Updo Hairstyles for Black Women: Stunning Looks for Every Occasion

Updo hairstyles for black women are timeless, versatile, and perfect for any event. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a formal dinner, or just want a chic everyday look, updos offer elegance and convenience.

In this post, I’ll share 30 stunning updo hairstyles that celebrate the beauty and diversity of black hair.

1. Sleek High Bun

The sleek high bun is a classic updo hairstyle for black women that exudes sophistication. This style works perfectly for formal events or even a day at the office. It’s easy to achieve with gel, a brush, and a few bobby pins.

To create this look, start by smoothing your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins. Finish with a shine spray for a polished finish.

2. Braided Crown Updo

The braided crown updo is a romantic and regal hairstyle that’s perfect for weddings or special occasions. This style combines braids and an updo for a unique and eye-catching look. It’s also a great way to protect your hair while looking fabulous.

Start by creating two braids on either side of your head. Wrap the braids around your head like a crown and secure them with bobby pins. Leave a few curls out for a soft, feminine touch.

3. Low Chignon

The low chignon is a sleek and elegant updo hairstyle for black women that’s perfect for formal events. This style is simple yet sophisticated, making it a go-to for many. It’s also a great way to keep your hair out of your face while looking stylish.

To create this look, gather your hair into a low ponytail and twist it into a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins and smooth any flyaways with gel. Add a hair accessory for extra glam.

4. Twisted Updo

The twisted updo is a versatile and chic hairstyle that’s perfect for any occasion. This style involves twisting sections of hair to create a unique and textured look. It’s a great way to add volume and interest to your updo.

Start by sectioning your hair and twisting each section individually. Secure the twists into a bun or a low updo with bobby pins. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

5. Faux Hawk Updo

The faux hawk updo is a bold and edgy hairstyle that’s perfect for making a statement. This style combines the sleekness of an updo with the drama of a faux hawk. It’s a great choice for a night out or a fashion-forward event.

To create this look, section the sides of your hair and smooth them down with gel. Gather the middle section into a high ponytail or bun. Use bobby pins to secure the sides and add volume to the middle section.

6. Side-Swept Updo

The side-swept updo is a glamorous and feminine hairstyle that’s perfect for formal events. This style involves sweeping your hair to one side and securing it into an elegant updo. It’s a great way to add drama and sophistication to your look.

Start by parting your hair deeply to one side. Gather your hair into a low bun or twist on the opposite side and secure it with bobby pins. Leave a few strands loose to frame your face.

7. Top Knot Updo

The top knot updo is a trendy and practical hairstyle that’s perfect for casual or formal occasions. This style involves gathering your hair into a high bun on top of your head. It’s a great way to keep your hair off your face while looking stylish.

To create this look, pull your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins and smooth any flyaways with gel. Add a headband or scarf for extra flair.

8. Bubble Ponytail Updo

The bubble ponytail updo is a fun and playful hairstyle that’s perfect for parties or casual outings. This style involves creating multiple “bubbles” along the length of your ponytail. It’s a great way to add volume and interest to your updo.

Start by securing your hair into a high ponytail. Use hair ties to create sections along the ponytail, then gently pull each section to create bubbles. Finish with a light hold hairspray.

9. Mohawk Updo

The mohawk updo is a bold and edgy hairstyle that’s perfect for making a statement. This style involves creating a raised section in the middle of your head and securing the sides. It’s a great choice for a night out or a fashion-forward event.

To create this look, section the sides of your hair and smooth them down with gel. Gather the middle section into a high ponytail or bun. Use bobby pins to secure the sides and add volume to the middle section.

10. Fishtail Braid Updo

The fishtail braid updo is a intricate and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions. This style involves creating a fishtail braid and securing it into an updo. It’s a great way to showcase your braiding skills and add a unique touch to your look.

Start by creating a fishtail braid with your hair. Once the braid is complete, wrap it into a bun or a low updo and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with a shine spray for a polished finish.

11. Half-Up Half-Down Updo

The half-up half-down updo is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that’s perfect for any occasion. This style involves securing the top half of your hair into an updo while leaving the bottom half down. It’s a great way to keep your hair out of your face while showcasing your curls or waves.

