49+ Stylish Braided Updos To Elevate Your Look (2024)

If you are looking for a beautiful hairstyle that’s also practical, you might want to consider one of the best braided updos.

The plaited styles are creative and come in several variations, such as unique, romantic, and chic. No long hair is needed to achieve this beautiful look. If your locks are short, you can wear twists, side-swept styles, or cornrow braids. You can style the braided styles in any way you want. Here is a list of 50 of the best braided updos for you that will give you a stunning look. Whether you would like loose curls framing your face or plaits of different sizes used to create a unique style, these styles will inspire you.

One of the best braided updos is the milkmaid braids, they offer an elegant and gentle look for anyone, and you can wear them to formal events like weddings and dinners as well as casual occasions. They will always elevate your look no matter where you are going. Milkmaid braids offer one of the best braided updos to keep you cooled off when it’s warm, pulling the hair away from the neck and face.

The style might look complex, but it’s very straightforward to achieve the look. Part your hair at a section of the crown, twist it and pin it with bobby pins. Split your hair into two sections. Braid the left section of the hair to the nape of the head and tie with an elastic band or bobby pins so the plait doesn’t unravel. Repeat the same step with the right side. Crisscross the braids at the side of the head then lay one onto of the side of the head and secure it in place with several bobby pins. It will be easy to form the braid if you have not washed your hair in two days, so hair does not have that silky texture. If you want to wear a wedding hairstyle, create the looks two days after you have had a professional blow-dry.

1. Elaborate Patterned Updo with Curls

Bring traffic to a standstill with this unique updo. Although it may take some time to create a hairstyle, it is worth the effort. It will protect your hair manipulation and hot straightening tools, which will encourage hair growth and retention. The style will allow you to work out or run errands with your hair out of the way.

2. Best Braided Updos for Summer

Classic, sweet, and stunning, the crown braid has been woven to show the model’s gorgeous hair texture around the face. It will look fantastic during the summer and is convenient because it will help you cool off without compromising on your appearance. It is formal enough to wear for a wedding and versatile enough to wear for other formal occasions.

3. Multiple Crowns Braids in Light Brown Hair

You can never have too many crown braids. The added texture to the hairstyle and can be seen from all sides This unique look will look fantastic on any occasion and some flowers can add some glamour to the look. It’s a style that you should consider if you are looking for braided updos to help you stand out.

4. Side-Swept Best Braided Updos with Intricate Pattern

This hairstyle is unique because it is a box braids updo. Most box braids are worn down or are thrown into a basic ponytail. You can make your box braids look more formal by sweeping them to the side. You can go to formal events such as prom or weddings in the hairstyle without worrying that it will come apart since box braids stay in place when you style them.

5. Elegant Bun with a Flower

A timeless low bun with some curled hair at the front is already a stunning look, but adding hair jewelry gives it a regal touch. The look will draw attention from everyone no matter where you go. It’s pretty easy to fix as well – make a small crown braid at the front and a huge one with the rest of the hair then pin it up.

6. Formal Low Bun with Hair

There is no better way to dress up a regular braided updo than pinning then up neatly. This look will work for you no matter what event you want to go to. It is age-appropriate for older women and young girls alike. If you have a big event coming up, consider this hairstyle.

7. A Braided Updo with Varied Cornrow Sizes

This hairstyle is beautiful and eye-catching. Since the pattern is very intricate, you might need some help putting it up. But after that, you can wear the cornrows for at least two weeks. For maintenance, apply some coconut oil to your scalp and spray the braids with a sheen to keep them moisturized and shiny.

8. Relaxed Crown Braids with Balayage

A slightly messy take on a braid and bun combo. The look is modern and eye-catching. The volume at the crown adds texture and is intricate in the right way. Wearing it will give you the right look for a casual brunch. It will look fantastic whether you wear it with a flowery dress or jeans and a top.

9. Cute Faux Hawk with Braided Sides

If you want a mohawk but dread cutting your hair, you can just fake one. Put up some tiny braids on the sides to flatten the hair and a huge one in the middle to add volume. This one looks quite elegant, which is rare with mohawk hairstyles. Plus, the look can slim your face to show off natural contour.

