An easy updo is the key to looking cute and comfortable in the summer heat. The classic ponytail and bun are always good choices, but it doesn’t hurt to have some easy updo hairstyles with a little more flair in rotation this summer.
Simple updos, with claw clips and face-framing tendrils, were the statement hairstyles of the ‘90s—and they are back! You can never go wrong with classics like a French twist or a new favorite like the off-duty model bun either. From street fashion to red carpet looks, we'll be seeing these trendy updos everywhere this summer.
For all the easy updo inspo you need this summer, keep scrolling:
Easy Updos That Are Trending
Vampire Bun
This easy updo is a real bombshell look with a ‘woke up like this’ vibe. Start with messy curls and pull them into an even messier high bun. Carly Loura, a pro stylist at Cutler Salon in NYC, coifed this look and says the magic to nailing this style is all in the prep. She used Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo and Conditioner on her model’s natural ringlets, finger-coiled each strand, and used a sock diffuser to really set curls. After you’ve crafted your bun, pull out the tendrils and any fringe with your fingers. The messier, the sexier.
Good hair day by @guidopalau
Classic Chignon
The chignon is one of the most classic versions of a low bun, sitting just above the nape of the neck. Gracious and classic, it’s a favorite with brides on their big day and actresses on the red carpet. With several incarnations, depending on how you sweep the ponytail and pin it in place, it’s a versatile yet classy updo that remains utterly timeless and easy to achieve. Gather your hair into a ponytail with an elastic band, twist the strands around the base, and pin them in place. Try Redken’s Spray Wax Invisible Texture Mist to tuck away any rebellious bangs.
Good hair day by @haircolorkilla
Crown Braid
Sweet yet stylish, a crown braid is a great look for an urban or rural scene, day or night. It’s the perfect complement to a low, messy bun, adding a certain je ne sais quoi to the look. Part the hair in two sections with a middle part and start braiding one side towards the face. The hair must be long enough for the braid to wrap around the forehead and meet the second section. Incorporate the second section of hair into the braid and secure it with an elastic. To complete the look, wrap the braided tail along with the crown braid with the help of bobby pins. An extra tip is using a texturizing spray like Pureology Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray for more texture and hold.
Good hair day by @danielle.keasling
Messy Bun
A looser, more relaxed take on the chignon, this cool hairstyle works at any time of the day. When drawing together the ponytail for the bun, leave some slack—and again when pinning—to attain a looser, more casual look. Another method is to create a tighter, well-secured bun, and then loosen with your fingers, fishing out a few strands to create an undone vibe.
Good hair day by @guidopalau
Top Knot
Somewhere between the practical and the edgy, the top knot has become a staple updo. The key to the perfect top knot is finding the right spot for it by judging the most comfortable and secure area as well as the spot that will suit your proportions the best.
Once you’ve chosen the position of your topknot, create a ponytail and twist your strands around the base. Fix with bobby pins or push into the elastic and finish with a spritz of Redken Max Hold Neautral Hairspray 32. Leave a few strands poking out for a sharper look.
Good hair day by @talentobeautysalon
Space Buns
Don’t knock space buns until you try it. Split your hair down the middle parting with a long-tail comb and tie high or low pigtails. Then simply twist and wrap the sections around their base. If you’re feeling festive, you can even add glitter gel to the roots!
Good hair day by @jasminele
Spiky Top Knot
This ‘90s hairstyle is a classic and has returned as one of the biggest trends of the moment. To achieve this look, a strong hold gel like Matrix’s Controller Gel is essential. Begin by parting the hair sharply down the middle and smoothly sleeking the sides. Stop halfway through the movement of making a bun, with the end of the hair pointing upwards. Finish with more gel or hairspray on the ends of the hair to give it a spiky look.
Good hair day by @redkenjenn
High Pigtails
If you associate pigtails with an infant hairstyle, it's time to rethink it. Playful and cute, ponytails are perfect for a playful look and to show off volume and length. This quick updo can be done in several formats: sleeker, messier, higher, lower, and with or without tendrils. Whatever style you decide, you'll only need a comb to define the hairline, elastic bands, and a potent hairspray.
