140 Braided Updo Hairstyles That'll Never Go Out of Style

If you’re bored with wearing your hair in the same-old/same-old loose hairstyle, why not freshen up your everyday look with a fashionable braided updo that’s elegant and sophisticated?

Many braided updos can change your entire appearance and give others a new impression of your personal style. Braided updos are a creative, versatile, and fun way to change your look on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

Certain braided updos are more complex and will likely require the assistance of a hair braiding professional to put them in (and maybe even take them out). This is especially true of braids that have extensions or intricate weaving in the back or top sections where it’s hard to reach on your own.

Others are easy to fashion; all you need is a bit of patience and some simple hair tools and accessories, such as combs, clips, pins, and elastics.

How to Tie Braids in A Bun

For this hairstyle you will need just a few things:

• Comb
• Braided hair extensions
• Rattail comb
• Hair gel
• Boiling Water
• A few sectioning clips

After you have washed your hair and removed all the knots and tangles, you are now ready for braiding and wrapping your gorgeous braids in a bun.

• Step 1 – section your hair and decide how many braids are you going to make. Use the rat tail comb to divide the parts, and sectioning clips to hold them.
• Step 2 – If you have opted to go with hair extensions, pick the one chunk of hair. Divide the extension into 3 equal parts.
• Step 3 – put the extension near the hairline, at the center of the chosen section you are braiding.
• Step 4 – Combine extensions with natural hair and divide your hair into 3 sections.
• Step 5 – Braid your hair for about two stitches and then start adding more hair into the hair.
• Step 6 – use gel on your hands to make the braiding easier and your hair smoother.
• Step 7 – Once you have reached the end of your hair, soak it in the boiling water to seal it.
• Step 8 – you have decided for more braids, repeat these steps until your hair is completely braided.
• Step 9 – take all your braids and simply wrap them into a low or high bun.
• Step 10 – secure the bun with a lot of bobby pins.

How to Do Braided Updo with Weave

You might wonder what are weaves. Don’t worry, we have the answers. Weaves are used as hair extensions, to add length and volume to your natural hair. When it comes to braids, weaves are much more used than in any other hairstyle. They are great because they give a window to your hair to grow while protecting it.

The technique of doing your braided updos with a weave is almost the same as the one without hair extensions. You will need a comb, rattail comb, and some sectioning clips. Also, make sure scissors are somewhere near you so you can cut all the excesses.

Step 1 – After sectioning your hair, put some gel on both sides of hair roots to prepare it for weaving.

Step 2 – You should decide how big your braids should be. Then, pick the weaves, depending on how thick or thin you want them to be in combination with your natural hair.

Step 3 – Pinch a small section of your hair and determine how far or close from the roots your hair will be.

Step 4 – divide the extensions into three parts. Wrap on the third part to make it easier for you to braid.

Step 5 – position these three parts right to the roots where you sectioned your hair.

Step 6 – Twist your natural hair around the third part of the extensions, and then twist one of the remaining parts to make sure your hair won’t fall.

Step 7 – By twisting and mixing weaves with your natural hair, you can continue this until you reach the ends.

Step 8 – Be careful with your hair, make sure it is well twisted in extensions. Braid it by using your both hands.

Different Ways to Style Braided Updos

Even if we are talking about fishtail, crochet, or box braids, the opportunities they gave you when styling an updo are enormous. By using these braiding styles, you can obtain hairdos that are perfect for school, office, weddings, parties, and luxurious events.

Check out the examples below and discover the best ideas to make your hair look outstanding!

1. Braided Updo with Weave

Pile your braids high on top of your head to create a large twisted and woven bun that covers the entire crown area. You can also tilt the bun, so it leans forward towards the front or slightly to the side for a more dramatic, stately appearance.

2. Long Box Braided Updo

Extra-long box braids are great for updos because you can also wear them loose when you’re in the mood for a change.

Weave in copper or white/blonde extensions to accent or match your natural hair color, and sweep up the braids into a twisty, rounded bun that lays precisely on the top of your head.

3. Low Braided Bun

Part your hair in the center, weave two thick Dutch braids on each side and twist them together at the nape of the neck to create a loose chignon bun.

