Our Favorite Cool-Weather Updos to Try This Winter

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
Pinterest/Gal Meets Glam
While each season welcomes its different set of beauty challenges, the transition from the warm, muggy summer air to the dry, crisp air of fall and winter leaves us both grateful and nervous. In the summer, Southern women fight an uphill battle against the severe humidity; but it does push us to embrace our hair with a work-with-not-against mindset. In the fall and winter, it’s a different story. The weather is volatile, our wardrobe is knit-heavy, and our hair has to roll with the punches. We love the season, with its cheery holidays and gorgeous scenery, but don’t always know what to do when it comes to beauty. That’s why a casual cool-weather updo that pairs perfectly with our favorite jackets, sweaters, and scarves is the secret weapon of the season. Whether textured topknots, sassy ponytails, ethereal braids, or incredible hair accessories, we’ve committed to this stylish, yet practical way of life. You can worry less about how your hair will withstand the elements—because these updos keep it under control in a very pretty package. (We can’t say no to that no-nonsense attitude.) Here are some of our favorite updos just made for sweater weather.
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Classic Topknot

Pinterest/Gal Meets Glam

You can’t beat this simple, classic bun in our opinion, especially during the fall and winter when we’re breaking out our favorite jackets, thick sweaters, and cozy scarves.

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Bob-Length Ponytail

Pinterest

If you have short hair, a casual, but cute updo can sometimes be a challenge. With some help from trusty bobby pins, a small clear elastic band, and a tiny bit of teasing, you can have this adorable bob-length ponytail. Pin back any strands that fall out.

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Fanned Out Bun

Instagram/@jessannkirby

This cute updo looks disheveled, but put-together at the same time. Start with a low ponytail and fold it under to form this fanned out loop, securing with a clear elastic. Keep a few pieces out to wrap around the base to make it look natural.

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Woven Ponytail

Pinterest

This simple ponytail gives a little something extra with the lattice-like woven pieces wrapped above the hair band. For this look, you leave out hair on each side of the ponytail, closest to your face, and pin back piece by piece with bobby pins on the opposite side in the back until you get the woven look.

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Reverse Braided Bun

Pinterest/Sparkles and Shoes

It’ll be hard to find a more chic French braid than this reverse one. Start with your head flipped over and start a regular French braid (and we sometimes recruit a friend!). It’s a subtle upgrade to your usual braid or topknot.

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Velvet Ribbon Ponytail

Pinterest/Damsel in Dior

Everyone is loving ribbons this season, and we will happily welcome the trend! Velvet black ribbon makes any ponytail or bun look classy and stylish, whether you choose an ultra skinny ribbon or big fat one!

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Simple Chignon

Pinterest/Lulus

This elegant everyday ‘do can be done in seconds. The base is a low ponytail that you tuck into itself with a few twisted strands pinned on each side.

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Half Bun

Pinterest/The Right Hairstyles

For short-haired girls, you sometimes need to get a little more creative with your options. We love a half-up bun because it adds volume and style to hair, no matter if it’s straight, curly, or on its second day without washing.

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Center Braid Bun

Pinterest/Hairstyles Weekly

Ramp up your topknot with a tight center-placed French braid. After braiding, secure with a clear elastic before bringing the rest of the hair up into a voluminous bun.

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Bubble Ponytail

Pinterest/Hair Romance

This style will transition from your workout class to the farmers’ market on any weekend. Divide hair into four sections, using clear elastics to create the sequence, slightly tugging each small ponytail to give a bubble effect.

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Twisted Bubble Updo

Pinterest/Hair Romance

This look uses the same strategy as the bubble ponytail, but you fold each ponytail into itself for that twisted look on each section. You can leave the ponytail loose on the end or pin it into a bun.

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Messy Bun with Side Braid

Pinterest

Start this look by French braiding from your side part to the back of the head, but you only will bring in hair from one side of the braid (closest to your face; where your bangs are), not both sides. Twist the end into a messy bun and secure with either bobby pins or a clear elastic.

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Twisted Fishtail Braid

Pinterest/Lulus

This romantic braid starts with two small sections on each side of the face being twisted back and secured with a clear elastic, then you can finish it off with a simple fishtail braid. Tug at the braid afterwards to loosen it a bit.

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Bandana Bun

Pinterest/Jessica Ligonniere

Throw a cute bandana or printed headscarf over your bun for a fun addition to your fall wardrobe—it looks cozy and will help keep your ears warm. And it’ll make sure the wind isn’t blowing any wispies into your eyes.

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Vintage Hairpin

Pinterest/Free People

Use an interesting hairpin to add some major personality to any topknot or half bun. Lucky for us, these are coming back big this season (and so are broaches, yay!).

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Sleekest Chignon

Pinterest

Get serious with the shine on this chignon. Whether using hair oil or shine spray, it’s important for the slick look. Use hairspray to seal down any wispy hairs that’ll downplay this sophisticated style. And then put on your most stylish winter outfit.

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Voluminous Bun

Pinterest/Hipster Row

This no-nonsense bun is always a perfect choice for the on-the-go stylish woman. Teasing the roots all around and spritzing a little volume spray can help keep the bun high and big. You can even use easy helpers, like this bun shaper, to make it a quick fix.

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Fishtail Pony

Pinterest/Style Me Pretty

You’re going to want to pack in the volume for this look, which makes it great for second-day hair that’ll hold up better with some dry shampoo and teasing. The fishtail braid along the length of the ponytail can be left sleeker or made bigger (like this one) by adding volumizing spray and even teasing it a little pre-braiding. After braiding, tug at the braid to widen it.

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Twisted Buns

Pinterest/Hair Romance

This fun look works great on curly hair because it’ll hold the buns better than straight hair. Divide hair into four sections, twisting each into a bun. Use the corkscrew-style pins to hold the buns in place. A little volume spray before and hairspray after will ensure this look stays in place.

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“Easiest Updo Ever”

The Beauty Department

That’s what The Beauty Department dubbed this floppy, messy style that looks so casual and pretty at the same time. You only use a few hair elastics and pins to get his look, which looks way more complicated than it is. Check out the tutorial here.

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Quick French Twist

Pinterest

To get this natural, wispy look perfect for the autumn breeze, use some texturizing salt spray before folding hair from one side into the classic French twist. Use some reliable pins to hold the twist together on the inside, such as these corkscrew pins that hold updos more securely than your little bobby pin.

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Dutch Braid Wraparound

Pinterest/The Right Hairstyles

This updo is absolutely ethereal with its thick Dutch braid and flowing structure. Dutch braiding is similar to French braiding, but the process involves tucking the pieces of hair underneath the braid as you go, instead of on top of the braid like when French braiding. Follow the edges of your face and nape of your neck for the shape of this look.

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Double Bun Twist

Instagram/@anniesforgetmeknots

Be a little whimsical this season with double buns accented with cute twists. Each side starts with twisting a small section back and securing with a bobby pin, then twist the rest of hair into a spiral bun and secure with a corkscrew pin.

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Grownup Pigtails

Pinterest/Cute Girls Hairstyles

These adorable braids look great with a cozy sweater. You can choose either Dutch or French braids, and no matter your length, secure them at the nape of the neck for a fun touch.

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