23 Updo Hairstyles With Bangs Women Swear By for Style
Trying to figure out what to do with your bangs when you wear your hair up? You’re not alone. The perfect updo can beautifully showcase your fringe, framing your face and elevating your entire look. We’ve gathered 23 of the most stylish updo hairstyles that women swear by, perfect for showing off your bangs whether you’re headed to work, a wedding, or a weekend brunch.
1. The Messy Bun with Wispy Bangs
This look is the ultimate go-to for a reason it’s stylish, easy, and looks great on everyone. The key is to let your bangs be the star. Wispy, piece-y bangs soften the face and keep the style from feeling too severe. This updo is perfect for a busy day when you want to look put-together in minutes.
To recreate this, simply pull your hair into a high ponytail and twist it loosely into a bun, securing it with a coil-friendly hair tie. Don’t worry about perfection; the more pieces that fall out, the better. Gently separate your bangs and use your fingers to shape them, finishing with a light-hold texturizing spray.
2. The Elegant Chignon with Blunt Bangs
This elegant chignon proves that blunt bangs and updos are a match made in heaven. The severity of the straight-across fringe is balanced by the softness of a low bun, creating a look that is both fashion-forward and timeless. It’s an ideal choice for a formal event or a professional setting where you want to make a polished statement.
To achieve this look, use a flat brush and a bit of smoothing serum to create a sleek ponytail at your nape. Twist it into a tight knot and pin it securely. The most important step is to flat-iron your bangs for a razor-sharp finish, ensuring they lay perfectly against your forehead.
3. The Braided Crown with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are designed to frame the face, and this braided crown updo highlights that feature beautifully. The bangs blend seamlessly into the braid, creating a cohesive and dreamy look. This style is perfect for a festival, a wedding, or any day you want to feel like a bohemian queen.
Create a Dutch braid along your hairline, wrapping it around your head and pinning the end underneath. The secret is to gently pull on the loops of the braid to make it look fuller and softer. Style your curtain bangs with a round brush to give them a gentle, outward curve.
4. The Textured Ponytail with Piece-Y Bangs
This isn’t your average sleek ponytail. The texture is what makes it special, and the piece-y bangs add an edge that feels intentional and stylish. It’s a fantastic way to look polished while still showing off your personal style. This look is perfect for a concert, a night out, or a creative work environment.
To get this look, tease the crown of your hair for volume before gathering it into a high ponytail. Then, use a texturizing spray on your bangs and throughout the ponytail, using your fingers to separate the pieces and create that lived-in, piece-y effect.
5. The Low Twisted Bun with Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are incredibly versatile and flattering. Paired with a low twisted bun, they create a look that is both romantic and refined. This style is perfect for a wedding, a formal dinner, or any occasion where you want to feel effortlessly elegant and timeless.
Create a deep side part and use a round brush to blow-dry your bangs over to one side. Gather the rest of your hair into a low ponytail, twist it loosely, and wrap it into a bun, securing it with pins. The goal is a soft, touchable bun that complements the flow of your bangs.
6. The Half-Up Top Knot with Micro Bangs
Micro bangs make a statement, and this half-up style is the perfect way to show them off without hiding them. It’s a trendy, youthful look that’s full of personality. This style is ideal for someone who loves fashion and isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
This look is all about attitude. Simply gather a small section of hair at the very top of your crown and twist it into a mini top knot. Keep your micro bangs neatly trimmed and use a light pomade to keep them in place and add definition.
7. The Sleek Ballerina Bun with Full Bangs
This look is the epitome of classic discipline with a modern edge. The sleekness of the high bun contrasts beautifully with the strong line of the full bangs, creating a high-fashion, editorial feel. It’s a stunning choice for a black-tie event or for anyone who loves a minimalist yet dramatic aesthetic.
Achieving this level of sleekness requires a strong-hold gel and a boar bristle brush. Create a high, tight ponytail and twist it into a neat, coiled bun. Use a flat iron on your bangs to ensure they are perfectly straight and smooth, laying like a silk curtain across your forehead.
8. The Boho Twisted Updo with Wispy Bangs
This boho updo is perfect for when you want to look stylish but still effortless. The loose twists add texture and volume, while the wispy bangs keep the look light and airy. It’s an ideal hairstyle for a garden party, a friend’s wedding, or a romantic date, offering a touch of whimsical charm.
To get this look, create random two-strand twists throughout your hair and pin them loosely at your nape. Don’t aim for perfection—the charm is in the slight disarray. Use your fingers to gently separate your wispy bangs and mist them with a texturizing spray to maintain their feathery appearance all day.
9. The French Twist with Side-Swept Bangs
The French twist is a vintage style that feels incredibly modern when paired with soft, side-swept bangs. The bangs break up the severity of the updo, adding a touch of softness and framing the face beautifully. This is a go-to style for making a strong, elegant impression.
To create this, brush your hair smoothly back and fold it upwards into the twist, securing it with pins vertically. The key is to use a round brush to blow-dry your bangs into a deep, smooth curve that complements the sleek lines of the twist.
10. The Bubble Braid with Curtain Bangs
The bubble braid is a whimsical and easy way to add major style to an updo. Paired with curtain bangs, it creates a fun, modern look that’s perfect for a festival, a birthday celebration, or just a day when you want your hairstyle to spark joy. It’s surprisingly simple but has a huge visual impact.
Create a high ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic. Add more elastics every few inches down the length. Gently tug on the hair between each elastic to form the bubbles. Style your curtain bangs with a large-barrel curling iron to give them a soft, blended wave.
11. The Gibson Tuck with Blunt Bangs
This style is for the fashion-forward individual who isn’t afraid to make a statement. The architectural shape of the Gibson tuck paired with severe blunt bangs creates a look that is both retro and utterly contemporary. It’s a perfect choice for an art opening or a trendy city wedding.
To achieve the tuck, gently backcomb the hair at the crown for lift, then roll the ends under and pin them from the inside. The blunt bangs should be freshly trimmed and flat-ironed for a crisp, clean line that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the tuck.
12. The Messy Braided Bun with Piece-Y Bangs
This hairstyle is the definition of “I woke up like this” (but better). The combination of a braid, a messy bun, and piece-y bangs creates a look that is full of texture and movement. It’s ideal for a casual day out, a coffee date, or when you want to look put-together without any fuss.
Create a high ponytail and braid it. Lightly backcomb the ponytail before twisting it into a bun, then wrap the remaining braid around the base. The key is to pull out plenty of pieces from the bun and your bangs, using a texturizing paste to define each separate piece.
13. The Elegant Low Ponytail with Wispy Fringe
A low ponytail is a classic, but adding a wispy fringe transforms it from basic to beautiful. This style is incredibly versatile; it works for the office, a job interview, or a sophisticated dinner. The wispy bangs add a touch of femininity and softness that is universally flattering.
Use a bristle brush and a light-hold gel to smooth all your hair back into a low ponytail. For the bangs, use a small, round brush to blow-dry them downward, then use the tip of a comb to gently separate them into wispy, irregular sections.
14. The Crown Braid with Full Bangs
This style is a true fairytale look. The crown braid keeps every strand in place, while the full bangs draw all the attention to your eyes. It’s a magical choice for a wedding, a Renaissance fair, or any event where you want to embrace a soft, romantic aesthetic.
Create a Dutch braid along your hairline, wrapping it around your head and pinning the end underneath. The braid should be thick and substantial. Keep your blunt bangs perfectly trimmed and styled with a flat iron to maintain a sharp, clean line that contrasts with the braid’s texture.
15. The Slicked-Back Bun with Curved Bangs
This look is all about high-impact glamour. The severe slicked-back bun allows the sculptural quality of your bangs to truly shine. It’s a red-carpet-worthy style that is perfect for a formal event when you want your look to be powerful, polished, and unforgettable.
To achieve the slicked look, use a strong-hold gel and a boar bristle brush, securing the bun tightly at the nape. For the bangs, use a large round brush to blow-dry them into a high, curved shape, using a strong-hold hairspray to lock the volume in place.
