I love how updo locs celebrate texture and shape while keeping things effortless, and I want to show you simple ways to lift your look without losing that natural vibe.
From high buns to wrapped chignons, small tweaks—teasing for lift, a scarf for pop, a few discreet pins—make a huge difference. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through styles and quick upkeep tips that keep your locs looking polished and playful…
Classic High Bun for Long Locs

I love how a classic high bun turns long locs into an instant statement—sleek at the crown, full at the top, and surprisingly effortless to wear all day.
I pull my locs up, twist and secure with a few pins, then loosen pieces for movement.
It feels polished yet relaxed, perfect for busy days or fun nights, and always makes me stand a little taller.
This style is one of my favorite updo hairstyles for long hair because it showcases texture and keeps hair neatly contained updo hairstyles.
Low Wrapped Chignon

Gathering my locs at the nape feels like giving myself a calm, stylish hug—then I wrap and tuck each strand into a low chignon that looks effortlessly chic.
I secure with pins, leaving playful tendrils to frame my face.
It’s quick, polished, and perfect for work or date night.
Sometimes I add a scarf or jewel for a little extra sparkle.
Many natural updo styles can be adapted to different hair textures and lengths, including natural updo variations that flatter every hair type.
Braided Crown With Tucked Ends

With a few simple braids wrapped around my head and the ends neatly tucked, I get an instant crown that feels both regal and relaxed.
I love how it keeps my locs off my face, highlights my hairline, and looks polished without fuss.
It’s perfect for sunny days or special nights—secure, lightweight, and utterly charming.
I smile every time I wear it.
I sometimes pair it with other elegant braided updos like a braided crown to switch up the look and add variety braided updos.
Half-Up Twisted Halo

I’ll walk you through prepping and sectioning your locs so the half-up twisted halo sits neat and balanced.
Then we’ll twist the crown pieces into a halo shape, showing the simple technique that keeps twists even and secure.
Finally I’ll share quick finishing tips and hold options to keep your style polished all day.
These updos celebrate natural hair textures while offering effortless elegance for any occasion.
Prep and Sectioning
Once I’ve clipped away stray hairs and misted my locs with a lightweight spray, I section off the top half of my hair, twisting small, even parts to keep the halo neat and balanced.
I do this cheerfully, staying precise and playful:
- Part center to ear.
- Secure lower half.
- Create four even sections.
- Clip each twist tidy.
For inspiration, I often look to classic Black Hair Updo techniques that celebrate texture and structure.
Twisted Halo Technique
Now that the top half is clipped and sectioned, I start the Twisted Halo by taking two adjacent sections and wrapping each around the crown in opposite directions so they meet at the back.
I twist smoothly, tucking or looping each loc as I go, keeping tension gentle. It creates a playful, regal band that frames my face and feels surprisingly lightweight and secure.
Finishing and Hold
To finish up the Half-Up Twisted Halo, I gently smooth the crown and tuck any loose ends so the band looks neat and intentional.
I secure it, tease a bit for lift, and mist lightly for hold. Enjoy these quick steps:
- Pin twists discreetly.
- Tuck stray locs.
- Use flexible hold spray.
- Check balance and bounce.
Voluminous Top Knot for Thick Locs

When I want a look that’s bold but effortless, I reach for a voluminous top knot that shows off thick locs and keeps hair out of my face; it’s one of my go-to styles for days when I want drama without the fuss.
I twist and wrap, teasing lift at the roots, securing with a soft band. It’s playful, comfy, and instantly polished.
Side-Swept Updo With Face-Framing Locs

I love sweeping my locs to one side and pinning them into a soft updo that feels both romantic and easygoing.
I let a few face-framing locs fall loose to brighten my features and keep the look effortless.
Try these playful steps:
- Part to the side
- Sweep and pin gently
- Leave two tendrils out
- Add a decorative pin
Messy Bun With Loose Tendrils

I’m excited to show you how a messy bun with loose tendrils starts with the right prep and texture to give your locs grip and shape.
I’ll share how to pull out soft, face-framing tendrils that flatter your features without looking overdone.
Finally, we’ll make sure the bun is secure but relaxed so it lasts all day and still feels effortless.
Prep and Texture
Because texture is what turns a simple bun into an effortlessly chic look, I start by prepping my locs with light moisturizing spray and a dash of texturizing powder so the hair grips and layers hold.
I love playful prep; here’s my quick routine:
- Spritz moisturizer
- Apply powder sparingly
- Loosely roughen strands
- Secure low, messy bun
Face-Framing Tendrils
Letting a few tendrils tumble out softens the whole messy bun and gives your locs an easy, flirtatious vibe I love.
I’ll tease and curl a couple around my face, keeping them soft and slightly undone. They highlight cheekbones, soften a strong jaw, and feel romantic without effort. Play with length and curl for instant personality and movement.
Secure but Relaxed
If you like those soft face-framing tendrils, you’ll love a messy bun that feels both put-together and relaxed.
I twist my locs into a loose bun, tug a few tendrils, and secure with pins.
Try these quick tips:
- Loosely wrap for volume
- Pull tendrils gently
- Use discreet pins
- Finish with light oil for shine
Sleek Low Ponytail Wrap

