40 Updo Hairstyles for Black Women to Jazz Up Your Look

Black updo hairstyles are really chic and they give the much desired queenly, elegant look that no other style can beat. For a coif that will really bring out the beauty queen in you, opt for one of the gorgeous looks from this gallery.

In this article, we gathered the 40 classiest looks. Whether it’s a cute wedding upstyle, befitting date night coif, or a prom-perfect hairdo, all the ideas you need in your life are right here. You just need to choose the one that fits your needs and occasion!

1. Loopy Dreadlocks Bun. Rocking your dreads and loving it? Here is a gorgeous styling option for your locs. Pile up your locs into a high bun, secure with a hairband and tuck the ends in to create a curly lotus-like bun.

2. Professional Braided Mohawk. Very cute, or rather, adorable Mohawk. The helical details of the cornrows and the braided part in the center make this hairdo mesmerizingly beautiful.

3. Upswept Kinky Twists. Braid some twisted cornrows with a side part. The flat twists give the sides a shaved look while the rest of the locks is styled upswept. A simple but very attractive look.

4. Protective Braided Bun. Braided chignons are super-chic, romantic, and trendy in 2025. Buns are always popular. The secrets to making your locks this beautiful are nicely done braids and a curvy parting.

5. Jumbo Twisted Mohawk. Mohawks are really versatile. There is a style for everyone, whether you like them simple or complex. A polished coif like this one is fitted for every occasion. Use a styling gel to smoothen out the edges of your hair to keep it looking beautiful.

6. Short Natural Curls with Cornrows. The kind of styles with curls you rock when you are all out to steal someone’s attention. This is your go-to for that weekend dinner with a special someone or when you’re going out on a first date. We bet he will be literally held spellbound by your beautiful locks.

7. Polished Folded Mohawk. A fanciful faux hawk, what can be better? This same coif in blonde or golden-brown hair color! Colors will add that desirable radiant touch to your style. Spot dainty hair accessories here and there to jazz up the drama.

8. Upswept Braids and Textured Bun. Here is a braided bun you can try for a gorgeous look. High buns are queenly and make for a really attractive hairdo. You can still pull this off even if your hair is short. All you need is long extensions.

9. Natural Mohawk with Twisted Sides. A curly faux hawk combines the feminine touch of curls with the edgy feel of Mohawks. Braid the sides of your natural curls and define the center into a mo’ to achieve this sweet coif.

10. Classy Low Bun. A low bun looks really delectable. If you prefer a simple and basic style for your big day, this is ideal for you. Let some locks hang loosely around your face for a romantic feel. A bright accessory will do wonders.

11. Asymmetrical Twisted Pompadour. Get your locks ready for that fancy evening. A twist braid style like the one below looks befitting for both formal and informal occasions. Elegant and chic, the twists ensure your coif will last much longer.

12. Upswept Flat Twists and Cornrows. A simple braided coif can take on a glamorous look just by the way you style it. Style your scalp twists and thin cornrows into this fascinating multi-textured high roll.

13. Asymmetrical Twisted Bun with Jewelry. Brush down your locks and twist them into a woven updo. It can be a combination of a flower bun on the top and a French twist in the back. Add hair accessories to your hairdo and you’re set. A weave or extensions work perfectly if your hair is short.

14. Bridal Twisted Coif. A cute and stylish solution for brides. Beats every other style at the party hands down. It’s your wedding day, after all. Book this down for your D-day.

15. Kinky Bun with Sleek Crown. Recreate this lovely bun and get ready for a shower of uuhs and aahs. The style is simple and you can easily do it on your own. Leave out a portion of hair in the front and brush back the rest of it into a low bun. Now twist and fold the locks in the front along one side of your head, tuck the end into the low bun and secure in place with hairpins.

16. Afro with Half-Up Flat Twists. A quick and easy natural style you can whip up on your hair wash day. Make jumbo twists or braids halfway to get your curls out of your face, and style the rest of it into a puffy ponytail. So chic, and convenient too.

17. Crown Twist Updo for Natural Locks. For those days when you need to look like royalty. Folded into a crown halo, this center-parted natural curly coif offers you all the graceful elegance you need on very special occasions.

18. Sectioned Mohawk with a Twist. Think of natural styles that take your looks from casual to elegant in a flash, think faux-mohawk styles. Classy and sophisticated, yet very easy to create. A favorite wedding idea for team natural girls.

19. Half-Up Half-Down Twist Braids. Braids are the most popular protective solution you can rock for any occasion. For this style, flat-twist the front of your locks and twist out the rest. A dash of color at the ends creates a dazzling, summertime gleam.

20. Feed-In Braids with a Low Bun. Chic, simple, and trendy. No face shape has ever said no to this chignon, especially when the parting is done off the middle. Style the braids into a low bun for an elegant finish.

21. Jumbo Fold and Tuck Chignon. This, right here, is your choice for that big event. Whether created with your natural locks or extensions, such gorgeously-wrapped coifs are for queens.

22. Next-Level Twisted Bun. Braided and twisted styles will not only keep your curls neatly tucked and protected, but they will also spice up your looks. Add a few metal beads to make the style pop.

23. Mid-Length Afro Pony. Need to make an impressive appearance at that event, but time isn’t on your side? No worries. Afro luck is on your side. Brush your locks into a tight ponytail, apply styling gel, and voila, you’ve just made a delectable natural coif.

24. Gel-and-Braid High Bun. Sometimes, one style isn’t just enough. This unexpected mix of gelled locks, a showy stitch braid on the side, and a messy bun is da bomb.

25. Dreadlocks Bun with Nape Design. Uh-lah-lah! Dreads don’t ever have to be boring. Treat your dreads to a sophisticated high bun. The neat scalp with an undercut design adds lovely details to her upswept locs.

26. Stunning 4C Jumbo Chignon. The intricate details of this 4C coif make it a complete traffic-stopper. Thick black locks are loosely interwoven into a single large braid.

27. Low Tuck with Multiple Braids and Curls. Bohemian braids are very trendy and versatile. They can also be styled in so many ways. You can style it into box braids featuring loose curls that dangle alluringly around your hair. A colorful accessory will make the style fancier.

28. Perfect Twisted 4C Mohawk. One of the secrets to achieving a great hairdo is to start the right moisturizing hair routine for your locks to keep them hydrated and, thus, healthy. Her Mohawk looks so great because the hair is in the good condition. Don’t skip hair care routines!

29. Big Low Bridal Сoif with Jumbo Pearls. Buns are great for weddings! Low buns like this one are among the most asked bridal choices this year. For that classy bridal look, your stylist should make a loose bun and use pearls to give it a romantic feel.

30. 2-Stitch Braids and a Bun. You just need to try stitch braids in a jumbo size. They’re cute, elegant, protective, simple, stylish… We could go on all day. This is a no-fuss braids idea you could wear all week long without any need to style or touch up.

31. Wedding Cornrows for Bridesmaids. Or wedding guests, or the bride herself. Give it good styling – and simple twists transform into an amazing coif. Decorate with fancy bridal accessories – and you’ve got a smashing bridesmaids style.

32. Voluminous Chignon with a Delicate Accessory. A glamorous chignon for the perfect wedding look. The dark and glossy, voluminous lush strands contrast lovingly with your white wedding dress. The pearl-and-crystal hair piece adds romantic vibes to the look.

33. Scalp Braided Quiff. This sophisticated design is superb for kinky curls. An exquisite coif you can easily create by braiding your hair in the back halfway up. Fold the locks loosely at the crown into a voluminous twist as in the picture below.

34. Piled-Up Twists and Cornrows. Try out this idea for your next weekend outing. Cornrows on both sides of your head create a buzz cut look. Loosely twist your hair into a mo’ and secure it with bobby pins.

35. Puffy Curly Bridal Coif. If you have shorter locks, fear not, as you can always use kinky extensions to get the required length. Hair accessories such as faux flowers, pins, combs, pearls, crystals, etc. are like flowers to a tree. Adorn your curls with fitting accessories to give them a glitzy feel.

36. Intricate Braided Faux Mohawk. You can actually make your mohawks stay fresh and new for a couple of weeks. Faux mohawks last longer and are more protective, as your natural hair is safely tucked underneath. Twist the braids a bit tighter and tame flyaways with a good quality styling gel.

37. Cute Prom Idea for Naturalistas. If nature has blessed you with naturally puffy locks, use it to your advantage. Afro hair will naturally form a puff when tied backwards. Create a cute style with your kinky locks for a simple but very classy bun.

38. Big Braided Faux Hawk. Braided coifs require less maintenance and last much longer than the styles you make without braids. Get inspired by the get-up-and-go looks – the braided faux hawk hairdo is ideal.

39. Headband Twisted Updo. Want a coif that is protective as well as fashionable? Check out this twisted halo. The two-strand twist braids ensure your mane stays protected. The headband twist adds a stunning chic vibe to this easy upstyle.

40. Curls on Top, Twists in the Back. Steal the show with this captivating idea. Make scalp twists in the back to create an undercut look and leave a high puff of curls at the crown. Feel free to style as you like. Just give it your signature.

All the style inspo you need for elegant looks is right here! These upstyles are also really easy to pull off. Which one of them would you choose for your next coif?