17 Easy Women’s Hair Updos for Beginners: Step-by-Step Styles Anyone Can Master

Looking for a fresh hairstyle without the salon trip? Easy updos are the perfect solution for beginners who want to elevate their look with minimal effort.

These simple styles can transform your appearance while requiring little technical skill.

You don’t need to be a hair expert to create beautiful updos.

Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just want to change up your everyday style, these beginner-friendly options work well for short, medium, and long hair lengths.

1: Chic Low Bun

The chic low bun is perfect for beginners. You’ll need just a hair tie and some bobby pins to secure this elegant style.

Position your bun at the nape of your neck for a timeless look.

This works well for all hair types and can be styled sleek or with some loose strands framing your face.

Add small hair pins or decorations to enhance this versatile updo. For those with thinner hair, consider extensions to create more volume in your bun.

2: Elegant Twisted Updo

The Elegant Twisted Updo is a stylish hairstyle that looks complex but is actually simple to create.

This updo involves twisting sections of hair and securing them at the back of your head.

You’ll need bobby pins, hair ties, and maybe some hairspray. Start by dividing your hair into sections. Twist each section away from your face.

Pin the twisted sections at the back of your head. For a softer look, pull out a few strands around your face.

This updo works well for both casual and formal occasions.

3: Classic French Twist

The French Twist is a timeless updo that adds elegance to any outfit. It works well for formal events and never goes out of style.

To create this look, prep your hair with workable hairspray. Gather your hair into a ponytail, then twist and pin it against your head.

For beginners, try a looser version that feels more casual. Once you master the technique, you’ll find yourself using this versatile style regularly.

4: Messy Bun with Braids

A messy bun with braids combines casual style with a touch of elegance. This updo works well for both everyday wear and special occasions.

To create this look, start by making one or two braids along the side of your head. Then gather your hair into a loose bun, incorporating the braids.

Don’t worry about perfection—this style looks best with some strands falling loose around your face.

Secure with bobby pins and hairspray for longer hold.

5: Sleek Top Knot

The sleek top knot is a polished updo that works well for any occasion. It creates a clean, elegant look that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.

To create this style, brush your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Twist the ponytail around its base and pin it in place.

Finish with hairspray for a glossy, professional finish. This updo works for shoulder-length to long hair and keeps your face completely clear.

6: Side-Swept Curls

Side-swept curls create an elegant look that works for both straight and curly hair.

This style is perfect for beginners because it doesn’t take much time to achieve.

For this updo, gather your curls to one side and secure with decorative pins. If you have naturally curly hair, use curl cream to define your curls first.

For those with straight hair, create some waves with a curling iron before sweeping to the side.

This versatile style works well for casual and formal events.

7: Braided Crown Updo

The braided crown updo is perfect if you can already do a basic French braid. Simply braid around your head instead of down.

This elegant style works for many occasions from casual to formal. The dimensional look creates visual interest.

Try using a bit of spray wax to help secure flyaways and add texture to your finished crown.

8: Twisted Ponytail

The twisted ponytail is a stylish upgrade to the classic ponytail. It’s perfect for beginners who want to try something new with minimal effort.

To create this look, start by gathering your hair into a regular ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two sections and twist them around each other.

Secure the ends with an elastic band and add some hairspray for hold. You can also pull out a few strands around your face for a softer effect.

This updo works well for casual outings or even formal events.

It looks especially good on medium to long hair and can be adapted for different hair textures.

9: Double Bun Style

Double buns are a fun and playful updo that’s perfect for beginners. This style splits your hair into two buns positioned on either side of your head.

To create this look, divide your hair into two equal sections. Twist each section into a bun and secure with bobby pins or hair ties.

You can wear your double buns high for a space bun effect or lower for a more subtle look.

This versatile style works for casual outings or can be dressed up for special occasions.

10: Low Knot with Tease

The Low Knot with Tease is perfect for beginners who want an elegant look. Start by teasing the crown of your hair for volume.

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a knot.

Secure with bobby pins and pull a few strands loose for a relaxed finish.

11: Sleek Braided Bun

The sleek braided bun is a polished updo that works great for formal events. Start by making a high ponytail and securing it with an elastic.

Braid your ponytail all the way down and secure the end with another elastic. Then twist the braid around the base of your ponytail to form a bun.

Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place. For extra sleekness, apply a small amount of hair wax or gel to tame flyaways.

12: Half-Up Twisted Halo

The Half-Up Twisted Halo is a beautiful style that looks complex but is actually simple to create.

Start by parting your hair and taking two small sections from each side of your face.

Twist each section away from your face and secure them together at the back with a clear elastic or bobby pins.

This creates a lovely halo effect while leaving the rest of your hair flowing freely.

You can add more texture by curling the loose hair or keep it straight for a sleek look.

13: Braided Low Ponytail

The braided low ponytail combines simplicity with elegance. Start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck and securing it with an elastic band.

Next, divide your ponytail into three equal sections and create a basic braid. Secure the end with another elastic band.

For added volume, gently pull on the edges of your braid. This easy updo works well for casual outings or more formal events.

14: Simple Hair Claw Updo

The claw clip updo is perfect for beginners. You just need to gather your hair and twist it upward before securing with a clip.

This style works for short, medium, and long hair. It’s ideal for low-maintenance days when you need to look put-together quickly.

Choose a clip that matches your hair color for a subtle look. Or pick a decorative clip to add some flair to your simple updo.

15: Soft Chignon Bun

A soft chignon bun is a classic updo that looks fancy but is actually easy to create. You only need a few bobby pins and hair ties to get started.

Begin by gathering your hair into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around the base to form a bun shape.

Secure the bun with bobby pins, allowing some strands to fall naturally for a softer look.

This elegant style works well for both casual days and special events.

16: Easy Scarf Updo

Adding a scarf to your updo creates a stylish look with minimal effort. Simply pull your hair into a ponytail and wrap a colorful scarf around it.

Twist the scarf into a bun shape and secure with bobby pins. You can leave some strands loose at the front for a softer appearance.

17: Simple Roll and Tuck

This updo is perfect for beginners with short to medium hair. Start by pulling your hair back smoothly.

Place a headband about an inch from your hairline. Then, tuck sections of hair into the headband, working around your head.

Roll the tucked hair upward, and secure it with bobby pins as needed. This creates a clean, polished look in just minutes.