18 Braided Hairstyles Updo | Elegant & Chic Hair Ideas
Braided updos are a timeless blend of beauty, creativity, and practicality, making them a go-to choice for everything from casual days to elegant occasions. By combining the intricate details of braids with the sophistication of an updo, these hairstyles offer endless possibilities to express personal style.
Whether you prefer sleek and polished looks, romantic and bohemian vibes, or bold and edgy designs, a braided updo can be tailored to suit any mood or event.
With their versatility and charm, these hairstyles not only elevate your overall look but also keep your hair neatly in place while adding a touch of artistry.
This article explores 18 stunning braided updo styles, each offering unique flair and inspiration for your next hair transformation.
1. Twisted Low Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils
This romantic style combines elegance with effortless beauty. The hair is swept back into a low, textured bun that sits gracefully at the nape of the neck.
What makes this look special are the soft, wavy pieces left loose around the face – they create a dreamy, romantic vibe that’s perfect for date nights or special occasions.
The twisted technique adds volume and dimension, while the overall style feels polished yet relaxed. It’s the kind of hairstyle that looks complicated but can actually be achieved with some practice and the right hair ties.
2. Side-Swept Braided Crown with Curled Updo
Here’s a style that screams vintage glamour with a modern twist. A delicate braid sweeps across one side of the head like a beautiful crown, while the rest of the hair is styled into soft, bouncy curls that are pinned up elegantly.
This look perfectly balances structured braiding with loose, romantic curls. The side part adds asymmetry that’s totally on-trend, while the overall effect is both sophisticated and playful.
It’s an ideal choice for weddings, proms, or any time you want to feel like royalty walking down the street.
3. Intricate Dutch Braid into Low Twisted Bun
Sometimes simple techniques create the most stunning results. This style features a classic Dutch braid that travels down the back of the head before transforming into a beautifully twisted low bun.
The braid adds texture and visual interest to what could otherwise be a basic updo.
The golden highlights in the hair make each twist and turn of the braid really pop, creating depth and dimension.
This versatile look works equally well for professional settings or casual weekend brunches – it’s polished enough for the office but relaxed enough for everyday wear.
4. Multiple Dutch Braids into Gathered Low Bun
This style takes braiding to the next level with multiple Dutch braids working together in harmony.
Several braids start from different sections of the head and all converge into one gorgeous low bun. The technique creates incredible texture and makes even fine hair look thick and voluminous.
Each braid maintains its individual character while contributing to the overall sculptural effect. The blonde tones add even more dimension, making every twist visible and beautiful.
It’s a showstopper that proves braids can be both intricate and wearable for everyday occasions.
5. Fishtail Braid with Messy Low Bun
The fishtail braid gets a modern makeover in this effortlessly chic updo. Instead of a perfect, tight braid, this style embraces a looser, more relaxed approach that feels current and lived-in.
The fishtail technique creates that coveted textured look that’s been trending everywhere, while the messy bun adds a casual, undone vibe.
A few strategic face framing pieces complete the look, softening the overall effect.
This style strikes the perfect balance between put-together and relaxed – ideal for those days when you want to look polished without appearing too formal or fussy.
6. Crown Braid with Twisted Low Chignon
Traditional meets contemporary in this sophisticated updo that features a crown braid encircling the head like a beautiful headband. The remaining hair is styled into a low, twisted chignon that sits elegantly at the base of the neck.
This style has a timeless quality that would have looked just as beautiful decades ago as it does today. The dark hair color emphasizes the intricate braid work, while the overall effect is refined and ladylike.
It’s perfect for formal events, cultural celebrations, or any occasion where you want to honor classic beauty with a modern sensibility.
7. Decorative Accent Braid with Spiral Bun
Who says braids have to be serious? This playful style incorporates colorful hair accessories woven throughout a beautiful braid pattern. The braid forms an artistic design across the head before gathering into a spiral-shaped bun.
The small, colorful accents add whimsy and personality to what could be a standard braided style.
This look celebrates creativity and self-expression, showing that braids can be both functional and fun.
It’s perfect for festivals, parties, or any time you want to showcase your playful side while still keeping your hair elegantly styled and out of your face.
8. Side-Twisted Updo with Braided Accent
Sometimes the most beautiful styles are the ones that look effortless. This updo features hair that’s been twisted and pinned up in a casual yet polished way, with a subtle braid accent that adds just the right amount of detail.
The technique creates natural-looking volume and movement, while the overall effect is sophisticated without being overdone.
The warm blonde tones enhance the twisted texture, making every curve and turn visible. This versatile style transitions beautifully from day to night and works for both professional settings and social gatherings.
9. Voluminous Braided Updo with Floral Accent
This updo is pure romance in hair form. Multiple braiding techniques come together to create a full, voluminous style that’s been finished with delicate white flowers for an extra touch of femininity.
The braids are woven and twisted to create incredible height and dimension, while the dark hair color provides a beautiful contrast to the white floral accents.