I love how a sleek low ponytail wrap instantly elevates locs without much fuss.
I gather my locs low at the nape, smooth edges, and wrap a few strands around the base for a polished finish.
It’s chic, comfy, and surprisingly quick.
I’ll sometimes add a jeweled pin or soft scarf for personality—effortless glam in minutes.
Knotted Faux Hawk Updo

Now I’m excited to show you how to build a knotted faux hawk updo, step by step, so your locs sit high and sculpted without fuss.
I’ll walk through the quick styling moves—sectioning, knotting, and pinning—and share my go-to tips for keeping the shape secure.
Plus, I’ll cover simple maintenance and hold tricks so your look stays fresh from day one to day three.
Styling Steps Overview
While we’re keeping things bold and effortless, I’ll walk you through the Knotted Faux Hawk Updo step by step so you can get that sculpted, textured look without drama.
I’ll keep it simple, playful, and precise:
- Section sides, leave center.
- Twist center into knots.
- Pin knots up the ridge.
- Smooth edges, add flare.
Maintenance and Hold
Usually I top off the Knotted Faux Hawk with a few quick tricks so it keeps its shape without looking stiff: I mist a lightweight flexible-hold spray over the knots, tuck any stray ends with small pins, and secure the ridge with a couple of U-pins placed where they won’t show.
I refresh knots lightly, sleep on a satin scarf, and touch up flyaways for playful polish.
Double Twisted Buns

I always love how double twisted buns turn locs into a playful, polished look that works for errands or nights out.
I twist two sections, coil them into tidy buns, and secure with pins or bands.
They’re quick, chic, and comfy.
Try these variations:
- High twin buns
- Low side buns
- Braided base
- Wrapped ends
Intricate Updo With Beaded Accents

When I want to elevate my locs for a special occasion, I turn to an intricate updo with beaded accents that feels like wearable art.
I weave sections into a sculpted bun, threading colorful beads along the ends for pops of personality.
It’s playful, surprisingly quick once you get the pattern, and always draws compliments—tiny treasures that highlight texture and movement without overpowering my natural beauty.
Low Twist and Loop With Scarf Accent

While beaded buns are my go-to for party-ready flair, I also love a low twist and loop with a scarf for days I want something softer and effortlessly chic.
I twist low, loop neatly, and tie a colorful scarf to finish.
Try these quick tips:
- Smooth roots
- Secure twist
- Tuck ends
- Wrap scarf playfully
Puffy Crown Roll for Shorter Locs

I’m excited to show you a puffy crown roll that works beautifully on shorter locs, starting with smart prep and neat sectioning so each piece lays just right.
I’ll walk you through creating the actual roll—tucking and puffing to build that soft, elevated crown.
Finally, I’ll cover simple ways to secure and finish it so your style stays comfy and camera-ready.
Prep and Sectioning
Because shorter locs behave differently, I start prep and sectioning with a few quick checks: clean scalp, lightly moisturized locs, and trimmed flyaways so the crown roll sits neat.
I chat as I work, keeping it fun and practical:
- Detangle gently
- Define center part
- Clip side sections
- Mark crown zone
Quick, tidy, and ready to roll!
Creating the Crown Roll
With a few simple moves and a steady hand, I build the puffy crown roll to sit proudly atop shorter locs.
I tease sections gently, curve each loc into a soft roll, and tuck ends beneath for that bouncy, regal puff.
I keep things light and comfy so the crown looks full without weighing hair down—playful, elevated, and perfectly you.
Secure and Finish Techniques
Finish strong: I anchor the puffy crown roll for shorter locs with a few simple, reliable moves that keep the shape light and secure. I love quick, neat finishes that last.
- Pin base with U-pins for lift.
- Tuck ends under gently.
- Spritz light holding mist.
- Smooth edges with a soft brush.
You’re ready—playful and polished.
Wrapped Bun With Accessory Pins

I love how a wrapped bun with accessory pins turns a simple updo into something playful and polished—it’s quick to do and feels like adding jewelry to your hair.
I wrap my locs into a neat bun, secure with a few pins, then tuck decorative pins around the base for sparkle.
It wakes up casual looks and holds comfortably all day.
Sculpted Updo for Formal Occasions

If you liked how accessory pins jazz up a wrapped bun, you’ll love what we can do when we sculpt locs for a formal event.
I shape sleek swirls and elegant twists, adding subtle shine and secure pins so you glow confidently.
Try these steps:
- Section neatly
- Sculpt defined twists
- Pin with care
- Finish with sheen
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour of updo locs—each style proves our hair’s texture and personality are worth celebrating. Try a playful top knot for a bold day out or a wrapped chignon when you want quiet elegance; mix in scarves, pins, or face-framing tendrils to keep things fun.
With gentle prep, satin nights, and tiny touch-ups, your updo will stay fresh, confident, and utterly you—go rock it!
