Long hair is a magnificent canvas, offering endless possibilities for styling. Yet, for many, the thought of an elegant updo often conjures images of intricate salon visits, countless bobby pins, and hours spent in front of a mirror. The good news? Achieving a sophisticated, beautiful updo doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially when you harness the timeless charm and surprising simplicity of braids. Easy braided updo hairstyles for long hair are not only practical, keeping your tresses neatly secured and off your neck, but they also exude an effortless grace that can transition seamlessly from a casual brunch to a formal evening event.
This comprehensive guide will demystify the art of creating stunning braided updos, proving that with a few basic techniques and a little practice, anyone with long hair can master these chic looks. We’ll explore various styles, provide step-by-step instructions, and share tips to ensure your braided updo is both beautiful and holds up throughout your day. Get ready to transform your long locks into works of art, one simple braid at a time.
Why Choose Braided Updos for Long Hair?
Braided updos offer a unique blend of benefits that make them ideal for long hair:
- Protection: Long hair is susceptible to tangles, snags, and environmental damage. Braiding and securing it in an updo protects it from friction, wind, and sun, reducing breakage and preserving its health.
- Practicality: Whether you’re working out, tackling household chores, or simply want your hair out of the way, an updo provides ultimate convenience. Braids add an extra layer of security, ensuring your style stays put.
- Versatility: From bohemian chic to classic elegance, braided updos can be adapted to suit any occasion or personal style. The texture of braids adds visual interest that a simple bun might lack.
- Volume and Texture: Braids inherently add volume and dimension, making even fine hair appear fuller. Pulling apart sections of a braid (pancaking) can further enhance this effect.
- Timeless Appeal: Braids have been a staple in hairstyling for centuries, transcending trends. A braided updo always looks polished and sophisticated.
Essential Tools and Tips for Success
Before diving into specific styles, gather your arsenal and keep these general tips in mind:
Essential Tools:
- Hair Elastics: Opt for clear or hair-colored elastics that blend in.
- Bobby Pins: A variety of sizes and colors (matching your hair) will be useful.
- Hair Spray: A flexible-hold spray for finishing and taming flyaways.
- Texturizing Spray or Dry Shampoo: Great for adding grip and volume, especially to freshly washed hair.
- Comb and Brush: For detangling and sectioning.
- Handheld Mirror: Crucial for seeing the back of your head.
General Tips:
- Prep Your Hair: Day-old hair often holds styles better than freshly washed, super-slippery hair. If your hair is too clean, a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray can add grip.
- Don’t Over-Tighten: While you want your style to be secure, avoid pulling too tightly, which can cause discomfort and damage.
- Embrace Imperfection: The beauty of many braided updos lies in their slightly undone, effortless look. Don’t strive for absolute perfection; a few loose strands can add to the charm.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Like any skill, braiding and updos take practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless.
- Sectioning is Key: Clean sections make for cleaner braids and updos.
Easy Braided Updo Hairstyles for Long Hair: Step-by-Step Guides
Here are several easy braided updo hairstyles for long hair, complete with instructions to help you master them.
1. The Classic Braided Bun (Chignon with a Twist)
This is a timeless and incredibly versatile style, perfect for almost any occasion. It’s essentially a low bun elevated by the texture of a braid.
How-To:
- Low Ponytail: Gather all your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic. You can make it center or slightly off-center.
- Braid the Ponytail: Braid the entire length of the ponytail using a simple three-strand braid. Secure the end with a small elastic.
- Wrap and Pin: Gently pull apart the sections of the braid (pancaking) to make it look fuller. Then, wrap the braided ponytail around the base of the elastic, coiling it into a bun.
- Secure: Use bobby pins to secure the bun firmly to your head, tucking in any loose ends. Finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Tips: For a sleeker look, apply a smoothing serum before braiding. For a messier, more relaxed vibe, pull out a few face-framing pieces.
