Long hair offers versatility and elegance, perfect for creating stunning updos that suit various occasions. Whether you’re preparing for a formal event, a casual day out, or simply looking to change your hairstyle, easy updos can be your go-to solution. In this blog post, we’ll explore six simple yet chic updos that you can effortlessly recreate at home. Each style is designed to be beginner-friendly, requiring minimal tools and time. Let’s dive into these elegant updos for long hair.
1. The Classic Chignon
How to Create a Classic Chignon:
The classic chignon is a timeless hairstyle that exudes sophistication. It’s perfect for weddings, formal events, or any occasion where you want to look polished and elegant. Here’s how to achieve this look:
- Preparation: Start with clean, dry hair. Brush your hair to remove any tangles and create a smooth texture.
- Gather and Secure: Pull your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair elastic.
- Twist and Pin: Twist the ponytail into a tight coil and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins, making sure to tuck the ends under the bun.
- Finishing Touches: Spritz with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place and smooth down any flyaways. For an extra touch of elegance, you can add decorative hairpins or a small comb.
Why It Works:
The classic chignon is not only elegant but also practical. It keeps your hair off your face and neck, making it ideal for both hot weather and formal settings. The simplicity of this updo allows it to complement any outfit, from a business suit to an evening gown.
2. Messy Bun
How to Create a Messy Bun:
The messy bun is a versatile and easy hairstyle that works for both casual and semi-formal occasions. It’s perfect for those days when you want a stylish look without putting in too much effort. Here’s how to create a chic messy bun:
- Preparation: Start with slightly dirty or textured hair, as this will help the bun hold better. If your hair is too clean, you can add some dry shampoo or texturizing spray for grip.
- Gather and Secure: Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair elastic.
- Create the Bun: Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around the base to form a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins, leaving a few strands loose for a relaxed look.
- Mess it Up: Gently tug at the bun and the strands around your face to create a more tousled, messy effect. You can also use your fingers to pull out a few pieces of hair around the bun for added texture.
- Finish: Lightly spray with hairspray to keep everything in place without making it too stiff.
Why It Works:
The messy bun is a go-to style for busy days, lazy weekends, or even a night out. Its carefree and effortless vibe makes it universally flattering and easy to achieve. Plus, it works well with various hair types and lengths, making it a versatile choice for long-haired individuals.
3. Braided Crown
How to Create a Braided Crown:
The braided crown is a beautiful and intricate-looking hairstyle that’s surprisingly easy to create. It’s perfect for festivals, boho-themed events, or when you want to add a touch of whimsy to your look. Here’s how to achieve this ethereal style:
- Preparation: Start with clean, dry hair. Brush out any tangles and part your hair down the middle.
- Create the Braids: Take a section of hair from behind your ear on one side and braid it all the way to the end. Secure with a small elastic. Repeat on the other side.
- Form the Crown: Take one braid and lay it across the top of your head, securing it with bobby pins. Repeat with the other braid, crossing it over the first braid to form a crown.
- Secure and Tuck: Use bobby pins to secure both braids in place, making sure to tuck the ends under the braids for a seamless look.
- Finishing Touches: Set the style with a light-hold hairspray and gently tug at the braids to create a fuller, more textured look.
Why It Works:
The braided crown is a stunning and unique updo that keeps your hair off your face while showcasing your long locks. It’s versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions, adding a touch of elegance and creativity to any outfit. This style also works well with natural waves or curls, enhancing the overall boho-chic effect.
4. Twisted Half-Updo
How to Create a Twisted Half-Updo:
The twisted half-updo combines the elegance of an updo with the natural beauty of leaving some of your hair down. It’s perfect for date nights, weddings, or any time you want a romantic and feminine look. Here’s how to create this beautiful hairstyle:
- Preparation: Start with clean, dry hair. Add some waves or curls for extra texture if desired.
- Section and Twist: Take a small section of hair from one side of your head, twist it, and pull it to the back. Secure it with a bobby pin. Repeat on the other side.
- Join the Twists: Take the two twisted sections and join them at the back of your head, securing them with a hair elastic or a decorative clip.
- Add Volume: Gently tug at the twists and the crown of your head to create volume and a slightly messy, romantic look.
- Finishing Touches: Spray with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. You can also add some hair accessories like flowers or jeweled pins for extra flair.
Why It Works:
The twisted half-updo is a versatile hairstyle that blends the best of both worlds—keeping your hair off your face while showcasing your long locks. It’s easy to create and works well with both straight and wavy hair. This style is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your everyday look or for special occasions.
5. High Ponytail with a Twist
How to Create a High Ponytail with a Twist:
A high ponytail is a classic, but adding a twist can elevate it to a more sophisticated look. This hairstyle is great for workouts, casual outings, or even a sleek evening look. Here’s how to achieve this modern twist on a traditional style:
- Preparation: Start with clean, dry hair. Brush your hair to remove any tangles and create a smooth texture.
- Create the Ponytail: Pull your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with a hair elastic.
- Add the Twist: Take a small section of hair from the ponytail, twist it, and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to hide the hair elastic. Secure the end with a bobby pin.
- Smooth and Finish: Smooth out any flyaways with a bit of hairspray or hair gel. You can also add some volume to the ponytail by gently teasing it with a comb.
Why It Works:
The high ponytail with a twist is a sleek and polished hairstyle that’s quick and easy to create. It’s perfect for any occasion, from the gym to a night out. The twist adds a touch of sophistication, making it a versatile style that works with any outfit.
6. Low Bun with Braids
How to Create a Low Bun with Braids:
The low bun with braids is an elegant hairstyle that combines the simplicity of a low bun with the intricate detail of braids. It’s perfect for formal events, weddings, or any occasion where you want to look chic and put-together. Here’s how to create this stylish updo:
- Preparation: Start with clean, dry hair. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
- Create the Braids: Take small sections of hair from either side of your head and braid them, securing the ends with small elastics. Leave the rest of your hair loose.
- Form the Bun: Gather the loose hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair elastic. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins.
- Incorporate the Braids: Wrap the braids around the bun, securing the ends with bobby pins. Tuck the ends under the bun for a neat finish.
- Finishing Touches: Spray with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place and smooth down any flyaways. You can also add decorative pins or a comb for an extra touch of elegance.
Why It Works:
The low bun with braids is a sophisticated and versatile hairstyle that’s perfect for any formal occasion. The braids add a unique and intricate detail, while the low bun keeps the look elegant and refined. This style works well with both straight and wavy hair, making it a great choice for anyone with long hair.
Conclusion
These six easy updos for long hair offer a range of styles to suit any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. Each hairstyle is designed to be simple and quick to achieve, allowing you to look effortlessly chic without spending hours in front of the mirror. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a chignon or the relaxed vibe of a messy bun, these updos provide the perfect solution for any long-haired individual looking to change up their look. Try them out and discover how versatile and beautiful your long hair can be!