Ever found yourself scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram, admiring intricate hairstyles, and wondered, "What is an updo called?" You're not alone. The world of hairstyling has a rich vocabulary, and understanding it can help you communicate your desired look more effectively. Let's delve into the fascinating realm of updos and explore their various names and styles.

Updos, as the name suggests, involve styling hair upwards, away from the face. They can be as simple as a quick bun or as elaborate as a French twist. The term 'updo' is a broad one, encompassing a wide range of styles. But what are some of these styles called, and how can you identify them?

Classic Updos
Let's start with some classic updos that have stood the test of time.

These styles are often seen on red carpets and in fashion magazines, and they're a staple in many hair salons.
Bun

A bun is one of the most basic and versatile updos. It involves gathering hair at the crown or nape of the neck and twisting it into a circular shape. Buns can be sleek and smooth or messy and textured, making them suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
Some popular variations of the bun include the top knot, space buns, and the messy bun. The top knot, as the name suggests, is worn high on the head, while space buns are two high, rounded buns placed on either side of the head. The messy bun, on the other hand, is a casual style that's easy to achieve and perfect for those days when you just don't have time to style your hair.
Ponytail

Another classic updo is the ponytail. This style involves gathering the hair at the back of the head and securing it with an elastic band. Ponytails can be worn high or low, and they can be sleek and smooth or textured and messy.
Some popular variations of the ponytail include the high ponytail, low ponytail, and the messy ponytail. The high ponytail is a classic style that's perfect for a night out, while the low ponytail is a more casual look that's great for everyday wear. The messy ponytail, like the messy bun, is a quick and easy style that's perfect for those days when you just don't have time to do your hair.
Elegant Updos

Now, let's look at some elegant updos that are perfect for special occasions.
These styles are often more complex than classic updos, but they can be achieved with a bit of practice and the right tools.




















Chignon
A chignon is a sophisticated updo that involves twisting the hair into a knot at the nape of the neck. Chignons can be worn smooth and sleek or messy and textured, and they're a popular choice for weddings and formal events.
Some popular variations of the chignon include the low chignon, high chignon, and the messy chignon. The low chignon is a classic style that's perfect for a formal event, while the high chignon is a more modern take on the classic style. The messy chignon, like the messy bun and ponytail, is a casual style that's perfect for those days when you want to look put-together but don't want to spend too much time on your hair.
French Twist
The French twist is a classic updo that involves twisting the hair up and securing it at the back of the head. This style is often seen on the red carpet and is a popular choice for formal events.
Some popular variations of the French twist include the low French twist, high French twist, and the messy French twist. The low French twist is a classic style that's perfect for a formal event, while the high French twist is a more modern take on the classic style. The messy French twist, like the other messy updos, is a casual style that's perfect for those days when you want to look put-together but don't want to spend too much time on your hair.
Understanding the names and styles of updos can help you communicate your desired look more effectively to your hairstylist. Whether you're looking for a classic, elegant, or casual updo, there's a style out there that's perfect for you. So next time you find yourself wondering, "What is an updo called?" you'll have a wealth of knowledge to draw upon. Happy styling!