Learning

Updo Braid Styles

By Ashley

April 17, 2025

3 min read

Save

Updo Braid Styles

Updo braid styles are a timeless and versatile choice for any occasion, offering a blend of elegance and practicality. Whether you're preparing for a formal event, a casual outing, or simply looking to switch up your everyday hairstyle, updo braid styles provide a range of options to suit every taste and skill level. From intricate French braids to simple and chic buns, these styles can transform your look with minimal effort. Let's dive into the world of updo braid styles and explore some of the most popular and trendy options.

Understanding Updo Braid Styles

Updo braid styles are hairstyles that incorporate braids into an updo, creating a polished and sophisticated look. These styles can range from simple and quick to elaborate and time-consuming, making them suitable for various occasions and skill levels. The key to achieving a beautiful updo braid style lies in understanding the basic techniques and choosing the right braid for your hair type and desired look.

Popular Updo Braid Styles

There are numerous updo braid styles to choose from, each offering a unique look and feel. Here are some of the most popular options:

French Braid Updo

The French braid updo is a classic choice that never goes out of style. This style involves creating a French braid and then securing it into a bun or twist at the nape of the neck. The French braid adds a touch of elegance and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

To create a French braid updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Gather a section of hair from the top of your head and divide it into three equal parts.
Begin braiding the hair, adding small sections from each side as you go along.
Continue braiding until you reach the nape of your neck.
Secure the braid with a hair tie and tuck the ends under the braid.
Pin the braid in place and style as desired.

💡 Note: For a more polished look, use a fine-tooth comb to smooth out any bumps or lumps in the braid.

Fishtail Braid Updo

The fishtail braid updo is a trendy and modern option that adds a unique twist to traditional updo styles. This style involves creating a fishtail braid and then securing it into a bun or twist. The fishtail braid creates a delicate and intricate look that is perfect for special occasions.

To create a fishtail braid updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Divide your hair into two equal sections.
Take a small section from the outer edge of one side and cross it over to the other side.
Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the desired length.
Secure the braid with a hair tie and tuck the ends under the braid.
Pin the braid in place and style as desired.

💡 Note: For a more voluminous look, gently pull on the edges of the braid to create a fuller appearance.

Braided Bun Updo

The braided bun updo is a versatile and elegant option that can be dressed up or down. This style involves creating a braid and then securing it into a bun at the nape of the neck. The braided bun updo is perfect for both formal and casual occasions, making it a go-to choice for many.

To create a braided bun updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Create a braid of your choice (French, Dutch, or regular braid).
Once the braid is complete, wrap it around the base of your head, securing it with bobby pins.
Tuck any loose ends under the bun and secure with additional bobby pins.
Style as desired, adding hair accessories if needed.

💡 Note: For a more secure hold, use a strong-hold hairspray to set the bun in place.

Waterfall Braid Updo

The waterfall braid updo is a romantic and whimsical option that adds a touch of elegance to any look. This style involves creating a waterfall braid and then securing it into a bun or twist. The waterfall braid creates a cascading effect that is perfect for weddings, prom, or other special occasions.

To create a waterfall braid updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Divide a section of hair from the top of your head into three equal parts.
Begin braiding the hair, dropping the bottom section and adding a new section from the side.
Continue this process, creating a waterfall effect as you go along.
Secure the braid with a hair tie and tuck the ends under the braid.
Pin the braid in place and style as desired.

💡 Note: For a more intricate look, add small braids or twists to the waterfall braid.

Milkmaid Braid Updo

The milkmaid braid updo is a charming and playful option that adds a touch of whimsy to any look. This style involves creating two braids and then wrapping them around the head, securing them at the nape of the neck. The milkmaid braid updo is perfect for casual outings or special occasions, making it a versatile choice for many.

To create a milkmaid braid updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Divide your hair into two equal sections.
Create a braid on each side, securing them with hair ties.
Wrap the braids around the back of your head, crossing them over each other.
Secure the braids with bobby pins and style as desired.

💡 Note: For a more polished look, use a fine-tooth comb to smooth out any bumps or lumps in the braids.

Halo Braid Updo

The halo braid updo is a romantic and ethereal option that adds a touch of elegance to any look. This style involves creating a braid around the crown of the head, creating a halo effect. The halo braid updo is perfect for weddings, prom, or other special occasions, making it a popular choice for many.

To create a halo braid updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Divide a section of hair from the top of your head into three equal parts.
Begin braiding the hair, adding small sections from each side as you go along.
Continue braiding until you reach the nape of your neck.
Secure the braid with a hair tie and tuck the ends under the braid.
Pin the braid in place and style as desired.

💡 Note: For a more intricate look, add small braids or twists to the halo braid.

Braided Crown Updo

The braided crown updo is a regal and elegant option that adds a touch of sophistication to any look. This style involves creating a braid around the crown of the head, creating a crown effect. The braided crown updo is perfect for formal events, weddings, or other special occasions, making it a popular choice for many.

To create a braided crown updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Divide a section of hair from the top of your head into three equal parts.
Begin braiding the hair, adding small sections from each side as you go along.
Continue braiding until you reach the nape of your neck.
Secure the braid with a hair tie and tuck the ends under the braid.
Pin the braid in place and style as desired.

💡 Note: For a more intricate look, add small braids or twists to the braided crown.

Braided Ponytail Updo

The braided ponytail updo is a chic and modern option that adds a touch of elegance to any look. This style involves creating a braid and then securing it into a ponytail. The braided ponytail updo is perfect for both formal and casual occasions, making it a versatile choice for many.

