30 Updo Hairstyles For Black Women Suggested By Hairstylists

Updo hairstyles are by far the most convenient and formal hairstyles out there. No matter what skin color you have, an updo will look good on you. An updo will enhance the elegance of any look that you wish to wear.

Updos are great for any setting, whether it be formal or casual. They are easy to maintain, and you do not have to worry about your hair getting in the way at all.

Updo hairstyles for black women are even better because they look great, and it helps them to manage their hair easily.

You cannot go wrong with an updo, it helps to protect your hair and makes you look phenomenal.

In this article, you will come across the most wonderful updo hairstyles for black women, that will inspire you to get your hair into a beautiful updo.

30 Incredible Updo Hairstyles For Black Women

Updo hairstyles are perfect not only for occasions but also for hot weather like the summer. As we transition from a dry winter season to a soul-crushing hot summer, the updos are a necessity at this point.

It has become essential that we keep our hair as far away as possible from touching the back of our neck or falling on our face because the summer can be ruthless, and we don’t want our hair sticking on our sweaty bodies.

Other than that, updo hairstyles are great at making you look professional. They are good for formal meetings, weddings or even sports events.

Wearing an updo hairstyle can solve a lot of problems at once. For example, you get to keep them out of your face, you look as stylish as they come, and you get the advantage of protecting your hair.

With all these benefits, why wouldn’t one opt for an updo hairstyle is something I can’t quite point out, but if you are amongst the people who have a liking for updos, you are definitely in the right place.

Below are a few quintessential updo hairstyles, that you can choose to wear at any event you like:

High Ponytails

A high ponytail is an updo hairstyle that everyone has worn at some point in their lifetime if they have had long enough hair. A high ponytail is the easiest updo out there.

You do not even require a mirror to know whether your ponytail is looking right or not. All you have to do to get this style is to own scrunchies or rubber bands that are strong enough to hold your hair.

Gather all your hair in a bunch and bring them higher towards the top, and then just tie them up using your rubber band.

This style looks great with all outfits and is perfect for every occasion. You cannot go wrong with a high ponytail.

Whenever you’re in doubt and you have no idea what style to go for, just pick the high ponytail. This updo hairstyle is a solution to your fashion crisis.

Breakfast At Tiffany’s Inspired

As the name suggests, this hairstyle is inspired by the protagonist of the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. This movie was very popular during the 60s, and even to this day, people haven’t gotten tired of talking about it.

It was released in 1961 and was a romantic comedy movie. The story was about the main character Holy Golightly, who had a bad childhood.

This character inspired many girls because she wanted more from life and would not settle for anything less.

The hairstyle speaks for itself. It is a magnificent hairstyle that is perfect for a formal setting. It is a great option for weddings and award ceremonies.

This posh updo hairstyle looks amazing on black women, because of the afro hair. It has a lot of volume and texture that makes it perfect for Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired hairstyle.

If you like this style, hit up your hairstylist and tell them what you want, or you could show them this beautiful image for reference.

Cornrow Style Side Fringe

The cornrow-style side fringe is an updo that can be quite tricky to achieve. It is a sophisticated hairstyle and looks amazing when done perfectly. If you mess up this hairstyle, it may look like a disaster.

Achieving this style from scratch can take hours, but if your hair is already braided in cornrows then this style should not take more than five minutes.

The trick is to have the end of your hair in curls rather than braided when you get the cornrows. Once the cornrows are dealt with properly, you know you can achieve this style anytime you want.

You now have to twist all your hair and wrap them as many times as you can. It depends on how long your hair is. Wrap your hair and leave the ends long enough to bring them to the side of your head. The hair should like it is naturally falling on your face, but it has to be the ends that you bring over to create this effect.

This is a superb updo hairstyle that is both unique and stylish. You can wear this with almost all outfits and rock it anywhere you want. These updo hairstyles are best for proms and weddings.

Multiple Buns

Doing your hair up in a bun is very cute and quite easy. Buns are fun and great. The more the number of buns, the merrier.

The multiple buns updo hairstyle is a fun way to show off your new look. It is a very creative rendition of the ever-green single bun.

This style is great if you want to try out something exciting and vibrant. People will definitely not miss you out on your new look.

If turning heads towards you is one of the reasons why you want to change your hairstyle, then this is the perfect hairstyle for you.

