6 Updo Hairstyles for Older Women: Chic Looks for Formal Occasions

Chic updo hairstyles for older women to showcase at their upcoming special event.

We are so excited for spring and the warmer weather but we more excited for all of the spring events and special occasions on the agenda! From wedding to graduations, having something special to celebrate also means figuring out what style you want to showcase on your hair. When it comes to hairstyles for older women, updos are a great way to showcase your style and allow you to keep your hair off your neck at the same time. There are tons of different updos hairstyles, from the chignon to the half-up style to the low bun, that are on-trend today. To inspire you to try out something new for your upcoming event, we’re sharing a collection of updo hairstyles for older women that we know you’ll love:

Updo Hairstyles for Older Women to Try

updo hairstyles for older women: chignon
A simple but elegant style. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

1. The Braided Chignon

We love updo hairstyles that are flawless, and quite frankly a little out-of-the-box. This braided chignon is a good example that looks stunning on women of all ages. You do need to have slightly longer hair to achieve this style. Simply brush your hair backward, and secure your hair at the nape of your neck with a hair tie. Braid the tail of your ponytail, and secure all the way at the end with a small hair elastic. Then, just wind the braid around to create a bun at the nape of your neck, pinning it into place as you go.

updo hairstyles for older women: messy updo
A cool way to rock a messy updo. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

2. Voluminous Twist

Everyone could do with a good root lift! We love to use root-boosting sprays and powders for a non-damaging way to add volume. With your hair already parted, sprinkle on your root-lifting spray or powder onto your roots, massing the product in with your fingers to achieve new heights. Once you’ve volumized your roots, take the front section of your hair on either side, and create one or two gentle twists. Pin those twists just behind your ears for an elegant effect, and pull the rest of your hair into a low bun.

updo hairstyles for older women: low bun
An updo that’s a timeless classic.

3. Elegantly Pinned-Back

For a similar but much sleeker look, skip the volumizing powder and the twists. This look is all about keeping it simple where you would pin back the front sections of your hair, creating a more polished effect. Pair this pinned-back look with a French twist or a classic braid.

updo hairstyles for older women: half-up
A breezy half-up style that looks gorgeous for special events.

4. Easy Half-Updo

There’s nothing a fun half-updo can’t fix! We love styles that are half-up, half down because they let you show off your gorgeous hair as you get your hair away from your face! You can do a cool twisted half-updo, an easy half-up bun, or even simply pin up the top half of your hair. We always recommend when doing half-up styles that you use a hairspray, like the Dove Style+Care Strength & Shine Flexible Hold Hairspray, in order to hold your style in place as it allows the bottom half of your hair to have movement.

updo hairstyles for older women: half-up
Updo hairstyles for older women: A fun low knot bun to wear to your special event. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

5. Low Knot Bun

Oh, the knot bun. We love low chignons that have just a little bit of extra flavor to them. There are so many different ways you can create a bun—it’s a shame to only ever go for the classic wraparound. You can create this style by parting your hair in two and tying it like a knot. This particular style takes a lot of pins to hold in place, especially if you have long or thick hair. You could also go for the pretzel bun or the twisted braid bun for different textures. Be sure to leave out a few face-framing layers to give this cool updo some balance.

updo hairstyles for older women: beehive
Updo hairstyles for older women: The sleek beehive you need.

6. Baby Beehive Updo

We’ve got a little trick for you if you like going for this classic but understated beehive look. Normally, a beehive look has a ton of volume created by teasing. If you want a low-key look with less volume, don’t tease! Instead, use a wax like Bed Head by TIGI Stick to direct your roots upwards. The wax will hold your roots in place gently and give this style a more relaxed look.

Sign up to our newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks from the experts at All Things Hair.

Subscribe

All Things Hair on Instagram