As you weave your braids, take special care to ensure the highlighted sections stay towards the surface of the braid. Leave wispy tendrils and flyaways for an easy-going casual look.

4. Braided Half Updo with Waves

If you want a playful braided updo matched with the length of a longer hairstyle, you can wear your hair in a “half updo.” 

For the ones shown in these pictures, you simply part your hair in the center and weave two mini French braids along the part line. Gather up the ends in two twisty buns for a “pom-pom” effect.

5. Wedding Updo with Braids

Strapless or spaghetti-strap wedding gowns are designed to show off your neck and bare shoulders. Complete the summery style with an angelic braided updo accented with wisps of baby’s breath or small flowers that match your gown.

Feed one or two large side braids into a twisty chignon bun for a timeless braided updo that will look fabulous in your wedding album for years to come.

6. Feed-in Braids Updo

Feed-in braids are a popular alternative to use in braided updos because they add the necessary length and girth to corn-rows that are too short and thin to arrange into a bun or ponytail.

To dress up this protective hairstyle, leave a few loose braids in front of the ears and adorn the forehead with a hair ornament or braid wraps.

7. French Braided Low Updo

Thick braids are easy for most people to do on their own at home with no special skills or equipment needed. To create a French braided updo, simply part your hair in the middle or on the side, and weave a loose (or tight) braid from the front toward the back. If you have very long hair, you can twist a simple chignon at the nape of the neck.

8. Fishtail Braided Crown Updo

Style your long, straight hair into a fishtail braid to create a messy braided updo. By leaving each section slightly loose, you’ll have some extra slack to wind the braid around your head like a crown.

Wispy tendrils caress the neck and jawline for a feminine touch, and sun-kissed blonde highlights add points of visual interest to the braid itself.

9. Waterfall Braided Bun Updo

Waterfall braids are a lot easier to put in than they look; if you can manage a simple three-part braid, then there should be no reason that you can’t learn the waterfall technique.

Once it’s in, a waterfall braid can be easily styled into a braided updo by gathering all the hair into a ponytail and using bobby pins to secure a twisted bun in the back.

10. Dutch Braided Updo with Highlights

Weave your ash brown-to-honey blonde hair into two extra-large Dutch braids joined at the back by a large, low-lying bun.

The contrast between the light and dark strands of hair creates a dramatic three-dimensional effect that makes the braids look like they’re popping off the scalp. Eye-catching highlights make a dramatic impression. Leave some light wispy bangs and loose wavy tendrils to frame the face.

11. Pull Through Braid Updo

Did you grow up thinking that you needed three separate sections to braid your hair?Umm, you’d be wrong about that! Pull-through braids are made with two sections and a few rubber bands to keep the structure in place.

Position your pull-through braid on one side and wind it up the other, leaving lots of curly blonde tendrils around the face. It’s a feminine braided updo that’s easy to maintain on your own.

12. Blonde Braided Mohawk

A mohawk-style braid updo features a braid (or series of braids) that runs the length of the crown from the forehead area to the nape of the neck.

The hair on both sides, from the ear to the braid, is combed smooth, so the mohawk braid/s will appear to be even higher at the top. Mohawk braided updos usually work best on thick hair that has enough length to form and retain the braid’s shape.

13. Crochet Braids Updo

If you have super-short hair that you’d like to keep protected or style into a braided updo, crochet braids can be an excellent option.

Once your natural hair is corn-rowed into your desired pattern (make sure to braid them in an upwards direction), ringlets of any curl tension or color can be crocheted to the crown to create a full head of curly locks. Dress up your look with highlights, intricate braid patterns, or braid jewelry.

14. Side Braided Updo

Heidi-style side braids are easy to do and a delicate and feminine way to wear your honey-blonde hair if you don’t want to spend money on a professional salon.

Loose curly tendrils emphasize your cheekbones and neck. Use a decorative hair stick to hold the twisted chignon in place.

15. Braided Updo for Long Hair

Women with extra-long hair have lots of options to choose from when it comes to wearing braided updos, but the weight of the hair will always be a consideration.

