Updos for long hair that are perfect for your next occasion
Looking for occasion-ready updos for long hair? Stop searching for up styles for long hair, and start taking a look at these beauties, instead!
Has your long hair styling routine become ultra-boring? And are you looking for stunning, fresh updos for long hair to amp up your mane game? If you answered yes to both of these questions, stay put, because you’re hair problems are about solved!
Okay, searching for on-trend easy updos for long hair isn’t the simplest of tasks; which is why we’ve found you 28 unmissable up styles for long hair that are perfect for your next formal occasion! You’re welcome.
28 unmissable up hairstyles for long hair
1. Undone low bun
Slung low, with a few tousled strands for an extra touch of romance, this is the sizzling, effortless updo of the moment: the undone low bun.
Now, the only question left is: which day of the week will you be flaunting this ‘do?
2. Wet-look bobby pinned bun
Are you lusting after all the sleek updo hairstyles for long hair out there? Well, it’s your lucky day, because you can easily give your long hair an elegant, polished feel with some bobby pins!
And if you need any more convincing, just take a long, hard look at this wet-look bun, that features long bobby pins along the sides of her head. Credit: @onlocationglam
3. Octopus topknot
Sleek topknot hairstyles are one of the most popular updo hairstyles for long hair. Why? Because mastering a top knot is super easy, helps to keep your long tresses secured and best of all, looks great on day 3 hair.
Editor’s tip: Use the VO5 Shine and Hold Hairspray to hold your style in place and to give your tresses a high-shine finish.
4. Ballerina bun
Looking for upstyles for long hair that you can wear to the workplace? A ballerina bun is both chic and very profesh.
Style tip: Follow in Tracee Ellis Ross’ footsteps by wrapping a ribbon around your bun for a stylish finish.
5. Floral hair updo
Think hair updos for long hair are boring? Adding fancy hair accessories, a la the picture above, will make you think again.
6. Bun and bangs
Teaming long hair with a fringe is a great way to give your hair a revamp, and the fringe of choice? Centre-parted Bardot bangs of course.
We love the way actor Linda Cardellini teamed her long grown out Bardot bangs with a simple twisted bun.
7. Vintage updo with bandana
Top knots are so easy it’s almost criminal. But when worn with a pretty bandana, like the picture above, they’re a pin-up lover’s dream come true.
8. Romantic rose bun
When it comes to fancy hair updos for long hair, this charming rose bun hairstyle is one of our absolute favourites.
This modern look is perfect for ladies who want to amp up their mane’s romance factor, ensuring you’ll look bloomin’ beautiful at your next event!
Editor’s tip: After all your hard work creating this look, remember to use a strong hold hairspray to hold your style in place.
We love the TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray for its strong but not stiff hold that brushed out easily at the end of the day.
9. Double buns
What’s better than 1 bun? 2 of course! Kate Mara’s double buns might not be your usual style, but for those who dare, this is a fun style to try.
10. Gorgeous Gibson tuck
Are you a sucker for all things vintage? Great! And if you’re looking for hair updos for long hair that will allow you to channel retro vibes, the solution lies in this gorgeous Gibson tuck hairstyle. Trust us, it’s the best of both vintage and bun hair worlds!
11. Rolled chignon
Love the look of chignons but struggle to recreate the look at home? Well, now you can finally master the look! All you need to ace this chignon, is to roll and tuck your hair into an elasticated headband. Yep, that really is all it takes – easy peasy, eh?
Next read: Step-by-step guide to mastering the chignon.
12. Polished bun updo
After a bun hairstyle that looks sophisticated, yet takes seconds to achieve? We know it sounds impossible, but it’s really not! This polished bun will be sure to keep you cool, tame flyaways and be achieved in under 5 minutes flat.
13. Wavy vintage updo
Featuring a charming mix of neat waves and retro-inspired hair accessories, there’s nothing not to love about this updo.
14. French twist
Eager to add some je nes sais quoi into to your everyday style? Then let us introduce you to your new obsession: the French twist.
This uber elegant hairstyle is actually less complicated than it looks, yet won’t fail to impress.