You will be the center of attraction and people will be interested to talk to you about your hairstyle and how you came up with this. The multiple buns are definitely a conversation starter.

To achieve this style, all you have to do is, make as many buns as you can on your head. They can be as tiny or as big as you want them to be.

There is no specific size chart for this. Depending on your look you can make the buns however you like. You just have to make sure they look tidy and sleek.

Pulled Up Faux Hawk

The pulled-up faux hawk is a great rendition of the mohawk hairstyle. It looks gorgeous, and this style gives you a very badass vibe.

This style makes you look super stylish and confident. Wearing this style will exude a lot of positive energy, and it will make people intimidated by you.

The pulled-up faux hawk is not a very difficult hairstyle to achieve, though it will be easier for you if you have enough practice.

To achieve the pulled-up faux hawk hairstyle, you have to braid up all the hair on your sides and the back. The braid has to start from the bottom moving towards the top.

You should not braid all the hair, you have to leave out some of the hair from all the braids so that you have enough hair left out to recreate the faux hawk style.

The unbraided hair makes the hair that runs in the middle into a mohawk. You can opt for this style if you think you can pull it off effortlessly. It is a great updo choice, especially if you have a medium hair length.

Dolores Madrigal Inspired

Dolores Madrigal-inspired updo is such a fun and exciting hairstyle. It is very cool and fancy. It makes you look like you love to travel, and it also adds a wanderlust vibe to you.

This hairstyle is inspired by the character Dolores Madrigal starring in the Disney movie “Encanto”. Dolores has a special power that enables her to hear everything. Her hearing is enhanced to the point where she can even hear the drop of a pin in the next room.

People love this character so much that they did not fall short of appreciating it by picking up her hairstyle. Even though this hairstyle is not uncommon, it picked up fame right after this movie.

People know more about Spanish heritage now because this movie piqued their interests, and of course hairstyles.

This hairstyle is perfect with a frock or skirt, and it will look amazing on you. Now go and try on this beautiful hairstyle yourself to be a part of squad Dolores.

Jumbo Bun

The jumbo bun is perfect for people who have a huge length of hair that is both texture and super voluminous.

This updo hairstyle is a way for you to make your hair more manageable and look stylish at the same time. This updo is so unique and beautiful because the jumbo bun is so huge it comes over the head and looks like a hat.

This style will look great with any outfit if you pull it off like a pro. The best way to show off your jumbo bun would be if you pair it up with a sundress and white flip-flops. This is a perfect look for a picnic in the summer.

The jumbo bun successfully allows you to have fun without your hair getting in the way, and you get to show off that beautiful face of yours.

Beret Style

The beret-style updo hairstyle is such a creative and elegant hairstyle. This hairstyle resembles a beret hat, and it frames your face perfectly. This hairstyle helps you show off your beautiful facial features without overpowering your look.

It is a very soft and subtle hairstyle that is great for events like a wedding, prom, or a formal dinner party. You can pair it up with a black bodycon and a pair of red bottoms. A chain with a small pendant and a thin bracelet will enhance your look.

If you think this hairstyle is a bit bland for you, then you can adorn it with rhinestones and beads. It is up to you how you carry on this fancy beret hairstyle.

Shanghai Updo

The Shanghai updo is inspired by Shanghai city. It is a beautiful city and picking up inspiration from this city to come up with this hairstyle is an exceptional way to utilize the creativity you have.

This hairstyle uses the length of your hair to morph it into a creative style and show off your look in a different way. You have to braid your long hair and then wrap it around the back of your head and then secure it with bobby pins.

If you like this style and you think that you can wear this style with your regular outfit then there is no reason for you to wait for this beauty. You can add flowers to make this a floral style along with beautiful stones and clips.

Sleek Bun

If the sleek bun isn’t the most beautiful and elegant-looking updo hairstyle, then I don’t know what is. But that being said, it is also quite easy to achieve, and it instantly makes you look elegant and posh.

The sleek bun is a perfect hairdo for brides and quinceaneras. It goes very well with the wedding outfits and all sorts of gowns.

To get the perfect look for your special day, you should ask your hairstylist to do it for you instead of trying to do it yourself unless you are a pro.

