25 Easy Women’s Hair Up-dos for Beginners

Tired of wearing your hair the same way every day? Up-dos offer the perfect solution for switching up your look without requiring professional styling skills.

Even as a beginner, you can create sophisticated and beautiful updos with just a few minutes of practice and minimal tools.

These 25 easy updo styles will transform your hair game from basic to brilliant, no salon appointment necessary.

1: Classic Messy Bun

The messy bun remains a go-to style for a reason – it looks effortlessly chic while requiring almost zero skill to create.

Simply gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it around the base, and secure with bobby pins. Don’t worry about perfection here – the messier, the better!

Pull out a few face-framing strands for that perfectly undone finish that works for everything from gym sessions to brunch dates.

2: Low Chignon

This elegant style looks complicated but takes just minutes to master. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it upward.

Roll the twisted hair into a neat bun and secure with bobby pins in an X pattern for maximum hold.

You’ll achieve a sleek, sophisticated look perfect for work or special occasions. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to tame flyways without creating stiffness.

3: Half-Up Top Knot

For those days when you can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down, the half-up top knot offers the perfect compromise.

Simply section off the top portion of your hair, twist it into a small bun, and secure with a hair tie or pins.

Let the rest of your hair hang loose for a modern, trendy vibe. This style works beautifully for all hair textures and lengths past the shoulders.

4: Easy French Twist

Don’t let the fancy name intimidate you – the French twist can be surprisingly beginner-friendly with this simplified approach.

Gather your hair at the back of your head, twist upward until it folds against your head, and secure with several pins inserted horizontally.

Tuck loose ends into the fold. For a more modern look, allow some pieces to fall loosely around your face.

5: Twisted Headband Up-do

Transform a simple headband into a styling tool for this quick and easy up-do. Tuck sections of hair up and over the headband, wrapping all the way around.

Place an elastic headband around your head about two inches back from your hairline.

The headband creates a secure base that keeps everything in place without complex pinning.

This style works particularly well for second-day hair with a bit of texture.

6: Simple Braided Bun

Combine two basic techniques – braiding and bunning – for a style that looks intricate but requires minimal skill.

Create a single braid with all your hair, secure the end with an elastic, then wrap the braid around itself to form a bun. Pin in place with several bobby pins.

The texture of the braid adds instant visual interest to an otherwise simple bun style.

7: Sleek Low Ponytail

Never underestimate the power of a perfectly executed low ponytail – it’s an updo that works for any occasion.

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure with a hair tie.

For added polish, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it, securing with a bobby pin.

Apply a small amount of serum to your hands and smooth over the surface for a glossy, professional finish.

8: Gibson Tuck

This vintage-inspired style creates the illusion of complexity while being surprisingly simple to execute.

Create a low ponytail, then flip it upward and tuck it under itself, creating a roll along the back of your head. Secure with bobby pins placed vertically into the roll.

The result is a timeless look that pairs beautifully with both casual and formal outfits.

9: Double Twisted Ponytail

Elevate a basic ponytail with this quick twisted variation that looks like you spent way more time on your hair than you actually did.

Divide your hair into two sections. Twist each section away from your face, then combine both twisted sections into a ponytail at the back of your head.

The twisted texture instantly makes this style look more intricate and intentional.

10: Five-Minute Rope Braid Bun

The rope braid technique creates impressive texture with minimal effort, making it perfect for up-do beginners.

Secure your hair in a high ponytail, divide into two sections, and twist each section clockwise. Then twist the sections together counterclockwise and wrap into a bun.

The contrasting twist directions create a rope-like texture that holds surprisingly well all day.

11: Bubble Ponytail

Transform a basic ponytail into something special with this fun and easy technique that requires just a handful of hair ties.

Create a regular ponytail, then add additional hair ties every two inches down the length. Gently tug the hair between ties outward to create “bubbles” of volume.

This playful style works beautifully for casual outings and adds unexpected dimension to your look.

12: Twisted Crown Braid

Create a bohemian-inspired updo without needing advanced braiding skills with this simple twisted crown technique.

Separate your hair into two sections. Twist each side back, securing with pins at the back of your head. The result mimics a crown braid with half the effort.

Leave some pieces loose around your face for a soft, romantic finish.