2. The Crown Braid Updo (Halo Braid)
Romantic and ethereal, the crown braid makes you feel like royalty. It might look complex, but it’s surprisingly achievable with long hair.
How-To:
- Part Your Hair: Create a deep side part or a center part, depending on your preference.
- Start Braiding: Take a section of hair from just behind your ear on one side. Begin a French braid (or Dutch braid for a more pronounced look) along your hairline, incorporating new sections of hair as you go, moving up and over the crown of your head.
- Continue Around: Keep braiding, following the curve of your head, until you reach the other side. You’ll be braiding all your hair into this single braid.
- Complete and Secure: Once you’ve braided all your hair, continue with a regular three-strand braid to the end. Wrap the remaining braid around your head, tucking the end underneath the beginning of the braid. Secure with bobby pins.
Tips: Don’t pull too tightly for a softer look. Gently tug on the outer loops of the braid to create more volume and a "pancaked" effect.
3. The Braided Top Knot (High Braided Bun)
This style is chic, playful, and perfect for keeping hair completely off your neck, making it ideal for warmer weather or active days.
How-To:
- High Ponytail: Gather all your hair into a high ponytail on the crown of your head and secure it tightly with an elastic.
- Braid the Ponytail: Braid the entire length of the ponytail into a simple three-strand braid. Secure the end with a small elastic.
- Coil into a Bun: Gently loosen the braid by pulling apart the sections. Then, coil the braided ponytail around the base of the elastic, forming a bun.
- Secure: Use bobby pins to secure the bun firmly. You might need several pins, especially for very long or thick hair.
Tips: For extra volume, use a hair donut underneath the braid before coiling. For a messy top knot, don’t worry about perfection; let a few strands fall naturally.
4. The Double Braided Low Bun
This style offers a more intricate appearance while still being relatively simple to execute. It’s elegant and perfect for a date night or a special event.
How-To:
- Center Part: Create a clean center part down the back of your head, dividing your hair into two equal sections.
- Two Low Braids: On each side, create a low three-strand braid (or French/Dutch braid if you prefer) starting from just behind your ear and going down to the ends. Secure each braid with a small elastic.
- Cross and Pin: Take one braid and bring it across the nape of your neck to the opposite side. Pin it securely in place, tucking the end.
- Repeat: Take the second braid and bring it across the nape of your neck, overlapping the first braid. Pin it securely, tucking the end. Arrange the braids to form a cohesive bun shape.
Tips: Pull out small face-framing pieces around your temples for a softer, more romantic look. Gently pull apart the braid sections for a fuller bun.
5. The French Braid Updo (French Braid to Bun)
This is a classic that provides excellent hold and a polished finish, making it suitable for professional settings or more formal occasions.
How-To:
- Start French Braid: Take a section of hair from the crown of your head. Begin a French braid, incorporating new sections of hair from the sides as you braid downwards towards the nape of your neck.
- Continue to Ends: Once you reach the nape of your neck and have incorporated all your hair, continue with a regular three-strand braid down to the ends. Secure with a small elastic.
- Coil and Pin: Gently loosen the braid by pulling apart the sections. Coil the entire braid into a bun at the nape of your neck.
- Secure: Use bobby pins to secure the bun firmly against your head.
Tips: For a more relaxed version, start with a slightly looser French braid. You can also do two French braids meeting at the back for a twin braided bun effect.
6. The Fishtail Braided Updo
For a unique texture and a touch of bohemian flair, the fishtail braid adds a beautiful dimension to an updo. It looks complex but is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it.
How-To:
- Low Ponytail: Gather all your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure with an elastic.
- Fishtail Braid: Divide the ponytail into two equal sections. Take a small strand from the outside of one section and cross it over to the inside of the other section. Repeat on the other side. Continue this pattern, alternating sides, until you’ve braided the entire ponytail. Secure the end with a small elastic.
- Pancake and Coil: Gently pull apart the fishtail braid sections to make it appear wider and fuller. Then, coil the braided ponytail around its base, forming a bun.