Start by sectioning the top half of your hair and securing it into a small bun or twist. Leave the bottom half of your hair down and style it as desired. Add a hair accessory for extra flair.

12. Rolled Updo

The rolled updo is a vintage-inspired hairstyle that’s perfect for formal events or retro-themed parties. This style involves rolling sections of your hair to create a voluminous updo. It’s a great way to add drama and elegance to your look.

Start by sectioning your hair and rolling each section individually. Secure the rolls with bobby pins and arrange them into a cohesive updo. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

13. Halo Braid Updo

The halo braid updo is a romantic and ethereal hairstyle that’s perfect for weddings or special occasions. This style involves creating a braid that wraps around your head like a halo. It’s a great way to add a touch of whimsy to your look.

Start by creating a braid with your hair. Wrap the braid around your head like a crown and secure it with bobby pins. Leave a few curls out for a soft, feminine touch.

14. Pompadour Updo

The pompadour updo is a bold and glamorous hairstyle that’s perfect for making a statement. This style involves creating volume at the front of your hair and securing the rest into an updo. It’s a great choice for a night out or a fashion-forward event.

Start by teasing the front section of your hair to create volume. Gather the rest of your hair into a high bun or twist and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with a strong hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

15. Twisted Crown Updo

The twisted crown updo is a chic and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for any occasion. This style involves twisting sections of your hair to create a crown-like effect. It’s a great way to add texture and interest to your updo.

Start by sectioning your hair and twisting each section individually. Wrap the twists around your head like a crown and secure them with bobby pins. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

16. Low Bun with Side Braids

The low bun with side braids is a stylish and intricate hairstyle that’s perfect for formal events. This style involves creating braids on the sides of your head and securing the rest into a low bun. It’s a great way to add a unique touch to your updo.

Start by creating two braids on either side of your head. Gather the rest of your hair into a low bun and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with a shine spray for a polished finish.

17. High Ponytail Updo

The high ponytail updo is a sleek and modern hairstyle that’s perfect for any occasion. This style involves securing your hair into a high ponytail and twisting it into an updo. It’s a great way to keep your hair neat and stylish.

Start by pulling your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun or a braided updo and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

18. French Twist Updo

The French twist updo is a classic and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for formal events. This style involves twisting your hair into a sleek updo that’s secured at the nape of your neck. It’s a great way to add sophistication to your look.

Start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck and twisting it upwards. Secure the twist with bobby pins and smooth any flyaways with gel. Add a hair accessory for extra glam.

19. Braided Bun Updo

The braided bun updo is a stylish and intricate hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions. This style involves creating a braid and wrapping it into a bun. It’s a great way to showcase your braiding skills and add a unique touch to your look.

Start by creating a braid with your hair. Wrap the braid into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with a shine spray for a polished finish.

20. Curly Updo

The curly updo is a voluminous and glamorous hairstyle that’s perfect for showcasing your natural curls. This style involves gathering your curls into an updo and securing them with bobby pins. It’s a great way to add drama and elegance to your look.

Start by gathering your curls into a high or low updo. Secure the curls with bobby pins and arrange them to create volume. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

21. Knotted Updo

The knotted updo is a simple yet stylish hairstyle that’s perfect for casual or formal occasions. This style involves tying your hair into knots and securing them into an updo. It’s a great way to add texture and interest to your look.

Start by sectioning your hair and tying each section into a knot. Secure the knots with bobby pins and arrange them into a cohesive updo. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

22. Bow Bun Updo

The bow bun updo is a playful and feminine hairstyle that’s perfect for parties or casual outings. This style involves creating a bun that resembles a bow. It’s a great way to add a fun and unique touch to your look.

Start by creating a high ponytail and splitting it into two sections. Shape each section into a loop to resemble a bow and secure them with bobby pins. Finish with a light hold hairspray.

23. Wrapped Ponytail Updo

The wrapped ponytail updo is a sleek and modern hairstyle that’s perfect for any occasion. This style involves wrapping a section of hair around the base of your ponytail to create a polished look. It’s a great way to keep your hair neat and stylish.

Start by securing your hair into a high or low ponytail. Wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with a shine spray for a polished finish.

24. Spiral Updo

The spiral updo is a unique and eye-catching hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions. This style involves twisting sections of your hair into spirals and securing them into an updo. It’s a great way to add texture and interest to your look.

