Isabel Parker
Looking fabulous doesn’t have to be limited to celebrities at fancy events. These red carpet-inspired updos are totally wearable for your next special occasion or even just to elevate your everyday look. From elegant twists to statement braids, these styles celebrate the versatility and beauty of Black hair while being practical enough for real life. Get ready to turn heads with these stunning updos that combine glamour with wearability!
1. Bantu Knot Updo
Bantu knots aren’t just protective – they’re high fashion! This traditional African style has been spotted on celebrities from Rihanna to Yara Shahidi, making waves on red carpets worldwide.
Create a pattern of neatly twisted knots across your crown, playing with size and placement for a personalized look. The beauty lies in its versatility – go for symmetrical precision or creative asymmetry.
Unlike many updos, this style can last several days with proper nighttime protection, making it practical for busy schedules.
2. Side-Swept Flat Twist
Flat twists create a sophisticated look while protecting your natural hair. The side-swept element adds asymmetrical drama that frames your face beautifully.
Perfect for formal events yet practical enough for work, this style keeps hair off your neck while showcasing your facial features. The versatility allows for customization with decorative pins or flowers.
Most stylists can complete this look in under an hour, making it ideal for busy women who still want to make a statement.
3. Embellished Afro Updo
Your natural texture becomes the star with this stunning style that lifts your afro into a shapely updo adorned with pearls, gold clips, or crystal pins. The height creates a regal silhouette while maintaining the fullness that makes afro hair so spectacular.
Celebrity hairstylists often create this look for award shows, but you can recreate it with just a few bobby pins and decorative elements from your local beauty supply.
The best part? It works on various hair lengths and textures!
4. The Big Chop Pixie
Forget what you’ve heard about needing long hair for updos! A freshly chopped pixie can be styled into a red carpet-worthy look with the right products and techniques.
Slick down the sides with edge control while adding height and texture on top. A hint of gold or silver hairspray adds that special-occasion touch without looking overdone.
Stars like Zoë Kravitz and Lupita Nyong’o have proven that short cuts can steal the spotlight at any event!
5. Faux Locs Crown Updo
Faux locs offer the perfect combination of protective styling and red carpet glamour. Gathering them into a crown updo creates height and drama while keeping your look polished.
Small, strategic pulls create texture and prevent the style from looking too severe. Add metallic cuffs or thin gold thread woven through select locs for a subtle sparkle that catches the light as you move.
Many stylists recommend this for special events because it stays intact all night without constant touch-ups!
6. Double Rolled Bun Updo
Two is definitely better than one with this sophisticated style! Create two rolled sections that meet in the middle for a structural look that photographs beautifully from every angle.
The clean lines work wonderfully with both natural and straightened textures. A light spritz of holding spray keeps everything in place without that crunchy, overdone feeling.
This versatile style works for everything from office presentations to wedding receptions – just adjust the sleekness factor to match your occasion.
7. High Braided Ponytail
Channel your inner Beyoncé with this showstopping style that combines height, length, and drama! Start with a sleek high ponytail, then add braided extensions for incredible length and movement.
The contrast between the smooth base and textured braid creates visual interest that looks stunning in photos. For extra drama, wrap a section of hair around the ponytail base or add decorative cuffs.
Despite its red carpet pedigree, this style is surprisingly practical for everyday wear – just adjust the length to suit your lifestyle.
8. Statement Long Braids
Jumbo braids aren’t just for casual days – styled correctly, they become red carpet magic! Gather multiple long braids into a half-up style with the ends cascading dramatically over one shoulder.
The key to elevating this look lies in the details: clean parts, smooth edges, and strategic placement. Gold or silver thread woven into select braids adds that celebrity-worthy touch without looking overdone.
Many women love this style because it transitions effortlessly from special event to everyday wear for weeks afterward!
9. Crown Braid into Ponytail
This regal style combines the elegance of a crown braid with the playful movement of a ponytail. The braided section creates a headband effect that frames your face beautifully while keeping hair secure.
Curly or straight ends in the ponytail portion offer versatility based on your personal style. Add baby’s breath flowers or pearl pins along the braid for wedding-worthy elegance or keep it sleek for corporate events.
Surprisingly achievable at home with practice, this look works on natural textures and protective styles alike!
10. Vertical Turret Updo
Make a sculptural statement with this architectural style that defies gravity! Your natural texture creates volume and structure as it’s pinned into a vertical shape reminiscent of avant-garde runway looks.
Despite its high-fashion appearance, this style requires surprisingly few products – just strategic bobby pin placement and perhaps a light holding spray. The height elongates your neck and creates a stunning silhouette in photographs.