- Secure: Use bobby pins to secure the fishtail bun.
Tips: The messier the fishtail, the more charming it often looks. Don’t worry about perfect symmetry.
7. The Braided Headband Updo
This style combines the elegance of a headband with the practicality of an updo, creating a soft and romantic look.
How-To:
- Section for Headband: Part your hair as desired. Take a small section of hair from just above your ear on one side. This will be your "headband" braid.
- Braid the Headband: Braid this section (a simple three-strand braid, or a Dutch braid for more prominence) all the way down to the ends. Secure with a small elastic. Repeat on the other side.
- Gather and Braid Main Hair: Gather the rest of your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Incorporate the two "headband" braids into the base of this ponytail.
- Create Bun: Braid the entire ponytail (which now includes the two smaller braids) into a simple three-strand braid. Coil this larger braid into a bun at the nape of your neck and secure with bobby pins.
- Position Headband Braids: Gently bring the two smaller braids (if they weren’t fully incorporated into the main ponytail) across the top of your head like a headband, pinning them discreetly behind your ears or into the bun. (Alternatively, ensure they are fully incorporated into the main ponytail base before braiding for a seamless look).
Tips: For a softer look, leave out a few face-framing pieces. This style is excellent for showcasing highlights.
8. The Messy Braided Updo
Embrace the art of imperfection with a messy braided updo. This style is effortlessly chic and perfect for casual outings or when you want a relaxed, bohemian vibe.
How-To:
- Texturize: Start with hair that has some grip. If your hair is too clean, spray some dry shampoo or texturizing spray throughout.
- Loose Braid: Gather your hair into a loose, low ponytail. Begin a very loose three-strand braid, or even a loose fishtail braid. Don’t worry about perfection; let strands fall where they may. Secure the end with a small elastic.
- Pancake Heavily: This is key for the messy look. Generously pull apart the sections of your braid, making it as wide and undone as possible.
- Coil and Pin Loosely: Loosely coil the "pancaked" braid into a bun at the nape of your neck, or slightly higher. Use bobby pins to secure it, but don’t over-pin. Allow some pieces to naturally fall out.
- Final Touches: Gently pull out more strands around your face and neck to enhance the messy, effortless feel. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.
Tips: This style looks fantastic with slightly wavy or curly hair. The more "undone" it looks, the better!
Maintaining Your Braided Updo
Once you’ve perfected your easy braided updo, a few simple steps can help it last:
- Hair Spray: A final mist of flexible-hold hairspray will help tame flyaways and keep your style in place without making it stiff.
- Touch-Ups: Keep a few bobby pins handy for quick touch-ups throughout the day if any strands come loose.
- Silk Pillowcase: If you want your updo to last overnight, sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce friction and frizz.
Customizing and Accessorizing
The beauty of easy braided updo hairstyles for long hair lies in their adaptability. Personalize your look with:
- Hair Accessories: Delicate hair jewels, fresh flowers, decorative pins, or even a silk scarf woven into a braid can elevate your updo.
- Varying Tightness: A tight braid offers a sleek, polished look, while a loose, "pancaked" braid creates a softer, more romantic feel.
- Face-Framing Pieces: Pulling out small sections of hair around your face can soften the look and add a touch of effortless charm.
- Adding Texture: Before braiding, consider adding soft waves or curls to your hair for an even more textured and voluminous updo.
Conclusion
Easy braided updo hairstyles for long hair are a testament to the fact that beauty doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little practice and these straightforward techniques, you can transform your long locks into a variety of stunning updos that are both practical and profoundly elegant. From the classic braided bun for everyday sophistication to the romantic crown braid for special occasions, these styles offer versatility, protection, and a timeless appeal. So, embrace your beautiful long hair, experiment with these braided updos, and discover the effortless elegance that awaits you. Your perfect braided updo is just a few simple steps away.
