28 Braided Updos to Upgrade Your Basic Bun

We love how a braided updo hairstyle can instantly upgrade your beauty look. There’s just something about wearing your hair up that gives off a put-together, elegant aura—and adding braids into the mix makes it that much more interesting and on-trend! There's also no denying that an intricate, detailed braided updo draws the eye more than your everyday messy bun. If you're interested in an easy way to upgrade your go-to updo, let us introduce you to the following braided bun hairstyles. From the French braid bun to the classic brun, trust us when we tell you that you'll want to try them all!

first step: PREP YOUR HAIR

Before you get to creating any of these gorgeous braided bun hairstyles, you want to make sure your mane is prepped and ready to go. Use an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner to keep your strands frizz-free, allowing you to achieve a sleek look. We love the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner. Follow with the L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum to give your strands a smooth, weightless shine.

Editor’s tip: Want your hair to be extra sleek? Apply a bit of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel, to your mane before slicking it back and continuing to style.

braided updo  

Equal parts braid and bun, the brun is the perfect updo for feeling put-together in a flash. For a step-by-step tutorial on how to create the brun hairstyle, head to our article,"/beauty-magazine/hair-style/updo-and-bun-hairstyles/brun-braided-bun-hairstyle">Braid Meets Bun: How to Get a Brun Hairstyle.

braided updo #2: braided headband

This romantic braided updo is actually easier to create than it looks—and it easily transforms any beauty look! Given, you do have to have (at least) medium-length strands to be able to pull this one off. Start by following the tutorial in our article, How to Get a Braided Headband Hairstyle, then twist the rest of your hair into a low bun.

braided updo #3: french braid bun

Combining two of our favorite classic hairstyles—the French braid and the bun—this timeless look is appropriate for any occasion. It’s also very versatile: You can sweep your French braid into a high, tight bun, or keep it loose and low.

braided updo #4: french-braided chignon

In case you didn’t know, the term chignon is basically a fancy way to say low bun. Perfect for both daytime work attire and evening outings, a chic low chignon gets an easy upgrade with one (or two!) French braids down either side.

braided updo #5: tucked braided updo

Think of a chic, low chignon, wrapped with a braid—that’s the tucked braid updo. A perfect braided updo to rock at work and throughout your evening plans, this style is also surprisingly simple to create. Here’s our tutorial on How to Create a Tucked Braided Updo.

braided updo #6: braided top knot

Here's a new take on a classic: First, fasten your hair into a tight ponytail at the top of your head. Next, simply braid your ponytail, then wrap it around its own base to form a top knot. Fasten your braided top knot bun with a few bobby pins, and you're done. It’s as easy as that to create this chic, pulled-together look.

braided updo #7: double braided updo

What’s better than one braid? Two braids! To get this look, part your hair down the middle and fasten two loose French braids on either side. Next, combine both braids into one ponytail that hangs low at the nape of your neck. Using a few bobby pins, wrap your ponytail into a simple bun, and pin as needed.

braided updo #8: crown braid

Looser than the braided headband, this braid wraps all the way around your head for 360 degrees of gorgeousness. Sport this look as a festival goer or wedding guest—or even for your own wedding! It’s that gorgeous. It does take some practice, though, which is why we’ve got a full tutorial on how to create a crown braid on yourself. Here, learn How to Create a Beautiful Crown Braid.

braided updo #9: double french-braided buns

Ready to turn heads? This look has a certain retro flair that we totally love. It involves creating two, low-hanging French braids on either side of your head, then wrapping and fastening each braid into a low bun. Pro tip: For a really, really head-turning style, add in some streaks of color using the L'Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup 1-Day Color, which you can easily swipe on after your strands are already braided.

braided updo #10: double dutch-braided buns

The inverse of the French braid, the Dutch braid makes for more of a dramatic final look—although it’s just as easy if not even easier to create! To achieve the doubled-up updo, simply part your strands down the middle and fasten a Dutch braid on either side, finishing it about halfway down your head and securing with a hair elastic. Then, twist and fasten each side into a bun. For a full tutorial on the Dutch braid that serves as the base for this look, head to our article, How to Dutch Braid Your Hair.

braided updo #11: dutch fishtail

This elegant braided updo involves creating one (or two) fishtail braids, then fastening them back into a low chignon. Make the braid and bun clean for a sleek look, or keep things messier for a more laidback creation.

braided updo #12: double crown braid

This braided updo takes some finesse, so you might consider enlisting a friend for help. It involves doubling up the crown braid with two braided strands—you can make them the same size or play around with differing braid widths.

braided updo #13: peek-a-boo braided bun

For a look that’s all business in the front, party in the back, look no further than the peek-a-boo braided bun. Think of a typical top knot, messy or neat, with a Dutch or French braid sneaking up the back going from the nape of your neck all the way up to the bun. Get the idea? It’s also easy to create, which is a major bonus. All you need to do is leave the bottom section out of your bun, then proceed to braid as desired and fasten it where it meets your bun. Voila!

braided updo #14: halo braid

Combining Dutch and fishtail braids into an angel-like loop (AKA a halo), this braided updo can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Here’s how to get the look for yourself: Look Like an Angel: Mixed Halo Braid Tutorial.

braided updo #15: side-parted french braided bun

Sometimes, switching things up is as easy as changing your hair part. For a sophisticated take on the braided low bun, create a deep side part. Simply gorgeous!

braided updo #16: zipper braided bun

We’ll be honest, mastering the zipper braiding technique takes a bit of practice—but the end result will be totally worth it. For this updo, try creating a zipper braid down the center of your head, then fasten it into a low-hanging bun. Don’t worry; we have a step-by-step tutorial to give you a little guidance. Here’s How to Create a Zipper Braid.

braided updo #17: waterfall braided bun

Another gorgeous braiding technique that’s both timeless and easier than it looks to create? The waterfall braid. Simply waterfall braid your strands as usual, then fasten the rest of your locks into a low bun, using bobby pins to secure it right beneath where the “waterfall” falls. Click through to learn How to Create a Waterfall Braid.

braided updo #18: mix and match braided bun

This braided updo doesn’t go by the book—simply mix and match your favorite braid styles (Dutch, French, Zipper, or regular ol’ braid) and twist your hair up into a bun. For some inspiration, here’s How to Perfect a Mix and Match Braided Ponytail.

braided updo #19: asymmetrical braided updo

Make your braids that much more interesting by varying their size—and symmetry. Using whatever braiding style you prefer, fasten braids onto both sides of your head, keeping one side shorter. On the shorter side, fasten both braids into a low bun and use bobby pins to secure.

braided updo #20: box braids bun

If you already have gorgeous box braids, this braided updo is an easy way to achieve an elevated hairstyle in no time. Simply sweep all of your box braids—yes, all of them—into a bun on the top of your head, twisting a few of the small braids around the front for an eye-catching look. Use a handful of bobby pins to secure your bun, then spritz on some of the L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold to make sure everything stays in its place.

braided updo #21: fairy braid updo

Accent your already-gorgeous bun with a few small fairy braids. Simply braid a few very small sections of your hair on the top of your part and fasten them with a small hair band. Then, pull all of your hair back into a low bun, allowing the small fairy braids to remain on top of both sides of your part.

braided updo #22: braid faux hawk

Think of a mohawk, only instead of chopping your strands the heightened part of your hair will come from a braid (we think a teased Dutch braid works best). With the remaining hair, create a low bun at the nape of your neck, keeping the main focus on your Dutch braided faux hawk. Here, learn How to Rock a Faux Hawk Hairstyle.

braided updo #23: half-headband braided updo

When you think of a braided updo, this image likely comes to mind. Simply choose how to part your hair, then weave the hair from one side into a French braid, making sure to pancake the braid for added volume. Then, fasten the rest of your strands into a bun—messy or neat, it's up to you.

braided updo #24: side fishtail braided bun

Who said your bun has to fall directly in the middle of your head? On the contrary, switching it over to one side of your head adds instant dimension to any braided hairstyle. What’s even cooler? Pairing your side-swept bun with a fishtail braid. Stunning!

braided updo #25: messy, wavy braided updo

When all else fails, you can simply never go wrong with a messy updo. Better yet? Throw a braid or two into the messy mix, and pin them into your bun as you see fit for a Boho-glam final look.

braided updo #26: crochet braided bun

Crochet braid extensions already take plenty of time to put in, so you're probably all about fast and easy updos. Fortunately, this look takes all of about ten seconds! Simply fasten crochet micro braids into a large bun on the top of your head, using as many bobby pins as you need. It’s as easy as that!

braided updo #27: space bun braids

Looking for a braided updo look that’s really out of this world? Transform trendy space buns, incorporating braids into the look, to instantly elevate this hairstyle. First off, you’ll need to know how to do space buns—luckily, we’ve got a tutorial for you: Here is How to Do Space Buns.

braided updo #28: triple-braided bun

Last, but most certainly not least, the triple-braided bun (as pictured above). Simply put, when it comes to creating your bun, three braids are better—and much bigger—than just one.

Now that you’ve mastered all of these gorgeous braided updos, may we suggest adding a few retro looks to your styling repertoire, too? Here are 20 90’s Hairstyles to Take You Back in Time.