13: Easy Sock Bun

Achieve a perfectly rounded, voluminous bun using an old sock as your secret styling tool.

Cut the toe off a sock and roll it into a donut shape. Pull your ponytail through the center, then spread your hair around it, tucking ends underneath.

This technique creates consistent shape and fullness even for those with finer hair types.

14: Low Side Bun

Add asymmetrical interest to your look with this simple side-positioned bun that flatters all face shapes.

Create a low ponytail positioned to one side, then twist or braid the ponytail before wrapping it into a bun. Secure with pins, focusing on the bun’s outer edges.

The side placement instantly makes this basic technique look more sophisticated and intentional.

15: Twisted Ponytail Up-do

Create the illusion of a complex up-do using a simple ponytail as your foundation. Secure your hair in a mid-height ponytail, then split it into two sections.

Twist each section and wrap them in opposite directions around the ponytail base, securing with pins.

The crisscrossing twisted sections create beautiful dimension that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

16: Easy Upside-Down Braid Bun

This impressive-looking style combines basic braiding with a simple bun for maximum impact.

Flip your head upside down and create a Dutch braid (reverse French braid) from nape to crown.

Gather remaining hair with the braid end into a bun at the top of your head. The visible braid leading into the bun creates beautiful texture and visual interest.

17: Two-Minute Twisted Up-do

When you’re truly short on time, this ultra-quick twisted style delivers sophisticated results in just minutes.

Divide your hair in half horizontally. Twist the top section and secure with pins at your crown.

Twist the bottom section upward, tucking ends underneath, and secure with pins.

The overlapping twisted sections create the appearance of a complex updo with minimal effort.

18: Wrapped Ponytail Bun

Transform your everyday ponytail into an elegant updo with this simple wrapping technique.

Create a mid-height ponytail and divide it into two sections. Wrap each section in opposite directions around the ponytail base, securing ends with pins.

This style works particularly well for longer hair and creates a beautiful, streamlined look.

19: Twisted Side Up-do

Create asymmetrical elegance with this simple twisted technique that works beautifully for special occasions.

Start a loose French twist but direct all hair toward one side instead of straight back. Secure with pins and allow some pieces to fall naturally for a softer finish.

The side positioning creates an instantly romantic and feminine aesthetic.

20: Infinity Bun

This style gets its name from the figure-eight shape it creates, adding interesting dimension to a basic bun.

Create a low ponytail and divide it in half. Twist each section and wrap in a figure-eight pattern, securing with pins at the crossover point.

The overlapping sections create beautiful texture that looks intricate but requires only basic pinning skills.

21: Knotted Up-do

Create interesting texture using simple knots rather than complex braiding techniques.

Divide your hair into two sections and tie them in a basic knot. Continue knotting down the length, then wrap the knotted hair into a bun and secure with pins.

The knots create unique texture that sets this style apart from basic twisted updos.

22: Easy Braid Wrap

Transform a simple three-strand braid into a beautiful updo with this wrapping technique.

Create a basic braid with all your hair, then wrap it around the base of your neck, securing with pins as you go. Tuck the end underneath and pin securely.

This style distributes weight evenly around your head, making it comfortable for all-day wear.

23: Twisted Topknot

Elevate the basic topknot with twisted sections that add visual interest and improved hold.

Divide your hair into two sections, twist each section tightly, then wrap them around each other to form a high bun.

Secure with pins throughout the twisted sections. The twist creates texture and helps keep the bun secure without requiring dozens of pins.

24: Double Bun Up-do

Channel Princess Leia vibes with a modern twist on the double bun that’s surprisingly easy to create.

Divide your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails. Twist each ponytail and wrap into a bun, securing with pins or spiral hair pins for extra hold.

Position the buns closer together at the back of your head for a more sophisticated, less costume-like appearance.

25: Quick Twist and Pin

When all else fails, this foolproof method creates a beautiful updo with minimal technique required.

Simply twist sections of hair back from your face and secure with pins as you go.

Work your way around your head until all hair is pinned up in a naturally beautiful arrangement.

This freeform approach allows you to create a unique style every time without following strict steps.

Conclusion

Mastering these beginner-friendly up-dos will transform your hair routine, giving you confidence to create beautiful styles for any occasion.

Practice makes perfect, so grab some pins and start experimenting today!