Updos might sound scary but they can transform your face shape and make you look younger. From modern topknots to classic ponytails we’ve found over 120 easy updos for every hair length so you can transform your locks day or night!
Watch our video and learn how to do an easy updo at home to suit your hair length!
Jennifer Lawrence dazzled on the red carpet with a smooth and sleek ’do. This simple style is the perfect accompaniment to her blingy necklace and bold dress!
Kerry Washington dazzles with a simple high bun and elegant hair band.
We love a pretty head piece, and Michelle Williams shows us exactly how to add a bit of sparkle for the party season. Team an embellished headband with a sweeping fringe for old school glamour.
Rashida Jones tries a top knot with a sophisticated sweeping fringe. We love her bold lip, the perfect finish to a polished look.
Think a sleek style looks too severe? Leave a little volume at your crown like Amanda Holden, 44, and pull a few strands of hair out around your face to soften the look.
We love Emma Stone’s deep, tousled side parting that frames her face perfectly. Keep a large section around the front loose and wrap around curling tongs for some shape and volume.
Gwen Stefani’s simple bun looks effortlessly chic! If you’ve got fine hair cheat some extra volume with a doughnut, just wrap sections around until it’s covered and you’re ready to go.
Long hair lengths were made to experiment with so why not try a side fishtail plait like Eva Longoria. For more plaits that suit all ages, click
here.
Keep your updo looking modern and copy Zooey Deschanel’s cute and girly side bun. A blunt fringe teamed with a flower accessory can suit all ages and is perfect to try for a summer BBQ!
If you’ve got long hair and want to try something new, take note from Jessica Alba and fake a bob! Find a length that rests around chin level and pin sections underneath. The key is to keep things looking relaxed and textured – surf spray should be your go to styling hero!
Marion Cotillard creates a casual weekend updo with a simple low side ponytail. Add a cute hairband to liven up your look in an instant.
Get some inspiration from Amy Adams’ plaited updo that’s subtle and stylish. Banish flyaways by using a bristle brush first, then create sections of loose braids around the head and secure with kirby grips into a low chignon. Ruffle fingers through hair for a boho feel and spritz with hairspray.
For a grown-up look, sweep hair to one side like Samia Ghadie. Golden highlights complement her complexion perfectly – remember, updos are great for hiding overgrown roots or showing off fresh colour, win win!
Plaits are having a moment so take note from Sophie Ellis-Bextor! A braided halo with loose strands around the front can help add some extra va va voom to fine hair.
If you’ve got short hair don’t shy away from an updo. Copy Sharon Stone’s super soft and feminine quiff that’s a great way of adding in natural looking movement that can open up your face.
Suki Waterhouse’s casual style is ideal for you if you’re in a hurry. Tie longer lengths at the back and let your side fringe loose.
Say goodbye to a bad hair day with a simple ponytail like Alexandra Ambresio. Backcomb front sections before securing to give some extra height and stop hair falling flat.
Cheryl Cole has the X-Factor with this glam, party look. A centre-parting helps show off the best of your features drawing attention to your eyes.
Model of the moment Cara Delevingne keeps things simple in a smooth, sleek bun. If you’ve got long hair this is a great style choice to try at home or if you haven’t, invest in a clip on – they’re more realistic than the fake ponytails and are super easy to use – great for weddings.
Freida Pinto wows us with a smooth and sleek do that shows off her glossy hair condition. If you’re worried about it looking lack-lustre, apply a leave-in conditioner after washing.
Putting your hair up is the perfect way to show off glam hair accessories. Choose a sparkly hairband like Juliette Lewis.
This updo is great for curly hair. Gently backcomb your hair before pinning it up – it will add some volume like Uma Thurman.
This updo is not for the faint-hearted. Stand out from the crowd like Katy Perry.
Laura Carmichael shows that updos don’t need to be intricate to look good. Gather your hair into a tight bun at the crown of your head for an instant facelift.
Scrunchies aren’t for everyone. For a grown-up updo, wrap hair around the base of the ponytail to hide any hair ties.
Jennifer Garner keeps her look soft with this loose updo.
We haven’t seen a ribbon look this cute since Matilda was showing at the cinema. Kerry Washington’s black ribbon adds a focal point to her otherwise simple hairdo.
Miranda Kerr’s sleek updo is super simple to copy. Give yourself a centre parting, spray some hairspray onto a brush and smooth down your locks, fasten in a neat bun at the back of your head and you’re good to go.
Allison Williams’ bejewelled hair accessory not only looks great but also supports the style, ensuring no flyaways.
Kate Beckinsale’s ponytail is great for long locks. It’s an easy way to solve a bad hair day.
Retro hairstyles never fail to look classy. Amy Adams’ vintage ‘do is deceiving – at first glance we thought she’d cut her locks into a bob.
Emma Watson’s sleek chignon really shows off the gorgeous sheen to her hair. If your hair needs a glossy boost then invest in a shine spray.
Rashida Jones wears her fringe with pride instead of pinning it back. Check out the braided bun too.
Get your hairspray out! Could Julia Roberts set a trend and bring the beehive back? Brigitte Bardot would be proud.
Sarah Hyland looks angelic with a braided halo. Is this an updo you’d try?
Haven’t got any hair accessories to hand? Just find a flower and add it to your hairdo like Zooey Deschanel. Old school glamour at its beautiful best.
Are you short for time? Weave your hair into a pretty side plait like Gaynor Faye.
Sweep all your hair to one side like Lucy Pargeter and fasten into a chignon at the nape of your neck.
Keep curls under control by tying them into a ponytail. Jennie McAlpine’s voluminous style is a great example of how it should be done.
If your hair is layered at the front or you have a side fringe, Cameron Diaz’s casual hairstyle is ideal for you. Tie the longer lengths back and let the rest frame your face.
Kate Middleton shows off her gorgeous long locks with this loose, pretty ponytail.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wows as always with her sleek plaited bun. Those with short hair can achieve this too by slicking back the hair and pinning at the nape of the neck,
Nicole Scherzinger proves she’s got the X-Factor in the style stakes. Just backcomb and you’re ready to go!
We love Nicole Kidman’s 60’s inspired style. Team with bold lipsticks and statement jewellery for the ultimate party look.
Alexa Chung’s updo is perfect for those with a fringe or short layers. Finish with hairspray for a silky smooth shine.
American actress Elizabeth Banks lets her hair do the talking with a smooth, backcombed fringe. We approve!
Give waves a new lease of life with a centre parted tousled bun like Jessica Alba. It’s a glam look that suits all face shapes and ages.
If you have wavy hair tie it into a low ponytail like Cat Deeley. If not, get out your curling wand and wrap sections of hair around before tying back.
Sienna Miller is queen of party hair – we love her tidy topknot.
Mila Kunis proves a sleek and sophisticated updo is the sexiest choice this party season.
Kelly Osbourne lets her fringe do all the talking and keeps the rest of her hair in a slick, neat bob.
Malin Akerman’s hairdo is perfect for those of you who are growing out a fringe or have short layers at the front.
American actress Amanda Righetti makes a statement by wearing her hair in a high bun. The best way to achieve this look is to use a hair doughnut, which helps construct the round shape and keeps hair in place.
Jessica Paré’s centre-parting updo gives us all a lesson in chic. Adding curls to your hair is a great anti-ageing trick that will soften your features and make you look years younger. This is a great way to show off your new earrings.
We haven’t seen a ponytail like Heidi Klum’s before. We love the way the mid-section is attached to the back of her head.
Emily Deschanel has gently backcombed her updo and given it plenty of texture to make it look volumised. This works best with naturally wavy hair.
Sarah Hyland keeps her hair under control by putting it into a sleek ponytail. Having some hair swept across the forehead prevents this look from being too harsh.
