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50 Easy and Beautiful Updo Hairstyles

Get ready to screenshot these stunning looks to bring to your stylist.

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Updos have evolved over the years, but we still can't get enough of a hairstyle that looks elegant and feels comfortable. With celebrity inspo, we have everything you need to know about crafting the perfect updo hairstyle for any occasion.

The next time you need to dress up (or just want some extra flair), try one of these perfect hairstyles to make a major impact. Plus, try one of these easy ideas for thinner hair!

1

Triple Braid

easy updo hairstyles
Frazer Harrison//Getty Images

Susan Kelechi Watson turned heads in her yellow gown at the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards, but we couldn't keep our eyes off of her unique braided updo.

RELATED: 60 Beautiful Braids and Braided Hairstyles

2

Low Bun with a Twist

Lea Michele Updo
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin//Getty Images

For a simple and sophisticated look that works everywhere from the beach to the red carpet, try this loose low bun. We're also loving how Lea Michele kept one strand of hair loose to frame her face.

RELATED: The Best Hair Masks to Repair Dry, Damaged Strands

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3

Slicked-Back Bun

Kate Bosworth Updo - 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Tony Barson//Getty Images

Go for a tight and neat high bun, just like Kate Bosworth did at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars party. Don't forget to bring extra bobby pins for this one.

SHOP BOBBY PINS

RELATED: How to Style a Bun 13 Different Ways

4

Teased Bun

Sandra Oh Updo - 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

From the grocery store to the red carpet, Sandra Oh's messy-but-polished topknot can work for any occasion.

RELATED: Our Favorite Quick and Easy Summer Hairstyles

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5

Windblown Updo

Anne Hathaway Updo
Paul Morigi//Getty Images

Try a loose and edgy updo like Anne Hathaway for a look that makes a big impact and is easy to maintain all night.

RELATED: 15 Updos That Look Amazing on Fine Hair

6

Twirled Updo

Issa Rae Emmys Hairdo
Matt Winkelmeyer//Getty Images

This glamorous updo is perfect for women who want to make a statement. Keep your makeup simple, like Issa Rae's, because a hairstyle like this should be the main (mane?!) event.

RELATED: 17 Genius Curly Hair Tips and Tricks

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7

Updo with Highlights and Side Bangs

Allison Janney Oscars 2018 Hair
Frazer Harrison//Getty Images

The coolest thing about Allison Janney's hairstyle isn't the actual updo, it's the color. If you want to play up your highlights, try a style with movement that's pinned at the nape of your neck.

RELATED: 20 Ways to Add Highlights to Your Hair Color

8

Braided Headband

2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals
Gregg DeGuire//Getty Images

You can recreate Kiki Layne's flawless hairstyle using gel and plenty of patience to make a tight braid that goes over the crown of your head.

RELATED: 16 Best Wedding Hairstyles for Short and Long Hair

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9

Teased Chignon with Tendrils

Cardi B Grammys Updo
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

The '90s trend of tendrils — leaving some locks loose in the front — is back in a big way. Just be sure to style them like Cardi B's, so they look windswept but elegant.

RELATED: Why You Need to Try Castor Oil for Beautiful Hair and Skin

10

Low Side Chignon

Meghan Markle Bun
Chris Jackson//Getty Images

Channel Meghan Markle's sophistication by pulling your hair into a low hairdo that sits right at the nape of your neck on one side.

RELATED: 15 Self-Care Products Meghan Markle Swears By

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11

Bun with Flowers

Evan Rachel Wood Updo - 70th Emmy Awards - Arrivals
Kevin Mazur//Getty Images

Evan Rachel Wood's sweet and simple bun is brought to the next level with fresh blooms clipped to the side.

SHOP FLOWER HAIR CLIPS

RELATED: 13 Hair Accessories You Definitely Wore in the '90s

12

Beachy Crown Braids

Emily Blunt Crown Braid
Robert Kamau//Getty Images

Try Emily Blunt's braided updo for a cute-but-sophisticated look that will stay in place all day long.

RELATED: 20 Braided Updo Hairstyles That Beat Leaving Your Hair Down

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13

Low Messy Chignon

Nicole Kidman CMAs Hair
J. Merritt//Getty Images

Try Nicole Kidman's bun for a cute, easygoing look that works whether you're headed to a formal wedding or a simple dinner party at a friend's house.

RELATED: 32 of Nicole Kidman's Most Stunning Looks of All Time

14

Gelled and Clipped

Amber Heard AMA Hair
Frazer Harrison//Getty Images

If you want to make a serious statement, copy Amber Heard's edgy updo, complete with a gold hair clip placed in her part.

SHOP GOLD HAIR CLIPS

RELATED: 13 Hair Accessories You Definitely Wore in the '90s

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15

Smooth and Neat Bun

Lady Gaga Toronto International Film Festival Hairstyle
George Pimentel//Getty Images

Lady Gaga's side-parted bun is as smooth and elegant as can be, making it a gorgeous style to wear for a wedding.

RELATED: 16 Best Wedding Hairstyles for Short and Long Hair

16

Bun and Low Pony Combo

Best Natural Hairstyles: Regina King Emmys Hair
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

Add drama to a super-long ponytail by creating a ballerina-style topknot with the top half of your hair.

RELATED: 12 Stunning Braided Hairstyle Ideas for Black Women

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17

Doughnut Topknot

Tracee Ellis Ross Emmys Bun
Kevork Djansezian/NBC//Getty Images

A style that gives you a fun silhouette, this ballerina topknot is perfect for date night, the office, or even working out.

RELATED: How to Style a Bun 13 Different Ways

18

Sculpted Twists

Hailee Steinfeld Updo Hairstyle
Getty Images

The twists and turns of Hailee Steinfeld's double knot are truly a work of art — one that needs to be held in place with pins, spray wax and lots of hairspray.

SHOP HAIRSPRAY

RELATED: This Is the #1 Hairspray at Sephora

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19

Big Bun with a Bejeweled Base

Mary J Blige Updo Hairstyle
Getty Images

Instead of wearing a headband the traditional way, Mary J. Blige opted to wear a sparkly one around the base of her big, teased bun, creating a super-glam look.

SHOP HEADBANDS

RELATED: Kate Middleton Has Declared Headbands Fashionable Again

20

Bun with Side-Swept Tendrils

Ashley Graham Updo Hairstyle
Getty Images

Ashley Graham makes tendrils look dressier by parting hers at the front of a sleek bun.

RELATED: 11 Beauty Trends From the '90s That Are Back Again

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