Start by sectioning your hair and twisting each section into a spiral. Secure the spirals with bobby pins and arrange them into a cohesive updo. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

25. Beaded Updo

The beaded updo is a glamorous and intricate hairstyle that’s perfect for weddings or special occasions. This style involves adding beads to your updo for a unique and eye-catching look. It’s a great way to showcase your personality and add a touch of sparkle to your look.

Start by creating your desired updo, such as a bun or braided updo. Add beads to sections of your hair and secure them with bobby pins. Finish with a shine spray for a polished finish.

26. Tucked-In Updo

The tucked-in updo is a sleek and minimalist hairstyle that’s perfect for professional settings or casual outings. This style involves tucking your hair into itself to create a clean and polished look. It’s a great way to keep your hair neat and out of your face.

Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail. Instead of securing it with a hair tie, tuck the ends of your hair under and pin them in place. Smooth any flyaways with gel for a flawless finish.

27. Double Bun Updo

The double bun updo is a fun and playful hairstyle that’s perfect for casual outings or festivals. This style involves creating two buns, either side by side or stacked, for a unique and youthful look. It’s a great way to add personality to your hairstyle.

Start by dividing your hair into two sections. Twist each section into a bun and secure them with bobby pins. You can place the buns side by side or stack one above the other for a trendy effect.

28. Lace Braid Updo

The lace braid updo is a delicate and romantic hairstyle that’s perfect for weddings or formal events. This style involves creating a lace braid along the hairline and incorporating it into an updo. It’s a great way to add a touch of elegance to your look.

Start by creating a lace braid along one side of your hairline. Gather the rest of your hair into a low bun or twist and incorporate the braid into the updo. Secure everything with bobby pins.

29. Voluminous Afro Updo

The voluminous afro updo is a bold and stunning hairstyle that celebrates natural hair texture. This style involves gathering your hair into a high puff and securing it into an updo. It’s a great way to showcase your natural curls and add drama to your look.

Start by gathering your hair into a high puff. Use bobby pins to secure the puff into an updo, leaving some volume at the crown. Finish with a light hold hairspray to maintain the shape.

30. Side Braid Updo

The side braid updo is a chic and versatile hairstyle that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This style involves creating a braid on one side of your head and incorporating it into an updo. It’s a great way to add a unique twist to your hairstyle.

Start by creating a braid on one side of your head. Gather the rest of your hair into a low bun or twist and incorporate the braid into the updo. Secure everything with bobby pins.

FAQs

1. What are the best updo hairstyles for black women for weddings?
Braided crown updos, low chignons, and twisted updos are perfect for weddings. These styles are elegant, timeless, and can be customized with accessories.

2. How can I make my updo last all day?
Use a strong hold gel and bobby pins to secure your updo. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place without stiffness.

3. Can I do an updo on natural hair?
Absolutely! Updos work beautifully on natural hair. Use moisturizing products to keep your hair healthy and styled.

4. What accessories can I add to my updo?
Hairpins, headbands, and decorative clips are great options. Choose accessories that complement your outfit and the occasion.

5. How do I prevent flyaways in my updo?
Use a smoothing gel or edge control to tame flyaways. A shine spray can also help keep your updo looking polished.

6. Are updos suitable for short hair?
Yes, updos can be adapted for short hair. Use bobby pins and styling products to create volume and secure the style.

7. How often should I wash my hair if I wear updos frequently?
Wash your hair every 1-2 weeks to maintain its health. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prevent dryness.

8. Can I sleep in an updo?
It’s best to avoid sleeping in an updo to prevent breakage. Opt for a loose braid or silk bonnet instead.

9. What’s the easiest updo for beginners?
A sleek high bun or low ponytail are simple updos for beginners. They require minimal tools and can be done quickly.

10. How do I add volume to my updo?
Tease the roots of your hair lightly before styling. Use bobby pins to lift sections and create a fuller appearance.

Conclusion

Updo hairstyles for black women are a fantastic way to showcase your style and personality. From sleek buns to braided crowns, there’s an updo for every occasion. These hairstyles are not only beautiful but also practical, keeping your hair neat and out of your face.

Try these 30 updos and discover your new favorite look!