Good hair day by @madisonsullivanhair
Pineapple Bun
The pineapple bun is one of the most popular updos for voluminous and curly hair. It’s one of the simplest hairstyles out there, but one that looks great every time. This look is used as both a protective and stylish updo. The execution is very simple and once you get the correct hair band movement it will probably become a staple in your routine.
First, prep hair with a curling product to define your ringlets. We like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Kaze Wave Curl Mousse for coaxing the maximum texture out of your strands without weighing them down. Using an elastic band or a scrunchie (better for protecting the curls) loop the hair as if you're doing a ponytail, but stop the movement right in the middle and swing the hair to the front of the head. Style the ends of your hair however you like, and if your hair is long enough, they can even double as bangs.
Good hair day by @bundagabriela
Chignon with Teased Crown
A chignon with a teased crown has its loyal legion of fans. This classic updo is great for more formal events and is always a staple at weddings and proms. Adding a teased crown to the is a great option for anyone who wants to appear to have more voluminous hair—even thinner hair can achieve this look thanks to the power of the teasing comb. After teasing the crown and locking the bun, set it all into place with hairspray.
Good hair day by @nathalieakgun
Fluffy ‘70s Ponytail
This fluffy ponytail is the quick updo for those who love the ‘70s look. It’s an extremely simple hairstyle with a great impact. Part the hair in the middle and smooth it on the sides with gel. Styling your baby hairs always adds an extra flair. The wow factor is in the contrast between the sleek side part with the voluminous pony, so tease it away!
Good hair day by @kgm.hair
Claw Clip Updo
If you’re looking for a break from hair elastics, the claw clip trend came just at the right time. You can find this accessory in multiple colors, sizes, and shapes. There are multiple styles of claw clip updos and they’re all amazing in keeping your hair protected and tidy. You can start twisting all of your hair up and then folding half down, placing the claw clip right in the middle.
Good hair day by @leximars
Slicked-Back Bun
You can do no wrong with a slicked bun. This style is timeless, classic, and trendy at the same time. It’s a simple updo chic enough for a wedding, and easy enough for running errands. A secret that girls don’t want you to know? The slicked bun is your life-saving hack for when you want to postpone washing your hair for another day. All you need is a powerful gel, a comb, and no more than 10 minutes. And yes, even those with textured hair can nail a slick bun, just be sure to use a product specifically formulated for coils like Mizani True Textures Sleek Holding Gel to get that extra hold.
Good hair day by @iydamichael
Scarf Updo
A hair scarf is the perfect addition to your summer look. Just like with the hair clip, you can integrate it into the most diverse hairstyles.
Good hair day by @deswartekappers
Braided Chignon
If you are looking to give an even more romantic vibe to the classic chignon, you must try the braided version. This hairstyle is just as easy, but the braid adds a little more effort to the final look. Simply braid all your hair and then form a low chignon—follow our easy guide on how to do so here.
Good hair day by Deleted user
Ultra-High Ponytail
Somedays, nothing beats an ultra-high pony. Whether it’s sleek or messy, straight or curly, a nice ponytail on top of the head is always a chic and timeless alternative. The key to this updo is to care for both the roots and the ends of the hair so that the ponytail looks amazing from top to end. Combining the use of hairspray and hair oil it’s a great way to achieve the perfect high ponytail. When it comes to hair oils,
the iconic formula of Kérastase’s L'Huile Original Hair Oil works for all hair types.
Good hair day by @kamberrykreates
Braided Double Buns
Double buns, or space buns, are already a unique and fashionable hairstyle as they are. If you’d like to take it a step further, adding braids is the way to go. All this impact has a very simple step-by-step: start with high pigtails, then braid each side, and finally, twist until a bun is formed. Secure it with bobby pins and rock it.
Good hair day by @sunniebrook
Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail gives a fun and flirty twist to an old classic. Put your hair into a high ponytail as you would normally do and create the “bubbles” with silicone elastics that match your hair color, or you can go for a bold look and use color elastics. A pro tip is to create volume in the crown and in the bubbles with a teasing comb. Try using a root-targeting finishing spray like Redken Root Tease Backcombing Spray to add volume, texture, and control. and hairspray.
Good hair day by @emily_snips
Twisted Chignon
A variation of the classic chignon, the twisted chignon is just as iconic. Section the hair in three parts and create a low ponytail with the back section first. Twist back the side sections and pin them. Finally, create a chignon with the three sections using bobby pins, a teasing comb, and hairspray.
Good hair day by @hairbybradleyleake
Ballerina Bun
Classic and chic, the ballerina bun is a perfectly aligned and sleek updo that represents the discipline of ballet. The bun can sit at any height, but the key here is to deliver the opposite of a messy look. Anti-frizz products are a must to achieve the perfect ballerina bun and we’re partial to Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Anti Frizz Spray. After setting it all into place, secure the bun with bobby pins and dance away.
Butterfly Clip Twists
If you’re looking to serve ‘90s cool, get yourself some butterfly clips to embellish your simple updos. Get creative and add the trendy butterfly clips to any updo, but be sure to throw in some twists for a rom-com core-approved look. When doing a ponytail or a bun, separate about four sections, twist them and add butterfly clips to secure. Don’t forget to leave out some hair tendrils for some extra cuteness.
Good hair day by @kristina.manners
Retro Ponytail
This fun, flirty but still classy updo is defined by side bangs and the dainty turned-in ends of the high pony. Make sure your ends are healthy, moisturized, and shiny by using a good hair oil. We recommend Redken Oil for All since it also doubles as a heat protectant, perfect for when you’re using your blow dryer to turn in those ends. For an extra flirt, you can secure the pony with a strand of your own hair or a fun scrunchie.
Good hair day by @ruthroche
French Twist
A French twist updo will elevate any look, and it’s the perfect call for any formal occasion. Seeing how elegant this updo is, you can hardly imagine that it's so quick and easy to do. Start sweeping and pinning all your hair to one side. Then, twist it upwards in the opposite direction and add more bobby pins to hold it all in place.
Good hair day by @lamajbackwards
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are traced back to the African Zulu tribes centuries ago. Until today, this hairdo carries a meaning of black pride, while also protecting curls and coils. Start by sectioning your hair into four main sections for easier visibility, then create smaller squares in each section. Twirl each section into a Bantu knot and wrap the hair around itself to secure it. Since the crisp parts to form bantu knots expose skin, you’re going to want to pick up a hydrating scalp serum like Kérastase Nutri-Supplement Scalp Serum. The milky fast absorbing formula includes a vitamin blend and niacinamide to moisturize a dry scalp for immediate comfort, leaving the scalp healthy and refreshed.
Waterfall Braid Updo
This romantic updo will bring your cottagecore dreams to life this summer. Start with two sections of hair, then cross one part along your hairline over the other section. To create the waterfall effect, take the bottom section and pull it over. Repeat the process until the waterfall gets to your wanted size.
Good hair day by @caitie.colors
Doughnut Bun
Who doesn’t remember the doughnut bun craze? On trend or not, the truth is this updo is a convenient trick to have up your sleeve. You can do the doughnut bun by rolling hair the old-school way, with a sock, or you can buy a doughnut bun maker. Either way, the idea is to add volume to make the bun perfectly rounded, leaving a space in the middle, just like a doughnut.
Good hair day by Deleted user
Boxer Braids
Boxer braids have become a modern classic. Initially, this hairstyle was used as a practical solution to keep your hair up when doing sports, but it’s too stylish to not use it for any occasion. Gather three thin sections from your hairline and start braiding towards the back of your head. Crossing the side strands under the middle one instead of over is the differential of the boxer braid technique.
