Do you adore the elegant, polished look of a voluminous updo but find yourself groaning at the thought of a 20-step tutorial, countless bobby pins, and the inevitable arm cramp? You are not alone. There’s a common misconception that beautiful, lush updos must be complicated. We’re here to shatter that myth.
This guide is dedicated to all the busy, beautiful people with voluminous hair who crave style without the struggle. We’ve curated a list of 13 incredibly easy hairstyles that leverage the natural body of your hair to create stunning looks in minutes. Forget the fuss and get ready to fall in love with your updo routine all over again.
1. The Effortless Twist-and-Pin Bun
This is the quintessential quick updo for a reason. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone new to styling their own hair. The goal here isn’t perfection; it’s a relaxed, chic bun that looks like you threw it up without a second thought—because you did.
How to do it: Gather your hair into a low ponytail but don’t pull the hair all the way through on the last loop of the hair tie—you should have a loop. Then, gently twist the loop and wrap it around the base of the ponytail. Use 2-3 bobby pins to secure the ends underneath, and gently pull at the sides of the bun to add even more volume.
Pro Tip: For a more textured look, lightly backcomb the crown of your hair before gathering it.
2. The Voluminous High Ponytail
Never underestimate the power of a high ponytail. When done with volume in mind, it transforms from a simple gym hairstyle into a statement of sophistication and power.
How to do it: Flip your head upside down and gather your hair at the crown of your head. Before securing it with a hair tie, gently pull the hair slightly away from your head to create lift at the roots. Once secured, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to conceal the hair tie. For maximum drama, gently backcomb the ponytail itself for a fuller, more textured effect.
Pro Tip: A light mist of texturizing spray at the roots before flipping your head over will give your volume serious staying power.
3. The Modern Bubble Ponytail
Playful, trendy, and deceptively simple, the bubble ponytail is a fantastic way to add interest and volume to a classic style. It’s a fun look that works for both casual and festive occasions.
How to do it: Create a high or mid-height ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic. Move down a few inches and place another clear elastic. Gently tug on the section of hair between the two elastics to puff it out, creating your first “bubble.” Continue this process down the length of the ponytail.
Pro Tip: For extra volume, gently pull each bubble apart to make it rounder and fuller. The more you pull, the bigger the bubbles!
4. The 2-Minute Top Knot
The top knot is the ultimate savior for bad hair days, last-minute plans, and when you just need your hair out of your face. It’s casual, cool, and highlights the volume at the crown of your head.
How to do it: Gather your hair into a very high ponytail as if you’re making a unicorn horn. Twist the ponytail and then wrap it around its base. Don’t worry about loose ends; tuck them in or let them stick out for a messier look. Secure the entire bun with a second hair tie or several well-placed bobby pins.
Pro Tip: For a less “severe” look, gently pull out a few face-framing pieces and some wispy hairs around your neck.
5. The Half-Up Twisted Crown
This style gives you the best of both worlds: the elegance of an updo with the freedom of leaving your hair down. It’s romantic, delicate, and incredibly easy to achieve.
How to do it: Take two small sections of hair from the front, one from each side near your temples. Twist each section backwards and then bring them to the back of your head, crossing them over each other. Secure them in place with a small, clear elastic or bobby pins. Gently pull on the twists to loosen them and create more volume.
Pro Tip: You can also do this with a single, larger section from each side for a more dramatic, headband-like effect.
6. The Topsy Tail Retro Updo
Remember the 90s topsy tail tool? The technique is back and perfect for creating a quick, intricate-looking updo that takes advantage of your hair’s natural thickness.
How to do it: Create a low ponytail and secure it loosely with a hair tie. Then, create a small hole in your hair just above the hair tie. Gently push the ponytail up and through that hole, pulling it all the way through. Tighten the ponytail and fluff the “knot” you’ve created for volume.
Pro Tip: For a more complex look, create two ponytails (one above the other) and perform the topsy tail technique on both.
7. The Braided Pony Twist
If you can make a simple three-strand braid, you can master this look. It adds a beautiful, braided detail to a classic ponytail, making it look far more elaborate than it actually is.
