15 Breathtaking Curly Updos That Are Absolutely Gorgeous
If your curls spend most days hanging loose, these curly updos will show you what your hair can really do. Pinning your texture up is not about hiding it. It is about giving your coils, ringlets and waves a new shape, more height and a fresh silhouette that turns heads. Updos also protect your ends, keep hair off your neck in warm weather and make second or third day curls look intentional instead of tired.
Below you will find 15 ideas that work for every curl type, from tight coils to loose waves. Some take five minutes, others are worth the extra effort for weddings and parties. Save the ones you love to your Pinterest board and try at least one this week.
High Pineapple Puff
The high pineapple puff is the easiest way to wear your curls up and look like you tried. Gather everything to the crown, secure it loosely and let the ends spill forward. The height elongates your face and the fullness at the top gives fine hair instant drama.
Use a satin scrunchie instead of a tight elastic so you do not crush your curl pattern or wake up with a headache. This style doubles as the best overnight curl saver I know. Pineapple at night, fluff in the morning, and your wash day curls last days longer.
Messy Curly Bun
A messy bun made from curls has texture built in, which means it never looks flat or boring. The secret is letting the curls do the work instead of fighting them into smoothness.
- Gather hair loosely at the crown and twist it into a soft bun, pinning as you go.
- Pull out a few face framing curls and some pieces at the nape for softness.
- Mist with a light hold spray so the shape survives the day without looking stiff.
This is my go to for second day hair, when curls have relaxed just enough to hold pins easily. It takes five minutes and looks good from every angle.
Sleek Low Bun
Quick Tip: Smooth your roots with a boar bristle brush and a pea sized amount of gel while hair is still damp. Damp roots lay flat and glossy, while the bun keeps all its curl, giving you that polished contrast that makes this style look expensive.
The sleek low bun is the most office friendly style on this list. It keeps every strand contained, shows off your earrings and neckline, and works beautifully with a middle or side part. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it and you are done.
Braided Crown Updo
Before: loose curls that fall into your face all day and lose their shape by afternoon.
After: a braided crown that frames your face like a halo, with the remaining curls pinned into a full updo that holds from morning to midnight.
Braid two sections from each temple, cross them over the crown and pin the ends underneath. Pancake the braids gently by tugging the edges wider for a softer, more romantic finish. This one earns compliments at every wedding I have worn it to.
Twisted Halo Braid
The twisted halo is simpler than a braid but just as pretty. Two strand twists are faster to create and they blend beautifully with curly texture.
- Part your hair down the middle and split it into two sections.
- Twist each section from behind the ear, working forward toward the forehead.
- Cross the twists over the crown and pin them behind the opposite ear.
- Tuck the ends under and secure with bobby pins that match your hair color.
- Pull out a few curls around your face for softness.
Work with day old curls for the best grip. The twists stay neat for hours and the style photographs beautifully from the front.
Soft French Twist
The French twist gets a bad reputation for being fussy, but on curly hair it is wonderfully forgiving. The texture hides every imperfection, so you do not need salon precision.
DO:
- Start with stretched or second day hair so the twist has grip and holds its shape.
- Roll the hair upward loosely and pin as you go, letting curls spill out at the top.
- Leave the front pieces soft and slightly loose for a modern finish.
DON’T:
- Pull the twist drum tight, which flattens your curl pattern and causes headaches.
- Brush your curls smooth first. The natural texture is what makes this version pretty.
- Skip the pins at the nape. That is where the whole style anchors.
This is my pick for formal dinners when I want to look polished without spending an hour in front of the mirror.
High Curly Pony
Quick Facts:
- Time: 5 to 10 minutes, including smoothing the edges.
- Best on: defined wash day curls or a fresh refresh.
- Tools: a strong elastic, edge control and a soft brush.
- Cost: basically free with products you already own.
The high pony lifts everything off your neck and shows off your curl length from behind. Smooth the base with gel, secure high on the crown, then wrap a small section of hair around the band to hide it. Fluff the ponytail from underneath for maximum fullness.