Fishtail braids show off all the natural highlights in your auburn or blonde hair and do a superb job of hiding all the pins and clips you need to keep the intricate braidwork in place.

16. Braided Half Updo for Short Hair

Don’t think that just because you don’t have lots of long locks that you can’t wear your hair in a short braided updo. Weave one or two braids into honey-blonde hair and pull them tight enough to create extra height in the crown section.

Fasten the back with pins or a ribbon-shaped pull-through braid while leaving the rest of your hair to caress the tops of your shoulders.

17. Prom Updo with Braids

Youthful, fun, and flirty, that’s what most young ladies are looking for when deciding on which braided updo they’ll wear to the prom.

Look your best for this once-in-a-lifetime event and choose a style with small symmetrical braids and twists that feed into two large pom-pom buns on top.

18. Loose Braid Updo

Loose braided updos are comfortable and easy to style on medium-length or long hair; if the hair is too short, the braid won’t hold its shape.

Start braiding high on the crown and fold thick side pieces in as you work your way down. Leave long wispy bangs to frame the face and wavy tendrils to touch your collarbone and the tops of your shoulders.

19. Tribal Braids with Beads

Intricate braid patterns, beads, and hair wraps are typical features of tribal braids. If you’ll be wearing your tribal braids in an updo style, make sure the ends of the corn-rows are pointing upwards so you’ll be able to style a big bun at the top.

Leave some extra braids loose in front of your ears to frame your cheekbones and jawline. Laid edges enhance the forehead.

20. Braided Updo with Extension

So you’ve always wanted to be a white-blonde? Or a redhead? Or a greenhead? Or a purplehead? (You get the idea.)  Long, colored extensions weaved into your natural hair give you a spark of color that takes a braided updo to the next level.

The longer and thicker your natural hair is, the more color contrast you’ll have. Twist a thick braid bun at the top and wrap it with a few single braids to create a tiara effect.

21. Fishtail Braid into Updo

Whether you’re attending a wedding or a fancy event where the looks need to be ravishing, a fishtail updo that ends in a sublime low big bun will certainly get anyone’s eye. Spare a strand from your bangs and curl it. Let it fall on one side.

22. Braided Updo with Bangs

A halo braid that beautifully crowns your head is a spectacular idea for women who want a relaxed yet stylish look. To get better framing, spare the bangs and sideburns when knitting and let them cover your forehead.

23. Short Braids + Updo

Section your top hair in two parts and select two strands to create two braids. Roll them with the rest of the sectioned hair and meet them in the back. Use a small strand to secure the ponytail.

24. Cornrow + Braided Updo

Cornrow braids can come in all shapes and sizes, and if your goal is to recreate this outstanding hairdo, gather all the twists into a high bun on top of your head. To give the hairstyle a great look, use hair jewelry and maybe some blue hair extensions to blend in the braids.

25. Box Braids Updo

A spectacular look is so easy to achieve when you opt for box braids. Section the hair in two parts and use only the lower area to make the knits. Some Jumbo hair might come in handy if you want to give the look an awesome twist. Pin the locks into a high bun.

26. Braided Half Updo

Create box braids for the whole hair and section the coiffure into two parts. Use the upper side to build a big bun on top of the head and let the rest of the braids fall on your back and shoulders.

27. Feed In Colored Braided Updo

The feed in braids requires your favorite colored hair extensions. Build the knits and mix them into a big high bun.

28. French Braided Updo

A messy braided hair is everything you need if searching for a stylish, glamorous look. Section the hair in two and French braid each part. Secure the braids and build two big low buns in the nape area.

29. Mohawk Braids

Using cornrows, you can design a fabulous mohawk like the one presented above. Style a voluminous braided updo that uses all the braids.

30. Crochet Braids with Beads

A retro updo is ideal for black women who crave for a ravishing look. Build your braids and crochet your extensions on them. Decorate the hairstyle with golden cuffed beads.

31. Braided Updo for Black Women

32. Tribal Braids + Updo

33. Braided Updo with Weave

34. Braided Ponytail Updo

35. Jumbo Braids

36. Messy Braid into Updo

37. Updo with Dutch Braid

38. Micro Braids

39. Updo with Boho Braids

40. Lemonade Braids

41. Free as a Bird

Show off your wild side by enhancing your braided updo with a few different hair accessories. Stick a clean bird’s feather into your hair to give your hairstyle a free bohemian look.

42. Auburn Beauty

Auburn is a gorgeous color for a braided hairstyle. Auburn looks perfect on people who have a very pale or alabaster skin tone. A beautiful color like this should be worn with light or nude make-up.

43. Cute Curl

Style your hair so that the majority of it sits in a delicate braided arrangement. Take a few thin strands of hair down in front of both of your ears, and give them a cute little curl.

44. Strawberry Blonde Highlights with a Subtle Braid

In this hairstyle, the highlights are very delicate. Platinum blonde and strawberry blonde highlights work really well with one another because they create an expensive color when they are mixed. The braid in this style is as subtle and delicate as the hair colorants.

45. Braided Beehive

In this braided updo, the stylist has created a spectacular beehive style by wrapping the braids around and around to create height. It is a brilliant style if you are looking for a real showstopper to wear to your wedding.

46. Thick Roots

Roots can be left very dark on purpose to create thicker-looking hair with more depth and texture. Bleach your tips or dye them so that they are a really light colour in order to have the maximum effect with this style.

47. Low Braids with Floral Accessories

Low braids like these will sit quite low on your head and the style will not pull on your scalp or face. This means that this updo hair look is perfect for a wedding, as you will look relaxed and stress-free. Complete the wedding look with a delicate floral accessory to match your color scheme.

48. Voluminous Roots

Braided updos can look quite tight or small when they are styled onto women who have thinner hair. Give the look more volume by styling the braids further away from your scalp. This can also help to give the look more bounce.

49. Double Braids

Instead of styling your hair into just one single braid, style it so that you have two identical braids running alongside one another. Chunky, loose braids are a perfect style choice for brides who do not want to look over-manicured.

50. Diagonal Tight Braids

This intricate hairstyle draws all of the hair into a diagonal braid which runs down the back of the head. It looks amazing but it can take a lot of work to make sure that it stays looking perfect. That means that it is best for very special occasions.

51. Brown Hair with Caramel Highlights

Brown hair with caramel highlights looks really great when it is put into a braided updo. The caramel highlights help to give the braids a gorgeous textured appearance. Make sure that you do not go overboard with the caramel color.

52. Waterfall with Curls and Braids

Waterfall braids are very popular among brides. Bold curls can be braided into a spectacular waterfall by a skilled wedding hairstylist. Complete the style with a beautiful floral accessory that can hold the braids and curls in place.

53. Baby’s Breath Flowers

Baby’s breath is loved by brides because it is such a delicate white flower. Incorporate baby’s breath into a braided updo for a lovely wedding hairstyle. Add a few larger flowers for effect if you want to.

54. Braided Crown

Give yourself a gorgeous regal look by braiding your hair into a crown. The braids should sit high at the front of your head and then follow the curve of your head around.

55. Straggling Strands

For a cool messy style, leave a few straggling strands trailing loose from your braided updo. Messy chic is really popular with younger film stars and pop stars who don’t want to conform with traditional hairstyling rules.

56. Halo Effect

Give yourself a truly saintly look by fashioning your braids into a halo style. Your braids should sit atop your head in a full circle hairstyle. This style will look great at a formal event.

57. Cornrows with a Topknot

Tight African inspired cornrows help to show off your beautiful bone structure. Give your style a touch of red carpet glamour by pulling your cornrows up into a braided topknot that sits high on your head.

58. Quirky Waterfall Braid

Waterfall braids can help to give you a really nice half-up half-down style. Pulling one strand of hair out of the normal sequence when you are styling your braid can give your look a modern quirky edge that nobody else can copy.

59. Faux Fascinator

Create a spectacular headpiece out of your own hair by winding thick chunky braids up onto the top of your head. Make it seem more like a fascinator by pinning the braided updo at the front of your head rather than at the back.

60. Punky Styling

This hairstyle is amazingly edgy but draws on a few different cultures and genres for inspiration. The low microbraids are very reminiscent of Native American hairstyles, whilst the backcombed centerpiece seems more like a Teddy boy style. All-in-all it creates a really punky look.

