Let’s be honest. Our natural hair is our crown, but sometimes, we just want to get it up and off our shoulders in a way that’s anything but basic. The humble updo has undergone a stunning transformation, evolving from a formal, sometimes severe, style into a versatile and expressive go-to for naturalistas. It’s the perfect marriage of practicality and artistry—protecting your ends, showcasing your texture, and making a serious style statement all at once.
1. The Textured Pineapple Puff
Perfect for a day when you want to be cute and comfortable, the Textured Pineapple Puff is a playful and protective style. This isn’t just your standard high puff; it’s an elevated version that celebrates volume and texture. The key is to gather your hair at the very top of your head, but instead of pulling it taut, allow your curls or coils to spill over the base, creating a beautiful, cascading effect.
How to achieve it: Start with well-moisturized hair. Flip your head over and gather your hair at your crown, using a coiled hair tie or scrunchie for a secure but gentle hold. Instead of pulling all your hair through on the last loop, leave the ends out to create a puff. Gently pull at the sides of your puff to add volume and frame your face with a few tendrils. This style works wonderfully on stretched styles like twist-outs and braid-outs.
Best for: Casual outings, running errands, or a fun day date.
2. The Sophisticated Twist Bun
When you need an elegant look that whispers class rather than shouting it, the Sophisticated Twist Bun is your answer. This updo takes the classic bun and infuses it with intricate detail, making it look far more complex than it actually is. It’s a beautiful way to add visual interest to a simple silhouette.
How to achieve it: Create two large twists on either side of your head, starting from your temples and going back. Then, gather the ends of the twists along with the rest of your hair into a low ponytail. Twist the length of the ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a bun, securing it with bobby pins. You can tuck the ends in for a clean look or leave them out for a more bohemian feel. The twisted sections leading into the bun create a stunning crown-like effect.
Best for: The office, business meetings, or a sophisticated dinner.
3. The Boho Goddess Crown
Channel your inner earth goddess with this romantic and whimsical style. The Boho Goddess Crown is perfect for special events where you want to look ethereal and effortlessly beautiful. It incorporates braids, twists, and loose curls to create a halo effect that is simply breathtaking.
How to achieve it: Part your hair down the middle. On one side, take a section from the front and create a Dutch braid (an inside-out French braid) that travels back towards your ear, then secure it. Repeat on the other side. Gently pull the braids to loosen them and create fullness. Then, gather all your hair, including the braids, into a loose, high bun or puff at the crown, allowing some curls to escape freely. The braids should frame your face like a crown.
Best for: Weddings, festivals, romantic dates, or any event where you want to feel magical.
4. The Sleek High Ballerina Bun
Sometimes, sleek and polished is the only way to go. The Sleek High Ballerina Bun is a timeless classic that has been reclaimed by the natural hair community. With the right techniques and products, you can achieve a stunning, smooth look without compromising your hair’s health.
How to achieve it: This style is best done on stretched or blown-out hair. Apply a strong-hold gel or edge control to your hair and use a boar bristle brush to smooth it into a high ponytail, ensuring there are no bumps. Wrap the hair around the base of the ponytail, smoothing it down as you go, and secure it with a hair net and bobby pins. The final touch is a pristine line-up and laid edges for that ultimate sharp finish.
Best for: Formal galas, black-tie events, job interviews, or when you want a powerful, put-together look.
5. The Messy French Roll
The French roll gets a modern, low-maintenance makeover. This version trades stiffness for soft, textured volume, creating a look that is both chic and incredibly easy to wear. It’s the perfect “I woke up like this” updo that actually requires minimal effort.
How to achieve it: Flip your head over and gather your hair as if for a high ponytail, but don’t pull it all the way through the hair tie—leave the ends hanging. Then, gently roll the ends under and upwards, tucking them into the base of the ponytail. Use bobby pins to secure the roll from underneath, allowing pieces to fall out naturally. The goal is a rolled, textured look, not a perfect cylinder.
Best for: A casual Friday at work, a weekend brunch, or a low-key evening out.
6. The Flat Twist Updo
Flat twists are the gentle cousin of cornrows and are a fantastic way to create beautiful patterns while protecting your hair. A Flat Twist Updo is not only stunning but also a great protective style that can last for several days.
How to achieve it: Create flat twists going back from your hairline—you can do two large ones, a series of smaller ones, or even a halo style that circles your entire head. Once the twists are complete, gather the ends and the remaining hair into a bun, puff, or even a chic ponytail. The flat twists become the star of the show, adding a detailed, artistic element to your updo.
Best for: A versatile style perfect for work, church, or as a long-lasting protective style.
7. The Bubble Pony-Bun Hybrid
Playful, trendy, and unexpectedly elegant, the Bubble Pony-Bun Hybrid is a fun take on the updo. It combines the structure of a ponytail with the softness of a bun, creating “bubbles” of hair that are visually interesting and easy to create.
How to achieve it: Put your hair into a high ponytail. Then, use small, clear elastic bands to section the ponytail into 3-5 equal parts, spacing them out. Once all the elastics are in, gently tug on each section of hair between the elastics to puff it out, creating the “bubble” effect. You can leave the end as a puff or twist it into a small bun. This style looks amazing on all hair textures, from coily to wavy.
Best for: Birthday parties, concerts, or any occasion where you want to show off your fun and fashionable side.
8. The Low Twisted Chignon
For an understated yet deeply alluring look, the Low Twisted Chignon is a winner. Sitting gracefully at the nape of the neck, this style is the epitome of quiet luxury. It’s soft, romantic, and incredibly flattering.
How to achieve it: Part your hair down the middle or to the side. Create two loose, large twists or rope twists on each side of your head. Bring them together at the nape of your neck and twist them around each other once. Then, coil the resulting twist into a loose bun and pin it securely. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and some at the nape of your neck to soften the look.
Best for: Anniversary dinners, cocktail parties, or a night at the theater.
9. The Half-Up, Half-Down Top Knot
Can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down? You don’t have to. The Half-Up, Half-Down Top Knot is the perfect compromise. It keeps the hair out of your face while letting your beautiful texture flow freely down your back.
How to achieve it: Take the top section of your hair (from about the crown forward) and gather it into a high ponytail. Instead of making a traditional bun, you can create a small, messy bun or even a mini pineapple puff. The rest of your hair is left down to showcase your favorite wash-and-go, twist-out, or braid-out. This style adds height and dimension to your look without the commitment of a full updo.
Best for: Versatile enough for anything from a day at the office to a casual weekend look.
Embrace Your Crown
The world of natural updos is vast and full of creative possibilities. These nine styles are just the beginning. The true beauty of natural hair lies in its versatility and its ability to be molded into a style that reflects your unique personality and mood. Don’t be afraid to experiment, mix elements from different styles, and make each look your own. Remember to moisturize, protect your ends, and most importantly, wear your crown with confidence. No matter the occasion, there is a beautiful, modern natural updo waiting to help you shine.