Double Space Buns
Space buns on curly hair have a playful energy that straight hair just cannot match. The texture makes each bun look full and soft instead of severe. Part down the middle, twist each half into a bun and pin. Leave the ends slightly loose for a carefree finish.
Place the buns high for a fun festival look or lower near the crown for something more wearable day to day. I have danced in these for hours and they did not budge, which is more than I can say for most updos.
Side Swept Chignon
The side chignon is pure elegance. Sweeping the bun to one side shows off your neckline and earrings, which is why it photographs so well at events.
- Create a deep side part and sweep all hair to the fuller side.
- Twist the length loosely and coil it into a low bun behind one ear.
- Pin securely, then pull out soft tendrils around your face.
Finish with a flexible hold spray. This style looks intricate but takes about ten minutes once you have done it twice.
Wrapped High Bun
Quick Tip: Wrap the bun with a second elastic or a silk scarf strip after pinning. The wrap hides any bobby pins, adds a polished finish and keeps the bun secure through wind and long days.
The wrapped high bun sits at the very top of the head for maximum height and drama. It is the updo equivalent of a power outfit. Smooth your edges first, gather high, twist and wrap. This one works for everything from job interviews to nights out.
Curly Faux Hawk
Before: curls worn loose and flat at the sides, with no shape or edge to the style.
After: sides smoothed sleek against the head while the curls pile high down the center, creating a bold mohawk inspired silhouette that looks straight off a red carpet.
Smooth the sides with strong hold gel and pin them flat, then let your curls do the talking on top. This style is all attitude and it takes less than fifteen minutes. Pair it with statement earrings and you are unforgettable.
Bubble High Pony
The bubble pony turns a basic ponytail into a statement. On curly hair each section puffs out with gorgeous texture, so the effect is even better than on straight hair.
- Secure a high ponytail with a strong elastic and smooth the base.
- Add small clear elastics down the length, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Gently tug each section wider with your fingers to create full, round bubbles.
- Fluff the ends and mist lightly with flexible hold spray.
Use clear or hair colored elastics so they disappear into the style. This one holds up for hours and looks amazing in photos.
Scarf Wrapped Updo
A silk scarf turns any simple updo into a styled look in seconds. It adds color, protects your edges and hides a multitude of sins on rushed mornings.
DO:
- Choose real silk or satin so the fabric protects your hair instead of roughing up the cuticle.
- Wrap the scarf around a high puff or bun and tie it at the front for a retro feel.
- Match the print to your outfit or let a bold pattern be the star.
DON’T:
- Tie it so tight it leaves marks or flattens your edges.
- Use rough cotton scarves that create frizz where they rub.
- Save it only for bad hair days. It deserves a place in your planned looks too.
One scarf gives you endless combinations. Try it with a puff, a bun or a pineapple and each look feels completely different.
Bridal Curly Bun
Quick Facts:
- Time: 20 to 30 minutes, or book a stylist for the big day.
- Best on: defined, fully dry curls. Day old hair holds pins best.
- Extras: pearl pins, a jeweled clip or fresh flowers.
- Lasts: all day and night with strong hold spray.
The bridal bun is all about softness and romance. Pin curls individually around the base to build a full, rounded shape, leaving face framing tendrils loose. Add your accessories last and mist everything well. This is the style that looks stunning from the back of the church and in every photo.
Low Pinned Curls
Low pinned curls are the quiet luxury of updos. Instead of one structured shape, individual curls are pinned loosely at the nape, creating softness and movement that looks different from every angle.
This style works on every curl type and every hair length past the chin. Take your time pinning curl by curl, stepping back to check the shape as you go. The result looks intricate but it is really just patience, pins and your natural texture doing what it does best.
Conclusion
These 15 ideas prove that curly updos can take you from rushed weekday mornings to the most special nights of your life. The common thread is simple. Work with your texture instead of against it, protect your ends while you style and do not be afraid of bobby pins. Start with the two or three looks that fit your current length and build from there.
Save this post to your Pinterest hair board so your favorites are one tap away on styling day. Try one new updo this week, take a photo and share this list with a curly haired friend who is stuck in a ponytail rut. Your best hair days are the ones you plan.
