12 Thick Hair Hairstyles Updo
Hello, gorgeous! As your trusted beauty influencer and expert stylist, I know the unique beauty (and occasional challenge!) that comes with luscious, thick hair. When it comes to updos, your abundant tresses are a true asset, offering unparalleled volume and hold. Get ready to transform your look with these 12 stunning, Pinterest-worthy updo hairstyles, curated specifically to celebrate and elevate your beautiful thick hair. From effortlessly chic to red-carpet ready, these styles are designed to make you feel confident and fabulous!
The Voluminous High Bun
The high bun is a timeless classic, but for thick hair, it’s transformed into a statement of pure elegance and volume. This style is perfect for showing off your beautiful neck and jawline, making it ideal for oval, heart, and square face shapes. To achieve maximum impact, prep your hair with a texturizing spray before gathering it high on your crown. Secure with an elastic and twist into a generously sized bun, pinning securely. A touch of shine serum will perfect the look.
The Elegant Low Chignon
For an air of sophisticated grace, the low chignon is your go-to updo. Thick hair provides the perfect foundation for a substantial, elegant knot at the nape of your neck, exuding a classic charm. This universally flattering style beautifully complements all face shapes, particularly elongated ones. For a softer feel, allow a few face-framing strands to escape. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to keep every strand in place while maintaining movement.
The Regal Braided Crown
Embrace your inner royalty with the braided crown, a majestic updo that truly shines on thick hair. This style involves braiding sections of hair and wrapping them around the head, creating a stunning, intricate ‘crown’. It’s incredibly flattering for round and square face shapes, adding softness and height. For extra texture, gently tug at the braids to loosen them before pinning. This look is perfect for both casual chic days and formal events, securing with strong hairpins.
The Effortless Messy Top Knot
The messy top knot is the epitome of ‘cool girl’ chic, and thick hair provides the ideal volume for that perfectly undone look. It’s quick, stylish, and incredibly versatile, working beautifully with most face shapes, especially oval and heart. The key is to not overthink it: gather your hair high, twist loosely, and secure, allowing some strands to fall naturally. A texturizing spray is your best friend here, giving that desirable lived-in feel without looking sloppy.
The Sleek Sculpted Updo
When you want to make a powerful statement, the sleek sculpted updo is your weapon of choice. This style leverages the weight and volume of thick hair to create a smooth, polished, and architecturally striking look. It’s fantastic for elongating the neck and highlighting cheekbones, suiting oval, long, and heart-shaped faces beautifully. Use a strong-hold gel or pomade for maximum sleekness, ensuring every strand is in place. Finish with a high-shine spray for that extra touch of glamour.
The Romantic Twisted Rope Updo
For a look that’s both intricate and effortlessly romantic, the twisted rope updo is a dream come true for thick hair. This style uses two sections of hair twisted together to form a ‘rope’ effect, which is then coiled and pinned. It adds beautiful texture and dimension, softening features for all face shapes. Work with slightly damp hair and a smoothing cream for best results, then gently loosen the twists for a fuller, more romantic finish. This updo is perfect for weddings or special occasions.
The Classic French Twist
The French Twist is a symbol of timeless elegance and sophistication, and thick hair lends itself perfectly to its voluminous, structured form. This updo creates a beautiful vertical line, making it excellent for elongating the neck and flattering round or square face shapes. For a modern twist, leave the ends slightly undone for a more relaxed feel. Use a fine-tooth comb for a sleek base and secure with U-pins along the twist for a firm hold that lasts all day.
The Dutch Braid Goddess Updo
Channel your inner goddess with a Dutch braid updo, a stunning style that truly comes alive with thick hair. Dutch braids, often called reverse French braids, stand out from the head, creating incredible texture and volume when incorporated into an updo. This look is fantastic for framing the face and adding interest to the crown, suiting most face shapes. Gently pancaking the braids before pinning will maximize their ‘goddess’ effect. A light mist of shine spray will complete this divine style.
The Modern Textured Bun
Moving beyond the sleek, the modern textured bun embraces natural waves and bends, making it incredibly popular for thick hair. This style is less about perfection and more about showcasing your hair’s natural body and movement, offering a softer, more approachable elegance. It’s a versatile choice that flatters all face shapes, especially with a few wispy strands left out. Use a curling iron on a few sections before gathering for enhanced texture, then loosely twist into a low or mid bun.
The Glamorous Side-Swept Pin-Up
For ultimate old Hollywood glamour, the side-swept pin-up is a showstopper, particularly when created with generous thick hair. This updo combines luxurious waves with a sophisticated sweep, creating dramatic volume and an alluring asymmetrical look. It’s especially stunning on oval and heart-shaped faces, highlighting one side of the face. Achieve deep, glamorous waves with a large barrel curling iron before sweeping and pinning sections securely. A strong-hold hairspray is crucial for maintaining this red-carpet worthy style.
The Boho Fishtail Braid Updo
Infuse your look with bohemian charm using a fishtail braid updo, a style that truly benefits from the fullness of thick hair. A fishtail braid, with its intricate woven pattern, creates stunning texture and visual interest when coiled into an updo. This free-spirited style is wonderful for softening features and suiting all face shapes, especially round and square. Gently pull apart the fishtail braid before pinning it up to maximize its ‘pancaked’ volume and effortless vibe. A sea salt spray can enhance the boho texture.
The Polished Ponytail Updo
This isn’t just any ponytail – it’s a statement updo for thick hair, where the ponytail itself is transformed into a sleek, sculptural element. Think wrapped bases, intricately coiled lengths, or even multiple mini-ponytails creatively pinned. This style offers a modern, sophisticated alternative to a traditional updo, showcasing the incredible body of your hair. It works wonders for oval and heart-shaped faces. Use a smoothing serum to ensure a polished finish and strategic pinning to create a truly ‘updo’ feel.
There you have it, my beautiful friends – 12 incredible updos specifically designed to make your thick hair shine! Each of these styles not only celebrates your abundant locks but also offers a unique way to express your personal style, whether you’re aiming for sophisticated, romantic, or effortlessly cool. Remember, the key to mastering these looks is often in the prep work, so invest in good texturizing sprays, strong hold products, and quality hairpins. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make each style your own. Which one will you try first? Share your gorgeous updo selfies!