Top Knot Bun

The top knot bun is a great style that you can go for when you have very little time. This style is my favorite amongst all the other updo hairstyles so far because of how easily it can be achieved.

It is a great updo style for a regular look. You can wear this style to your school or college. It can be great for sports people because of how tight and secure it stays in its place.

This hairstyle has a very retro-chic vibe to it and it has been creating a buzz for a while now. You should totally go for this look if you want to stay caught up with the trend.

Bun With Two Loose Fringes

The bun with two fringes has to be the sexiest updo hairstyle. The clean bun looks quintessential with the two fringes falling beautifully on both sides of your face.

This style will look great in events like a meeting or an after-party. It is also a great look for a formal setting, and if you’re looking for a hairstyle to wear to your first date, then this is it.

It shows off your beautiful face, while the fringes complement it. This hairstyle portrays your sharp jawline and allows the next person to have a good view of your best features. If you think this is your style, then you must go for it.

Updo With Bangs

Updo with Bangs is a common hairstyle. So, the point here is clearly not to wear something uncommon but to wear something that makes you look splendid and breathtaking. All while maintaining your level of posh and elegance.

We do not want a style that will end up making us look tacky. The updo with bangs is an amazing choice for you if you wear a lot of denim jeans with t-shirts or crop tops.

This outfit and the hairstyle go hand in hand. You can also pair this hairstyle with skirts or long dresses.

If you think that your casual look will match this beautiful yet posh look, and you can pull it off like no one’s business, then you must go for this style without a doubt in mind.

Fringes

Fringes make all hairstyles look incredible. Whether you do bun, braids, or half up half down hairstyles, just add a fringe, and it automatically levels up.

If you wear your hair up and feel like your forehead looks too spacious or big, just add a fringe, and you won’t have to worry anymore.

You can either cut a fringe on your own which is quite easy, or you can go to your nearest hair salon to get one.

You can never go wrong with a fringe. It has always been in style, and it will remain this for a very long time. So, when in doubt, just fringe it out.

Low Messy Bun

The low messy bun is a very romantic-looking hairstyle. It is very casual and is perfect for a movie date. You can also wear this hairstyle to a wedding ceremony, a party, or even for something as mundane as running your errands.

This is a very simple hairstyle to achieve. All you need to get this style done is to know how to do a bun and use bobby pins to secure your hair.

The low messy bun pairs up beautifully with sweatpants and sweatshirts. To complete the look, you can add a pair of converse or Nike Air Force. This is a stunning hairstyle, and everyone can wear it. This updo hairstyle looks beautiful on everyone.

If you choose to style your hair like this, I would just give you one piece of advice, and that is to wash your hair before you wear it. A little volume looks perfect with the low messy bun. This updo for black women is just the style you need in your life.

Space Buns

Space buns are a perfect updo hairstyle for black women because it divides your hair into two parts. This means the extra volume is also divided, and then you just tie your hair in two buns. These buns have to be of equal height and length.

You can leave one bun looking small and the other looking like a big ball. They need to look identical to enhance your look.

If you like this style, you can do this on your own in minutes. You can add stone, stickers, and various clips to your space bun to make them look fun and exciting.

Updo Using Protective Silk

Black women have very thick and coarse hair. Thick hair is quite heavy, and it can be stressful for your scalp. To avoid this stress, you can tie your hair up in a bun.

Once you tie your hair up in a bun, you will still face problems like hair breakage due to extra friction. To avoid this, the updo is covered with a silk bandana or cloth.

In this case, the updo using protective silk just made this super stylish, and you can wear it anywhere you want without feeling conscious about your look.

Side Braided updo

The side braided updo is for black women who wear hair extensions. If your hair extension is short, then this is your style.

This side braided updo looks great on all facial structures because it frames one side of your face and makes it look absolutely gorgeous.

To achieve this style, you have to braid your hair, then tie it in a ponytail, and secure it with bobby pins. You can wear this impressive hairstyle to big events and special occasions.

If you are aiming for a hairstyle that will compliment your features and also allow you to look fantastic, then this is it.

Purple Updo

Black women in purple updos look extremely sensuous. The color compliments the black skin, and you look happy. The updo is elegant as it is, but adding color to this style just made it ten times better.

If you are concerned about how the hairstyle will look on you, then let me tell you that this hairstyle will look amazing on all black women.

