Braided Updos: 80 Gorgeous Styles for All Hair Types

Braided updos combine elegance and versatility, perfect for everything from casual outings to formal events. We’ve curated 80 gorgeous braided updo styles to inspire your next hair transformation.

These stunning braided hairstyles work beautifully for all hair types and textures, offering both style and functionality whether you’re out for a casual walk, at a party, or at the office.

Braids may require some additional time to create, but they’re also some of the most spectacular hairstyles around.

From protective styles to elegant formal looks, these braided updos offer versatility and stunning visual impact for any occasion.

1. Braided Updos. Dutch Braid Crown

It’s amazing how Dutch braids can look just as pretty when worn by a 10-year old girl as when worn by adult women. This is a gorgeous example of a double Dutch braid crown with a chic yet relaxed overtone.

Create those braids, secure them around the head with pins and leave some hair strands out or pull them gently.

2. Two Dutch Braids Updo

Close to the milkmaid style, these Dutch braids look royal. Braid toward the back in a tight manner, secure with pins and bring the loose ends together in a delicate low bun.

3. Simple Dutch Braid Crown Updo

Crown braids or princess braids as they are also dubbed, are one of the easiest braided updos you can have. This simple crown braid is still sufficiently sophisticated to be donned anywhere from the office to a night out with the girls.

4. Goddess Braids for Black Hair

Black hair and braids are almost synonymous. Deemed protective styles for black hair, braids have been reinvented in a myriad of stunning ways, each style being more attractive than the other.

Just look at these gorgeous alternate braids which meet to create one of the most beautiful instances of goddess braids styles.

5. Gorgeous Braided Updo for Black Hair

This intricate braided pattern had us at first sight. Creating a faux hawk hairstyle with these delicate braids and loose curly ends is an ingenious idea you should try at least once.

6. Classy Twist Braids Updo

Looking for a braided updo style that’s going to last? Here it is. It’s classy, timeless, chic and edgy. At the same time, it warrants a long-lasting shape that you’ll love.

7. Braided Hairstyles

Bring your hair up in a relaxed bun. Leave two thicker strands out. Use them to achieve two braids which will be secured to the head, much like a headband.

8. Thick Dutch Braid Updo for Long Hair

This clean-cut hairstyle is one of our favorites. One simple Dutch braid can be so effective in creating a visually compelling hairstyle that it’s a pity not to try this style for yourself.

9. Eye-Catching Double Braided Updo for Long Hair

Separate your hair into two sections. Use the section beneath to create this simple, loose braid, pulling it gently at the end.

Braid the top section in a tight fishtail braid and secure it so that it runs through the middle of the lower braid. Pin the loose ends in a casual low bun. A glamorous hairstyle that doesn’t take longer than ten minutes to achieve.

10. Braided Mohawk Updo

Faux hawk braided updos look stunning every single time. Instead of the usual undercut, braid the side hair sections in delicate, intricate patterns bound to turn some heads.

11. Low Braided Updo for Long Hair

Start braiding from the top and continue until all your hair is part of a masterful casual braid. Twist it in a low relaxed bun. Secure it with pins. Flaunt your fresh hairstyle in the office or at a party.

12. Thin Crown Braid Updo

In this case, the thin braid is merely a decoration, replacing a headband. Nonetheless, it adds an extra feminine note to your look. Delicate braids are always a good idea.

13. Braid Updo. Elegant Double Crown

This stunning elegant updo is one of the easiest braided updos you can try on. All you need to do is pay attention to the details and the final finishing touches.

14. Stylish Low Braided Updo

At the crossroads between a macramé braid and a classic milkmaid braid, this hairstyle falls nothing short of classy and stylish. Plus, it’s super easy to do in under ten minutes with the right set of skills.

15. Reverse French Braid Updo

Simply keep your head upside down and start the French braid from the base of your head. Braid toward the top of the head and secure the ends in a classy ballerina bun.

16. Goddess Braids Updo

This is admittedly a difficult task to complete by yourself. However, if your hairstylist has the right set of skills, this intricate braided design is a must. Feel like a goddess with this hairstyle and enjoy the stunned looks you’ll get.