How to do it: Gather your hair into a low ponytail but leave out a small section underneath. Braid this small section. Then, wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, covering the hair tie, and secure the end with a bobby pin tucked underneath.
Pro Tip: Use a texturizing spray before braiding to give the braid a fuller, more effortless look and to help it hold better.
8. The Messy French Twist
The French Twist is a timeless, elegant updo. Our “messy” version removes the pressure for sleek perfection, allowing your hair’s volume to be the star of the show.
How to do it: Gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if for a low ponytail. Instead of tying it, twist the length of your hair upwards towards the crown. Once twisted, fold the end of the twist under to create a soft, rolled effect. Secure the entire roll with criss-crossed bobby pins from underneath. Pull out a few pieces to frame your face.
Pro Tip: The key here is to not twist too tightly. A loose twist creates a softer, more voluminous, and modern look.
9. The Accessorized Clip-Up
This is perhaps the easiest updo on the list. It relies on a beautiful, statement hair clip to do all the heavy lifting while you reap all the compliments.
How to do it: Gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if for a low ponytail. Twist your hair once or twice, then lift it up and fold it back towards your head, creating a loose, draped bun. Secure the folded hair in place with a large, decorative claw clip or a statement barrette.
Pro Tip: Let some pieces fall out naturally. The goal is a collected-but-effortless look, not a perfectly sleek one.
10. The Low Twisted Bun
Similar to the twist-and-pin bun but with a more deliberate and polished twist detail, this updo is perfect for the office or a dinner date.
How to do it: Part your hair down the middle. Take two sections from the front and begin twisting them backwards, adding more hair from each side as you go (a loose Dutch braid technique without the crossover). Once you reach the nape of your neck, combine the two twists with the rest of your hair, twist it all together into a rope, and then wrap it into a bun. Secure with pins.
Pro Tip: For a bohemian feel, make the twists very loose and pull them apart to maximize volume.
11. The Gibson Tuck
A vintage-inspired classic that is surprisingly simple and creates a beautiful, voluminous shape at the back of the head. It looks intricate but requires no advanced skills.
How to do it: Create a loose, low ponytail but do not pull the hair all the way through on the last loop—you’ll have a loop with the ends hanging out. Split the loop in half horizontally, creating a hole. Gently tuck the ends of your hair up and through this hole, pulling them through to the top. Adjust the loop and tuck to create a soft, rolled effect and secure with bobby pins.
Pro Tip: The looser you keep this style, the more volume it will have. Don’t smooth down your hair too much.
12. The Rope Braid Bun
A rope braid (or twist braid) is easier than a traditional braid and looks incredibly chic when wrapped into a bun. It adds beautiful texture and holds exceptionally well.
How to do it: Divide your ponytail (high or low) into two sections. Twist each section clockwise, then twist them together counter-clockwise around each other. This is the rope braid. Once you’ve braided the length, wrap it around the base to form a bun and pin it securely.
Pro Tip: The direction of twisting is key! Twisting both sections one way and then combining them the opposite way is what locks the braid in place.
13. The “Hair Tapas” Updo
We’re ending with the ultimate no-rules updo. This style is all about gathering different sections of your hair and pinning them up in an artfully messy way. It’s unique, creative, and impossible to get wrong.
How to do it: Simply take random sections of your hair—from the front, sides, and back—twist them lightly, and pin them up and away from your face in different directions. Use plenty of bobby pins. The result is a sculptural, voluminous masterpiece that looks like a work of art.
Pro Tip: Use texturizing spray on dry hair first to give the pins something to grip and to enhance the overall texture of the style.
Embrace Your Volume with Ease
Having voluminous hair is a gift, and styling it should feel like one, too. It doesn’t have to be a time-consuming battle. These 13 easy updos prove that with a few simple techniques and the right mindset, you can create stunning, elegant, and fun hairstyles that celebrate your natural hair’s body and texture.
So the next time you’re running late or simply don’t have the energy for a complicated routine, remember this list. Pick a style, give it a try, and enjoy the effortless beauty of your voluminous updos. Your hair is your best accessory—now you have the simple tools to style it brilliantly.
