@ramsaymarstonhair
With loose strands framing the face, an effortlessly poofed bouffant, and a tight, twisted bun hanging low in the back, this look has many layers to play with.
The French twist updo is a beloved style, especially when it’s paired with formal or office wear. Few hairstyles look as picture-perfect with a sheath dress and heels. While many know how to create a basic twist, the challenge is making it unique. Incorporating messy texture, braided elements, buns, and bouffants can help diversify your updo. For your next little black dress occasion, try out one of these fifty hairstyles for yourself.
@marisavonsheere
Here’s a variation that strikes the perfect balance between messy and formal. The look twists tightly in the back, leaving a small amount of freedom up top for the messy look that has become a modern go-to.
This low-sitting updo is easy and can be pulled off even with the shortest hair. The look exudes ease and effortlessness, as it tucks away even the most stubborn locks.
@theblowoutbar
With loose strands framing the face, an effortlessly poofed bouffant, and a tight, twisted bun hanging low in the back, this look has many layers to play with.
@ramsaymarstonhair
The peek-a-boo roll is an easy take on the classic variety. It leaves out a piece that’s commonly hidden inside the twist. With a slight bump on top and a sleek, glossy finish, this look is the epitome of formal hairstyles.
@sabrinafetterkindhair
It doesn’t get much more traditional than this. This unique updo features a messy, twisted bun in the back and enough room for a personal touch. Stick a flower or sprigs into the twist on one side, and you’ve got an elegant look that’ll leave them speechless.
@tonyastylist
Here, the twist sits much lower and leaves out a few wisps of hair for a messier finish. The updo also features a swirled look that flows directly into the low twist, adding a unique touch to the overall appearance.
@modernsalon
This updo works beautifully for a holiday get-together or New Year’s night out. The long side-swept bangs are softly curled, and a few loose pieces on the other side give it an easy, balanced feel.
Here is a polished updo style for fans of refined, hair-to-hair hairstyles. The curls on one side will give you a beautiful profile; plus, your hair is going to look flawless and really show off that lovely coloring.
@whimsykatie
This Brigitte Bardot-inspired updo brings together volume and texture in a way that feels both retro and effortless. The beehive shape adds height without looking too done-up.
This twist has flawless texture on none other than first-day hair. Everyone knows the texture commonly doesn’t start to feel right until the second day, when your natural oils begin to spread through to the ends. To get this textured updo, use a texturizing iron from the roots to the mids. It creates volume and texture in thin or recently washed hair.
The romantic glittering headpiece adds a hint of glamour and lends an exciting vintage beauty to this graciously different French twist updo, while the low-sitting roll accentuates the slender neck. This is a classic and a very traditional look for brides with a romantic side and love for pure elegance.
@styles_by_reneemarie
This up style is partially braided to give it a pretty shape, just perfect for long, thick hair. The dainty flower accessory completes the low bun that rests gently at the nape of the neck. This would be a stunning hairstyle for cocktail parties, formal dinners, or galas.
@wedding_stylist_spb
Silky, sleek hair is pulled back where it’s arranged in a huge roll, with curls and swoopy texture up top. The style looks effortless but with purpose and sophistication. The hair is skillfully and beautifully pulled away from the face into a neat roll, amazing not only thanks to its shape, but also its lovely balayage color.
@christinagunnell
This asymmetrical roll is sharp yet soft, tousled and wavy yet elegant. The final look is anything but boring, thanks to the cleverly crafted twisted bun done for the beautifully highlighted hair. The tousled texture full of air adds volume and grace to the updo. The delightful asymmetry and dimensional details distinguish this look.
@tonyastylist
Say it with a diamond accent! This elegant twist, secured with pins over a teased base, makes a beautiful wedding hairdo. A shiny, dangling headpiece adds a memorable touch to the final style.
@elstilespb
The hair is teased, pulled back, and gathered into a messy chunky twist, while the front is graced with wispy pieces falling out of the updo around the face. The dirty blonde base of the hair brings an additional chic touch to the already gorgeous updo.
@rachaelharris_hairmakeupbeauty
Royal mess. The fierce textured twist. And above all, it is easier to create than it appears in its knotted, messy beauty. The up style is made by twisting hair in the back and leaving some rebellious strands hanging out on both sides. Quite an untamed boho look.
@sunkissedandmadeup
It’s the kind of style that invites you to play – twist it, pin it, personalize it however you like. A few strands are left looped, some are wild, and others remain straight. It’s all about fun and expression. There are no rules and no limits to your imagination!
@salonxvi
For a classic silhouette, you typically begin to twist your hair low, starting at the nape of your neck, but this take on the traditional look suggests a reverse twist completed with a loose side bun. It’s a lovely updo idea for long hair.
@elstilespb
This full-volume low bun is simple-looking, but it builds a dramatic loose twist that’s anything but a plain, unremarkable updo. Wear with a casual floral dress or try it with an evening gown.
@salonpaisley
The French roll still holds its appeal, but modern styling leans toward personalization. If you have long, fine hair, try to create an impression of natural flow with wispy texture, extra volume, and even a bouffant.
@tonyastylist
This lovely roll is completely different from what we are used to imagining when we think of the classic option. It’s tight yet soft, and its asymmetrical placement is really what makes the look stand out. Fine blonde highlights in the light brown hair accentuate the beautiful shape and movement of this incredible look.
@ivy_upstyles
The hair is styled into an easy and smooth, elegant low updo. The retro shape is modernized with a distinct texture of the bun and bouffant, dimensional color, and a set of hair accessories. A few loose curly pieces contribute to the charm of this gorgeous bun and make it just a bit less perfect, which is a big plus for modern updos.
