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Home · Hair

Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now

No matter what your current hair length, one thing is for certain—up-dos are just plain chic. Beyond being a summertime hair savior (honestly, who wants sweaty hair sticking to their neck?) up-dos help put your best face forward. Whether you need an elegant solution for the office or a cool idea for your next swanky soiree, here are 37 inspired ideas for when a simple ponytail just won’t do. 
By Janell M. Hickman · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Braided Bun: Nicki Minaj

A departure from her typical red carpet looks, the HBIC (Head Barbz in Charge) herself looks absolutely regal in a sky-high knot.

Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
02
Loose Chignon: Zoe Saldana
This simplistic chignon is both breathtaking and chic.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images
03
French Roll: Andra Day
The classic french roll has to be one of the most glamorous styles of all time. Play yours up with a pin-rolled bang a la Day.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
04
Twisted Up-Do: Brandy Norwood
Marley twists are light, versatile and relatively easy to style on (and off) the red carpet.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Tiffany Rose/WireImage
05
Braided Up-Do: Danielle Brooks
Upgrade your box braids with a classy side bun to turn a few heads.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
06
Parted Bangs: Chanel Iman
The model extraordinaire shows us how to strut in style with parted wavy bangs.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for FIJI Water
07
Parted Bangs: Zoë Kravitz
We love Zoë’s free-spirited bohemian box braids, but she looks equally stunning in a low-maintenance style.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images
08
Romantic Knot: Ciara
Wisps of delicate hair framed the face of singer in this ultra feminine style.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
09
Romantic Knot: Jasmine Tookes
The key to perfecting a romantic knot is imperfection—notice Jasmine’s deliberately undone look.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
10
Romantic Knot: Melanie Fiona
Achieve an even greater level of drama by adding va-va-volume to your bun like Melanie Fiona.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Paul Archuleta /FilmMagic
11
Sleek Part: Michelle Obama
We love the First Lady’s signature shoulder length hair, but this sleek updo truly unveiled her radiance. Striking!
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images
12
Faux Bob: Kerry Washington
Kerry’s faux bob is unassuming yet very sexy at the same time.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
13
Faux Bob: Lala Anthony
Give off cool, old school vibes like Lala in a super fashionable pin curls.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Jason Merritt/WireImage
14
Faux Bob: Kenya Moore
Shorter hair definitely works on the former beauty queen and reality TV starlet.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
JC Olivera/WireImage
15
Dramatic Bangs: Rihanna
RiRi brings the drama in an updo with a healthy dose of volumized bangs.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images
16
Dramatic Bangs: Karrueche Tran
Don’t be afraid to mix a few major hair trends at once like Tran.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
17
Dramatic Bangs: Tisha Campbell-Martin
A low-braided bun and come-hither bangs are the perfect evening combo.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Mark Sullivan/WireImage
18
Dramatic Bangs: Misty Copeland
The ballerina beauty’s impressive brow grazing fringe made a fashionable statement here.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Desiree Navarro/WireImage
19
Halo Braids: Rashida Jones
Halo braids are an easy way to elevate your look for a daytime outing or an evening on the town.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
20
Halo Braids: Tika Sumpter
This stunning style is simply exquisite on Tika.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
David Livingston/Getty Images
21
Halo Braids: Rita Ora
Embellish your braided crown with an uncomplicated beaded headband that will enhance your look.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Mike Marsland/WireImage
22
Braided Crown: Kelly Rowland
We vote for Kelly to make this double crown braid her official go-to ‘do.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
23
Braided Crown: Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer added flavor to her crowned braid by framing her face with strands of her impeccable brunette locks.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Mark Davis/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards
24
Side Pin Up: Regina King
Who doesn’t love a gorgeous side swept updo? Actress Regina King totally owned it.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
25
Retro Waves: Toni Braxton
This late 20’s (and early 30’s) aesthetic works well for Toni on and off stage.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Walter McBride/WireImage
26
Retro Waves: Jada Pinkett-Smith
Jada Pinkett-Smith is also in on the retro wave trend. The superstar glowed in this contemporary version.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for The Clara Lionel Foundation
27
Retro Waves: Ciara
Ciara slayed at the 2016 Met Gala with killer silver waves.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
George Pimentel/WireImage
28
Retro Waves: Viola Davis
Viola looked effortless and utterly royal in her fabulous wavy interpretation.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Steve Granitz/WireImage
29
High Bun: Selita Ebanks
Frilly pin curls and statement bangs defined make this high bun one to emulate.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
30
High Bun: Garcelle Beauvais
Captivate a crowd with a sleek ballerina bun. Plus, show off your greatest accessory, your immaculate skin.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Alberto E. Rodriguez/WireImage
31
Curled Bun: June Ambrose
Stun like June Ambrose in a simple but chic loosely curled moment.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Jim Spellman/WireImage
32
Pompadour: Janelle Monáe
When the Afrofuturistic singer (also known as Cindi Mayweather) sports her trademark pompadour we can’t get enough!
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Michael Stewart/WireImage
33
Pompadour: Erykah Badu
Erykah has an intuitive sense of style that we can all appreciate. This golden blonde pompadour illustrates how she gets it right every time.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Kevin Mazur/BET/Getty Images for BET
34
Red Carpet Glam: Jordin Sparks
Light up the room like Jordin Sparks with a loose mid-knot and lustrous side bangs.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Jennifer Graylock/FilmMagic
35
Red Carpet Glam: Vanessa Williams
Keep it simple by focusing on subtle accessories and makeup like Vanessa for big nights out.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Angela Weiss/Getty Images
36
Red Carpet Glam: Gabrielle Union
This sculptural style brings out the sultriness in Gabrielle Union. More please, Gabby!
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Mark Sullivan/WireImage
37
Curls Galore: Corrine Bailey Ray
The soft-spoken songstress’ quirky coils dazzle yet again.
Up And Away: 37 Celebrity Up-Dos to Try Now
Ian Gavan/Getty Images
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