Updos with Curls: 47+ Elegant Styles for Every Occasion

Curls transform any updo into a masterpiece of elegance and vibrancy. Get inspired by romantic buns and playful braid elements, and discover how you can create them yourself.

Table of content

• Loose Bun with Free Curls
• Half-Updo with Braid Element
• Romantic Curly Bun with Floral Adornments
• Waterfall Braid as a Side Highlight
• Twisted Curls Secured with Hairpins

Loose Bun with Free Curls

A voluminous bun with curls instantly makes your look romantic and playful. The loose bun with free curls is perfect for this! Start by gently teasing your medium-length hair to give it more lift and volume. Next, tie your hair into a ponytail and gently pull out a few curls to softly frame your face. All that's left is to twist the ponytail into a casual messy bun. Intentionally leave some curls loose to emphasize the carefree charm of this semi-open style. Secure your bun with a few hairpins and enjoy the seamless transition from elegant to casual!

Half-Updo with Braid Element

Imagine yourself floating down the aisle with a half-updo adorned with braid elements. This hairstyle is not only simply enchanting but also practical in styling. Loose strands frame your face and give you a fresh look, while the braid element adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. It's ideal for medium to long hair, and the best part: it holds! Another plus of this half-open variant: it looks natural and makes your luscious curls appear voluminous. This way, you're perfectly styled for your big day!

Romantic Curly Bun with Floral Adornments

Enchant at your next event with a touch of romance: The romantic curly bun is an ode to feminine styling and perfect for natural curls or gently wavy hair. Start by gently taming your curls and loosely pinning them back to create a soft silhouette. Enhance the look by incorporating small flowers—whether fresh or as hair accessories—into your curly bun. This makes your hair the center of attention and gives the hairstyle an irresistibly natural and beautiful character. The loose styling also protects the hair structure, as tightly pulled updos can cause strain over time. With this hairstyle, you demonstrate that elegance and a connection to nature can form a dreamy symbiosis.

Waterfall Braid as a Side Highlight

Imagine mimicking the sound of a small stream—the waterfall braid achieves just that with its braided elegance. The waterfall braid as a side highlight works especially well with long or medium-length hair. The braided strands are loosely interwoven, while individual curls fall to the side like droplets of water, giving the face a gentle, playful frame. This style enchants with its airy, carefree vibe and is thus the perfect compromise between wearing your hair down and sporting an elegant updo—ideal for those who love a romantic yet practical look. A touch of hairspray ensures hold all day long, without the curls losing their bounce.

Twisted Curls Secured with Hairpins

When it comes to 'confirmation hairstyles,' not only do young ladies’ eyes light up. An elegant yet playful updo with twisted curls is an absolute dream! Even with shoulder-length hair, you can create dazzlingly charming styles with surprising ease. All you need are your fingers to twist and hairpins to secure your creations. Start by gently twisting individual strands and shaping them into small curl buns on the head. Use hairpins to hold them in place without taking away the lightness of your curls. Practice makes perfect: just give it a try to create a fascinating hairstyle that suits any occasion with skill and a bit of practice!

Prepping for Curly Updo Hairstyles: Hair Preparation and Care

Before you create a fairy-like updo from your curls, the right preparation is key. Only healthy and well-cared-for hair can be optimally styled and keep your hairstyle in shape for as long as possible. Start with a gentle washing routine specifically designed for curly or wavy hair. This will not weigh down your curls and will provide them with the necessary moisture. Then, use a conditioner to detangle the hair and make it soft and smooth. After washing your hair, you can apply a leave-in conditioner or a curl serum to prevent frizzy strands and define the natural shape of your curls. Avoid roughly drying your curls with a towel; instead, gently press out the water using a microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt. Your curls will reward you with bounce and shine. Before styling, it's advisable to let the hair air-dry completely or, if needed, use a blow dryer with a diffuser. This reduces heat damage and ensures your curls don't lose their shape. Now your hair is ready for creative updos!

Step-by-Step Guides for Curly Updo Hairstyles

Do you want to shape your curls into an elegant updo? Here are simple guides that will help you achieve your desired look step by step:

1. Classic Curly Bun: - Tie your washed and dried hair into a ponytail.- Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to form a bun.- Secure the bun with bobby pins.- Pull out a few curls loosely for a relaxed effect.
2. Playful Updo with Curls and Braid Accent: - Separate some strands at the top of your head and create a loose French braid along the back of your head.- Secure the braid with bobby pins so that it blends with the rest of your hair.- Loosely pin up the rest of the hair and fix everything with additional bobby pins.
3. Pinned-Up Curls with Half-Up Element: - Divide the hair above the ears and tie it into a small ponytail at the back of your head.- You can then form the ponytail into a small bun or lay it braided at the back of your head.- The remaining hair stays loose to emphasize the fullness of your curly mane.

Long-Lasting Hold for Curly Updos: Tips Without Product Recommendations

To ensure your updo lasts all day or evening, keep in mind the following tips without specific product recommendations: - Use textured bobby pins with the wavy side facing the scalp for better grip than smooth pins.- Curly hair naturally offers a hold for updos due to its texture. Try to style the hair in a way that utilizes this natural texture rather than fighting against it.- Braiding or twisting elements can provide additional hold, as they stabilize the hair without the need to pull it tightly back.- For extra hold when styling an updo, gently tease the roots. This gives the bobby pins more grip.- Lastly, patience is key when styling: work step by step, securely pin each section, and check the hairstyle in the mirror from different angles to ensure everything is in place.