Black women have a beautiful range of updo options that highlight natural textures, protect hair, and turn heads everywhere you go.
In 33 Updo Hairstyles for Black Women, you’ll find versatile ideas for casual days, big events, protective styling, and fresh ways to show off your crown with confidence.
This guide will walk you through creative styles, practical steps, and smart hair care tips to keep your updos stunning and your hair healthy.
Get ready to feel inspired and try something new with 33 Updo Hairstyles for Black Women!
1. High Puff Updo
The high puff is one of the easiest updos for natural hair.
It’s quick to do and keeps your hair looking full and lively.
- Gather your hair at the crown of your head.
- Use a stretchy band to secure it gently.
- Fluff the puff with a pick for volume.
- Smooth edges with a soft brush and edge control.
- Additional Tip: Apply a little castor oil on your edges to keep them nourished and protected from tension.
2. Sleek Low Bun
This sleek, classic bun works for the office, date nights, or weddings.
It’s a simple style that never goes out of fashion.
- Part your hair down the middle or side.
- Smooth hair back with gel or pomade.
- Gather into a low ponytail at the nape.
- Twist and pin into a neat bun.
- Additional Tip: Wrap your bun with a satin scarf for 10 minutes to set the sleek look and reduce flyaways.
3. Braided Crown Updo
A braided crown creates an elegant halo effect.
It’s a lovely style for special occasions.
- Section hair at the front and braid both sides.
- Wrap braids around your head like a crown.
- Pin securely with bobby pins.
- Tuck ends neatly for a polished look.
- Additional Tip: Add edge control or a little shine serum to make the braids look extra smooth and neat.
4. Twisted Top Knot
This updo protects your ends and looks chic.
It’s easy to dress up or down.
- Gather hair at the top of your head.
- Twist into a high bun.
- Pin with bobby pins or secure with a soft band.
- Wrap with a scarf at night to maintain it.
- Additional Tip: Use lightweight styling mousse before twisting to reduce frizz and help hold the knot in place.
5. Faux Hawk Updo
This bold style keeps hair protected and adds edge.
It’s perfect for curls, coils, or locs.
- Section hair into three parts.
- Pin or braid sides up.
- Create buns or twists down the middle.
- Fluff curls for added drama.
- Additional Tip: Add hair jewelry or metallic cuffs along the mohawk line for extra flair.
6. Goddess Braids Updo
Goddess braids are thicker cornrows styled upward.
They’re protective and regal.
- Part hair into large sections.
- Braid each section toward the crown.
- Gather braids into a bun or twist.
- Keep your scalp oiled and clean .
- Additional Tip: Use edge gel to keep your hairline looking fresh while the braids are in.
7. Bantu Knot Updo
Bantu knots protect hair and make gorgeous curls after take-down.
They’re perfect for day or night looks.
- Section hair into small parts.
- Twist and wrap each section into a knot.
- Secure with pins or bands.
- Unravel for defined curls later.
- Additional Tip: Apply a bit of lightweight oil on your fingers when taking down knots to reduce frizz.
8. Flat Twist Updo
Flat twists look stunning and are gentle on hair.
They create beautiful patterns.
- Part hair into rows.
- Twist hair flat against the scalp.
- Gather ends into a bun.
- Add beads or cuffs for flair.
- Additional Tip: Sleep with a silk scarf to keep twists neat longer.
9. Afro Puff with Headwrap
Pair a puff with a bold headwrap for a cultural statement.
It’s quick, cute, and protective.
- Style hair into a puff.
- Wrap a vibrant scarf around your hairline.
- Tie creatively for different looks.
- Choose satin-lined wraps for extra protection.
- Additional Tip: Coordinate your wrap with your outfit for an instant style upgrade.
10. Halo Braid Updo
A halo braid is elegant and timeless.
It works well for natural and stretched hair.
- Part hair near your ear.
- Braid around your head.
- Tuck and pin ends neatly.
- Smooth flyaways with styling cream.