17. Knotted Braids Updo

A simple yet effective trick is to knit the braids to create these delicate designs. Make as many as you wish. You will look gorgeous no matter what.

18. Playful Messy Braided Updo

Messy braided updos are among the top favorites of women worldwide. They add edge and class to vetted hairstyles.

19. Gorgeous Black Braided Updos

Braided updos for black hair should be the textbook examples for stunning hairstyles. Take a cue from this image whenever you’re in need of an inspiring braided hairstyle.

20. Braided Updos for Weddings

Your wedding day is a special occasion when your looks should match your exuberant state of mind. Don this braided hairstyle that’s comfortable, luxurious and sophisticated.

21. Loose Braided Updo with Messy Bun

Loose braids on the side and an effortless messy bun make for a great hairstyle that can be worn throughout the day.

22. Updos with Braids and Hair Accessories

Braids can act as great supports for hair accessories such as beautiful natural flowers. Don this boho look with a simple crown braid and natural flowers.

23. High Braided Bun

If you sport long tresses, pull your hair to the top of the head and secure it with an elastic. Start braiding and twist the braids around to get this daring hairstyle.

24. Braided Mohawk Updo Hairstyle

Another gorgeous instance of a faux hawk hairstyle achieved with braids. From the tiny box braids on the sides to the kinky braids on top, everything looks perfect.

25. Updo Braids. Gorgeous Faux Hawk

This must be one of the most intricate hairstyles we’ve stumbled upon as far as braided updos are concerned. You will certainly need the hand of an expert here. Nonetheless, this hairstyle is worth a try.

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26. Multiple Braiding Styles Updo

Start with a fishtail braid, switch to a Dutch braid and end with a loose five-strand braiding technique. This hairstyle may look messy, but its complexity and multitude of braiding styles make it one for the style-forward woman.

27. Simply Chic Braided Updo

When all you need is a delicate style element to embellish your updo, try these effective side braids.

28. Braided Hair Crown

Braided crowns look astonishing on natural hair. Nonetheless, highlighted hair can create an even more appealing hairstyle thanks to the play of colors.

29. Braided Ram Horns Hairstyle

Do you fancy an edgy braided hairstyle that’s reminiscent of warrior princesses? These braided updos are what you’re after.

30. Stylish High Braided Updo

Talking about an edgy hairstyle, this example qualifies perfectly. The undercut and the high braided side bun are worth the time invested in this hairstyle.

31. Casual Braided Updo

Split your hair in half. Create braids on each side, intentionally leaving some hair strands out to achieve this messy yet chic look.

32. Inside Out Braids

Basically, this is a reverse braiding technique, similar to the macramé style. It looks careless and effortless, yet it’s an effective way to achieve a look with attitude.

33. Perfectly Braided Low Bun

This perfect finish low bun is so easy to achieve it would be a pity not to try it on when you’ve got a special occasion coming up. It may a bit heavier, thus, make sure it’s safely secured in place.

34. Crown Braid Rich Braided Updo

This is a gorgeous take on the classic crown braid style. Tuck in your curls, add braids here and there and you get the perfect boho look.

35. Back Braided Crown Style

This time, the crown is worn on the back of the head, creating a visually compelling look that’s a must-try this summer.

36. Intricate Five Strand Braided Bun

This hairstyle takes some serious skills to achieve. Nonetheless, once you have the technique pinned down, you’ll notice how versatile it is.

37. Braided Updos for Black Hair

We can’t help but notice the royal note of these high braided side buns. If you sport luscious black tresses, this style is worth a shot.

38. Intricate Braided Updo Design

A wedding hairstyle featuring stunning braids and a curly low bun decorated with natural flowers.

39. Messy Loose Braided Updo

A braided semi-crown that starts from the top of the head and ends at the base in a relaxed, casual hairstyle.

40. Lace Dutch Crown Braid

A loose Dutch braid worn as a princess crown and complemented by a high messy bun create a casual relaxed look that you just have to try if you have longer hair.

41. Braids Updo for Long Hair

Three separate braids are brought up in a simple updo for long hair. This hairstyle for women is casual, relaxed and easy to wear.

42. Double Princess Crown Braid Updo

Two princess crowns will hold your tresses from undoing in a messy hairstyle. Instead of wearing headbands, wear these beautiful style elements.

43. Updo Braid Styles

Tuck your hair in this effortlessly voluminous updo featuring a loose French braid.

44. Twisted Braid Messy Low Bun

Rope braids can be just as effective as tighter braiding styles when it comes to keeping your tresses out of the way.

45. Side Braid Low Updo for Long Hair

We love this romantic hairstyle featuring a well-styled side braid and a braided low bun with showing messy ends.

46. Elegant Braid Updo Hairstyles

Flaunt this gorgeous hairstyle on any special occasion. This one of a kind style among braided updos needs an expert touch. Nonetheless, you won’t regret the time or finance invested. This braided updo is one of those hairstyles bound to get you loads of envious looks.

47. Cute High Braided Updos

Spice up the classic princess crown bun with this tweak. A French braid and a high messy bun make a laid-back women’s hairstyle.

48. Front Braid Hairstyle

Are you feeling particularly daring? Try this braided updo on for size. Weighing heavily on the forehead, the thick Dutch braid is a visually compelling element warranting extra style credits on your account.

49. French Braid Updo

When in need of a particularly classy hairstyle, try this reverse French braid updo. It’s a style statement hairstyle you must try on at least once.

50. Dutch Braids Updo

Four luscious Dutch braids meet at the end in a skillful knot that keeps your hair in a stylish braided updo.

51. Crown Dutch Braid Romantic Updo

Crown braids can be playful, romantic, edgy and classy, all at once. They’re flattering for everyone and every hair type.

52. Box Braids Updo for Black Hair

Alternate braids and braiding styles create this mesmerizing blend. A unique hairstyle among braided updos that’s bound to last longer than Dutch braids or French braids.

53. Edgy Braided Updo Hairstyle

Firstly, the hair color is a trending one this summer. Second, the braids are perfectly tight in a low bun.

54. One Braid Updo Hairstyle

This simple Dutch braid creates a stunning look that can be worn to the office or to a party. The side bun is an unexpected detail adding an extra feminine note to your look.

55. Braided Bun Updo

This gorgeous braided bun requires more patience to achieve. While it is a continuous braid, each layer is secured in place with pins to create this flower-like pattern.

56. Bun Braided Hairstyles

Another flower-like pattern which looks nothing short of breath-taking. Ask a friend to help you out with this one as it may be trickier to achieve this perfect finish by yourself.

57. Elegant Braided Bun Updos

The thicker the braids, the more volume your hairstyle gains. We adore this elegant braided bun for women that can be flaunted anywhere.

58. Natural Braided Updos

A braided updo where the loose ends are well tucked in can go a long way in achieving that studied I-woke-up-this-way look.

59. Gorgeous Twist Braids Updo

Another beautiful instance of a women’s hairstyles that looks like an effortless work of art.

60. Five Strands Braided Updos

Such intricate patterns using five strands at a time may require more patience and skill. Nonetheless, the results are breathtaking.

61. Side Braid Updo

Just one braid can go a long way in adding a stylish detail to a classic updo. Make sure the braid doesn’t show too much from the wealth of beautiful tresses.

62. Side Parted Braid Updo Hairstyle

Make a side part to confer your hair more volume. Braid one side and bring it to the back to tie your hair in a low bun.

63. Romantic Braided Updo Style

Flirty bangs and a perfect mid-bun. What else could you wish for? Two delicate twist braids to spice up your hairstyle.

64. Braided Updos for Short Hair

Even if you have shorter hair, you can still sport gorgeous braided updos. They may require more hair pins to keep in place, yet the results are worth your while.

65. Fishtail Crown Braid Updo for Long Hair

Fishtail braids have come under the limelight relatively recently. It looks like they’re here to stay. They’re easy to make and are useful to create looks that reflect your individuality.

66. Reverse Dutch Braid Updo

Start braiding from the base of the head toward the top while maintain the circular pattern necessary for a successful princess crown.