Janelle Monáe has rocked variations of this bold look, proving it works everywhere from music videos to movie premieres!
11. Loose Fishtail Braid Updo
Romantic and effortlessly chic, this style balances structure with softness. A fishtail braid wraps around your crown before being pinned into place, with strategic pieces pulled loose for that coveted “undone” look.
The technique works beautifully on natural hair, relaxed hair, and protective styles alike. For special events, tuck fresh flowers or crystal pins into the braid’s overlapping sections for subtle sparkle.
Many celebrities choose this style for daytime red carpet events because it photographs beautifully without looking overly formal.
12. Partial Loc Updo
For loc-wearers, this half-up style offers the perfect balance between showing off your length and creating a polished updo effect. Gather the top section into an intricate arrangement while letting the remaining locs cascade down.
The contrast between the structured top and flowing bottom creates visual interest from every angle. Add wooden or metal beads to the updo portion for personalized cultural flair that celebrates the beauty of your locs.
Many women appreciate how this style keeps hair off the face while still showcasing their loc journey!
13. Pinned Curly Faux Bob
No scissors required for this glamorous bob effect! Your natural curls or twist-out gets pinned underneath to create the illusion of a chin-length cut that’s full of volume and bounce.
The beauty of this style lies in its temporariness – enjoy short-hair elegance for your special event, then release the pins to return to your length. Lupita Nyong’o and Yara Shahidi have both rocked variations of this versatile look.
A few decorative pins at the sides add extra sparkle while helping secure the style all night long.
14. Tousled Curls Updo
Embrace your natural texture with this glamorous yet seemingly effortless style. Curls are pinned up loosely to create height and movement, with face-framing tendrils that soften the look.
The beauty lies in its organized chaos – each curl has its place, yet the overall effect feels wonderfully unstructured. This works beautifully for special occasions when you want to look polished but not overly done.
Many celebrities choose this style for award shows because it photographs beautifully from every angle while allowing their natural texture to shine!
15. Curly Power Puff Updo
Make a bold statement with this style that celebrates volume and natural texture! Your curls are gathered high on the crown, creating a magnificent puff that commands attention while showing off your facial features.
Unlike everyday puffs, the red carpet version incorporates sleek edges and strategic shaping for a more refined silhouette. Adding a decorative headband or cuff at the base elevates the look for special occasions.
Tracee Ellis Ross has made this style iconic, proving natural volume can be both elegant and powerful!
16. Half-Up Twists with Barrette
Sometimes simple is stunning! This elegant style features flat twists on the sides that meet in the back, secured with a statement barrette or cluster of decorative pins.
The remaining hair flows freely, whether that’s your natural curls, blow-out, or protective style. The contrast between the sleek twisted sections and the textured free-flowing hair creates beautiful dimension.
Celebrity stylists love this versatile look because it works for everything from press junkets to award ceremonies without requiring hours in the styling chair!
17. Braided High Ponytail
Elevate the classic ponytail with intricate braiding techniques that transform this everyday style into red carpet material! Start with cornrows or flat twists from the front hairline that feed into a high ponytail.
The ponytail itself can be braided, twisted, or left curly depending on your preference. What makes this style special is the detailed braiding pattern leading to the ponytail – the more intricate, the more impressive!
Alicia Keys and Amandla Stenberg have showcased variations of this versatile style that works for both formal events and active days.
18. Sleek Wavy Bob Updo
Who says you need long hair for an updo? This clever style for bob-length cuts creates the illusion of an updo through strategic pinning and wave patterns.
The sides are slicked back while the top sections are waved and pinned to create height and structure. Edge control and a light holding spray keep everything perfectly in place without stiffness.
Many celebrities opt for this style during their short-hair phases, proving you don’t need length to make a red carpet statement!
19. Disco Curls Updo
Channel the glamorous energy of 70s disco queens with this voluminous style that celebrates big, bouncy curls! Instead of fighting frizz, this look embraces expansion and movement.
The key difference between everyday disco curls and the red carpet version is strategic pinning that creates shape while maintaining that carefree vibe. Gold or crystal accessories scattered throughout add that special-occasion sparkle.
Solange Knowles has made this retro-inspired look a modern red carpet favorite that celebrates natural texture!
20. High Messy Bun
The beauty of this style lies in its perfectly imperfect execution. Your hair is gathered into a high bun with intentionally loose sections and textured edges that create dimension and movement.
Unlike everyday messy buns, the red carpet version incorporates strategic structure and secure pinning that ensures it stays put all night. The height elongates your neck while the textured finish keeps it from looking too severe.
Gabrielle Union and Kerry Washington have both proven this seemingly casual style can be absolutely red carpet worthy!
Comments
Loading…