61. Braiding with a Rolled Chignon

A chignon style is a bun that sits at the nape of the neck. Chignon hairstyles like these are very popular for wedding hairstyles because they are relatively simple to style yet still look gorgeous. Braid your hair and then roll the remainder round into a low chignon.

62. Chignon with Braiding

For this chignon style, the stylist has carried on the braiding all of the ways through the style. They have then pulled the braided hair up into a low chignon hair which sits at the nape of the neck.

63. Platinum Blonde Highlights

Platinum blonde highlights really help the braids to stand out more in an updo. Platinum highlights can help to completely transform mousy brown hair into something that is really special.

64. Flyaway Style

Flyaway hair does not always have to be a bad thing. A little messiness can still be part of your look, even if you are styling your hair for a wedding or a formal event. If a few strands of your hair come loose, it really doesn’t matter!

65. Braided Croissant

A croissant style is one that sits low in your hair and follows the natural curve at the base of your skull. Thick braids in this part of your hair will make your hair look wonderfully pretty.

66. Twisted Cornrows in a Lattice Style

For a regal cornrow style, choose twisted braids instead of three-strand braids. Cross your hair upwards from the base of your skull towards the opposite side of your head. Twist all of the cornrows together into a topknot style.

67. Low Braid with Chignon

Style a single braid into your hair close to your hairline and then follow the shape of your head around. Pull all of your hair up into a low and loose chignon style. This is a gorgeous style for when you need to add a little bit more glamour to your look.

68. Mid-Braid with a High Bun

A mid-braid starts from the top of your head rather than coming from the fringe area. Style a loose mid-braid into your hairstyle and then pull all of the rest of your hair up into a high bun which sits near to the crown of your head.

69. Nautilus

The Nautilus style takes its inspiration from the gorgeous shapes which can be found in some seashells. Start off with a high braid and then roll your hairstyle round into a bun made up of concentric circles on just one side of your head.

70. Cornrows with Flowing Curls

Braid your hair into a cornrow hairstyle all of the way across your scalp. Once you have moved away from the scalp, you should stop braiding. Pull your hair up into a high ponytail and then fan out your hair so that your curls flow freely.

71. Double Croissant Style

This loose croissant hairstyle utilizes two braids instead of just one. If you choose to start your braided updo towards the back of your hair, you can leave a few strands of hair down or style in an asymmetrical fringe.

72. Baby Bouffant

Create a “baby” bouffant hairstyle by using your braids to force more volume into your hair at the top and rear of your head. Whilst this baby bouffant is a subtle nod to the 60’s, it does not have all of the excesses of the time period.

73. Voluminous Latticework with a Side Bun

Any braided hairstyle can be given more volume by leaving the braids loose rather than pulling them tight. Make the most of your voluminous latticework by pulling your hair into a bun at the side of your head instead of the nape of your neck.

74. Simple Braid with Side Bun

Choosing a side bun instead of a bun which sits at the back of your head can help to take some of the harshnesses away from the style. Although it helps to create a softer women’s hairstyle, it does this without leaving the style looking too casual.

75. High Braid over a Tight Bun

Many braided hairstyles will draw the braid into the bun, however, this women’s hairstyle is a little bit different. Style your braid so that it sits above a tight bun. It doesn’t matter if you have a few strands sticking out.

76. Braided Back with a Stylish Topknot

Braid your hairstyle from the bottom to the top, instead of doing it the other way around. Twist any hair that is left over and then pull it around into a secure topknot hairstyle. This braided updo is also great if you want to show off a neck tattoo.

77. High and Low

For this stylish woman’s hairdo, you need to start braiding quite high on your head. Quickly drop the braid down so that it runs almost vertically to the nape of your neck. Pull the rest of your hair up into a rolled chignon to complete the hairstyle.

78. Tight Pixie Braids

From the front, this amazing hairstyle looks like it might just be a standard pixie cut. Once you look at the back of the style you will spot that it consists of lots of little braids that are tightly woven together.

