Long, luscious curly hair is a magnificent crown, but styling it for elegance and practicality can sometimes feel like a delightful challenge. Whether you’re aiming for a sophisticated look for a special event, a chic style for the office, or a playful pile for a casual day out, updos offer an unparalleled blend of grace and convenience. They keep your beautiful curls off your neck, highlight your features, and showcase the unique texture of your hair.
In this ultimate guide, we dive into over 31 breathtaking long curly updo ideas that promise to turn heads and leave you feeling absolutely stunning. Get ready to embrace the versatility of your curls and discover your next go-to updo!
The Allure of Curly Updos
Curly hair has a natural bounce and volume that lends itself beautifully to updos. Unlike straight hair, curls provide inherent texture and body, making it easier to create intricate and voluminous styles without needing excessive backcombing or extensions. An updo not only offers a refined aesthetic but also provides a practical solution for managing long hair, especially on humid days or when you want to keep your strands out of the way.
The beauty of a curly updo lies in its ability to be both perfectly polished and wonderfully undone. The natural movement and individual curl patterns ensure that no two updos are exactly alike, giving each style a unique and personalized charm.
Classic Elegance – Timeless Updo Styles
For those moments when you desire an air of timeless sophistication, classic updos are your best friend. They are universally flattering and can be adapted to various formal and semi-formal occasions.
The Romantic Chignon
The chignon is a quintessential elegant updo. For curly hair, it can be styled in numerous ways:
- Low Messy Chignon: Gather your curls at the nape of your neck, twist them loosely, and pin them into a soft, voluminous bun. Allow a few tendrils to escape around your face for a romantic touch.
- Side-Swept Chignon: Pull your curls to one side and create a low bun, offering an asymmetrical and graceful look.
- Braided Chignon Base: Incorporate a loose braid (like a three-strand or fishtail) at the base of your neck before twisting your remaining curls into a chignon.
The Graceful French Twist
A French twist on curly hair is less about sleekness and more about showcasing texture. Instead of a tightly coiled twist, aim for a looser, more organic shape.
- Voluminous French Twist: Gently gather your curls, twist them upwards, and secure them with pins. Let the natural volume of your curls create a soft, rounded silhouette at the top.
- Textured French Twist with Pins: Use decorative pins to secure the twist, allowing some curls to peek through or gently fall.
The High Volume Bun
A high bun can range from a sleek ballerina style to a wonderfully messy top knot, perfect for showcasing your curls’ natural body.
- Voluminous Top Knot: Pile your curls high on your head, securing them loosely with an elastic, then pin the ends around the base to create a full, bouncy bun.
- Defined High Bun: Use a curl-defining product before gathering your hair to ensure each curl stands out within the bun.
Boho & Whimsical – Free-Spirited Updos
Embrace your inner free spirit with updos that celebrate natural texture and a relaxed aesthetic. These styles are perfect for casual outings, festivals, or adding a touch of bohemian charm to any look.
The Artfully Messy Bun
The messy bun is a curly-haired woman’s best friend. It’s effortless yet incredibly chic.
- High Messy Bun with Tendrils: Gather your curls high, twist them loosely, and secure. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and let some curls spill naturally from the bun for an undone vibe.
- Low Messy Bun with Volume: A relaxed version of the chignon, pinned loosely at the nape, allowing maximum curl definition.
Half-Up, Half-Down with a Twist
While not a full updo, a half-up style can be elevated to feel like one by incorporating twists or braids at the crown, leaving the majority of your beautiful curls to cascade down your back.
- Twisted Crown Half-Up: Take two sections from the front, twist them back, and pin them together, allowing the rest of your hair to flow.
- Mini Bun Half-Up: Gather the top section of your hair into a small, messy bun, leaving the lower curls free.
Loose Pinned Curls – Ethereal & Soft
This style involves gently pinning sections of your curls upwards, creating an ethereal, almost cloud-like updo that highlights the natural shape and movement of each curl.
- Softly Pinned Updo: Use bobby pins to gently lift and secure curls at the back of your head, creating a soft, voluminous silhouette without a defined bun shape.
Braided Beauties – Intricate & Stylish
Braids add a layer of texture and sophistication to any updo, and they look particularly stunning when woven into curly hair. The natural volume of curls makes braids appear fuller and more luxurious.
Braided Top Knot
Combine the fun of a top knot with the elegance of a braid.
- Single Braid Top Knot: Create a high ponytail, braid the ponytail, then wrap the braid around the base to form a coiled bun.
- Multiple Braids Top Knot: Section your hair into two or three ponytails, braid each, then intertwine them into a large top knot.
Dutch or French Braid Updo
These classic braiding techniques can be transformed into stunning updos.
- Crown Braid Updo: Braid two Dutch or French braids along your hairline, meeting them at the back to form a halo, then pin the remaining curls into a loose bun or let them cascade.
- Single Large Braid Updo: Create a large, loose French or Dutch braid starting from the crown, and once it reaches the nape, coil it into a bun.
Pull-Through Braid Updo
For a unique, voluminous braided look that appears intricate but is surprisingly simple.
- Voluminous Pull-Through Updo: Create a series of ponytails, loop them through each other, and gently pull to expand the “braid,” then pin the ends up to create a full updo.
Modern & Edgy – Contemporary Curly Looks
For those who love to push boundaries and embrace contemporary trends, these updos offer a fresh, fashion-forward approach to styling long curly hair.
Sculpted Updo
This style focuses on defining and sculpting individual curls or sections into a structured yet soft updo.
- Defined Coil Updo: Pin large, defined curls strategically at the back of the head, creating a structured, almost architectural shape.
Asymmetrical Pinned Styles
Break away from symmetry with an updo that highlights one side or creates an interesting visual balance.
- Side-Swept Pinned Curls: Sweep all your curls to one side, pinning them up into a voluminous, asymmetrical pile that flows over one shoulder.
The “Pineapple” Updo
A high, loose ponytail or bun that allows your curls to cascade freely, resembling the top of a pineapple. It’s often used for sleeping but can be incredibly stylish for a modern, casual look.
- Voluminous Pineapple Updo: Gather all your hair to the very top of your head, secure with a loose scrunchie, and let the curls fall naturally, creating a fountain of texture.
Updos for Special Occasions
When the occasion demands extra glamour, your long curly hair can be transformed into a masterpiece. These styles are designed to be secure, elegant, and breathtaking.
Bridal Bliss – Wedding Updos
Wedding updos for curly hair often feature soft, romantic elements.
- Romantic Low Bun with Floral Accents: A soft, voluminous low bun adorned with fresh flowers or delicate pearl pins.
- Glamorous High Updo with Sparkle: A more structured high bun or pinned style, complemented by a sparkling tiara or hair comb.
Prom & Gala Glamour
For formal events, an updo offers sophistication and ensures your hair stays perfect all night.
- Side-Swept Hollywood Waves Updo: Incorporate defined, glossy curls into a side-swept pinned style for old Hollywood glamour.
- Textured Crown Updo: A voluminous updo with intricate twists and braids at the crown, drawing attention upwards.
Quick & Easy Updos for Everyday
You don’t need hours to create a beautiful curly updo. These ideas are perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick refresh.
The 2-Minute Messy Bun
The ultimate go-to. Flip your head upside down, gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it loosely, and secure with an elastic. Pin any stray pieces. Done!
Pony-Bun Hybrid
Start with a high ponytail, then on the last loop of your elastic, only pull the hair halfway through, creating a loop-bun. Let the ends fan out or twist them around the base.
Simple Pinned Sides
Take two sections from the front of your hair, twist or braid them back, and pin them together at the back of your head, allowing the rest of your curls to flow freely. This creates an instant lifted, updo-like feel.
Styling Essentials and Tips for Curly Updos
Achieving a stunning curly updo isn’t just about the style; it’s also about the prep and products. Here’s what you need to know:
Product Power
- Curl Cream or Gel: Apply to damp hair to define curls and reduce frizz before styling.
- Hairspray: A flexible or strong-hold hairspray is crucial for setting your style and taming flyaways.
- Dry Shampoo/Texturizing Spray: Adds grip and volume, especially helpful for second or third-day hair.
Tools of the Trade
- Bobby Pins: Invest in good quality pins that match your hair color. Criss-cross them for extra hold.
- Hair Elastics/Scrunchies: Choose fabric-covered ones to prevent breakage.
- Hair Net (optional): For very polished styles, a fine hair net can keep everything in place.
Prep Work is Key
- Start with Defined Curls: Whether you refresh your curls or style them fresh, ensure they are well-defined.
- Second-Day Hair Advantage: Sometimes, curls have more grip and volume on day two or three after washing, making them ideal for updos.
- Gentle Detangling: Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while hair is wet and conditioned.
Securing Your Style with Confidence
- Pinning Technique: When using bobby pins, always insert them into the base of the updo, catching a small section of hair from the scalp and a small section from the updo itself.
- Balance is Beautiful: Don’t be afraid to pull out a few face-framing pieces to soften the look.
Dos and Don’ts for Long Curly Updos
To ensure your updo game is always strong, keep these tips in mind:
The Dos
- Do Hydrate Your Curls: Well-moisturized curls are more manageable and less prone to frizz.
- Do Use a Heat Protectant: If you’re using any heat tools to refresh or shape curls, protect them.
- Do Embrace Your Natural Texture: Work with your curls, not against them.
- Do Experiment: Try different styles to find what flatters your face shape and hair type most.
- Do Secure Properly: Use enough pins and hairspray to ensure your updo lasts.
The Don’ts
- Don’t Over-Brush Dry Curls: This can lead to frizz and disrupt your curl pattern.
- Don’t Pull Too Tight: Avoid tension that can cause headaches or hair damage.
- Don’t Forget the Details: A few strategically placed accessories can elevate any updo.
- Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Mess: Sometimes, the most beautiful curly updos have a charmingly undone quality.
Long curly hair is a blessing, offering endless possibilities for stunning updos. From the timeless elegance of a chignon to the whimsical charm of braided styles and the modern edge of a pineapple updo, there’s a perfect look for every mood and occasion. Embrace the unique beauty of your curls, experiment with different techniques, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. With these 31+ ideas and expert tips, you’re now equipped to create breathtaking updos that will make you feel confident, stylish, and utterly stunning.
