A sleek French roll is the ultimate elegant updo for thick, shoulder length hair. It’s a perfect choice for a formal event. The bulky side swoop gives this vintage hairstyle a modern vibe. Use gel to smooth out the edges.
Updo hairstyles for black women amaze with their beauty, sophistication and creativity. As we usher in the warmest months, now is the perfect time to try new updo hairstyles. Black hair ranges from relaxed through loosely curled to tight coils and glorious afros. Therefore, trying to find a black updo that works equally well with different unique textures can prove to be difficult..
Whether you have short natural hair or thick, long spirals, the answer to the perfect updo hairstyle can be found in the gallery below.
While braids are a great idea for a protective style, they are not your only option. A twist-out produces beautiful spiral curls without heat, and it’s extremely versatile. Leave some twists in the back and loose curls in the front for a fancy “pineapple” updo that’s full and flirty.
Sometimes less is more; you don’t need to alter your short hair with weave or braids to establish a fun look. Let your curls free and accent them with a tropical headband. It’s an easy way to upgrade your everyday style.
Accent a short curly bob with a small twist for a touch of elegance to your everyday style. This is one of the quickest half updo hairstyles for black women and an easy way to change your daily look if you have grown tired of it.
The all-around creates a crown effect that is stylish and elegant. This is another example of a hairstyle that works well to lengthen shorter faces because of the height above the hairline.
Pig tails aren’t just for little girls. As this style shows, they can look cool and funky on big girls too. Incorporating a bright bit of color at the ends makes a bolder statement. If you are looking for ways to accessorize this fun look, try round sunglasses and big hoops.
Cute curly styles for black women popular today have either a modern or vintage flair. With the bright colors and hippie pattern, this headscarf is part 50s retro and part bohemian goddess. Add the perfect perm with large spirals and you literally can’t go wrong blending past with present.
For black updo hairstyles that will protect your hair, allow you to get through some busy days, and fight frizz, try a braided crown. This look is incredibly easy to achieve and can last you until your next wash day. Just part your hair for pigtails, create two french braids, join and pin them.
This beautiful perm top updo might just be the style you’re looking for. Wanted to go sassy and short? With this look you can fake it. Simply hide the length of your hair in a reverse french braid or a french twist. The faux hawk of curls will ramp up your confidence tenfold.
@jd_winters
What could be cuter than a poofy ombre ponytail? Nothing! This modern style is great for black women who want to keep their natural texture while experimenting with new colors and tones. The warm hue is amazing with her skin, and the color will look great in a super high bun too.
@modelesque_nic
Updo hairstyles for black women had better be creative. This natural protective hairstyle is great for helping you stay cool on humid days. Plus, it will easily transition to night time events, while letting you show off some killer earrings (if you want to).
We are all about reverse cornrows—ones that start at the back of the head and pull the hair forward instead of starting at the front. This style obviously creates a lot of volume and turns out comfortable to sleep on. But more than that, it’s spunky and spirited too. Ending off with twists and curls looks better than box braids.
@touchofheavensalon
What to do if you want both box braids and to let your hair go natural? Do all in one, of course. This style has something extra—that unexpected accent to the cute, kinky ponytail. Be warned: your friends will all start copying your style.
Elegant black hair updos are all about simplicity and ease. This twisted look is a true stunner. Best of all, it will only take you about fifteen minutes to achieve. The key to any protective style is to nourish your hair first. After washing (and before you braid), apply your favorite natural hair care oil.
@jd_winters
This look is one of the easiest styles for black hair. You need to master an upside down braid that can be a simple French plait or a Dutch braid like in this example. The curls can be attached to the end of the braid.
Piling Senegalese twists on top of your head makes one of the most regal, elegant styles you can try. Obviously this will only work for long hair, whether natural or extensions. Allow your braider to get creative and join twists with cornrows for a customized look you’ll be proud to rock.
If you’re in search of unusual updos for black hair, we’ve got them. This intricate asymmetrical roll style will bring out your inner rocker chick. Beautiful cornrow designs end in thick twists sliding down one side your head for a bold, modern style. If you want to try something like this, make sure you find a master braider.
Need a simple, elegant style that will be long lasting? Try this unique extra large bun hairstyle—or rather, braids that look like a bun updo. This is totally on-point for a formal event or just an everyday moment when you want to feel special. You can easily dress this down or up.
For a fun style full of personality, pair flat twists with spiral twist out curls. You can ask your stylist to bring the curls into a faux hawk, or (like this version) a high ponytail. Choose the style that will best go with your personality and wardrobe.
@kinkycurlybeauty
For black updos that really stand out, you need a couple of factors: height and excellent braiding. Bun hairstyles are a great way to make a statement, especially when you pair a high bun with braids that no one has seen before. The combination of french braids with dutch-style cornrows is super cool, as well as the bun with coiled twists and braids.
This trendy hairstyle is created by wrapping hair around the base of the headband and pinning it in place. While it’s really fun to pick flashy headbands, you can also choose one in a dark color to blend in with the hair, and then hide it with an accent braid.
Here’s a gorgeous protective hairstyle that will get your hair up and out of the way—while looking completely amazing. The hair is parted diagonally and then a braid is started at one ear to wrap all the way around the head in a whirlpool manner. Grab a friend and see if you can recreate the look on each other.
@kiakhameleon
African American updo hairstyles for natural hair are becoming way more popular. Natural black hair is trending in general, so it’s no surprise that women are on the hunt for complimenting styles. Buns are always an option, but why not make them more interesting with a cool reverse braid?
@touchofheavensalon
This is a classic go-to. Perfect thin flat twists and a braided bun? Yes, please. To get a really flattering look, ask your braider for a diagonal part and twists that curve back towards the bun instead of running straight back.
Braid updos become a whole lot more glamorous when you have ombre hair. Feeling bummed out because your ends aren’t thick enough for a style like this? Don’t be. A lot of similar looks are achievable thanks to extensions. They are your plan B.
If you’re looking for African American updos that can skew formal, you might want to forego braids for something a little more elegant. Try pin curls instead. This look features pretty, prefect curls and twists on glossy, well-conditioned hair for a completely glamorous hairstyle.
A French roll is a sophisticated updo that can be worn at different formal occasions. Elevate the style with a twisted side bang and statement earrings. The individual twists within the hairdo provide texture and visual interest for thick hair.
Twists and cornrows are perfect for a black updo because they provide a two-kind texture for a more interesting hairstyle. It’s a sculptural look that can easily go from day to night, and it will last for at least a week, which can cut down on the morning prep time.
If your hair is long enough, you may elevate your casual ballerina bun with a bouffant side bang. In such a way you will get a chic look that can easily go from work to play.
Asymmetry is a very popular approach in black updos. Combine horizontal flat twists with a bunch of spiraled curls. It’s a formal look that would work great for prom, especially with the addition of a jeweled headpiece.
Check this whimsical voluminous bun. It can be achieved with relaxed hair or extensions. The ideally sleek edges and the messy strands in the bun make a truly amazing combo.
A braided bun is one of the easiest and most popular black updo hairstyles. While it may not seem like the most versatile option, it can be worn in different ways, like low and discreet for casual dates and high or shifted to a side for formal events. If you want to jazz it up even more, try braiding in hair of a different color for a highlighted effect.
Braid crowns are a great option for long hair, achieved with extensions. When you need a sophisticated look for weddings or other special events, this is a speedy style that is guaranteed to look good all night long.
While this bold hairdo looks like one of the twisted black updo hairstyles, it is actually a series of knots that are intertwined to create a faux Mohawk. The part in the middle makes it easier to create a full look, but it also adds an interesting detail to the side view. It’s definitely not a boring style, and it’s better to be matched with an equally lively personality.
For a quirky black hair updo, why not to opt for an attention-grabbing attached hair bow? To make it stand out even more, use a fun color like this ocean-inspired blue green.
This is created in a similar way as the twisted Marley bun, but with an added quirk in the back. A reverse French braid and a faux bun blend into a desirable look for a slick elegant updo. Embrace this style for any length and texture. The boldest girls may pair it with a shaved section.
Just because you have short hair does not mean that you have to pass by bulky bun updos—simply add Marley hair! A regal looped updo is an easy way to protect your hair without using hot tools, which can cause breakage and hair loss for fragile black hair.
This style works well with thick hair—relaxed or natural— that has been brushed or blow-dried to achieve a fluffy texture. The loosely twisted bun provides a charming look to wear to the office that will last for a couple of days.
When it comes to natural hair, hydration is the most important factor. This look for thick hair was created by twisting strands into tiny sections using a rich leave-in conditioner and pinning the curls up into a high ponytail near the face. The result is voluminous, shiny curls that are a fun option as a going-out look.
The three versions of holiday updos with low buns offer you the variety you’ve always serched in hairstyles for natural hair. Pinning twisted coils or braids into an updo is an easy way to combat frizz and humidity during the days when you want to look more pulled together.
Transitioning from processed hair to natural strands can leave hair damaged if you use a lot of heat. A sleek chignon updo for black hair with accessories is an easy way to camouflage the stage of transition. If your hair is dyed, a braided roll is a lovely way to show off the hints of color.
This hairdo requires medium or long hair and would work best with very thick hair for a full bun. There are so many creative elements—from the zig-zag part to the large twisted top-knot—it is definitely an updo hairstyle for women who love to turn heads!
The gorgeous spiraled look is an easy way to style natural shoulder length hair. A low bun is a traditional option for a formal look, but this hairstyle with a deep side-part and all-around twist creates the appearance of a Grecian goddess as a truly unique take on the common bun updo for black hair.
This dramatic triple-crossed high bun is an elevated alternative to a regular messy bun. The fluffy top-knot updo can be completed in less than five minutes for a speedy-yet-sophisticated hairstyle.
Another way to fake a giant bun is to use a tight elastic headband to push hair into a full ponytail that gives the appearance of a bun. The creative look is a chic updo for women with chin-length kinky curls. A classic look like this can be worn anywhere.
If your hair doesn’t curl exactly the way that you want it to, set it on rods for a wild spiral updo sans heat. Perfect for a weekend out with friends, this spunky look is the best for women with medium-to-long hair lengths.
Swap your go-to French braid for a stretched-out zig-zag variation. The chunky braided style can be completed in a quick amount of time for a complex-looking updo that can carry you throughout the day without having to worry about your hair.
If you are searching a neat updo look for a more formal occasion, a rolled bun with thin tight braids as extra adornments is a chic idea for women with medium length afros. Finish with a pretty bow accessory for some pizazz.
Take your updo to the next level with a combination of tiny braids and ample twists. This adventurous updo for natural hair mixes features of fauxhawk and bun into one look effortlessly – a glamorous style for a night on the town!
A sleek French roll is the ultimate elegant updo for thick, shoulder length hair. It’s a perfect choice for a formal event. The bulky side swoop gives this vintage hairstyle a modern vibe. Use gel to smooth out the edges.
Here’s a futuristic look with the tiny buns and flat twists. Ladies with short-to-medium length curly hair with layers will look like a rock star with this edgy style! Anyway, it’s sure to make the wearer the star of any event.
No matter what look you desire, there is a beautiful updo hairstyle for every hair type and length. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks to update your usual hairdo. With so many different options, you will never get bored!
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