wow factor that's needed for when you're out on the town, but it's not too much, making it also perfect for the office.
Double Bun
With all that extra hair, you need a place (or two) to put it. With a knot on top and below, you'll keep your hair away from your face and look as elegant as ever.
RELATED: How to Style a Bun 13 Different Ways
Classic Bun
Sandra Oh is showing us how to wear the perfect top knot updo hairstyle. It's sleek but not too polished, and you can pull it off in a dress or sweats.
Top Knot & Low Pony
Regina King did the most with her long hair. Here, you'll see she used one part for a top knot and pulled the rest of it into a low ponytail. Stunning!
The Perfect Top Knot
Nothing shows off your highlights quite like twisting and tying your hair into a tight top knot. Face-framing layers in the front and statement earrings give Jennifer Lopez a stunning look.
Flower Crown
Match the growing spring flowers with a string of them from ear to ear. It's an easy way to add drama to a more understated braided updo.
Messy Plaited Bun
Selenis Leyva piled her hair high into a semi-messy bun, and then she tied it all together with a braid wrapped around the base.
Large Box Braids Bun
A style like Teyonah Parris's box braid bun provides unstoppable volume. Plus, you can totally recreate this look yourself or on a friend for a special occasion.
RELATED: 12 Stunning Braided Hairstyle Ideas for Black Women
Braids All Over
One braid simply wasn't enough for AJ Michalka. We love how she framed her face with a flat braided crow and then twisted the rest into a gorgeous bun.
Three French Braids
Three's company, even when it comes to French braids. Susan Kelechi Watson's SAG Awards hairstyle is the perfect combination of edgy and sophisticated.
Braid Crown
Every goddess deserves a crown, and no one knows that better than Kiki Layne. While you can totally wear this bohemian style as-is, a few hair accessories can elevated the look.
Mid-Ponytail
Constance Wu's 2019 Oscars hairstyle was so effortless, yet so glamourous. The perfect mid-ponytail is complete with a wavy bottom.
Glittery Oversized Buns
Add sparkle to your updo with a dash of glitter, just like Kylie Bunbury did for a 2018 movie premiere. We're also loving the intricate detail of her buns, which were created by wrapping two strands of her hair into that unique spiral.
RELATED: How to Style a Bun 13 Different Ways
Pompadour
With all that extra hair, you can easily add some volume to your updo. Here, Melissa McCarthy shows how to create dimension in the front of your hairstyle with a teased pompadour.
Windswept Low Bun
When you want your outfit to do all the talking, consider copying Gemma Chan's subtle bun hairstyle from the 2019 Oscars. A little messy, a lot of fun.
RELATED: How to Style a Bun 13 Different Ways
Bow Accents
Straight on, you probably can't see why Ashley Graham's updo at the Oscars was so unique. But from the side, you'll notice the near-countless bows she attached to her sleek ballet bun.
Bouquet of Buns
Kate Middleton mirrored the delicate floral detailing on her dress with her updo. With a variety of buns, the overall effect is effortlessly chic.
RELATED: How to Style a Bun 13 Different Ways
Swirled Chignon
Lady Gaga's Oscars hairstyle reminded us of soft serve (in the best way possible). The swirls of platinum hair were so perfect, we're likely going to need a few tries to recreate this bun.
RELATED: The 31 Biggest Celebrity Hair Color Transformations
Double Fishtail
Emily Blunt is the queen of braided hairstyles. So, we weren't too surprised when she showed up to the 2019 Golden Globes in a flawless fishtail updo.
The "It" Hairstyle the Year You Graduated School
55 Pixie Cuts That Will Inspire You to Go Short
35 Crochet Hairstyles to Show Your Stylist
Top Hairstyles Through the Decades