- Additional Tip: For extra hold, mist lightly with setting spray once finished.
11. Cornrow Bun
Cornrows gathered into a bun look neat and last for days.
Perfect for busy weeks.
- Cornrow hair straight back.
- Gather ends into a bun.
- Pin securely at the crown or nape.
- Accessorize with beads.
- Additional Tip: Refresh your scalp every few days with a light oil to prevent dryness.
12. Curly Chignon
A curly chignon keeps your natural curls soft and sophisticated.
It’s ideal for weddings or formal events.
- Pull curls into a low ponytail.
- Twist loosely into a bun.
- Pin carefully without flattening curls.
- Mist with shine spray for polish.
- Additional Tip: Use curl refresher spray before styling for defined curls in the bun.
13. Jumbo Twist Bun
Big chunky twists styled into a bun are bold and protective.
This look can last all week.
- Twist hair into jumbo sections.
- Wrap into a high or low bun.
- Secure with pins or a scrunchie.
- Cover with a silk scarf at night.
- Additional Tip: Rub a bit of hair butter into each twist to keep them moisturized.
14. Pin Curl Updo
A vintage pin curl look adds classic glam.
Great for natural or relaxed hair.
- Roll small sections into pin curls.
- Secure each curl flat with pins.
- Arrange creatively at the crown.
- Mist with hairspray to hold.
- Additional Tip: Use a rattail comb to create clean parts for a polished finish.
15. Braided Mohawk
A braided mohawk combines cornrows and buns for edgy beauty.
It’s unique and protective.
- Cornrow sides upward.
- Gather hair in the center.
- Twist or bun the middle section.
- Add jewelry for extra glam.
- Additional Tip: Lay your edges with a soft toothbrush and edge control for a sleek hairline.
16. Roll and Tuck Updo
This elegant updo uses simple rolling and pinning for a soft, vintage look.
It’s a quick style for special occasions or everyday wear.
- Roll sections upward toward the crown.
- Tuck and pin in place.
- Use bobby pins to secure.
- Finish with decorative clips.
- Additional Tip: Lightly mist with flexible hold hairspray to keep the rolls smooth and frizz-free.
17. French Roll Updo
A French roll is sophisticated for formal events.
It’s a classic style that works well with natural or straightened hair.
- Smooth hair to one side.
- Roll upward and inward.
- Pin securely along the roll.
- Add hairpins or flowers for detail.
- Additional Tip: Use a strong-hold gel to keep the sides sleek without flyaways.
18. Marley Bun
Add Marley hair for a full, protective bun.
It’s an easy way to create a large, show-stopping updo.
- Pull natural hair into a ponytail.
- Wrap Marley hair around the base.
- Pin securely with bobby pins.
- Fluff and shape the bun.
- Additional Tip: Lightly tease the Marley hair before wrapping for a fuller effect.
19. Loc Bun
A low or high bun for locs is neat, protective, and quick.
It keeps hair out of the way stylishly.
- Gather locs into a ponytail.
- Twist into a loose bun.
- Secure with pins or a big scrunchie.
- Keep scalp moisturized.
- Additional Tip: Add a decorative scarf or loc jewelry for extra style.
20. Tucked Frohawk
This soft mohawk keeps sides tucked and curls fluffy.
It’s bold but gentle on edges.
- Pin sides up toward the center.
- Leave curls full on top.
- Use decorative pins for style.
- Spray lightly for hold.
- Additional Tip: Use curl cream to define curls before pinning for extra volume.
21. Low Braided Chignon
This elegant mix of braids and bun is timeless.
Perfect for formal or professional settings.
- Braid hair loosely.
- Wrap braids into a low bun.
- Pin gently to hold.
- Smooth flyaways.
- Additional Tip: Use gold or silver braid cuffs for a touch of glam.
22. Senegalese Twist Updo
Senegalese twists styled up keep hair protected and neat.
This style can last for weeks.
- Install Senegalese twists.
- Gather twists into a bun or ponytail.
- Secure gently with pins.
- Accessorize if you like.
