Some days, my hair is a crowning glory; other days (and quite honestly, the majority of the time), it feels like we're not quite aligned on the vision. I'm aiming for "put together," while it's doing its own thing entirely, with varying levels of cooperation depending on mood and humidity. If you know, you know.
That's where the following updos come in handy. They’re quick, forgiving, and suspiciously good at making it look like I've tried harder than I have. From claw clips that do most of the thinking for you to slicked-back buns with strong model off-duty energy, these are the best updo styles for when time is short, but standards are selectively high.
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Claw clip updo
Choosing the right hair accessory can really amp up an entire look, and a good claw clip does exactly that with minimal effort. But remember, size matters... in this context, anyway. Opt for a larger clip if you've got thick or dense hair and a smaller one if your hair is finer, so it actually holds. Twist your hair up, clip it in place, and let a few face-framing pieces fall loose to soften the finish.
Double claw clip twists
For those with long, thick Rapunzel-level lengths, this is your sign to double down... quite literally. Section your hair into two back sections, leaving face-framing pieces out, and then twist and secure each side with a claw clip. Finish by gently pulling those front strands back and pinning them in place with mini clips.
Curly updo
Curls don't need taming, just a slightly strategic updo. Create a soft side parting and pin it in place, smoothing any flyaways with a touch of gel for a polished finish. Then gather the rest of your lengths up and secure with a hair bobble or scrunchie for a look that's soft, romantic, and done in minutes–without working against your natural texture.
Low bun hack
When I first saw this short hair low bun hack on TikTok, I was, frankly, too stunned to speak. As @amanda_sand shows, all it takes is tying your hair into a low pony and flipping the ends back into themselves for that neat, tucked finish. It's quick, clever, and proof that shorter lengths can absolutely do the updo thing, too!
French twist
We've seen the French twist on red carpets and royalty galore, but it's far less high-maintenance than it looks. Simply gather your hair, roll it upwards, and pin it in place. Sure, it may take a bit of practice, but once you've nailed it, you'll be doing it on autopilot.
Side part ponytail
Instantly upgrade the classic low pony with a sophisticated side parting. Sweep your hair over, secure it with a bobble and some pins, and you've got yourself something that not only feels but looks a bit more styled.
Slicked back ballerina bun
For years, Bella Hadid has very much been at the forefront of the ballerina bun trend, leading the charge for that ultra-sleek, model-off-duty vibe. The beauty of it is that it works for all hair types and lengths – all you need is a bit of natural grit (read: grease), a boar bristle brush, and patience to pull it all back into a tight, sculpted bun.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