79. High Braid with a Loose Fringe

Braid your hair so that your braid sits high on the top of your head. Leave a few strands of hair down at the front to frame your face. It is a great women’s hairstyle for a red carpet event or for a Christmas party.

80. Braided Crown with Flowing Locks

Long hairstyles with flowing locks are a really glamorous choice for a night out or a red carpet event. Style in a braided updo element by braiding a crown across the top of the head. Big bold curls look amazing with a braided band.

81. Mixed Braids

Create a truly unique braided hairstyle by mixing lots of different types of braids together. You can include styles like thick chunk braids or twisted braids.

82. Thick Braid with Asymmetrical Bangs

A thick braid across the top of the head is quite a popular style choice for braided updos. Wear your hair with asymmetrical bangs and a few loose bits of hair to highlight your gorgeous eyes and lips.

83. Messy Style

Cool messy plaits help to give a braided updo an edgy modern look. The style is good for people who want a look that is non-conformist but feminine.

84. Chunky and Long Side Braid

For a quirky take on the Frozen hairstyle, braid your hairstyle into a chunky side braid. Having your braid thicker and to one side can stop your style from looking too childlike. You can also try this hairstyle parting hair in the middle.

85. Tight Headband Braid

Braid your hair tightly over the top of your head to act like a headband. Straighten your fringe and let it cover your forehead to give yourself a really cute women’s hairstyle.

86. Halo Braid

If you would like to try something more feminine, wrap your hair into a halo braided updo. This look is perfect for both casual and elegant occasions, for jeans and a T-shirt and wedding gown.

Amazing Waterfall Braided Updos for Women

87. Braid with Top Knot

Bunch of unequal cornrows that lead to one huge top knot is a great hairstyle for everybody. If you want to be noticed from far, dye parts of your hair in a gold shade and make sure they are on a top knot.

88. Asymmetrical Partings

No one has said you can’t be creative with your braided updo. On the contrary, play with the partings. Instead of making them straight, try to section your hair asymmetrical.

89. Curly Bun with Goddess Braids

This updo with braid will definitely make you look attractive and so stylish! Curly hair, braids, and a top bun are everything that you need to achieve this lovely hairstyle look.

90. Braided Space Buns

Space buns and braids are always a good idea. However, if you go for a bold braided updo then you can be sure your style will be much more upgraded – from casual to amazing!

91. Casual Bun with Braids

For everyday wear, try this lovely hairstyle. It consists of four braids, non-equal ones, which are wrapped together in a low bun.

92. Oversized Braids and Bun

Huge braids mean there is less work, so if you are into braids, wrap it in a bun. You will get that Greek vibe which will leave everyone breathless.

93. Red Braids

If you are more into interesting hair colors and styles, then you should definitely try this. Braids tied into a messy curly bun on the top of your head lead to it look fabulous for all rebels.

94. Oversized Braids

The braided updo is perfect for summertime. These oversized jumbo box braids will definitely attract some attention towards you, you can definitely count on that. This updo hairstyle is perfect for both casual and elegant occasions.

95. Braided Updo with Beads

If you are looking for something extraordinary, this hairstyle might be just for you. This updo with braid will give you an elegant look. The beads in your hair will definitely make you look fabulous, wherever you go.

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FAQs

Two Braided Updo or Single Braided Updo – Which Looks Better?

If you ask us, more is more! Two braids always look more interesting, especially if they are asymmetric. However, if you want something more polished, then you should definitely opt for a single braided updo. It is a perfect hairstyle for sophisticated and elegant occasions such as weddings, birthdays or parties.

Can White Women also try Braided updo?

Black women consider braided protective hairstyles. However, with white women that isn’t a case. They like it equally as girls with black hair, but they wear it only because they are cool and very stylish. So, the answer is yes – white women can absolutely rock braids in a bun or in any other way.

Whether you’re a creative type with a bit of extra time to practice on your own hair or you have a few extra pennies to go to a professional stylist, you can turn an ordinary ponytail or bun into a fantastic braided updo.

Experimenting with different accessories and hair ornaments can transform a casual everyday braided updo into a sophisticated hairstyle that’s perfect for an elegant evening occasion.