10. Best Braided Updos and Low Ponytail in Red

Braided updos are attention-grabbing styles on their own, but if you add a bright red hue, everyone will be fixated on it. This is a casual look that will warm up your complexion and make your eyes pop. It’s worth trying out if you want to come out of your shell.

11. Cute, Classic Updo

This high knot is neatly done and pure elegance. It is best for a homecoming queen or bride and appropriate for all age groups. Since it can be difficult to fix it yourself, you can get your hairdresser to help.

12. Neat Milkmaid Braid

If you like a good braid and elegance of the milkmaid style, you can have them both. For a classier look, try a sleek milkmaid braid look. This braid has all the hair secured tightly and so will look elegant for the rest of the day. You will achieve the look faster than with a crown braid.

13. Bright Green Double Plaits

This is a bold, casual look that you can try if you are looking for a laidback look Double plaits are a quick way to hold your hair in place if you are would like to run some errands or exercise. The added bright green accent will show a fun personality and ensure all eyes are on you.

14. Loose French Braids and Bling

You’ll make a lasting impression with these two braids when you show up to a casual coffee shop or an energetic party. After you create these loosely plaited double braids and put them in a bun, add some hair jewelry to take it to the next level. This simple accent easily coordinates with other jewelry like necklaces, rings, or watches to complement the hair bling.

15. Purple Milkmaid for Wedding

Many brides wear braided updos for their wedding, but you will rarely see a purple one. If you would like to stand out, you can wear this sassy hairstyle at the altar, at a local event, or on vacation. If you want to show your demure but eclectic personality, this style achieves just that.

16. Braided Updo with Multicolored Braids

Multi-colored braided updos create a fun look and gathering them in a neat bun makes the braids more stylish. You’ll fit right in at casual events and formal events alike, combining a sassy personality with softness. If you want to protect your natural hair, you can use colored synthetic braids (rather than hair dye) to achieve the look.

17. Lazy French Braid Bun in Red

Loosely braided updos are perfect if you are looking for a style that you can wear every day. While this style works beautifully with professional wear, you can also wear it at weddings as a guest or a member of the wedding party. The red makes it more elegant and sexier than the average braided updo, and you just have to loosely plait the braids and pin them up for the style.

18. Cornrow Braided Updo with Blue Streaks

Are you looking for a striking style that will also keep your hair in place? If so, a neatly plaited cornrow updo will work best. Once your braider fixes the cornrows, they’ll stay in place for a couple of weeks, which will save you a lot of time in maintenance.

19. Single, Multicolored French Plait for Girl

This style is so cute, fun, and practical. Little girls will enjoy this look when going for a play date, engaging in sports, or going on an overnight trip. They should receive lots of compliments for the style. To achieve the look, you can plait a neat braid using rainbow-colored hair extensions.

20. Side Parted Braided Updo

A side part will make this milkmaid hairdo a bit different as most of them have a center part. The style will elongate your face and soften your features. With the white flower clip, it looks more elegant. It’s such a good hairstyle to wear for prom or a wedding as part of the bridal party or a stylish guest.

21. Messy Pinned-Up Braid with Red Highlights

A messy braided updo with red highlights is a fantastic choice if you would like to switch things up. The incredible style will look great with formal attire or when you are dressed casually. Red highlights will modernize the style and enhance your skin tone. They will also add depth to the style and disguise any gray in your hair.

22. Braided Updo with Oversized Bun

This is a great bun for you if you want to put up long hair. The style is fairly versatile, so you can wear it for a lunch date or fun party. To get the look, plait hair on the side and put it up, and tie it with the braid. Tease the bun to achieve the volume that you want.

23. Cornrow Updo with Honey Blonde Streaks

This is a hairstyle for a woman who would want attention her way. You can dress the style up or down depending on your preference. The hair has been tightly secured so you can go about your business without fear that the braids will come undone. The honey blonde hair color will flatter many skin tones.

24. Lazy Braided Updo

Loosely fixed braided updos have a casual feel to them. Messy braids give an effortless look without trying too hard, making them perfect for any regular day or even an afternoon at home. A loose bun is great too because it won’t cause your hair to become weak as the result of tension. Even if you prefer a neater look, it’s a good braided updo hairstyle idea to alternate it with a loose one each day to keep hair strong and the hairline relaxed.