This style feels like it belongs in a fairy tale – it’s perfect for weddings, garden parties, or any occasion where you want to embrace your most romantic, feminine side while keeping your hair beautifully controlled.
10. Dutch Braid Crown with Twisted Side Bun
The final style combines the best of both braiding worlds – a Dutch braid that travels around the head like a crown, paired with a twisted side bun that sits asymmetrically for modern appeal.
The braid work is precise and beautiful, while the side-swept bun adds contemporary flair to this otherwise classic technique.
The brown hair with golden highlights makes every twist and braid visible, creating a rich, dimensional look.
This style proves that traditional braiding techniques can feel fresh and current when styled with a modern sensibility and creative placement.
11. Romantic Twisted Low Bun
This gorgeous hairstyle combines elegance with a touch of whimsy. The hair is gently twisted and braided along the sides, creating beautiful texture before being gathered into a soft, messy bun at the nape.
Those delicate wispy pieces frame the face perfectly, giving it that effortless romantic vibe.
It’s the kind of style that works beautifully for weddings, date nights, or any special occasion where you want to look put-together but not too formal.
The blonde highlights really make those twisted sections pop and add amazing dimension.
12. Sleek Side Braided Chignon
Here’s proof that braided updos can be both sophisticated and modern. The hair is swept to one side and woven into a neat braid that wraps around into a polished low chignon. What makes this style special is how clean and refined it looks – every strand has its place.
The rich brown color gives it such depth, and those subtle face-framing pieces add just enough softness.
This is perfect for professional settings, formal events, or when you want a hairstyle that means business while still showing your creative side.
13. Intricate Braided Crown Updo
This stunning updo is like wearing a crown made of your own hair! Multiple braids weave together to create an intricate pattern that’s absolutely mesmerizing. The small white floral accent adds the perfect delicate touch without overwhelming the beautiful braided design.
It’s the kind of hairstyle that makes people stop and stare, wondering how on earth it was created. Perfect for brides, prom, or any time you want to feel like absolute royalty.
The way the braids catch the light creates such beautiful texture and movement.
14. Voluminous Braided Rose Bun
Talk about making a statement! This incredible updo features multiple braids twisted and pinned to create what looks like a gorgeous blooming rose at the back of the head. The volume and texture are absolutely incredible – it’s like sculpture made from hair.
The rich brunette color really shows off all those beautiful braided layers and loops.
This is definitely a special occasion hairstyle that requires some serious skill, but the result is absolutely breathtaking. It’s romantic, dramatic, and completely unforgettable all at once.
15. Bohemian Side-Swept Braid
This relaxed braided updo has such beautiful boho vibes. The hair is loosely braided to one side and gathered into a soft, textured bun that looks effortlessly chic.
Those gorgeous blonde highlights really make the braid pattern stand out, and the way some pieces are left loose gives it that perfect undone feel.
It’s the kind of hairstyle that looks complicated but has this wonderful casual elegance. Great for outdoor weddings, music festivals, or any time you want to channel your inner free spirit while still looking polished.
16. Dutch Braid Mohawk Updo
This edgy take on braided updos is absolutely fierce! The hair is styled with multiple Dutch braids creating a mohawk-inspired silhouette, with the sides pulled tight and the center braids standing proud. It’s bold, it’s different, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
The precision required for this geometric pattern is incredible, and the way it combines punk attitude with braiding technique is pure genius.
Perfect for someone who wants to make a serious style statement and isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
17. Cornrow Top Knot with Color
This creative updo is pure artistry! The precise cornrow pattern at the base creates amazing geometric lines, while the top is transformed into playful spiral curls in vibrant pink and purple hues.
It’s a perfect blend of traditional braiding techniques with modern color creativity.
The contrast between the structured braided base and the fun, curly top knot creates such visual interest.
This style celebrates both skill and personality, showing how protective hairstyles can be both practical and absolutely stunning. It’s bold, beautiful, and completely unique.
18. Chunky Pull-Through Braid Updo
This trendy updo takes the classic braid to the next level with its chunky, dimensional appearance. The pull-through braid technique creates these amazing thick sections that look almost like links in a chain.
Those curly tendrils escaping around the face add such a romantic, soft touch to balance the structured braid.
The blonde balayage really emphasizes each section, making the braid look even more dramatic and eye-catching. It’s modern, it’s textured, and it’s the perfect choice for someone who wants a braided style that’s anything but basic.
Conclusion
Braided updos prove that hairstyling can be both functional and fashionable, giving you the best of elegance and individuality in one look. From simple and chic designs to intricate and statement-making creations, there’s a braided updo for every personality and occasion.
These styles are more than just trends they’re timeless expressions of artistry that continue to evolve with modern twists while honoring classic roots.
Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, a party, or just want to refresh your everyday look, a braided updo can instantly make you feel confident and radiant.
With 18 inspiring ideas at your fingertips, you’re sure to find the perfect braid-infused updo that complements your style and showcases your unique beauty.
