What Are the Different Types of High Updos?

Hairstyles pulled up and away from the face are popular for formal occasions as well as casual everyday wear. Formal high updos include the French twist, which is created by wrapping the hair into a loose cone to create a classic look, and the chignon, which can be worn tightly fitted or with loose strands. Casual high updos include the high-set ponytail, which is twist on the classic ponytail, and the bun, which can be worn tightly wound or loose around the edges.

A French twist starts with a basic ponytail that is formed at the nape of the neck. The hair in the ponytail is then twisted and lifted upward toward the crown of the head. Hair from one side of the head is used to wrap the ponytail into the back of the head. The ends are then tucked under and secured with bobby pins to hold the look in place. Alternative versions of this style leave the ends free and poking out of the top of the French twist cone.

Chignons are popular modern versions of high updos. To create the look, stylists pull the hair into a ponytail between the nape of the neck and center of the head. The ends of the ponytail are divided into several sections, and each section is twisted into one solid piece. Each twist is wrapped around the base of the ponytail and secured with a bobby pin. As a result, chignons have the shape of a bun, but with more depth and visual appeal.

Ponytails are a simple and casual style for long hair. Placing a ponytail higher on the head creates quick high updos that can be done at home without the aid of a stylist. The hair is gathered together toward the top of the head and secured with an elastic band, leaving the ends flowing free from the crown of the hair. Some wearers choose to backcomb the hair strands to give the ponytail more body.

Buns are another version of a causal high updo that is popular among women with longer hair. To create a bun, the hair is gathered into a ponytail between the crown and center of the head. The hair in the ponytail is then twisted into one solid piece, which is wrapped around the base of the ponytail several times and secured with bobby pins. Other versions of this style leave loose strands hanging from the bun.