Jazz up a plain bun with a simple plaited headband like Salma Hayek.
Marisa Tomei’s low side bun is the perfect look for curly hair in summer.
Keep your cool at the weekends and copy Eva Mendes’ stylish updo. The thick headband adds a retro feel.
Isla Fisher works a grown-up ponytail by positioning it low at the nape of her neck. Sophisticated, sleek and great for showing off the detail on the back of her dress.
Queen of red carpet hair, Jessica Biel takes inspiration from retro hairstyles with this softly Marcel-waved chignon. Choosing pink lipstick over a classic red gives her style an extra modern twist, too.
You don’t need long hair to style an updo. Why not copy Kara Tointon and just pin back the top sections for a sexy half-up half-down ‘do.
Leaving her front layers to fall freely onto her face stops Kirsten Dunst’s red lipstick, black dress and blonde updo looking too formal or overdone.
Plaits are having a moment on the red carpet and Kylie leads the way by incorporating them into her low-slung chignon. Gorgeous for special occasions and weddings.
The beehive never goes away and we love Marion Cotillard’s sleek take on the 60s trend. Make sure you keep a backcomb brush and hairspray handy!
Full fringes aren’t just fab anti-agers, they soften any updo too. We like the way Milla Jovovich has paired hers with a dainty topknot.
Another celeb partial to a plait is Rosario Dawson who uses a halo braid to frame her face. One updo that will definitely get people commenting.
A lovely laidback updo that’s perfect for bank holidays, days out and festivals, shoe queen, Tamara Mellon’s low-key side plait has us smitten!
Doctor Who actress, Jenna-Louise Coleman chooses a relaxed updo for the red carpet, keeping her fringe soft and centre parted and leaving the lengths of her ponytail to creep round onto her shoulders. A wearable and flattering day to night look.
Give your ponytail a new look with a straight, sleek finish like Mena Suvari.
Make the most of long hair and curls with a wavy bun. Olga Kurylenko works this look perfectly.
Try adding a deep side parting to your ponytail to give it a new twist like Emma Watson.
Give curls a new lease of life with a straight/curly half-up half-down style, seen here on Thandie Newton, it’s great for day or night.
Use a plait style headband to recreate this Kate Bosworth look. It’s ideal for weddings.
This sleek look screams glamour! We love Emmy Rossum’s half-up half-down style that shows off her incredible earrings!
Work a retro look like Charlie Brooks with a low-slung side bun and side sweeping fringe.
Don’t be afriad to add twists and plaits like Kim Kardashian has – it creates an eye catching style.
Paula Patton shows off her long hair with this fringe and high ponytail combo. Tres chic!
Topknots aren’t just for teens as Rachel McAdams proves with this fun, flirty style.
If you don’t like straight strands falling down your face try curling them like Amy Adams. It will shorten the strands and give your updo a pretty, stylish finish.
We love Fearne Cotton’s pretty low bun and side-sweeping fringe. It’s a look that will suit all ages.
If you have short hair backcomb the front section and pin it into a quiff like Julianne Hough. It’s a face-slimming style.
Emilia Fox transforms her bun by adding a simple plait through the front.
Kelly Osbourne sweeps her fringe around to the side creating a pretty low-ponytail look that has a retro feel.
We love Adele’s half-up half-down ‘do that frames her face and isn’t overly complicated.
Those with mid-length hair will love Ashley Roberts’ style! It’s a classic face-framing high ponytail, perfect for parties!
If you have naturally wavy hair tie it back into a low ponytail like Blake Lively. If not, then get out your curling wand and curl before tying back.
Emmy Rossum proves that a simple hair band can transform any updo.
Salma Hayek’s conical topknot is a real showpiece but by angling it to the side and keeping her fringe loose she manages to keep it wearable.
Tulisa gives her updo a modern day twist by curling the whole of her ponytail length. Great for a day to night look.