67. Braided Half Updo

When you have shorter hair you can also try braids as a style element to embellish your hairstyle. Take a cue from this cute look.

68. Braided Goddess Updo

We’ve all seen the movies and the intricate hairstyles donned by the actresses playing the roles of Greek or Roman goddesses. Well, it’s really easy to achieve such a look from the comfort of your home.

69. Cute Low Dutch Braid Updo

Is prom night almost here and you haven’t decided on your hairstyle? One of the cutest braided updos with a romantic overtone may be your winning ticket.

70. Cute Braided Updos for Weddings

One luscious princess crown complemented by several delicate braids can create the perfect Boho wedding hairstyle.

71. Twist Braid Halfdo

Make a deep side part and split your hair into two sections. Use the smaller section to create this cute rope braid and secure it in place with a hairpin.

72. Double Crown Braid. Long Hair Updo

Such braided updos directly from the red carpet are simply stunning. You can sport them on vacation, at your next party or during date night and they will always look as intriguing and refreshing as the first time.

73. African American Braided Updo Hairstyles

A rich bundle of box braids brought up in an oversized bun that’s certainly a statement look. We dare you to try this fully braided look that classy and edgy at the same time.

74. Thin Side Braids for Medium Hair Updo

Two thin braids delicately highlighting your temples may be all the style elements you need to create a stunning hairstyle.

75. Funky Messy Braided Style

A wealthy Dutch braid pulled gently on to the sides so as to release some of the delicate locks creates a romantic messy look that’s simply adorable.

76. Fishtail Braid Updo

If you though fishtail braids are fit for tougher styles, notice the elegant, chic note the fishtail braids confer this look. Styled right, fishtail braids can be used to create any look from casual to classy and edgy.

77. Princess Rope Braids Updo

If you flaunt longer locks, then you must try this updo. Achieving this look won’t give you a headache. Yet your style credits will go through the roof.

78. Fishtail Braids Crown Updo

When it comes to romantic braided updos, this one is among our favorites. All you need is a bit of patience and a few hair pins.

79. Perfect Finish Fishtail Braids Side Updo

Add an extra style element to your look by using just the side tresses for the fishtail braids. Twist them around the low bun and secure with pins.

80. Gorgeous High Braided Updo

This women’s hairstyle is worth calling a work of art. A smooth elegant finish makes this floral pattern a remarkable hairstyle and braided updo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braided Updos

Here are answers to some common questions about braided updos to help you create the perfect style.

How can I make my braided updo last longer?

To make your braided updo last longer, start with slightly dirty hair or use a texturizing spray on clean hair to add grip. Secure braids with small, clear elastic bands before pinning them up. Use plenty of bobby pins inserted in an X-pattern for maximum hold. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray, focusing on the edges and any flyaways.

Are braided updos suitable for short hair?

Yes! While longer hair offers more styling options, shorter hair can still rock braided updos. For bob or lob lengths, try small accent braids incorporated into a half-up style, or multiple small braids pinned up creatively. You can also use extensions or hairpieces for special occasions if you want a more elaborate braided updo.

How can I add volume to my braided updo?

To add volume to your braided updo, tease or backcomb sections of hair before braiding, especially at the crown. Another technique is “pancaking” – after creating your braid, gently tug at the edges to widen it for a fuller appearance. Volumizing hair products and dry shampoo can also create the foundation for a fuller updo.

What types of braids work best for formal events?

For formal events like weddings or galas, elegant French braid updos, fishtail crown braids, and Dutch braid buns offer sophistication and security. Adding accessories like pearl pins, metallic threads, or fresh flowers can elevate these styles further. Styles 20, 38, and 55 in our gallery work particularly well for formal occasions.

How can I make my braided updo look more intricate?

To achieve a more complex look, combine different braiding techniques in one style – like incorporating fishtail, Dutch, and rope braids together. Mixing braid sizes (some thick, some thin) creates visual interest. Adding texture with waves before braiding or using highlighted hair can make even simple braided patterns look more intricate.

Ready to Change Your Look?

These are our choices of braided updos fit for any hair type, style, and occasion. Take them, be inspired, make them your own with some color or that extra touch of something. No matter the case, be totally you!

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