38 stunning updo hairstyles that are anything but boring
Fun fact, we're all looking for updo hairstyles. The hashtag #updo has over 1.6 billion views on TikTok and, no surprises, we have nineties nostalgia to thank for some of the major headliners.
The twist and claw clip is everywhere, and the solo twist (sans claw clip) has been adopted as the “new in thing” among models and celebs alike. Tendrils have become the poster child for cool-girl updos, accompanying ballerina buns, Italian movie star updos and the '90s-style Pammy updo (inspired by Pamela Anderson's ‘90s signature tumbling bun).
Elsewhere the spiky bun has become a staple influencer updo. The Tinkerbell bun has repeatedly graced the red carpet and we keep seeing intricate and experimental top knots and half tucks to keep us inspired.
Sofia Richie's controversial wet bun has got the internet talking (some are mega keen, some reckon it would make them look like a “Founding Father” or “The Trunchbull” and others question whether a tight wet updo is the best idea for fragile strands). But, from her wedding hair to her Cali Twist, Sofia's got plenty of other updos in her locker to share.
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Meanwhile, Yara Shahidi is the updo queen with plenty of dreamy inspo, whether you're looking for something half-up, thatched, braided or minimal.
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So, no matter if your vibe is snatched, or sexily dishevelled, we've seen numerous ways to show a little shoulder or nape action. But, as well as looking super stylish, an updo is a great way to manage second-day (or even third-day) hair. While glossy waves and glass hair always look best on freshly washed and styled hair, an updo benefits from a little bit of grit and texture that naturally occurs a day or few post wash. Plus, a couple of spritzes of dry shampoo will only serve to improve the overall updo, adding hold and volume that will make your style go further.
Whether you’re working a scruffy second-day topknot, adding a side of chic with a ballerina bun, or going all-out wow with an intricate braided design, hair up is always a great idea. Plus, there's plenty of options for long, short and medium length hair, curly, wavy or straight.
Searching for more inspiration? We have all the hairstyles guide your next creation...
Here's some of our favourite updo hairstyles to get you inspired…
Snatched sculpture bun
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Braided tucked bun
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Half-up space buns
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The scoop
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'90s China bumps
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Woven tendril bun
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Curly steggy buns
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Sky-high pony
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The messy Tinkerbell
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Sleek twist
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The new-gen model bun
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The side-parted pony
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Glam '90s updo
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Rosebud bun
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Platinum Pammy updo
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Braided updo
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Tinkerbell bun and soft fringe
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Messy wrapped bun
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Stacked curl bun
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Messy half-up space buns
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Sleek '90s updo
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Accessorised plaited bun
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Wrapped braids
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Glossy '90s updo
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Low bun
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Wrapped bun
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Chunky braids
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Knotted spiky bun
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Supermodel updo
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Bantu knots
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Casual claw clip bun
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Intricate bow bun
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Piled-high '90s updo
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Loose braid bun
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Curly Tinkerbell bun
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Sky high ballerina bun
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Curly '90s updo
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Sleek and spiky
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For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk