14 Best Braided Updos for Long Hair that Will Make You Have Good Hair Days

Ready to ride the braid + updo wave? Here are 14 braided updos for long hair to take note of!  

If you love braids and updos (and also happen to have long hair!), we’re willing to bet you’re looking for easy and on-trend ways to style your lengthy locks. If that’s the case, there’s hope for you on the hair horizon — below we’ve found you 14 braided updos for long hair, which will earn you serious style points.

So whether you’re after a new look for work, a fancy night out or just want something that’ll keep up with your gym gains, scroll on to see the long braided updos from Instagram that you should be copying.

1. Upside down braid + messy bun

braided updos for long hair: close up shot of woman with long hair styled into a upside down braid updo hairstyle
You won’t have to go to the Upside down to get this ‘do! Credit: Instagram.com/amberfillerup

Need a style that takes less than five minutes but doesn’t look like it? Then this upside down braid + messy top knot combo is destined for you.

Love the idea of an upside down braid but like to keep things polished? Then check out our upside down French braided bun tutorial, here. Whether you pick the messy or neat version is all up to you, but one thing’s for sure: your long hair is going to look fab. Credit: @amberfillerup

2. Triple cornrow braided upside down bun

Woman with long dark brown hair styled into a triple upside down cornrow braided updo, wearing pink blazer with white top and posing against white wall
There’s no need to go to the office with boring hair. Credit: Instagram.com/hairbyruslan

Triple the braid, triple the style points! Show off your plaiting prowess at work with this edgy cornrow braided upside down bun. Its the perfect updo to pair with your favourite blazer and will seriously make you feel like a #girlbossCredit: @hairbyruslan

3. Fishtail braided high ponytail

close up shot of woman with long hair that's been fashioned into high fishtail braided pony, wearing gym clothing
It’s time for you to upgrade your go-to ponytail! Credit: Instagram.com/missysueblog

One way to elevate your go-to gym high ponytail? By weaving a fancy fishtail braid, of course. Feeling major mane envy? Worry not: here’s how you can create this pretty but practical fishtail plait at home. Credit: @missysueblog

Editor’s tip: Struggle with weaving your plaits? Next time, try using the TONI&GUY Flexible Hold Braid Balm. It’ll help give your hair added grip and structure, making it easier to braid and ensuring they stay in place longer.

4. Boho side braid

Braided updos for long hair: Woman with long dark blonde hair styled into a side boho braid updo, wearing floral top and posing against a grey wall in a studio
Sienna Miller would love this ‘do. Credit: Simon Bell

Since you’ve already had some practice with the fishtail braided updo above, why not try rocking this boho side braid for your next night out?

You can opt to wear it looser to really nail those care-free vibes, or just keep it neat and chic as this beauty has done.

5. Double Dutch braid bun

close up shot of woman with double dutch braided bun updo, wearing denim jacket, posing outside
Double up the fun with this playful style! Credit: Instagram.com/n.starck

If you’re looking for edgy and girly braided updos for long hair, say hello to your new BFF: the double Dutch braid bun. Looking as cool as it sounds, this fierce ‘do has It girl written all over it.

Just watch our video on how to create a double Dutch braid bun and you’ll be ready for your Instagram closeup in no time! Credit: @n.starck

6. Low fishtail bun

braided updos for long hair: back shot of woman with fishtail braided bun, wearing red strappy top
There’s nothing fishy about this elegant hairstyle! Credit: Instagram.com/abigailrosehair

Not all braided updos for long hair have to be undone, don’t you know? And if you’ve got a fancy soiree to attend (party season is in full swing, after all), we suggest you try out this elegant fishtail braided bun.

But we haven’t even disclosed the best part yet, as you can easily jazz up the look with some hair accessories to make your hair stand out even more. Credit: @abigailrosehair

7. Milkmaid braids with a scarf

braided updos for long hair: close up shot of woman with mikmaid braid updo that has a scarf accessory weaved into it, wearing red lipstick and earrings
Forget plain old milkmaid braids, throw an accessory into the mix! Credit: Instagram.com/itsyohomegirl

Just when you think braided updos for long hair couldn’t get any more creative, they just did!