16. The Half-Up Twisted Pony with Curtain Bangs
This half-up style is the perfect compromise. It keeps the hair out of your face while still showing off your length. The curtain bangs seamlessly connect the half-up section to the rest of your hair, creating a flattering and cohesive look that’s perfect for a day at the office or a weekend outing.
Take a front section of hair from each side, twist it back, and secure it at the back of your crown. Curl the rest of your hair to match the texture of the twists. Use a round brush to style your curtain bangs, ensuring they blend naturally into the twisted sections.
17. The Tousled Updo with Micro Bangs
This look is for the bold and the brave. The messy updo and micro bangs together create a fashion-forward, artistic statement. It’s a look that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is perfect for someone with a strong personal style who loves to express their creativity.
To create the updo, simply twist and pin sections of your hair randomly at the back of your head, leaving out pieces for a lived-in feel. Use a tiny bit of pomade to add texture and separation to your micro bangs, giving them a piece-y, defined finish.
18. The Braided Headband with Wispy Bangs
This “braided headband” look is a simple yet stunning way to elevate a basic ponytail. It’s a practical style that keeps hair off your face while looking incredibly stylish. The wispy bangs underneath add a touch of mystery and softness, making the look feel complete and intentional.
Create a braid with a section of hair from one temple. Pull it across your forehead to the opposite side and tuck the end into the base of a low ponytail. Gently pull out a few wispy pieces of hair from underneath the braid to create your bangs and frame your face.
19. The Voluminous Roll with Side-Swept Bangs
This style is pure old-school glamour. The voluminous roll at the front gives incredible height and drama, while the side-swept bang adds a touch of sultry mystery. It’s a show-stopping look for a black-tie wedding, a vintage-themed party, or a night at the theater.
To create the roll, tease the crown section heavily and smooth the top layer over it, rolling it back and pinning it securely. Use a large round brush to blow-dry your side-swept bangs into a deep, glossy curve that sweeps dramatically across your eyebrow.
20. The Textured Low Bun with Piece-Y Bangs
This low bun is the perfect blend of messy and polished. It’s a go-to style that works for everything from a casual brunch to a creative work environment. The piece-y bangs keep the look feeling modern and fresh, ensuring you don’t look overly done-up.
Gather your hair at your nape and twist it loosely into a bun, securing it with pins. Instead of tucking all the ends in, allow some to stick out for texture. Use your fingers and a texturizing spray to define and separate both the bun and your piece-y bangs.
21. The Fishtail Braid with Blunt Bangs
This style is a masterclass in contrast. The soft, woven texture of the fishtail braid plays beautifully against the hard, graphic line of blunt bangs. It’s a look that is both bohemian and edgy, perfect for someone who wants a stylish yet practical hairstyle for a long day.
Master the fishtail braid by dividing your hair into two sections and crossing small pieces from the outside of one over to the inside of the other. Keep your blunt bangs perfectly trimmed and flat-ironed to maintain their sharp, clean appearance against the braid’s texture.
22. The Polished Low Knot with Wispy Bangs
Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. This low knot is incredibly easy to achieve but looks exceptionally chic. The wispy bangs are the key, as they prevent the style from looking too austere or mature, keeping it fresh, modern, and approachable.
Create a low ponytail and tie it into a simple, single knot, tucking the ends under to form a compact bun. Use a light-hold spray to tame any flyaways. For the bangs, use a small comb to gently separate them into irregular, see-through sections that soften your forehead.
23. The High Ponytail with Curtain Bangs
A high ponytail is a timeless symbol of youth and energy. When paired with face-framing curtain bangs, it becomes a modern, flattering style that is perfect for almost any occasion. It’s a look that says you’re ready for anything, from a workout to a casual party.
Tease the hair at the crown for maximum volume before securing a high ponytail. Use a curling wand to add soft waves to the tail for extra body. Style your curtain bangs with a round brush to create a gentle, open curve that seamlessly flows into the ponytail.
Conclusion
With these 23 stunning options, your bangs are no longer a styling challenge but your best accessory. From sleek and polished to soft and romantic, there’s an updo here to match your personal style and make you feel confident and put-together. So go ahead, pin it up, let your bangs shine, and get ready to turn heads.