25. Huge Side Plait Updo

If you don’t like spending a lot of time putting your hair up every morning, you can opt for a huge braid. You don’t have to be good at braiding to nail the look because it looks good with a messy finish. You can also wear it everywhere, whether you go on a date or a family dinner.

26. Blonde Tight Braids and Black Roots

This is such an attractive updo that will flatter you if have dark roots. The braids have been firmly secured in place, so you can wear the hairdo for more than a day. Although it is blonde, it suits all skin tones. It is particularly striking against darker skin tones because of sharp contrast.

27. Elaborate Patterned Bun and Balayage

The beautiful braid pattern is the highlight of this hairstyle. Such braided hairstyles are striking but not overly formal because of the balayage color, which will allow your hair to grow out without the color looking old. Just like any other updo, this cute look will look good whether you dress it up or down.

28. Chic Tussled and Braided Updo

If your hair is long, you will take a bit of time to achieve this look. However, the end result is worth it, because it will look beautiful without seeming like you tried too hard. It’s also comfortable because the hairdo is not tight. If you are afraid that the loose braids will come apart, secure the bun with bobby pins.

29. Sleek, Low Braided Bun

If you are looking for braided updos to wear to the office, a sleek low bun will work. To style your hair, brush it and some hair serum to smooth it out and tie in a low pony. Plait one long braid and twist it for a burn, attaching it securely with bobby pins.

30. Intricately Braided Updo with Hair Jewelry

Every woman loves jewelry. Elaborate braided hairstyles create a beautiful pattern while holding your hair in place. The braid is held in place by silver hair jewelry. To tame flyaway hairs, use some hair cream or gel for a crisp look. Wearing it at any event is sure to give a few looks, boosting your confidence with fellow partygoers.

31. Double Dutch Braids in a Low Bun

This hairstyle is yet another option that suits both casual and formal events, but it still leaves a lot of room for personalization. Elevate the look by adding some cute accessories like pins, flowers, or hair jewelry. The style covers all loose hair stands and so will be able to comfortably do yoga and other exercises.

32. Four Dutch Braids with Red Highlights

This fresh, trendy style is perfect if you want to keep your hair off your face during the summer. Carefully part your hair and plait it from front to back, adding styling cream or other hair products as a way to make them look more defined. Make sure that you maintain tension as you braid the hair, and you might even get two or three days of wear out of them.

33. Messy, Braided Updo with Balayage Highlights

This is a stunning way to wear your hair up. The style is flexible because you can use French braids, Dutch braids, or fishtail braids to change the look. No matter which style you choose, the balayage highlights add a classiness that modernizes the look.

34. Voluptuous Side Braid for a Lazy Afternoon

If you’d like to add volume to thinning hair, you can put your hair in this huge braid. Blow your hair and apply mouse right after, braiding it loosely while the hair is still warm. By widening the braid, your hair appears thicker and healthier, complimenting a chic or relaxed outfit.

35. Red Hair Updo with Eye-Catching Pattern

Red hair braided updos are always a good braided updo hairstyle idea if you want to dramatically change your appearance. With this striking design, you will catch everyone’s attention. An experienced stylist will braid your hair in this style quickly. It looks just as good with a wedding dress as with a casual outfit.

36. Taut Knot Hair Updo for Formal Events

If you want an elegant hairstyle to wear for your wedding (or at someone else’s), then this should work. It will look striking against a cute backless dress and will keep your hair in place the whole day. The white hair accessory is chic, and you will be able to let your hair down quickly before the reception should you want to.

37. Playful Updo and Colored Braids

Although this is a casual style, it is elegant. It is light, working practically for the days when you want your hair off of your neck and face. You can wear it for school, vacation, and other casual events, but the red braids and streaks of yellow and purple hair will ensure that you stand out.

38. Feminine Updo and Relaxed Bun

If you want to put your hair up but still maintain a casual look, you can settle for this hairstyle. The braid is relaxed so you don’t have to be a professional to get it right. The style will enhance you look whether you pair it with jeans and a top for a trip to the mall or if you wear a dress to go for a lunch date.

39. Unique Braided Updo in Blonde

Chances are that you have never seen anyone in a hairstyle like this. This will turn heads for events. While it may not work for more professional or formal settings, it could be the perfect way to show your personality during a festival or outdoor event.

40. Two Braided Buns in Red

Two buns are playful, but some neat braids and red hair give a stylish touch. The style will modernize a traditional wedding gown and your hair will remain secure for the whole day. A lot of work goes into creating the style, so you might want to visit a hairstylist to get good results.

41. Relaxed Updo with Highlights

Highlights elevate braided updos. But if you put your hair up, you will show off the beautiful color and the glow on your face. This relaxed style is appropriate for women of all ages and will face shapes. Unlike many updos, it will soften a harsh jaw like give you a feminine appearance.

42. Complex Patterned Updo and Red

Red braided hairstyles will always be in style. If you put it up in such a unique design, it will create such a modern style. You can dress it up or down and it will still look perfect. It’s a good braided updo hairstyle idea if you want to change your look drastically without cutting your hair.

43. Elegant Updo with Loose Locks in the Front

This hairstyle is so practical yet feminine. The loose hair in the front will bring focus to your eyes and cheekbones as well as soften your features. The updo will look great at weddings and casual events. Plus, since it is appropriate for women of all ages, you can wear it over and over for years to come.

44. Rare Half Up, Half-Down Hairdo

Braiding your hair provides you with the opportunity to experiment with different looks. This braided style gives balance, with half of the hair away from the face and the rest in a more relaxed shape. From the front, the design will bring attention to your face, while the loose hair frames your face. It is easy to care for since it will stay in place for up to three weeks after your stylist fixes the braids.

45. Zig-Zag Cornrows with a Bow

Not only is this hairstyle beautiful, but it will also protect your hair. The cute braid designs will not put a lot of strain on your hairline and since you can wear the style for a couple of weeks, you will not excessively manipulate the hair. All while looking cute.

46. Crown Braids and a Cute Bun

This is a regal hairstyle that will look great on brides, bridesmaids, or wedding guests. You can also wear it out if you want to elevate your look. It is a sweet style that will flatter anyone particularly when you wear makeup and a cute outfit. The upscale look may even challenge you to upgrade the rest of your look as well.

47. Sassy Braided Updo with Curly Hairstyle

Braided updos like this one will offer you the convenience of having cornrows while still wearing the hair loose. The beautiful curls will elongate your face and soften a square jawline. The look is casual but can transition to elegant when you pair it with a formal dress. It’s something to try out if you want to leave your comfort zone.

48. Huge Box Braid Bun with Bands

Long box braids are incredibly versatile. You can wear them up and down as well as add cure accessories like colorful bands. This is a super casual look but if you want to go for a formal event, you can take off the bands. Make sure the band is not tight because that could damage your hairline.

49. Red Jumbo Braids and Hair Jewelry

Huge cornrows are healthy for your scalp as they don’t strain your hairline. But because you are looking for something healthy, it doesn’t mean it has to be boring. You can liven jumbo braids by using bright red braids and adding some hair jewelry. It’s a bonus that you get to achieve the look without processing your natural hair.

50. Beautiful Braided Updo with a Blonde Bun

This style is fantastic because of the unique design and the blonde bun which creates a sharp contrast. It looks great on a variety of skin tones too and will draw attention while allowing you to engage in sporting activities. To maintain it oil your scalp with some coconut oil and spray sheen to keep your hair shin.

49+ Braided Updos To Suit Any Occasion

Braided updos are a stylish way of keeping your hair up. There are a variety of styles, such as crown braids, French maid braids, fishtail braids, jumbo braids. You can wear the styles with blonde highlights, brunette, red and even purple hair. No matter what style you choose, you will look beautiful. Plus, with your hair out of the way, you will be able to run errands, exercise, or work without having to move your locks out of the way.

Braided updos are versatile and will be suitable for a variety of events, whether they are on the formal side (like weddings, fancy dinners, and award ceremonies) or more casual (like a day at home). There seems to be a braided updo hairstyle idea that works for everyone, so try one of these looks today to find yours. Now that you’ve gone through these gorgeous looks, don’t forget to also take a look at the prettiest short blonde hair ideas!

49+ Attractive Braided Updos With A Modern Twist