Weaving a scarf or ribbon into an otherwise simple milkmaid braid will give it a stylish, new lease of life, and have everyone think you’ve stepped right of the runway. Erm, it’s called fashion – look it up. Credit: @itsyohomegirl

8. Crown braid with flowers

Woman with long golden blonde hair styled into a milkmaid braid updo with pink roses in it, wearing a pink dress and posing against a grey wall
Talk about wedding hair goals! Credit: Instagram.com/barefootblondehair

Looking for wedding-ready braided updos for long hair? Whether you’re the blushing bride or a special attendee, you’ll look the part with this romantic crown braid. Credit:
Credit: @barefootblondehair

Recommended: 25 elegant wedding updos for long hair.

9. Twisted macaron buns

back shot of woman with low twisted macron bun hair, wearing floral top and standing outside
Finding it hard to braid? Try this twisted style! Credit: Instagram.com/jojolimanoli

Earlier this season, we saw the resurgence of space buns, but now there’s a new set of buns in town making waves: macaron buns. These sweet little buns are a Parisian girl must-have and can even be braided, too.

If you’re not confident with your braiding skills but you can twist your hair, this French girl-approved ‘do is waiting for you to pull it off. Credit: @jojolimanoli

Editor’s tip: Before you attempt to create this on-trend style, apply the VO5 Dry Texturising Spray to your tresses.

This will give your hair a little grip and make creating your braid easier. It’s also the perfect product for reviving your hair before you start dry-styling.

10. Accent braid + messy updo

close up shot of woman with messy bun that has a braid in it, wearing denim and sunglasses
Are you a lazy girl at heart? Then prepare to fall in love with this easy ‘do! Credit: Instagram.com/hqfemme

Sure, you can try to emulate the ‘dos listed above, but adding a single accent braid to your go-to updo is enough to take your mane game from 0 to 100. Excuse us for a moment, we have a braid to weave… Credit: @hqfemme

11. French braid with a scarf

Woman with long bronde hair styled into a French braid updo with a scarf weaved through it, wearing white jumper and posing against a white wall
Add some je ne sais quoi to your life with this ‘do. Credit: Instagram.com/viola_pyak

Giving a classic French braid a fresh twist is super easy — all you have to do is incorporate a pretty hair scarf into the mix, just like this beauty has done.

This long-lasting updo will take you from brunch with the girls to pizza with your partner, all without moving an inch. Credit: @viola_pyak

12. Polished braided pony

Woman with long dark brown hair styled into braided ponytail updo, with black snap hair clips in it, wearing black and posing in a studio
Sade hair, don’t care! Credit: Instagram.com/michaelgrayhair

We all know that the glass hair trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And, if you want to give it a go, this braided ponytail is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

This Sade-inspired hairstyle will make all your going out outfits look extra dazzling, especially if you team it with some statement hair accessoriesCredit: @michaelgrayhair

TRESemme Ultimate Hold Hairspray

Editor’s tip: Want your party hair to shine bright? Set it with the TRESemmé Ultimate Shine Hold Hairspray to get frizz-free, sparkly tresses, right now.

13. Dutch braid with a wavy ponytail

Woman with dirty blonde long hair styled into a messy ponytail updo with a Dutch braid, wearing grey top
Looking for easy braids for long hair? Try this! Credit: Instagram.com/hairby_chrissy

Looking for last minute braided updos for long hair? If you’re working on second-day hair, you can whip up this Dutch braid ponytail in a matter of minutes. Bad hair day? Not here. Credit: @hairby_chrissy

14. Pull through braided ponytail

Woman with long bleach blonde hair styled into pull braided ponytail updo with pearl hair slides in it, wearing white jumper and posing in a salon setting
No matter the occasion, you’ll pull through with this ‘do. Credit: Instagram.com/blohaute

Really want to get everyone talking? Then you’ll love creating this party-worthy Pull through braid.

The best part? Depending on the occasion (be it a Christmas party or winter date), you can work in the accessories to match. Those pearl slides are to die for, aren’t they? Credit: @blohaute

 

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