It is an absolutely fantastic hairstyle, and it is perfect for going out with friends and family.

Reverse French Braid

The reverse french braid updo hairstyle for black women is pretty amazing. It looks great on all black women, and it is not your generic top knot bun.

This updo hairstyle has a french braid at the back of the head, which is braided upside down and that, my friends, makes this hairstyle stand out in the crowd.

If you think this style is what you need and are ready to wear it then just go for it. All you have to do is, reverse french braid the hair at the back, and then make a bun on the top, taking all your hair. Tie your bun with a rubber band and secure it in place.

Stylish Updo

This updo hairstyle for black women is elegant and sophisticated. It is creative and artistic. The way this hairstyle is done is out of the world.

The hair is neatly slicked back, and then the rest of the hair is set up like a small bouquet of exquisite flowers.

This hairstyle will take a very long time to complete, but it is worth the wait because the outcome is spellbindingly beautiful.

Spiral Braided Updo

The spiral braided updo is a simple yet remarkable up hairstyle for black women. It can be easily done with all hairstyles, and it requires less effort than it looks.

All you have to do is make two diagonal braids and then wrap the rest in a spiral. This style is a bit different, but it looks superb on black women.

This style is made especially for type 4 hair so there is no reason to panic if you have extra coarse and thick hair. This hairstyle is for you.

Pompadour Updo

The pompadour updo is the smartest-looking updo hairstyle. It looks great on black women. With that hair type, there is no stopping your hair from looking voluminous enough which makes your updo look absolutely mindblowing.

This hairstyle is perfect for fashionable outings. You can wear this hair to the NYFW and sit in the audience like a queen. This style is great for award shows and movie premiers.

If you like this style, you must book an early appointment with your hairstylist because this style takes a long time to achieve.

Fancy Bun With Braids

If you have long hair, then the fancy bun with braids is perfect for you. You just have to braid your hair and tie it up in a bun. But that’s not it, there is a twist in the bun. This bun is not your regular bun, you have to make this bun in the shape of “8”.

Making the bun in the shape of 8 makes the bun longer, giving your hair more space to spread out. This helps it to look sleek rather than crushed together into a big mass.

This is an elegant hair updo for black women to try out. You can adorn your style with ornaments and make it bling if that is more your pace.

Orbital Half Updo

The orbital hair updo is a half up half down hairstyle. In this style, you wear half of your hair down, and the other half is tied up in various styles.

For this particular style, we have an orbital half updo. Here you have to style your hair in a circular shape which makes the front part look like an orbit.

It is a great hairstyle to wear at festivals and concerts. You can sport this hairstyle in Coachella or go to the beach wearing your hair in an orbital half updo.

If you like this style, then there is no reason for you to wait up at all, call your hairstylist and book an appointment asap.

Top-Front Bun

The top front bun looks similar to the top knot, except this bun is in the top front, whereas the top knot is at the top back.

The top-front bun is a stunning hairstyle, and it will look great with a romper. The romper is a one-piece that you can pair up with a white crop top and let the shoulder hang off.

This is the new TikTok style.Kids and adults both are fans of this style because it can be kept for longer and it stays in place for quite some time.

If you like this style then you can ask someone to help you out with it or you can just ask a hairstylist to do your hair.

Black Female Celebrities In Updo Hairstyles

Black female celebrities have made great contributions to upholding the black culture. They show people how proud they are to be black and how amazing their hairstyles can be. Celebrities always play a huge role in making your culture known.

These female celebrities came forward with their natural hair on multiple occasions and reminded us that we have to love ourselves and that every imperfection you have, makes you unique and perfect in your own way.

All these celebrities have spoken about the black culture from time to time in speeches, interviews, or even during PR press. The only common thing they talk about is how beautiful black women are and how beautiful their hair is.

It is a part of their identity, and it is a shame if you hide it from the world, because the world will miss out on something this beautiful.

After all, it is time for the world to face the harsh truth that, everyone is equal regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and especially skin color.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita appeared in this updo hairstyle in a movie premier and looked gorgeous with her updo hairstyle. She has embraced her roots and natural hair and is totally unafraid to show off her style.

Lupita Nyongo, best known for her role in the movie “12 years a slave” is an amazing actress and of course a spokesperson for the black community.

People look up to her for staying true to her words and for paving a way for the next generation to follow.

