3 Updo Hairstyles For Black Women

The Updo is Upon Us

Beautiful hair is every woman’s best accessory. Whether you’re looking to debut a new hairstyle for a special occasion or switch up your usual hairstyle, we think that dressing your hair up into an updo is no lesser than wearing a crown. Short hair, long hair, curly hair and more, we’ve narrowed down the three best updo hairstyles ranging from classic chic to glam diva. So without further ado, let’s get you picking your favourite updo.

1. The Side-Swept Bun

Courtesy: Mamabee

You can’t miss out on this red carpet constant. We’ve seen a bevvy of beauties, from bad girl RiRi to Taraji P. Henson flaunt the side swept bun at award shows, music festivals and fashion galas. While there are many fancy variations to this updo hairstyle, we can’t seem to go beyond our obsession for this classic version. It’s sleek, neat and classy, perfect to take you from the boardroom to the ballroom.

Prep: Begin by prepping your hair with a good cleanse using your shampoo and then condition. Spritz on some heat protectant and straighten your hair.

Style: Once all your hair is straightened, part your hair on your preferred side. Bringing the rest of your hair to the other side, secure it into a ponytail with an elastic at the back. Twist the ponytail into a bun and coil it around. Secure it on the side using an elastic band and bobby pins.

Complete The Look: Finish this look with some sheen hairspray and you’re set to strut!

2. Afro Puff Updo

Courtesy: Beautyreflections

Put ‘em curls on top and unleash your kink! This curly updo hairstyle sits right with short hair or for anyone who has chosen to go natural and wants to grow out their curls! It calls for little or no messing around with your natural hair texture. All you’ll need to equip yourself with is a large black elastic band.

Prep: Post your routine shampoo, conditioning prep, moisture your hair well with some mousse and Shea butter. While Shea butter leaves your hair moisturised, the mousse will help shape and hold your curls as desired. Once done, detangle your hair using your fingers or with the help of a wide-toothed comb.

Style: Start by applying some hair gel at the front, back and sides of your hair, then gather it all upwards. Most hair gels can be harsh on your hair, so we advise that you go for a gel enriched with Argan oil. Brushing all your hair upwards towards the crown, distribute all the product evenly on your hair and style accordingly. Secure this big bun with a long elastic band and stretch it from your hairline till the nape of your head. Slide the band upwards slightly above your ears. Secure it in place with bobby pins if need be.

Complete The Look: Tame any stray hair, setting it in place with the help of some hair gel.

3. The Milkmaid Braid

Courtesy: Hairstylesforwomen

We said it already, your updo is your crown and with this Milkmaid braid, you’ll know what we were talking about!
Well, every queen should wear a crown full of braids and once you’ve tried this look, you may never want to take that crown off! It works beautifully across different textures of hair, shapes and sizes. This simply means, no matter what your hair length is, you can rock this hairstyle.

Prep: Work this updo hairstyle on freshly washed hair; shampooed and conditioned of course! But second-day hair can work too if you’re armed with a good dry shampoo to infuse in some volume. Detangle your hair then.

Style: Split your hair into two sections. Start by braiding the left section of your hair into a Dutch braid and go
as low as you can, securing the braid with an elastic. Repeat the same with the right section of your hair. Ease the braids and loosen them up if you want a messy natural look. Bring the left braid across your head and secure it with bobby pins. Go ahead now and secure the right braid across your head with bobby pins. Voila! You’re done.

Complete The Look: Secure any stray hair with invisible pins. Loosen a few strands to frame your face and set this hairstyle longer with a few mists of hairspray.

Can’t get enough of these beautiful hairstyles? Check out 5 Chic Twist Hairstyles For Natural Hair.