Your wedding day? Whew. That’s the one day where your hair better be on its best behavior. Not good. Not great. We mean show-stopping. And when you’re a Black woman? The options are endless—like Sunday dinners with no finish line.
Updos have been our crown since the days of grandma’s press’n’curl in the kitchen. But now? We’re talking modern, elegant, fly-without-trying styles that say “I’m soft, but don’t play with me.”
Let’s get into these 22+ wedding updos that’ll have aunties clapping and the groom sweating. In a good way.
1. Classic Low Chignon with Laid Edges
This one right here? Timeless. A low chignon hits different on Black women because it gives structure but still softness. Pair that with edges laid like fresh paint? You might cry a little looking at yourself. Don’t worry, we all do.
2. High Puff with Wrapped Twists
We ain’t talking about no lazy puff. We mean a structured, sculpted high puff with some twists wrapped around like it’s your personal crown. Add a little gold wire or pearl pin if you feelin’ fancy. Which—you should be. It’s your day!
3. Fulani Braids Pulled Into a Twisted Bun
Why not blend tradition with elegance? Fulani braids with beads and all, swooped up into a neat twisted bun at the back. You get to carry a bit of history down the aisle. And honestly? It’s giving Queen energy.
4. Coily Halo Crown
Natural coils sculpted into a halo? Girl. That’s angelic without even trying. This style wraps around your head like you’re floating. Bonus points if you pair it with a soft lace veil. It’s soft glam, but for the culture.
5. Sculpted Finger Wave Updo
Now we know finger waves ain’t for the faint of heart—but imagine them sculpted into an updo with volume in the back. The front says 1920s jazz siren. The back? Pure 2025 luxury. This is one for the bold brides who don’t play it safe.
6. Sleek Top Knot with a Braided Base
It’s the contrast for me. The shine of a sleek top knot with the texture of small braids wrapping around the base? Unmatched. This updo can carry a heavy veil or nothing at all—it’s that powerful.
7. Bantu Knots Updo with Embellishments
Bantu knots don’t gotta be playful. They can be wedding-worthy with the right styling. Go for mini knots arranged symmetrically and drop in some gold cuffs or white pearls. It’s giving Afro-futuristic goddess. No cap.
8. Twisted Pompadour
This one goes UP and stays there. A pompadour with thick, two-strand twists makes your crown pop. And you don’t have to worry about wind or sweat—it’s locked in like your vows.
9. Afro Updo with Floral Pins
Soft, fluffy, voluminous afro pulled up and pinned with real or faux florals? Baby. This is what garden wedding dreams are made of. It’s like Mother Earth herself is walking you down the aisle.
10. Cornrowed Crown with Curly Bun
Start with detailed cornrows that circle your head like a crown. Then let the middle explode into a soft, curly bun. It’s elegant. It’s secure. It says “I’m regal but I will still dance during the reception.”
11. Faux Loc Updo with Beads
You ever seen faux locs styled into a swooped updo, then accessorized with white cowrie shells or wooden beads? It’s cultural. It’s stunning. It’s the kind of look that makes people pause mid-sentence when they see you walk in.
12. French Roll with a Twist—Literally
Take that old-school French roll and give it some spice. Add in flat twists or side cornrows leading into the roll. Sleek edges, a side swoop, and boom—you’re every bit the main character.
13. Braided Mohawk Updo
Yup. A wedding mohawk. Hear me out: side braids pulled tight and clean, middle section puffed, twisted, or coiled into soft glam chaos. Add sparkly pins for drama. He ain’t ready.
14. Sleek Bun with Waterfall Baby Hairs
There’s something about that slicked-back bun. But when the baby hairs are designed to flow like soft waves? Magic. It’s like calligraphy on your face. Top it with a jeweled hair comb and boom. You’re art.
15. Jumbo Flat Twists into a Bun
This one’s gentle on your scalp but heavy on the glamour. Big juicy flat twists pulled back into a low bun = classic with a twist. Literally. Add some shimmer spray and a silk headpiece and let ‘em stare.
16. Textured Twist-Out Updo
Do your twist-out the night before, then lift and pin the curls into a textured sculpture. It’s giving softness. It’s giving volume. It’s giving wow, she really did that. Let some curls hang near the ear. Always leave a curl out.
17. Kinky Straight Updo with a Braided Halo
Kinky straight hair gives that perfect balance between pressed and poofy. Wrap a single braid around the base like a halo and pile the rest high. You look like a royal statue. Don’t forget to smirk a little.
18. Goddess Braids into a Looped Bun
Big, bold, juicy goddess braids. Pull ‘em back into a dramatic looped bun that holds all day. Drop in a single rhinestone pin and don’t say a word. Let the hair speak.
19. Curly Pineapple Updo
If your curls are poppin’, let them shine. Gather them up high into a pineapple and shape it into a soft explosion of coils. It’s cute, carefree, but still elegant enough to rock with a tiara. Why not?
20. Roll and Tuck Updo
The classic roll-and-tuck gives serious elegance with no braiding needed. Smooth the hair back, roll it in sections, tuck, pin, done. Add a side part if you wanna spice it up. This one is for the soft brides, the “don’t rush me, I’m glowing” girls.
21. Side-Swept Afro Puff
An afro puff? But make it drama. Pull it all to one side and secure it like a giant rose of curls. It’s romantic and bold and makes any neckline look like a red carpet.
22. Low Twisted Rope Bun
Two-strand rope twists into a low bun are so underrated. It’s got that “I didn’t try hard but still slay” energy. Perfect for lace dresses and open-back gowns.
23. Sculpted Updo with Gold Leaf Accents
This is high fashion meets African royalty. Hair sculpted into high arcs and loops, then decorated with soft gold foil or leafing. You don’t wear this look. You become it.
24. Bubble Braided Bun
Section your hair into ponytails, puff each one into bubbles, then stack ‘em into a bun. It’s fun, unexpected, and totally bridal with the right touches. Think clear elastics and dainty pearl accents.
25. Jumbo Braid Updo with Side Tendrils
A single thick braid swirled into a bun, but with a twist—leave out a few curled tendrils near the ears and nape. Adds softness. Adds movement. Adds “I came to snatch souls but in a gentle way.”
Final Thoughts
Weddings are wild, huh? You plan for months—sometimes years—and suddenly the day is here. Your makeup is flawless, your dress is snug in all the right places. And your hair? It’s the cherry on top. Or maybe the whole cake.
These updos ain’t just hairstyles. They’re declarations. They say “I know who I am.” They say “Yes, I am that bride.” And when it’s all said and done, they live forever in the photos, in the videos, in the eyes of everyone watching you walk toward your forever.
So pick the one that makes you feel like magic. Then walk like you know you invented love itself.
And please—don’t forget to dance.
Olivia is a passionate hair enthusiast and content creator based in New York, United States, with over 4 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry. With a deep love for styling, trends, and haircare education, she has dedicated her career to helping others discover their unique hair identity.
Through her work at Hair Scroll, Olivia shares expert insights on everything from the latest haircut trends and styling tips to personalized care for all hair types and lengths. Her writing combines real-world experience with a fresh, accessible voice—making her a trusted source for readers looking to elevate their hair game.
When she’s not researching or writing, you’ll find Olivia testing new products, visiting salons across NYC, or scrolling through runway looks for the next big trend.
Follow Olivia’s posts for honest advice, trend forecasts, and inspiration for every strand.