Next read: How to do a French twist (with chopsticks!)
Editor’s tip: This hairstyle is all about big volume, so we suggest using the VO5 Dry Backcomb Spray.
Working as an instant volume refresher, this backcomb spray is the easy way to get the volume of a backcomb minus the damage.
15. Topknot
Are you a lazy girl at heart searching for easy updos for long hair? Then you need to get on the top knot hair trend, pronto!
This rather underrated hairstyle is really versatile, working amazingly well for all sorts of occasions. So, whether you’re having a casual brunch or hosting a summer party, you’ll have a hairdo that’s ready for anything!
16. Upside down braided bun
Love the look of braids and buns? Why not mix them together and rock an upside-down French braided bun, like the picture above?
Not only is the hairstyle we’ve chosen guaranteed to last you all day and night – no matter how much dancing you do – but it also looks fabulous from every single angle (especially the back!).
17. Wavy ponytail
Nothing quite beats the allure of a perfect wavy ponytail. Model Neelam Gill’s dark brown tresses look fantastic finished off with large waves.
18. Cornrow ponytail
Give your ponytail a unique twist by adding cornrow braids just above the ear like Stella Maxwell. Smooth the rest of your hair into a high ponytail, securing your braids.
19. Messy ponytail
For days when you want a style without any fuss, a messy low ponytail is your answer.
Style tip: Instead of looking like you got ready in a hurry (even if you did), add a glitzy headband to complete your style.
20. Cornrows
Cornrows are a great way to style long hair, but we warn you, it’s quite a long process. So, we recommend seeking the help of a friend or professional to finesse the look.
21. Pigtails
No longer reserved for the school ground, braided pigtails are the quick and easy hairstyle for long hair that even braiding novices can master.
22. The fishtail milkmaid braid
It’s no secret that braided updos for long hair are reigning supreme. And if you’re looking for a fresh, romantic way to rock halo braids, just take a peek at the above look!
This ‘do brings together tousled tresses and a stunning fishtail milkmaid braid, creating a highly-textured way to rock your lengthy locks. Credit: @lilithmoonlife
23. The rope braided low messy bun
When it comes to easy updos for long hair, nothing beats a beautiful, low messy bun. But this is no ordinary undone bun, because this updo incorporates a twist braid on the side, for a unique, well, twist!
This contemporary take on the classic bun boasts the perfect mix of casual and polish, plus it’ll help keep you nice and cool throughout the summer, too! Credit: @missysueblog
Editor’s tip: When creating braided up hairstyles for long hair, arm yourself with a sea salt spray, like the TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray to give your mane extra texture and grip.
24. Stunning braided space buns
Looking for a quick hairstyle that’s also super cute? Then these beautifully braided space buns could be the answer to all your hair prayers!
25. Fake braid roll
Want to nail an elegant, easy updo, but scared that your styling prowess is less than professional? Well, you’ll no longer have to be envious of your plait-savvy friends, with this fake braid roll around!
Next read: How to create the fake braid roll.
26. Side braided bun
Why opt for a regular side bun when you could have a twisted side bun with braid detail? Positioning your long hair to the side is a great way of putting a contemporary spin on any classic look.
So, after you’ve mastered our side bun tutorial, make sure to give this twisted side bun a try. Who knows, it might just become your new go-to! Credit: @hair_by_nat
27. Rope twist half-up
Half-up, half-down hairstyles have a romanticism to them that work perfectly for weddings and prom.
We love the simplicity of this rope twist pinned back hairstyle, which is completed with a single flower.
Editor’s tip: If you’re using heated tools to get waves, remember to prep your hair with a heat protect spray.
We love the TONI&GUY Heat Protection Mist for protecting hair against heat damage from regular blow drying and heat styling up to 230°C.
28. Pinned back florals
This pinned back wavy hairstyle is giving us serious Pinterest wedding hair vibes. Start by curling your hair into tumbling waves and pinning random sections away from the face, adding in floral details as you go.
Style tip: Don’t be too precious about your styling as loose tendrils add to the overall finish.