Beyonce

Beyonce has the biggest fan following in the world, unlike any other celebrity. She is proud of her heritage, and she accepts all of it with great pleasure.

She has been spotted in an updo quite a few times, and fans can’t stop but copy her style as a tribute to the singer/songwriter.

Tyra Banks

The famous black model Tyra Banks, who has hosted America’s next top model for the longest time, has inspired many people to change their style.

Tyra seems to love an updo as she was caught wearing her hair up quite frequently. She looks great in an updo hairstyle and can rock this style like she was born to wear it.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz, known as Catwoman, starring in Batman has always appeared in her natural locs, and she looks phenomenal.

The updo looks crazy good, and she pulls it off like a boss. Zoe has never failed to look amazing in her updo hairstyles. She is amazing in what she does, and she knows how to wear her hair, inspiring others to learn from her.

How To DIY A Simple Updo Hairstyle For Black Women?

If the updo hairstyles have inspired you to wear your hair in an updo, it is obvious that doing it yourself has crossed your mind.

The basics of most of the updo hairstyles are pretty much the same, so I have come up with the simplest steps to guide you through.

With these easy steps, you can quickly updo your hair and be ready to rock your style in no time. So, without further ado, go ahead and get started.

Here is an easy top knot bun hairstyle that is very quick and low maintenance. If you are bored with your everyday hairstyle, you can learn how to do this style and wear this instead of your regular hair.

Step 1: You have to iron your hair first, to get the slicked-up look. You will also need to use beeswax to slick up your hair.

You can use other products as well, but only beeswax will suffice. Murray’s beeswax is a good option to go for.

Step 2: Leave the edges and the baby hair out.

Step 3: For the top knot you will require an extension. You can use “EZBRAID professional” hair in 36 inches if you have short hair and for extra volume.

Step 4:  Cut short the extension, because you don’t want your top knot to look like a tower. You can also get short hair extensions if cutting one seems like a hassle.

Step 5: Put a rubber band on your extension, bring it halfway through, and see that the extension on either side of the rubber band is of equal lengths.

Step 6: Now, start twisting your hair, and make sure there are no tangles. The twists have to be as tight as you can possibly make them. Twist your hair all the way down to the bottom.

Step 7: Twist your real hair and secure it with bobby pins. Then take your twisted extension and wrap it around your real hair with the help of the rubber band that was on the extension. Now, you keep wrapping it around, and as you wrap it, use bobby pins to secure them.

Step 8: You can make your knot as tight or loose as you want. Spray it with some pump it up and use shine n jam edge control to take care of your edges and the baby hair.

Once you’ve done this, you have succeeded in achieving this look. Now you can recreate this look on your own, and you don’t have to worry about wearing the same boring style every day. You can go for this look if you have limited time, but you also want to look super chic.

FAQs

This article has everything you need to know about updo hairstyles for black women. I have curated a bunch of updo hairstyles and how to do them on your own guides.

But you may benefit from these common questions that people ask frequently. To know more, read the questions below that have been answered to help you all out:

Q1: Can updo hairstyles for black women be worn on short hair?

Ans: Yes, an updo hairstyle can be worn on short hair. If your hair is too short, you can use hair extensions to make your hair longer, and then you can wear your hair in an updo style.

Q2: Are updo hairstyles for black women expensive?

Ans: Getting your hair styled by a hairstylist or a beauty salon can be a little expensive, but you will get a proper updo that will stay for longer.

If you want to make it cost-effective or cheap, you have to learn how to do these updo hairstyles.

Q3: Can updo hairstyles for black women cause any problems?

Ans. Updo hairstyles for hair types 2 to 3 will cause some problems when worn for longer. However, for hair type 4, the updo hairstyles are actually beneficial.

This is because type 4 hair is thicker and coarser than type 2 hair. These hairstyles do not cause any issues and make you look amazing.

Verdict

Updo hairstyles for black women are proven to help protect afro hair. Because they usually have very thick and coarse hair, they should opt for an updo.

The updo hairstyle will allow their scalp to be relaxed because wearing their hair down creates a lot of tension on the roots which results in breakage.

Updo hairstyles are a great option for occasions like weddings and dates. If you like what you have seen above, you have to wear a bun. Go for the updo hairstyles and thank me later.

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