@annette_updo_artist
Blonde hair is glamorous all on its own, even when rumpled! When twisted and twirled casually, it becomes a sensuous statement of spontaneity. The light blonde hair with curls displays an extra amount of dimension and glow.
@jenniekaybeauty
Okay, this is not your average bun. Strands of multicolored hair with alternating pink, blue, green, and purple magically turn this roll into an exotic peacock. Play with colors and pick your own favorites!
@hairbymisskellyo
Hair with a rebellious attitude – beautifully untamed and sensuous. Lovely short hair in the color of moonlit silver is pulled into a loose twist. On the sides, wavy strands are let free for a playful and happy appeal.
@stevenmathew
This hairstyle is fairly easy to create with long hair, and it looks exceptionally wonderful and effortless. The hair is twisted into a messy, asymmetrical roll with the ends sticking out. It is a great style to be dressed down, as it goes very well with a casual, relaxed outfit.
@headstudio
Soft hair, sophistication, and radiant elegance are the attributes of this gorgeous, voluminous updo. The strands are teased for maximum volume and pulled into a twist with ends invisibly tucked in. The hair is smooth and well-controlled with a lot of shine.
@kailawardhair
Sculpted like a fine work of art and bathed in a caramel blonde shine, this elegant updo will invite lingering glances. It absolutely stands out with its concept and perfect implementation.
@brieshi
This messy updo may look complicated, but you can very easily recreate it with shorter hair. First, tease the hair at the roots and pull it backwards. Twist softly in the lower neck area and pin. Pull out the curly ends here and there, and done!
@styles_by_reneemarie
This modern French twist updo not only features a classy look perfect for any elegant event, but it also has a messy, big-haired touch, inherent for a standout style. The updo suggests tousling and twisting your hair and then pinning it into the chic final product.
@weddinghairfairy
If you’re looking for an absolute showstopper, you’ve found it. Featuring a gorgeous back bun with single strands seemingly woven through each other, this style looks fantastic with a refined pearl headpiece.
@modernsalon
If you want a much more relaxed long-haired look that still maintains a classic feel, perfect for any special occasion, this casual updo will work just fine. The hair is pulled tight in a twist at the back of the head, with the ends not being hidden inside as in the classic version, but let out into a loosely waved ponytail for a more relaxed look.
@malysheva_mua
It’s wispy, messy, and perfect for short hair. The updo is quick and easy, featuring hair twisted low at the back of the head with a few loose strands framing the face. It’s an easy, no-hassle style.
@ramsaymarstonhair
Tripling the traditional twist updo, the next look features three layered twists at the back of the head, one on top of the other. It‘s a perfect style for long hair with good thickness.
@nikilevengood
Adding braids is a brilliant way to update your favorite classic style. Simply pre-braid a side section of hair and feed the braid into your twist.
@goldplaited_
This updo has a few different dimensions. Boasting a messy look both in the loose strands framing the face and in the back twist, everything is brought together with a clean, pulled-together middle poof. The result is a classy, beautiful hairdo.
@modernsalon
The asymmetrical twist shows off those highlights as well as puts a unique spin on the classic style. The hair is gathered neatly at the back, creating a striking side profile and giving the style its signature shape.
@beautyandtheblush
This twist completely encompasses the wearer’s head, providing an all-around flawless look that is beautiful at any angle. The look is great for long hair, and all the pieces are pulled tight, leaving no room for flyaways.
@modernsalon
Many women want a more textured look, something to add pizzazz to their style. And for women with a monochromatic hair color, there isn’t a better look out there to gain that extra depth. The updo is messily pulled back into a twist in the back, with bangs and a few loose strands curled around the face.
@emma.shankle
If you have shorter hair, updos become a bit harder to pull off. The key is a twist that falls low in the nape of your head. Even the shorter hairs in the back fit into the style, so baby hairs don’t become problematic, but rather add to the look.
@epochchicago
This hairstyle is surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Simply French braid your hair as you normally would, and then pin the braid into an updo! To achieve the volume of this braided style, be sure to tease the roots before you begin braiding.
If you prefer to keep some hair down even when you’re pulling your hair back, pass on your usual low ponytail or half-up, half-down look. This is the new go-to style for you to turn to.
Starting from the top section, pull your hair back, twist it into a tiny bun, and pin it into place along the back of your head. Do this all the way down until you’ve used all of your hair, which could be as little as three buns or as many as six.
Sometimes, all it takes to spice up a dull and dreary hairstyle is to add your own special flair. Headbands are a great addition to hairstyles if you wear them well. Don’t choose one too big for your head or a color that might clash with your hair color or wardrobe. Something unassuming and classy will do.
To all you beginners out there who usually just let your hair do its own natural thing, hanging freely on each side of your face, there’s hope for you yet! Start off your hairstyle trials with this easy rendition of a French twist. It’s a simple step in the right direction.
Try this elegant version for your next formal occasion. It can be worn anywhere, from an anniversary dinner to a night out at the bar with your friends from work. No matter where the night takes you, this style will be sure to catch everyone’s attention.
Everyone loves to turn to a simple ponytail when in doubt, but there are so many other options to consider if you want something a little different. This style combines a twist with a low ponytail for a match made in hairdo heaven.
These days, it’s all about looking perfectly undone. Kempt, but unkempt at the same time. This style masters the “perfectly undone” aesthetic, appearing both messy and chic at the same time.
This beautiful and classic hairstyle is the version you should turn to if you want it simple and classy. Say you have to go out but don’t have much time to style your hair; this will do the trick. It’s an especially great look for work.
Timeless yet endlessly reinvented, the French twist updo is unmistakably chic. From sleek rolls to textured buns and braided details, there’s a version for every mood and every RSVP. It’s the kind of updo that plays well with both pearls and leather.