African wedding updos for natural black hair combine elegance and cultural significance. These hairstyles celebrate African heritage and offer stunning options for brides. Here, we explore 18 of the best updos that are perfect for weddings, showcasing versatility, style, and beauty.
18 Best African Wedding Updos for Natural Black Hair
1. Classic Chignon
Description: The classic chignon is a timeless and sophisticated updo. It involves gathering the hair into a low, neat bun at the nape of the neck.
How-To:
Start with clean, damp hair.
Apply a light mousse for volume.
Use a comb to gather hair into a low ponytail.
Twist the ponytail and secure it into a bun using bobby pins.
Smooth out any flyaways with a light hairspray.
Why It’s Great: This style is versatile and works well with various hair textures. It’s also ideal for showing off decorative hairpins or flowers.
2. Twisted Crown Updo
Description: The twisted crown updo features twisted sections of hair pinned around the crown of the head.
How-To:
Part hair down the middle.
Twist each section of hair from the front to the back.
Pin each twist around the head, securing with bobby pins.
Leave a few tendrils loose for a softer look.
Why It’s Great: This updo adds a regal touch, perfect for traditional ceremonies.
3. Braided Bun
Description: The braided bun combines braids and buns for a chic, polished look.
How-To:
Braid sections of hair from the front and sides.
Gather the braids into a high ponytail.
Twist the ponytail into a bun.
Secure the bun with pins and add decorative accents if desired.
Why It’s Great: It offers a structured look with added texture from the braids.
4. Halo Braid
Description: The halo braid is a beautiful, ethereal style where braids circle the head like a halo.
How-To:
Start with damp hair and create a side part.
Braid the hair along the hairline.
Pin the braid around the head.
Tuck and pin any loose ends.
Why It’s Great: This style exudes a romantic and delicate vibe, perfect for a bride who wants a soft, dreamy look.
5. High Puff
Description: The high puff is a bold and stylish updo featuring a voluminous puff of natural hair.
How-To:
Start with well-moisturized hair.
Gather hair into a high ponytail, leaving some volume.
Fluff the ponytail to create a puff.
Secure the puff with a hair tie and bobby pins.
Why It’s Great: It celebrates natural texture and adds a modern twist to traditional styles.
6. Cornrow Updo
Description: Cornrow updos feature intricate braids that are styled into an elegant updo.
How-To:
Braid sections of hair close to the scalp in cornrows.
Gather the cornrows into a low bun or chignon.
Secure with pins and smooth any frizz.
Why It’s Great: It offers a traditional yet refined appearance and is great for showcasing detailed braiding.
7. Fishtail Braid Updo
Description: The fishtail braid updo involves creating a fishtail braid and pinning it into a sophisticated bun.
How-To:
Create a fishtail braid from a ponytail.
Coil the braid into a bun shape.
Secure with bobby pins and tuck any loose ends.
Why It’s Great: This style combines intricate braiding with a polished updo for a unique look.
8. Retro Pin-Up Roll
Description: The retro pin-up roll features a classic roll and tuck style reminiscent of vintage glamour.
How-To:
Start with clean, dry hair.
Roll sections of hair into large curls.
Pin the rolls into place at the back of the head.
Smooth out any bumps with a brush.
Why It’s Great: It adds a touch of vintage elegance, perfect for a bride who loves classic styles.
9. Afro Puff with Braided Accents
Description: This style combines a high puff with braided accents for a dynamic look.
How-To:
Create a high puff with the natural hair.
Braid small sections of hair and weave them into the puff.
Secure with bobby pins.
Why It’s Great: It blends natural texture with creative braiding for a standout style.
10. Elegant Updo with Decorative Beads
Description: This updo incorporates decorative beads or jewels into a traditional bun or chignon.
How-To:
Create a classic bun or chignon.
Attach decorative beads or jewels to the hair.
Secure with bobby pins and hairspray.
Why It’s Great: It adds a touch of sparkle and glamor to a classic updo.
11. Side-Swept Updo
Description: The side-swept updo features hair swept to one side and secured into an elegant updo.
How-To:
Part hair to one side.
Gather the hair into a low, side bun.
Pin the hair in place and smooth out any loose strands.
Why It’s Great: It offers a sophisticated asymmetrical look, ideal for showing off jewelry or makeup.
12. High Twist Updo
Description: The high twist updo features twists of hair gathered into a high, voluminous bun.
How-To:
Create twists throughout the hair.
Gather the twists into a high ponytail.
Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure with pins.
Why It’s Great: It combines twists with volume for a stylish and dramatic updo.
13. Classic Bouffant
Description: The bouffant is a classic updo featuring a voluminous, puffed-out style.
How-To:
Backcomb sections of hair for volume.
Gather the hair into a high, rounded shape.
Pin the bouffant in place and smooth out with hairspray.
Why It’s Great: It provides a glamorous and dramatic look, perfect for a formal wedding.
14. Double Dutch Braid Bun
Description: This style combines double Dutch braids with a high bun for a chic and modern look.
How-To:
Create two Dutch braids along the sides of the head.
Gather the braids and remaining hair into a high bun.
Secure with pins and smooth any frizz.
Why It’s Great: It blends braiding with a high bun for a stylish and secure updo.
15. Spiral Curl Updo
Description: The spiral curl updo features curls arranged in a spiral pattern for an elegant look.
How-To:
Curl hair using a curling iron or rollers.
Arrange the curls in a spiral pattern on the head.
Pin curls in place and secure with hairspray.
Why It’s Great: It offers a soft, romantic look with beautifully arranged curls.
SEE ALSO: 20 Wedding Hairstyles for Short Hair: Half Up, Half Down
16. Pompadour Bun
Description: The pompadour bun features a voluminous pompadour at the front with a sleek bun at the back.
How-To:
Backcomb the front section of hair for volume.
Smooth the volume into a pompadour shape.
Gather the rest of the hair into a low bun and secure.
Why It’s Great: It combines retro pompadour style with a sleek bun for a fashionable updo.
17. Sleek Low Bun
Description: The sleek low bun is a smooth and sophisticated updo with hair pulled back into a low bun.
How-To:
Smooth hair with a serum or gel.
Gather the hair into a low ponytail.
Twist the ponytail into a low bun and secure with pins.
Why It’s Great: It provides a clean and polished look, perfect for modern brides.
18. Knotless Braids Updo
Description: Knotless braids updo features braids done without knots at the roots, styled into a high or low bun.
How-To:
Create knotless braids throughout the hair.
Gather the braids into a high or low bun.
Secure with pins and tuck any loose ends.
Why It’s Great: It offers a comfortable, stylish option that reduces tension on the scalp.
Conclusion
These 18 African wedding updos for natural black hair offer a range of styles from classic to contemporary. Each updo highlights the beauty and versatility of natural black hair while providing options for every bride’s preference and wedding theme. Whether you choose a sophisticated chignon or a bold high puff, these styles ensure that you’ll look stunning on your special day.