Katy Perry gets top marks for this demure updo. Curl your hair first and then create a messy oversized bun at the nape of your neck.
An updo doesn’t mean you have to tie all of your hair back. Copy Amy Adams’ relaxed half up half down do for something a bit different and that works on all hair lengths
By rolling her parting into a twist, this simple trick gives Charlize Theron’s bun a real retro feel – a clever trick if you’re growing your fringe out but don’t want to obviously pin it back!
The Saturday’s Mollie King fashions a loose looking ponytail that works day and night. Keep any front layers down to frame your face for a flattering finish.
Olympian and Strictly star, Victoria Pendelton accentuates her heart shaped face and sexy neckline by pulling her hair back off her face into a retro roll – so striking.
Cameron Diaz proves that short hair can be swept back into a pretty small French pleat
We love Christina Hendricks’ tousled side bun and hair accessory combo
Myleene Klass looks great with her messy side plait that still looks grown-up
Great for a bad hair day, Jessica Alba’s slicked-back ballet bun will look great at parties
Naomi Watts makes a simple ponytail look stunning. Softly teased to give her hair some volume, just by flicking it over her shoulder instantly adds a shot of glamour to the style – one to try!
Whenever we see Rose Byrne we have hair envy and this updo is no different. Neat but with natural movement, her soft side sweeping fringe stops it looking too harsh with a bold red lip.
An anytime anywhere look, Tulisa’s long wavy ponytail looks as fab paired with this woolley jumper as it would a LBD!
Topknots are a great one-style-fits-all hairstyle. Alesha Dixon dresses hers up by wearing it smooth and sleek but they work just as well scrunched loosely on top of your head – great for lazy days.
Retro hairstyles are a big trend right now so we’re glad to see Lorraine Kelly is taking note with this glossy updo that hints at the 60s era. Adding height at the crown also makes you appear slimmer!
Donna Air’s whispy updo would make the perfect wedding hairstyle. Curled first, if you’re worried having all of your hair tied up will look too severe, copy this style and keep some hair visible at the back.
We love Blake Lively’s chunky fishtail braid and pulling her hair into a ponytail first makes it much easier to style. Check out her bejeweled hair accessory too!
Cheryl Cole is a big fan of the ponytail but by wearing it messy, it almost looks like a half-up, half-down do. To recreate the look, loosen the hair around your hair band to give it some lift.
Carmen Electra’s thick bun is spot on if you’re looking for a style that will keep you cool in summer. With no flyaways, it will take you from beach to bar.
Twisting her hair into a neat side bun that sits at the nape of her neck, Amanda Holden’s classic hairstyle looks polished to perfection.
Eva Longoria rocks the sports luxe look, smoothing her hair back into a glossy high ponytail that is both sexy and glamorous.
Choosing a retro finish for her updo, Katherine Kelly adds height through the crown to create a tamer, more wearable version of the 60s beehive.
Twisting her hair into a voluminous victory roll, Kelly Brook’s gorgeous updo looks like it’s come straight from the forties.
Curling her hair into loose ringlets, Nicole Kidman grips her hair back into a wide and bouncy updo that could almost pass for a faux bob.
Gwyneth Paltrow proves ponytails are ageless by wearing hers loosely tied at the nape of her neck and tucking any flyaways neatly behind her ears.
Make half-up half-down do’s more age appropriate by adding a loose plait. With a nod to the seventies, it works on every hair length too.
Victoria Beckham highlights her elfin features with this relaxed, messy French pleat – a must for summer parties!
Casual side sweeping ponytails like this one by Rae Palmer are a great weekend hairstyle when you want to abandon the hair straighteners!
A mid-height ponytail is bang on trend and Kim Kardashian gets it spot on. Wrapping a strand of hair around the band adds swing to the ponytail.
This sleek oversized bun by Headmasters looks glam and gorgeous. Wrap your hair around a hair doughnut to achieve the same look at home.