25 Easy Updos You'll Want to Try ASAP

By IPSY Editors

Published on June 3, 2020

Image of a model with a high pony tail hairstyle wearing a floral outfit

If you’re like us, the word “updo” makes you think “complicated.” Maybe it’s the hours-long salon sessions we’ve sat through, or the hairspray (so. much. hairspray) from prom curls past. But creating an updo doesn’t have to take YouTube tutorials, an arsenal of bobby pins, and most of your morning to perfect—and it certainly doesn’t just mean “ponytail.” We’ve got some easy, beautiful, and super fun updos by International Hair and Makeup Artist, Melissa Hurkman that you can create right at home. Plus, tons more inspo—from gorgeous braids to textured buns—for a new updo every day of the week.

1. Half Up Snatched Pony

Image of Melissa Hurkman with a white half up snatched ponytail hairstyle in a white outfit

If you’re not used to wearing your hair up, this playful half up style is the perfect place to start. It’s easy to create when you’re short on time, and it helps give you a lifted look by pulling hair up and away from your face. To create it, Hurkman says to blow dry your hair with a round brush for a soft, smooth finish. Then, section off hair from the top of your ear to the top of your head. Create a ponytail, secure it with an elastic, and then wrap a small section of hair from the bottom of your ponytail around the elastic. Secure it all with a bobby pin.

Pro Tip: “I like using a barber’s brush and hairspray to smooth hair into place,” says Hurkman. “Spray your hairspray on the barber’s brush, then brush your hair—you’ll get the smoothest and most precise snatched pony.”

2. Beachy Half Up Hair

Image of Melissa Hurkman with a wavy, half up hairstyle facing back

What we love above this look: It’s effortlessly beachy and it keeps the hair off your face on breezy summer nights (aka it’s perfect for sunset selfies). The key to creating it is adding lots and lots of texture. Hurkman says it works best with day old or dirty hair. First, use a large crimper and a one-inch barrel curling iron, and alternate crimping and curling throughout your hair. Take two, two-three-inch sections of hair from the front of your face and braid or twist each toward the back of your head. Then, pull them back so the ends cross over each other, and secure with an elastic.

Pro Tip: “I curl sections in front of my ear backwards, and for sections behind my ears I alternate backwards and forwards to create the most texture,” says Hurkman.” If you want even more texture, run your fingers through your hair to break up the waves, and add your favorite beach spray.”

3. Scarf-Tied Top Knot

Image of a smiling Melissa Hurkman with a top know hairstyle tied with a scarf

A top knot is one of our go-to looks when we’re in a hurry but still want to feel chic—and a silk scarf is an easy way to add some flair on-the-go. The best part? It’s gorgeous from day to night, work or weekend. Here’s how to create it: Brush out your hair until it’s completely smooth. Then, spray hairspray on a barber’s brush, smooth your hair into a high ponytail, and secure it with an elastic. Take your favorite scarf and tie it around the base of your ponytail, tucking extra pieces into the elastic. Finally, twist your hair and scarf together two to three times, wrap your hair into a knot, and secure it with hair pins.

Pro Tip: Another fun twist on this look: braids! Hurkman says, “Braid the scarf into your hair, then wrap the braid into a knot and secure with hair pins.”

4. Sleek, Low Pony

Image of Melissa Hurkman with a sleek, low ponytail hairstyle wearing a black and white polka dot outfit

A low pony is probably one of the easiest and most versatile updos you can wear—it’s stylish, sophisticated, and it takes no time to create. The trick to this super smooth look? Hurkman says to blow dry damp hair with a round brush to give your pony a smooth, soft wave at the end. Then, brush your hair into a ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Take a small section from the bottom of your ponytail, and wrap it around the elastic. Secure with a bobby pin.

Pro Tip: “You can also curl your ends with a large barrel curling iron to get a smooth soft wave just at the ends,” says Hurkman. And for an extra sleek finish, “Spray a toothbrush with hairspray and use it to tame any flyaways.”

We suggest: Prep for your sleek pony with NATURELAB.TOKYO Perfect Repair Treatment Masque—it’s made with hair-strengthening keratin that helps build body and shine, and argan and prickly pear oils that protect your hair and add luster.

5. Textured High Pony

It’s equal parts sporty, romantic, and playful—a textured high ponytail is a no-fuss updo for any occasion, and it’s perfect for those no-wash days. Love the look? To create it, Hurkman says to use a wide crimper to crimp your hair throughout your head. Pull your hair up into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic (a bungee-hook hair tie is great if you have one!). Then, use your finger to gently pull hair at the top of your head to add volume and texture. Wrap a piece of hair around your elastic and secure with a bobby pin. For a volume boost, back comb the middle of your ponytail. Finish with texturizing hairspray.

Pro Tip: Ever wonder where exactly to place your pony? Hurkman says, “A good guide to get the best high ponytail is to angle it from the top of your ear to the crown of your head.”