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The mere mention of the word "updo" implies that you'll either be spending a day at the salon or hours watching YouTube videos trying to master exactly how to tease volume into your hair without making it look like you just walked out of a hair-metal music video. When it comes to creating this look, the struggle, as they say, is real—and it can feel especially daunting if you have long hair because there's just so much of it to work with.
To offer you a bit of inspo, we've scoured the web to find the prettiest easy updos that work well with long hair. Each of these can be recreated sans the need for a salon appointment and will work for a variety of formal—and not-so-formal—occasions. Keep scrolling to check out 25 of our faves.
Meghan Markle's Classic Bun
This elegant option, worn by Meghan Markle, is super easy to recreate. It features a simple middle part and can be pulled back and pinned up in an instant, creating a look that's literally fit for a duchess.
Zendaya's Sleek Topknot
A sleek topknot, like this one worn by Zendaya, is another simple look that can be pulled off at home with brush and a few pins. This 'do gets a red carpet upgrade with the addition of gilded hair accessories.
Gigi Hadid's Bombshell Updo
This loosely, pulled-up look, worn by model Gigi Hadid, is perfect because you literally only have to make one section of your hair curl perfectly—the rest you just pull back into a messy bun.
Bella Hadid's Slick Middle Part
Gigi's sister Bella Hadid also knows how to rock a perfect updo. Here she's seen with a severe middle part that adds polish to an otherwise simple topknot.
Joan Smalls' Mega-Long Ponytail
Whether your hair is naturally long or you use extensions, Joan Smalls' high, curly ponytail looks totally put together and takes minutes to create.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Beachy Updo
The key to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's effortless-looking hairstyle is the texture and face-framing pieces, making this beachy look natural and easy to create.
Saoirse Ronan's Embellished Updo
Saoirse Ronan adds extra flair to a simple bun with a metallic accent piece wrapped around the base.
Reese Witherspoon's Voluminous Ponytail
It's easy to recreate this pulled up look by Reese Witherspoon. Add volume at the crown of your head to elevate this basic ponytail to new heights.
Rihanna's Sleek Topknot
Rihanna's sleek topknot and wispy baby hairs are the perfect way to showcase a statement lip.
Stacy Ike's Double Buns
Because two is better than one (and basically just as easy to create). Stacey Ike's natural look with braided double buns is twice as perfect.
Nicole Kidman's Face-Framing Ponytail
You can never go wrong with a wavy ponytail and Nicole Kidman gets it just right with this middle parted look.
Issa Rae's Twisted Bun
Issa Rae's Senegalese twisted bun is a polished style that looks great for any occasion.
Zoey Deutch's Intricate Updo
Zoey Deutch's messy, twisted updo is pure perfection.
Selena Gomez's Loose Updo
Loosely pin sections of hair away from your face to create a look similar this one worn by Selena Gomez.
Ariadne Artiles' High Ponytail
This super-high ponytail, worn by Ariadne Artiles has a little bend that's both fun and flirty.
Jaime King's Funky Ponytail
The metallic accents on Jamie King's side ponytail take the look to a new quirky level.
Riley Keough's Loose Cornrow Braid
To re-create Riley Keough's loose cornrowed look, simply start your braid at the top of your head, pull to loosen, and finish it off with dry shampoo to add texture.
Cara Delevingne's Braided Ponytail
Cornrow your hair in sections away from your face, like Cara Delevingne's, before pulling it all into a high ponytail.
Blake Lively's Messy Braid
The messier the braid, the better, as effortlessly executed by Blake Lively.
Zoë Kravitz's Box-Braided Updo
Pull your box braids into a low, twisted bun à la Zoë Kravitz.
Margot Robbie's Low Buns
Who knew that two low buns could look so chic? The key to Margot Robbie's look is to cover the hair ties by wrapping them with a piece of your hair.
Chanel Iman's Fishtail Braid
We love the way Chanel Iman's long, fishtail braid makes her slinky metallic dress feel very rock 'n' roll.
Kate Mara's Futuristic Updo
Kate Mara's sleek, futuristic buns are surprisingly versatile.
Halsey's Platinum Updo
Perfect your high bun, like this one worn by Halsey, by leaving a thick strand of hair out and use it to cover your hair tie (and, as a bonus, add volume).
