There’s something undeniably powerful about a blunt updo. It’s the hairstyle equivalent of a crisp white shirt or a perfectly tailored blazer—simple, sophisticated, and eternally chic. A blunt haircut, with its sharp, clean lines and uniform length, provides the perfect foundation for updos that look polished, modern, and incredibly intentional. Gone are the days of fussy, complicated styles. Today’s blunt updos are all about celebrating the beauty of a strong shape and a flawless finish.
Whether you’re heading to the office, a formal gala, or a casual brunch, a blunt updo can be adapted to suit your needs. This guide will walk you through eight modern interpretations of this classic style, proving that an updo is anything but basic.
1. The Architectural Low Bun
For a look that screams modern elegance, the architectural low bun is your go-to. This style takes the simplicity of a bun and elevates it through precise execution and a focus on shape. The goal here is not a messy, bohemian knot, but a smooth, geometric masterpiece that sits gracefully at the nape of your neck.
Start by applying a smoothing serum or cream to damp hair to control flyaways and create a sleek canvas. Blow-dry your hair straight for the best results. Then, gather your hair into a low ponytail, but instead of twisting it loosely, carefully wrap the hair around the base, tucking the end under and securing it with bobby pins that match your hair color. The key is to maintain the blunt line of your ends, allowing them to form the clean, circular shape of the bun. Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth any bumps and finish with a light-hold hairspray to lock in the polished look.
2. The Textured Bubble Ponytail-Updo
Inject a dose of playful, modern energy into your look with the bubble ponytail. This style is surprisingly easy to achieve and works beautifully with the weight and thickness of a blunt cut, creating uniform, defined “bubbles” along the length of the ponytail.
Pull your hair into a high, mid, or low ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic. Then, space out additional elastics down the length of the tail, each about 3-4 inches apart. Once all the elastics are in place, the magic begins. Gently pull and tug on the sections of hair between each elastic to puff them out, creating the bubble effect. The blunt ends will give the final bubble a full, rounded finish. For an extra touch, you can slightly tug at the sides of each bubble to add a bit of messy texture, creating a beautiful contrast with the overall structured shape.
3. The Modern Twisted Crown
A twisted crown braid is a romantic and ethereal style, but when done with blunt-cut hair, it takes on a more contemporary and sculptural feel. The clean ends prevent the style from looking too bohemian, instead giving it a defined, artistic edge.
Part your hair down the middle. Taking a section from the front of one side, split it into two strands instead of three. Twist them over each other, and as you move back along your hairline, gradually add in more hair from the surrounding sections. Continue twisting until you reach a point just behind your ear, then secure the end temporarily. Repeat on the other side. Finally, take the two twisted sections, drape them across the crown of your head like a tiara, and pin them securely underneath the hair at the back. The blunt ends will tuck away cleanly, leaving a seamless and elegant finish.
4. The Sleek, High Ponytail
Never underestimate the power of a sleek, high ponytail. With blunt-cut hair, this everyday style becomes a statement. The weight of the hair allows the ponytail to fall in a solid, sharp block, creating a powerful silhouette that draws attention to your facial features and neck.
To achieve the ultimate sleek look, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade from your hairline to the ends before gathering your hair. Use a bristle brush to sweep all your hair up to the crown of your head, smoothing out every bump. Secure it tightly with a hair tie that matches your hair color. For the final, flawless touch, take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail and wrap it around the base to conceal the elastic, pinning it in place. This style highlights the perfect, un-fussed line of your blunt ends, making it ideal for both the boardroom and a black-tie event.
5. The “Undone” Pull-Through Braid
If you love the look of a braided updo but find traditional braids too tight or intricate, the pull-through braid is your perfect match. It gives the illusion of a complex fishtail braid with a fraction of the effort, and the result is a beautifully textured, voluminous updo that complements a blunt cut wonderfully.
Create a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Then, put a second elastic a few inches down. Split the hair between the two elastics into two sections. Now, gently pull the two sections apart to create a gap in the middle, and pull the tail of hair from below up through that gap. Tighten the second elastic. Continue this process down the entire length of the ponytail. Once you reach the end, gently tug on the loops of the “braid” to loosen and volumize them. The blunt ends will contribute to the braid’s overall thickness and fullness.
6. The Statement Hair-Clip Updo
Sometimes, the simplest styles make the biggest impact. The statement hair-clip updo is a testament to that. This look is all about using a beautiful, oversized clip as the focal point, while your blunt cut provides a sleek and modern backdrop.
This is effortlessly chic. Create a deep side or center part. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if you were making a low ponytail, but instead of securing it with a tie, twist the hair once or twice and then fold it upwards, tucking the ends under. Secure the entire bundle with a large, decorative clip. The beauty of this style lies in its simplicity—the clip does all the work, and the blunt ends ensure a neat, contained finish that won’t fray or look messy. It’s a 30-second updo that looks like you spent an hour on it.
7. The Half-Up, Half-Down Top Knot
Why choose between wearing your hair up or down? The half-up, half-down top knot offers the best of both worlds. It keeps hair out of your face while showcasing the beautiful, sharp line of your blunt cut in the back.
Take a section of hair from the crown of your head, about from your temples back. Gather this section into a high ponytail but do not pull the hair all the way through on the last loop of the hair tie—this creates a small, neat bun or knot. Gently pull at the sides of the knot to loosen it slightly for a softer effect. Then, use your hands to smooth the remaining hair that falls down your back. This style creates an interesting juxtaposition between the playful, casual top knot and the severe, elegant line of the blunt ends below.
8. The Tucked Bob (The “Phantom” Updo)
For those with a shorter blunt bob, a full updo might seem impossible. Enter the “phantom” updo, also known as the tucked bob. This clever style gives the illusion of an updo while actually just artfully concealing the ends of your hair.
This works best on hair that hits at the jawline or just below. Create a deep side part. On the heavier side of the part, take the front section of hair and tuck it behind your ear, but continue tucking it backwards, towards the back of your head. Use a bobby pin to secure it firmly at the back, hidden underneath the top layers of hair. Repeat on the other side with a smaller section, blending it into the first. The result is a chic, wrapped effect that looks like a sophisticated updo from the front, while the back maintains the shape of your bob with a clever, hidden twist.
Unlock the Potential of Your Blunt Cut
As you can see, a blunt haircut is far from limiting when it comes to styling. Its clean lines and solid shape provide a perfect canvas for creating modern, structured, and incredibly chic updos. Each of these eight styles offers a unique way to showcase your cut, from the ultra-sleek to the artfully messy. The next time you’re looking for a hairstyle that is both polished and fashion-forward, remember these techniques. With a few bobby pins, some quality products, and the beautiful foundation of your blunt cut, you’re ready to create a stunning updo for any occasion that comes your way.