Faux Hawk Braid
Edgy and cool, a faux hawk braid is the perfect way to step up your hair game this summer. Start with a regular high half ponytail, but add a second elastic band just a couple of inches underneath the main one. Next, do a second pony just below and pull it gently in between the hair of the top ponytail. Repeat the process of creating ponytails underneath each other and pulling them through the pony above.
Wet Bun
A wet look sends off a high-fashion, supermodel, celebrity vibe, so why not add it to your summer hair rotation? The key to a wet bun is saturating your locks with a combination of hair products: hair oil, mousse, leave-in conditioner, and gel. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Pro Longer Leave-In Cream is our product of choice when it comes to this trend.
Each product plays a role in keeping your hair moisturized, sleek, and wet-looking all day long. It’s similar to the sauna hair trend taking over the summer but pulled up.
Good hair day by @hairbybradleyleake
Braided High Ponytail
Few updos are as powerful as a braided high ponytail. Is the perfect way to show off thickness and length in an updo. Just secure your hair into a high ponytail and then braid it to stay ready for any summer event.
Good hair day by @parisrosehairartistry
Flipped Bun
The flipped bun has become an it-girl favorite, upgrading a “lazy” updo into a trendy look. Essentially, you just have to stop the movement midway into doing a bun, leaving the ends free. Style the crown and tendrils a bit, grab your favorite sunglasses, and own the unbothered celeb look.
Good hair day by @lyndseyteresehair
Bow Bun
A bow bun never fails to turn heads. For this wow effect but still, quick updo, start gathering your hair into a high and tight ponytail. Loop the hair once again through the elastic and stop midway. Divide the bump into two sides then pull the ends into a middle knot.
Good hair day by @mizani
Cornrow Updo
If you’re flaunting cornrows this summer, there are millions of updos you can try that incorporate them. Think: low and high buns, ponytails, pineapple buns, and even box braids with cornrow accents.
Good hair day by @heatherchapmanhair
Tuck and Roll Chignon
Give it a twist to the classic chignon with a tuck-and-roll version. Do a low ponytail, then separate the hair into two to create a middle gap. Roll and tuck the pony into the gap and secure your ‘do with bobby pins.
Good hair day by @ashlemaster
Low ponytail
A low ponytail has been rebranded and now is far from being boring. If you still need a bit of convincing, try embellishing it with a bow, a knot around the elastic band, face-framing strands, stylish pins, and other accessories.
Off-Duty Model Bun
Sleek bun, model bun, off-duty model bun, and face-lifting bun are some of the many names this quick updo goes by. A firm hold styling pomade that doesn’t harden like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Umou Hold Cream is useful to get that snatched look without the helmet hair. There’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to achieving this supermodel favorite—watch how it’s done here.
Good hair day by @annette_updo_artist
Braided Scarf
Instead of doing a braid with three pieces of hair, substitute one of the locks with a scarf for a unique and colorful updo. Leave the end of the scarf flowing for extra flare and movement.
Afro Puffs
Afro puffs are a must in your summer hair rotation. You can rock them high or low and even as double buns. Use a wide-tooth comb to pull the hair, and however you decide to tie it up, the key to this updo effect is to make the ends as puffy and rounded as you can by combing it out - and always moisturizing for shine! Kerastase Curl Manifesto Gelée Curl Contour is our go-to.
Good hair day by @thelovelyhairclass
Dream Doll Ponytail
Go for a dreamy ponytail when getting dolled up this summer. This style is a bouncy high ponytail with flipped-out ends. Shine is super important for nailing the dream doll aesthetic—we love finishing the look with a few spritzes of Redken Shine Flash!
Good hair day by @jadajenkinsco
Braided Pigtails
Braided pigtails are a power move. Secure the hair into sleek high pigtails. You can go for two chunky braids or even do a few braids and twists on each side—both look stunning, cool, and fun.
Interested in more hairspiration? Find pro-approved styles on Hair.com. If you’re looking for more personalized advice on styling your mane, use our salon locator to book an appointment with a pro near you.