- Additional Tip: Moisturize your scalp every few days with a light oil to avoid flaking.
23. Afro Mohawk Updo
An afro mohawk combines neat sides and voluminous curls.
It’s dramatic and showcases your texture.
- Pin or braid sides upward.
- Let the top and back flow.
- Fluff curls to add shape.
- Use edge control for neat sides.
- Additional Tip: Use a diffuser to boost volume if needed.
24. TWA Roll Updo
Short hair deserves stylish updos too!
A rolled TWA is quick and elegant.
- Roll front or sides up.
- Pin securely.
- Add a scarf or headband.
- Keep curls hydrated.
- Additional Tip: Apply curl pudding for defined curls in the visible sections.
25. Jumbo Box Braid Bun
Box braids pulled up into a bun are classic and protective.
It’s a favorite for vacations and everyday wear.
- Install large box braids.
- Gather into a bun on top.
- Secure with a large scrunchie.
- Add braid cuffs.
- Additional Tip: Wrap your bun at night with a satin scarf to prevent frizz.
26. Braided Bun with Bangs
This fun style adds faux bangs to your braided updo.
It’s playful and frames the face beautifully.
- Braid hair into medium sections.
- Leave front braids as bangs.
- Wrap the rest into a bun.
- Add beads if desired.
- Additional Tip: Curl the ends of the bangs with perm rods dipped in hot water for a softer fringe.
27. Twisted Halo Updo
Twists wrapped like a halo look soft and romantic.
Perfect for weddings or everyday elegance.
- Twist hair into medium sections.
- Wrap twists around the crown.
- Pin carefully.
- Tuck ends for neatness.
- Additional Tip: Use edge gel to keep your hairline smooth and tidy.
28. Bun with Beaded Cornrows
Add beads to cornrows for a cultural, eye-catching twist.
Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Cornrow hair upward.
- Add beads to braid ends.
- Gather hair into a bun.
- Pin securely.
- Additional Tip: Dip beaded ends in hot water to secure them firmly.
29. Dutch Braid Updo
The Dutch braid updo is sleek and practical for any hair type.
It’s also known as an inverted braid.
- Dutch braid along the crown.
- Gather remaining hair into a bun.
- Pin in place.
- Pull braid slightly for fullness.
- Additional Tip: Gently pancake the braid (pull it apart slightly) for a thicker, fuller look.
30. Protective Wig Updo
A wig styled into an updo lets your hair rest.
It’s quick, versatile, and easy to switch up.
- Braid natural hair underneath.
- Install a glueless wig.
- Style into a bun or roll.
- Remove at night.
- Additional Tip: Use a wig grip band to keep the wig secure without glue or clips.
31. Flower Bun Updo
Adding flowers to your bun makes it romantic and dreamy.
Great for weddings or garden parties.
- Gather hair into a bun.
- Tuck in fresh or faux flowers.
- Pin to secure them.
- Mist with holding spray.
- Additional Tip: Use real flowers like baby’s breath or faux silk ones for long wear.
32. Crochet Updo
Crochet hair makes updos fuller and easy to style.
It’s lightweight and protective.
- Install crochet braids.
- Pull hair up into a bun or ponytail.
- Pin curls neatly.
- Use satin scarves at night.
- Additional Tip: Dip the crochet ends in hot water to seal and soften them if needed.
33. Flat Twist & Bun Combo
Combining flat twists with a bun creates a neat, beautiful style.
Perfect for work or formal events.
- Flat twist the front or sides.
- Gather remaining hair into a bun.
- Pin carefully.
- Smooth edges.
- Additional Tip: Add a little styling mousse to hold twists firm and reduce frizz.
Conclusion
Your crown deserves to shine with styles that protect, celebrate, and highlight your beauty.
With 33 Updo Hairstyles for Black Women, you now have dozens of options to match every mood and occasion while keeping your hair healthy and stunning.
Try a new updo this week and let 33 Updo Hairstyles for Black Women help you feel bold, elegant, and ready for anything.