50 Stylish French Twist Updos
Everyone loves a French twist updo, especially when it’s paired with formal or office wear. Few hairstyles look so picture perfect with a sheath dress and heels. For your next little black dress occasion, try out one of these forty hairstyles for yourself.
All Modern Variations of French Twist Updo
Everyone knows how to make a twist, but how to make it interesting and unhackneyed? Messy texture, braided elements, buns, bouffants, etc. will help you to diversify your casual twist updo.
#1: Elegant Twist with a Bouffant
Instagram/ @marisavonsheere
Here’s a French twist updo with the perfect balance of messy and formal. The look twists tightly in the back, leaving that small amount of freedom up top for the messy look that’s become a modern go-to.
#2: Short-Haired Twist
This low hanging twist is easy and can be pulled off even with the shortest hair. The look exudes ease and effortlessness, as it tucks away even the most stubborn locks, no problem.
#3: Low-Hanging Twist
With loose strands framing the face, an effortlessly poofed bouffant and a tight, twisted bun hanging low in the back, this look has many layers to play with, and you’re going to love the outcome.
Instagram / @ramsaymarstonhair
#4: Polished Peek-a-Boo Twist
The peek-a-boo twist is an easy take on the twist updo. It leaves out a piece that’s commonly hidden inside the twist. With a slight bump on top and a sleek, glossy finish, this look is the epitome of formal hairstyles.
#7: French Twist Updo for Holidays
New Years is all about starting the new year off right. If you don’t bring in the next year with a look you’re crazy about, you’ll be setting yourself up for many more boring styles to come. Make it your resolution—to experiment more often with cool hairstyles. Start by ringing in the year with this fabulous French Twist.
#9: Brigitte Bardot Beehive Updo
Check it out—here’s another version of a French Twist inspired by a beauty icon. This Brigitte Bardot-esque style is a perfect addition to the French Twist family. The beehive shaping manages both volume and texture for the perfect updo harmony.
#32: Unique Woven Twist
If you’re looking for an absolute showstopper, you’ve found it. Featuring a gorgeous back bun with single strands seemingly woven through each other, this look is a fantastic and completely unique take on the more traditional twist.
#33: Low Twisted Ponytail
If you want a much more relaxed long-haired look that still maintains a classic feel perfect for any special occasion, this French twist updo will work just fine. The hair is pulled tight in a twist at the back of the head, with the ends not being hidden inside as in the classic twist updo, but let out into a loosely waved ponytail for a more relaxed look.
#34: Messy Short-Haired Twist
It’s wispy, messy and perfect for short hair, so you’re going to love it. The updo is quick and easy, featuring hair twisted low at the back of the head with a few loose strands framing the face. It’s an easy, no-hassle style.
Instagram / @ramsaymarstonhair
#35: Three-Layered Twist
Tripling the traditional twist updo, the next look features three layered twists at the back of the head, one on top of the other. It‘s a perfect style for long hair with good thickness.
#36: Braided Twist Updo
Braids are just universal, and this braided French twist updo is a brilliant idea to update your favorite classic twist style. Simply pre-braid a side section of hair and feed the braid into your twist.
Instagram/ @goldplaited_
#37: Chunky Twist with Bangs
This updo is special, as it has a few different dimensions. Boasting a messy look both in the loose strands framing the face and in the back twist, everything is brought together with a clean, pulled together middle poof. The result is a classy, beautiful hairdo.
#38: Asymmetrical Twist
The asymmetrical twist shows off those highlights as well as puts a unique spin on the classic twist updo. Everything is pulled together in back, giving the wearer a fantastic profile and gaining the look a standout style descriptor.
Instagram/ @beautyandtheblush
#39: All-Around Twist
One of the more unique looks in this list, this twist completely encompasses the wearer’s head, providing an all-around flawless look that is beautiful at any angle. The look is great for long hair, and all the pieces are pulled tight, leaving no room for fly-aways.
#40: Relaxed Twist with Curls
Many women want a busier look, something to add pizzazz to their style. And for women with a monochromatic hair color, there isn’t a better look out there to gain that extra depth. The updo is messily pulled back into a twist in the back, with bangs and a few loose strands curled around the face.
#41: Classic Twist for Short Hair
If you have shorter hair, twist updos become a bit harder to pull off. The key is a twist that falls low in the nape of your head. Even the shorter hairs in the back fittingly blend into the style, so baby hairs don’t become problematic, but rather add to the look.
#42: French Braided Twist Updo
You won’t believe how easy it is to recreate this hairstyle at home. Simply French braid your hair as you normally would and then pin the braid into an updo! To achieve the volume of this braided style, be sure to tease the roots before you begin braiding.
Get the tutorial from Oncewed!
#43: Retro Inspired Side Ponytail Updo
This French Twist with a pony is one of the most unique variations of the trend. If you prefer to keep some hair down even when you’re pulling your hair back, pass on your usual low ponytail or half-up/half-down look. This is the new go-to updo style for you to turn to.
Get the tutorial from Divine Caroline!
#44: Triple Bun Updo
Starting from the top section, pull your hair back, twist it into a tiny bun and pin it into place along the back of your head. Do this all the way down until you’ve used all of your hair, which could be as little as three buns or as many as six.
Get the tutorial from Hair Romance!
#45: French Twist Updo with a Big Bouffant
Sometimes all it takes to spice up a dull and dreary hairstyle is to add in your own special flare. Headbands are a great addition to hairstyles if you wear them well. Don’t choose one too big for your head or a bright color that might distract from your wardrobe. Something unassuming and classy will do.
Get the tutorial from Hair Romance!
#46: Casual French Twist
To all you beginners out there that usually just let your hair do its own natural thing hanging freely on each side of your face, there’s hope for you yet! Start off your hairstyle trials with this easy rendition of a French Twist. It’s a simple step in the right direction.
Get the tutorial from Real Simple!
#47: Basic French Twist Updo
Try this elegant version for your next formal occasion. It can be worn anywhere, from an anniversary dinner to a night out at the bar with your friends from work. No matter where the night takes you, this style will be sure to catch everyone’s attention and envy.
Get the tutorial from Missy Sue!
#48: French Twist Ponytail
Everyone loves to turn to a simple ponytail when in doubt, but there are so many other options to consider if you want something a little different. This style combines a French Twist updo with a low ponytail for a match made in the hairdo heaven.
Get the tutorial from Luxy Hair!
#49: Undone French Twist Updo Hairstyle
These days, it’s all about looking perfectly undone. Kempt, but unkempt at the same time. Your hair should look messy, but only if it’s flawlessly messy, you know? Makes total sense, right? If you’re not sure what that means, take a look at this messy yet chic hairstyle for inspiration.
Get the tutorial from The Small Things Blog!
#50: Simple and Quick French Twist Updo
This beautiful and classic take on the French Twist is the version you should turn to if you want it simple and classy. Say you have to go but don’t have much time to style your hair; this will do the trick. It’s an especially great look for work.
Get the tutorial from Camille Styles!
You’ve done it; you’ve mastered the French Twist! Now take your French Twist diploma and go forth with your new chic updo style!