To create a braided ponytail updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Create a braid of your choice (French, Dutch, or regular braid).
Once the braid is complete, secure it with a hair tie.
Gather the remaining hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
Style as desired, adding hair accessories if needed.

💡 Note: For a more secure hold, use a strong-hold hairspray to set the ponytail in place.

Braided Half-Updo

The braided half-updo is a versatile and stylish option that adds a touch of elegance to any look. This style involves creating a braid at the top of the head and leaving the rest of the hair down. The braided half-updo is perfect for both formal and casual occasions, making it a popular choice for many.

To create a braided half-updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Divide a section of hair from the top of your head into three equal parts.
Begin braiding the hair, adding small sections from each side as you go along.
Continue braiding until you reach the desired length.
Secure the braid with a hair tie and tuck the ends under the braid.
Pin the braid in place and style as desired.

💡 Note: For a more intricate look, add small braids or twists to the half-updo.

Braided Top Knot Updo

The braided top knot updo is a trendy and modern option that adds a touch of elegance to any look. This style involves creating a braid and then securing it into a top knot. The braided top knot updo is perfect for both formal and casual occasions, making it a versatile choice for many.

To create a braided top knot updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Create a braid of your choice (French, Dutch, or regular braid).
Once the braid is complete, gather it into a top knot and secure it with a hair tie.
Style as desired, adding hair accessories if needed.

💡 Note: For a more secure hold, use a strong-hold hairspray to set the top knot in place.

Braided Low Bun Updo

The braided low bun updo is a classic and elegant option that adds a touch of sophistication to any look. This style involves creating a braid and then securing it into a low bun. The braided low bun updo is perfect for formal events, weddings, or other special occasions, making it a popular choice for many.

To create a braided low bun updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Create a braid of your choice (French, Dutch, or regular braid).
Once the braid is complete, wrap it around the base of your head, securing it with bobby pins.
Tuck any loose ends under the bun and secure with additional bobby pins.
Style as desired, adding hair accessories if needed.

💡 Note: For a more secure hold, use a strong-hold hairspray to set the bun in place.

Braided Side Bun Updo

The braided side bun updo is a chic and stylish option that adds a touch of elegance to any look. This style involves creating a braid and then securing it into a side bun. The braided side bun updo is perfect for both formal and casual occasions, making it a versatile choice for many.

To create a braided side bun updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Create a braid of your choice (French, Dutch, or regular braid).
Once the braid is complete, wrap it around the side of your head, securing it with bobby pins.
Tuck any loose ends under the bun and secure with additional bobby pins.
Style as desired, adding hair accessories if needed.

💡 Note: For a more secure hold, use a strong-hold hairspray to set the bun in place.

Braided Mohawk Updo

The braided mohawk updo is a bold and edgy option that adds a touch of drama to any look. This style involves creating braids on either side of the head and leaving the middle section down. The braided mohawk updo is perfect for special occasions or when you want to make a statement, making it a unique choice for many.

To create a braided mohawk updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Divide your hair into three sections: two on the sides and one in the middle.
Create braids on the side sections, securing them with hair ties.
Leave the middle section down or style it as desired.
Pin the braids in place and style as desired.

💡 Note: For a more intricate look, add small braids or twists to the mohawk.

Braided Space Buns Updo

The braided space buns updo is a fun and playful option that adds a touch of whimsy to any look. This style involves creating two braids and then securing them into space buns. The braided space buns updo is perfect for casual outings or special occasions, making it a versatile choice for many.

To create braided space buns updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Divide your hair into two equal sections.
Create a braid on each side, securing them with hair ties.
Wrap each braid around the base of your head, securing them with bobby pins.
Tuck any loose ends under the buns and secure with additional bobby pins.
Style as desired, adding hair accessories if needed.

💡 Note: For a more secure hold, use a strong-hold hairspray to set the buns in place.

Braided French Twist Updo

The braided French twist updo is a classic and elegant option that adds a touch of sophistication to any look. This style involves creating a braid and then securing it into a French twist. The braided French twist updo is perfect for formal events, weddings, or other special occasions, making it a popular choice for many.

To create a braided French twist updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Create a braid of your choice (French, Dutch, or regular braid).
Once the braid is complete, twist it around the base of your head, securing it with bobby pins.
Tuck any loose ends under the twist and secure with additional bobby pins.
Style as desired, adding hair accessories if needed.

💡 Note: For a more secure hold, use a strong-hold hairspray to set the twist in place.

Braided Chignon Updo

The braided chignon updo is a romantic and elegant option that adds a touch of sophistication to any look. This style involves creating a braid and then securing it into a chignon. The braided chignon updo is perfect for formal events, weddings, or other special occasions, making it a popular choice for many.

To create a braided chignon updo:

Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
Create a braid of your choice (French, Dutch, or regular braid).
Once the braid is complete, wrap it around the base of your head, securing it with bobby pins.
Tuck any loose ends under the chignon and secure with additional bobby pins.
Style as desired, adding hair accessories if needed.

💡 Note: For a more secure hold, use a strong-hold hairspray to set the chignon in place.

Braided Braided Updo

The braided braided updo is a unique and intricate option that adds a touch of elegance to any look. This style involves creating multiple braids and then securing them into an updo. The braided braided updo is perfect for special occasions or when you want to make a statement, making it a unique choice for many.

To create a braided braided updo: