Hair Up Styles to Try: 12 Buns, Ponytails and More

The 12 styles here run from a messy bun that takes under a minute to a ballerina bun where one stray bump breaks the effect, so the real range is how much care you’ll give the surface.

Occasion and time decide the rest: a messy bun or twisted low ponytail suits a busy morning, while a chignon or slicked-back bun belongs at weddings and formal dinners.

Hair texture matters too, since a day-old blowout holds a braided crown or a ballerina bun far better than freshly washed strands.

1. Messy Bun

A messy bun is the easiest hair-up style there is, and the looser and less tidy it is, the better it looks. Loose pieces around the face and a slightly lopsided shape are the point, so skip the mirror fuss.

Paired with a simple white dress like this, it keeps an outfit relaxed and daytime-friendly. I’d choose it for errands, lunch, or any day you want your hair up in under a minute.

The best easy updo hairstyles manage to do both: They take just a few minutes to recreate but are still versatile enough for dinner plans, weddings, or even running errands.

— Marie Claire

2. Half-Up, Half-Down

Half-up, half-down solves a common problem: you want hair off your face but still want length showing. A high half-up ponytail, with the rest left in loose waves, does that without much effort.

I like it for days when a full updo feels too formal. Gather only the top section, secure it, and let the lower layer fall naturally.

It dresses up or down depending on the outfit, which makes it a smart default.

3. Chignon

Low and smooth, a chignon sits at the nape of the neck and reads polished from every angle, especially from behind. It pairs well with off-the-shoulder necklines and earrings, since nothing competes with them.

Of all the updos here, this is the one I’d pick for weddings, dinners, or anything formal. Keep the surface neat and the shape soft, and it looks expensive without effort.

4. Twisted Top Knot

Practical days call for a twisted top knot. Because it sits high, it clears your neck and collar completely, which helps with scrubs, work uniforms, or a long shift.

Twisting the hair before you wrap it adds texture and keeps the knot from looking flat. I’d pick this when you need hair secure and out of the way but still want it to look styled, not thrown together.

5. Loc Updo

Locs hold shape well, so they can be piled, twisted or coiled into a bun or knot with real height and structure.

Splitting them into sections, as in 3 smaller buns on top, gives a more intricate shape than a single knot.

Gold hoops and a chain suit the look well, since an updo shows off the ears and neck. For a simpler version, gather everything into one bun.

6. Ballerina Bun

Smooth hair, a high placement and a round shape are what define a ballerina bun, and one stray bump breaks the effect. Styled edges and a clean surface matter more here than in any other bun.

Because the hair is pulled up and away, it frames the face and shows off a necklace or a ribbed top.

I’d reserve it for days when you want a crisp, put-together look; it asks for more care than a messy bun.

7. Slicked-Back Bun

Gel or a smoothing cream along the hairline does most of the work in a slicked-back bun; the shape itself is simple. Brush everything back, gather it, and wrap it flat so no ridges show from the side.

A slicked-back bun puts the whole profile on display, so a high neckline and a pair of gold earrings are all the styling it needs; anything busier competes with the clean line from forehead to nape.

For formal evenings, I’d choose this over a looser knot. It looks sharp but takes patience to keep smooth.

8. Slick-Back Ponytail

Few styles look as polished for as little effort as a slick-back ponytail. Brush the hair straight back, tie it high, and smooth the surface with a brush so the line from forehead to tie stays unbroken.

Small hoops suit it, since the ears and jaw are fully visible. I like it for workdays and dinners alike, and it holds up as the easier cousin of a sleek bun.

9. Braided High Bun

Braids make a high bun neater, because the braided hair coils into a firm, even shape instead of a loose wad. Pile the braids at the crown and pin them in a circle so the bun sits tall and centered.

It keeps hair off the neck, which suits long days and hot weather. I’d pick it when you want something secure that still looks planned, and it works with a plain tee as easily as a dressier top.

10. Braided Crown Ponytail

A braid running along the crown into a high ponytail gives a plain pony some structure. Start the braid at the front or side, work it back toward the tie, and join it into the ponytail.

Leaving a few loose tendrils around the face softens the look, especially on curls. I’d wear this when a regular ponytail feels too ordinary but a full updo is more than the day needs.

11. Twisted Low Ponytail

2 minutes is all a twisted low ponytail takes, and its maker says it works on all hair lengths and types. Secure the ponytail low, then twist a section at the base so it hides the elastic.

Pearl pins on either side of the twist, placed symmetrically, make it look finished from behind.

For a sweeter variation, heart-shaped barrettes work the same way. It’s an easy pick for a plain white tee and a busy morning.

12. Braided Ponytail with Ribbon

Braiding the hair into the ponytail, rather than just tying it, gives the whole length a textured, tidy line.

Finish with a ribbon bow over the elastic; a checkered one in red adds a small pop against neutral knits like a cream cable sweater.

I’d pick a ribbon with a bit of body, because it holds a bow better than a slippery one. The style is casual and a little sweet, so it suits weekends more than formal events.

Maintaining Your Updo

Clean, freshly washed hair slides out of almost any updo. Freshly washed hair is slippery, so a few spritzes of texturizing spray, or a day-old blowout, give the pins something to bite into.

Pin placement matters as much as the pins themselves. For a pin that stays put, cross 2 bobby pins into an X and slide them in with the open sides facing your scalp.

For a coil or bun, I reach for U-pins, because they sink into the shape and disappear.

Twist the length tightly before you shape it. A firm, tight twist gives you more control over the finished shape and holds up through a full day far better than a loose one.

Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray rather than a stiff one. It sets the style but lets you move, and you can still tuck a stray piece back in at midday.

Run a tail comb lightly over the surface to smooth flyaways before any spray goes on. Pulling a few loose strands out around your face hides the small slips that show up by afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions