I used to think curly updos were some kind of mystical hair unicorn — beautiful in theory, impossible in practice. My curls would either turn into a frizzy mess halfway through an event or fall completely flat within the first hour. Then I went to my cousin’s wedding with what I thought was the perfect twisted updo, only to catch a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror two hours later looking like I’d been struck by lightning. That was my wake-up call.
What You’ll Learn About Curly Updos
The Low Bun Revolution
The game-changer for me was abandoning the idea that updos need to be high and tight. Low buns work with curly hair instead of against it. I learned this from watching my hairstylist work on a bride with similar 3B curls to mine.
She gathered all the hair at the nape of the neck — not pulling it taut, but letting some natural volume remain at the crown. The secret? She twisted sections loosely before pinning them into the bun base. This creates texture and prevents that dreaded “slicked back” look that makes curly hair look sad and lifeless.
The positioning matters too. When I tried to recreate this at home, I kept placing the bun too high out of habit. But curly hair has weight and movement — a low placement lets gravity work in your favor instead of against it.
Twisted Crown Magic
This style saved me at my friend’s outdoor summer wedding when the humidity was brutal. Instead of fighting the frizz, I embraced it by creating loose twists from each temple that meet at the back of my head.
- Start with damp hair and your favorite curl cream
- Take 2-inch sections from each side, starting at the hairline
- Twist loosely — don’t make them tight or uniform
- Pin where they meet, leaving the rest of your hair down
- Pull at the twists gently to create volume and texture
What I love about this style is how forgiving it is. If pieces fall out or get frizzy, it actually adds to the romantic, effortless vibe. And it only takes about five minutes once you get the hang of it.
Side-Swept Drama
When I want something more formal but still want to show off my curls, I go for a dramatic side sweep that gathers into a low side bun. This one’s all about the preparation though.
I start by creating a deep side part when my hair is soaking wet — and I mean soaking. Then I apply my styling products and use clips to hold sections in place while they dry. The key is training your curls to follow this new direction from the very beginning of the styling process.
Once dry, I sweep everything to one side and create a loose bun just behind my ear. The weight distribution feels different than a centered bun, but it’s incredibly elegant for evening events. Plus, it shows off earrings beautifully.
Texture is Everything
Here’s what nobody tells you about curly updos: smooth and sleek rarely works. Our hair looks best when it has some grip and texture to work with. I learned this the hard way after trying to follow straight-hair tutorials for years.
Now I always style my updos on second or third-day hair. The slight roughness and natural oils give the hair more hold. If I’m starting with freshly washed hair, I’ll add some texturizing spray or even a tiny bit of dry shampoo at the roots.
The texture also helps bobby pins grip better. On slippery, freshly washed hair, pins slide right out. But with some texture, they lock in place and hold all day.
This Tutorial Changed My Updo Game
The Controversial Truth About Products
Okay, here’s my unpopular opinion: most curl-specific styling products are too heavy for updos. I know, I know — it goes against everything we’re told about caring for curly hair.
The same rich creams and heavy gels that make our curls look amazing when worn down can weigh them down in an updo, causing the style to fall apart.
For updos, I use about half the product I normally would, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends rather than the roots. I want some movement and bounce, not hair that’s so loaded with product it can’t hold its shape when pinned up.
I’ve also started using a light-hold mousse specifically for updo days. It gives just enough grip without the weight. My curls still look healthy and defined, but they’re more cooperative when it comes to staying put.
For those who want to dive deeper into curl care techniques, I’ve found some great insights in the lifestyle section that covers various beauty approaches.
My Go-To Emergency Style
We’ve all been there — five minutes before you need to leave and your hair is having a moment. My emergency curly updo is basically organized chaos, and it works every single time.
I flip my head upside down and gather all my hair at the very top of my head like I’m making a high ponytail. But instead of pulling it through the elastic completely, I leave it in a loose loop — essentially a topknot.
Then I pull pieces out strategically — some around my face, some to create texture in the bun itself. I pin down anything that feels too loose or messy, but honestly, the messier it looks, the more intentional it appears.
This style has gotten me through last-minute dinner invitations, unexpected work presentations, and those days when my planned hairstyle just wasn’t happening. It’s become such a reliable go-to that I almost prefer it to more structured styles now.
Learning to work with my curls instead of against them transformed not just my hairstyling but my whole relationship with my hair. These updos aren’t perfect in the Instagram sense, but they’re perfectly imperfect in a way that feels authentic and beautiful.
Remember, the best curly updo is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to adapt these techniques to work with your unique curl pattern and lifestyle. After all, the most beautiful hairstyles are the ones that let your personality shine through — Hair typing systems can help you understand your specific needs better.
Speaking of confidence, I’ve learned that mastering any skill — whether it’s hairstyling or tackling bigger life challenges — requires the same kind of perseverance. Just like conquering mountain peaks, perfecting your signature style is all about taking it one step at a time and celebrating the small victories along the way.
