Hairstyles · Upstyles · Updos

Hairstyles Upstyles: 17 Elegant Updo Ideas for Every Occasion

By Shreya Hundekar · 11 min read · Hairstyles Upstyles

If you’re searching for hairstyles upstyles that actually hold up through a full event, this roundup is for you. Whether you’re heading to prom, standing up in a wedding, or just want a polished look for everyday wear, hairstyles upstyles never really go out of style. This roundup covers sleek buns, romantic braided crowns, and easy twisted updos, with real inspiration photos, styling tips, and pointers from the Byrdie updo styling guide for anyone new to doing their own hair.

Style 01

Hairstyles Upstyles Idea 1: Textured High Bun

A voluminous, twisted high bun is the ultimate go to when you want major impact with minimal effort. This style works beautifully on second day hair since the texture actually helps the twists hold their shape. If your hair is already growing out in layers, this bun also pairs nicely with a fresh cut like our wolf cut hairstyles guide, since the shorter face-framing pieces add texture right where you want it.

Style NoteBackcomb the crown slightly before twisting up into the bun for extra lift and volume at the root.

Hair UpstylesHigh BunEveryday Updo

Style 02

Braided Low Bun: Hair Upstyles

A braided low bun is one of the most requested hair upstyles for good reason. It’s timeless, flattering on nearly every face shape, and pairs well with both casual and formal outfits.

Style NotePull a few face-framing pieces loose after braiding to soften the overall look and keep it from feeling too severe.

Hair UpstylesBraided BunLow Bun

Style 03

Flower Accented Updo: Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair

Medium length hair is often the trickiest to style for prom, but a tucked, textured updo with delicate baby’s breath sprigs proves it can look just as elegant as long hair, without needing extensions.

Style NoteUse small floral wire picks to secure real or faux flowers directly into the braid rather than gluing them, so they stay fresh looking and repositionable.

Prom HairstylesMedium HairFloral Updo

Style 04

Tucked Bridal Bun: Medium Hair Wedding

Brides with medium length hair often worry an updo won’t hold. This soft, tucked bridal bun with face-framing pieces proves otherwise, and it photographs beautifully from every angle.

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Style NoteBuild volume at the crown with a texturizing spray before pinning; medium hair needs that extra lift so the bun doesn’t sit too flat.

Medium Hair WeddingBridal UpdoTucked Bun

Style 05

Woven Chignon: Sleek Updo Hairstyles

If your style icon is more “quiet luxury” than “romantic curls,” a sleek, woven chignon with a glass-like finish is your go to. Use a strong hold gel and a boar-bristle brush for that smooth, glossy base. If your natural color already leans light, this sleek finish pairs beautifully with the tones in our blonde hairstyles that scream expensive roundup.

Style NoteSet the sleek base with a fine-tooth comb dipped in gel, working in small sections to avoid streaks or product buildup.

Sleek UpdoWoven ChignonFormal Hair

Style 06

Braided Side Bun: Formal Up Do Hairstyles

For black tie events, galas, or bridal parties, a smooth braided side bun reads instantly formal. The side placement gives it a slightly modern edge over a classic centered bun.

Style NoteAnchor the braid with bobby pins angled downward into the bun, criss-crossing them for a stronger, longer-lasting hold.

Formal UpdoSide BunBraided Hair

Style 07

Braided Crown Half Up: Prom Hairstyles Hair Down

Not ready to commit to a full updo? This half up style gives you the elegance of a braided crown while still letting your length flow beautifully down your back.

Style NoteCurl the length loosely before braiding the crown section, so the down-hair has movement and doesn’t fall flat.

Prom Hair DownHalf-Up StyleBraided Crown

Style 08

Twisted Low Bun: Everyday Upstyles

Not every event calls for a full glam session. This twisted low bun is quick to master and works for everything from brunch to the office.

Style NoteTwist in two sections and cross them over each other before pinning for a slightly more intricate look with almost no extra effort.

UpstylesTwisted BunEveryday Hair

Style 09

Sleek Braided Bun: Upstyles for Long Hair

Long hair gives you the most versatility, and this intricately woven braided bun makes the most of extra length by building a dramatic, basket weave texture.

Style NoteSection hair into even parts before weaving to keep the pattern symmetrical; uneven sections are the most common reason this style looks messy instead of intentional.

UpstylesLong HairWoven Bun

Style 10

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Loose Braided Updo: Medium Hair Wedding Guest

As a guest, you want polished, not overdone. A loose, braided updo with soft face-framing tendrils hits that sweet spot perfectly for daytime or evening weddings alike. If you’d rather skip the braid altogether, a simple wrapped style from our bandana hairstyles guide is a fun, low-effort alternative for a more casual guest look.

Style NoteLoosen the braid slightly by gently pulling at the edges after braiding for that effortless, undone finish.

Wedding Guest HairMedium HairBraided Updo

Style 11

Soft Braided Chignon: Upstyles for Medium Hair Wedding

This soft, braided chignon proves that medium length hair can absolutely hold intricate wedding day styling. The secret is building volume with a texturizing spray before styling.

Style NoteTease the base layer of hair slightly before pinning the chignon in place, since medium hair needs that hidden volume boost to look full.

Medium Hair WeddingChignonBridal Hair

Style 12

Curly Pinned Updo: Easy Upstyles

Short on time? This curly, pinned updo takes less than 15 minutes on naturally curly hair and still looks intentional. Perfect for bridesmaid duty or last minute plans.

Style NotePin curls in sections working from the nape upward, letting a few tendrils fall loose at the front for a softer finish.

Easy UpstylesCurly UpdoQuick Style

Style 13

Pearl Pinned Bridal Updo

A delicate pearl and crystal hair vine elevates this soft, textured updo into full bridal territory. The jeweled accent catches light beautifully in photos without overpowering the hairstyle itself.

Style NotePosition the hair vine along the braid line rather than centered, so it follows the natural movement of the style instead of sitting flat on top.

Bridal UpdoHair VinePearl Accessories

Style 14

Voluminous Braided Bun Variation

Another take on the braided bun, this version leans fuller and more romantic, with baby’s breath tucked directly into the braid for a garden inspired finish that works beautifully for spring and summer weddings.

Style NoteCurl hair before braiding to add texture, since smooth hair makes braids look thinner and less voluminous once pinned up.

Braided BunFloral HairRomantic Updo

Style 15

Prom Updo Variation: Medium Hair

A second take on the medium length prom updo, this version keeps more length loose around the face for a softer, more romantic silhouette while still securing the bulk of the hair up and off the neck.

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Style NoteUse small, hidden elastic bands as a base before pinning, especially on medium hair, since bobby pins alone can slip out over a long event.

Prom HairstylesMedium HairSoft Updo

Style 16

Formal Updo Variation

This variation on the formal braided updo pulls the style slightly higher for a more sculptural silhouette, ideal for black tie events where you want the hairstyle itself to make a statement.

Style NoteFinish with a light hold shine spray rather than a heavy hairspray to keep the braid looking glossy instead of stiff under evening lighting.

Formal UpdoBraided HairEvening Hairstyle

Style 17

Sleek Updo Variation

Closing out the list, this sleek updo variation uses a precise center part and smooth, low bun for a minimalist finish that pairs perfectly with statement earrings and a simple gown.

Style NoteApply a light serum before smoothing hair back to control flyaways without adding heaviness to the style.

Sleek UpdoMinimalist HairCenter Part