Updo locs hairstyles have become incredibly popular among women who want to showcase their locs in creative, versatile ways. I’ve watched this trend grow beautifully over the years, with more women embracing stunning updos that work for everything from formal events to everyday wear. Whether you’re heading to a special occasion or just want to switch up your look, loc updo styles for women offer endless possibilities. In this guide, I’m sharing 15 updo hairstyles with locs that blend elegance with personality, complete with styling tips to help you recreate each look with confidence.
Twisted Crown Locs Updo
What Makes This Style Stand Out
The twisted crown locs updo creates a regal appearance that I find absolutely stunning on every woman who tries it. This style features locs folded and wrapped upon themselves to form a crown or halo shape around the head. Think of it as a tube-shaped expansion that covers the entirety of your head, essentially resembling a crown made entirely of your beautiful locs.
What I love most about this look is how the locs are gathered into a voluminous bun at the top, with clean, tight twists at the base that create a structured yet elegant appearance. The rich brown tones of natural locs add incredible depth and warmth to this style, making it a showstopper without needing any additional embellishments (though accessories certainly elevate it further).
Best Occasions to Wear It
I recommend this style for both formal occasions and everyday wear. The versatility honestly surprises most of my clients. You can rock this crown updo at weddings, parties, or professional events where you want to feel like royalty. Equally important, it works beautifully for regular days when you simply want your hair styled away from your face while maintaining that polished look.
The style holds well throughout the day without adding tension to your locs, making it comfortable enough for extended wear at any event.
My Styling Tips
Your locs should measure eight to 12 inches before attempting this hairstyle. The longer your locs, the better the crown will manifest and the more styling options you’ll have at your disposal. If you have shorter locs, you can add loc extensions to achieve the necessary length.
Start with clean, moisturized locs. I always tell my clients to wash their locs one day before styling with a residue-free shampoo, then apply a light moisturizer or oil to prevent frizz. Begin at the back of your head and wrap individual loc strands into a circular tube-shaped crown, working gradually from left to right. Take two to three locs at a time and twist them together for easier manipulation.
For a finishing touch, accessorize with beads, gold cuffs, or a decorative crown accessory to personalize your look.
Bold High Bun with Vibrant Color
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Adding vibrant color to a high loc bun transforms it from beautiful to absolutely unforgettable. I’ve watched clients light up when they see their orange, red, or burgundy locs styled into a packed, elevated bun that commands attention. The color becomes the star of the show, making every glance in the mirror feel like a confidence boost.
What I appreciate most about this style is how the locs are gathered tightly at the crown, creating that signature high bun shape that gives your face room to breathe. The compact positioning showcases your facial features while the vibrant hue adds that extra pop you’re looking for. I’ve seen women choose deep burgundy for sophistication, bright orange for playfulness, and rich red for drama. Each shade tells a different story, and that’s the beauty of it.
A bright hair color always makes a style stand out. In fact, creating a high bun with colored locs takes less than five minutes once you master the technique. This loc updo hairstyle strikes the perfect balance between outgoing personality and refined elegance. The medium length keeps it from looking overwhelming, while the neat structure maintains that polished appearance throughout your day.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This style works wonderfully in casual settings where you want to showcase your individuality. I recommend it for creative work environments where self-expression is celebrated. Your coworkers will definitely take notice of the bold statement you’re making with your locs updo styles.
Equally important, this updo for locs transitions beautifully to evening events, gallery openings, or dinner dates where you want to stand out without trying too hard. The color speaks volumes on its own, so you don’t need excessive accessories to make an impact.
My Styling Tips
Start by selecting your color carefully. If you’re new to vibrant shades, consider adding a pop of color to just one or two locs and incorporating them into your bun for a subtle introduction. For those ready to commit, full-color application creates that show-stopping effect.
Gather your locs at the crown of your head and secure them tightly with a hair tie that matches your loc color. Twist the gathered locs around the base, tucking the ends underneath and pinning them securely. The key is keeping everything compact and structured while allowing the color to remain the focal point. A light holding spray helps maintain the shape without adding stiffness to your loc updo styles for women.
Playful Double Bun Locs
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Double bun locs create a youthful, playful energy that I absolutely adore on clients looking for something fun yet manageable. Space buns, as they’re often called, offer two distinct placement options that completely change the vibe. You can position the buns side by side on each side of your head for that classic playful look, or stack one bun on top of the other for an architectural masterpiece.
I’ve found the stacked version particularly striking because it defies expectations. Instead of the predictable side-by-side placement, the vertical stacking creates height and drama while maintaining that carefree double bun esthetic. Both variations work beautifully with locs of various lengths, making this one of the most accessible updo hairstyles with locs.
The beauty of this loc updo hairstyle lies in its simplicity. You’re essentially creating two separate buns, which distributes the weight evenly and reduces strain on your scalp. For women with shorter locs, this becomes even more practical since pulling your hair into multiple ponytails requires less length.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This style shines in casual settings where personality takes center stage. I recommend it for weekend outings, music festivals, casual brunches, or any day when you want your locs updo styles to reflect a more relaxed, approachable energy. The playful nature makes it perfect for creative environments where self-expression is celebrated.
My Styling Tips
Start by spritzing on a leave-in conditioner to hydrate your locs before styling. Divide your hair into two equal sections, using a mirror to ensure even distribution if you’re placing them horizontally.
For the stacked version, create your first bun by gathering locs at the crown, wrapping them around the base, and securing with bobby pins. Leave a few front locs out to create a soft framing effect. For the top bun, wrap a faux loc around a foam bun and stack it on top, securing with needle and thread or multiple bobby pins to prevent tilting.
Elegant Locs Updo with Beaded Accents
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Beaded accents bring an elegant, creative dimension to loc updos that I find absolutely captivating. Wooden beads are particularly stunning when paired with natural locs, creating that perfect blend of earthy sophistication and artistic expression. Wrapped locs styled into updos remain timelessly beautiful and elegant, and when you add beads into the mix, you’re creating something truly special.
Beyond esthetics, beaded locs serve a practical purpose. They protect your locs from environmental damage while showcasing your individual flair. I’ve noticed how beads transform a simple updo into a statement piece that feels both polished and personal. The choice of beads significantly affects the overall look, so considering various shapes and sizes helps you achieve your desired effect.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This loc updo hairstyle transitions beautifully across different settings. Beaded locs can be styled for any occasion, shifting from elegant vibes for formal events to bohemian esthetics for casual gatherings. I recommend this style for weddings where you want that refined yet unique appearance, professional settings where subtle beading adds interest without overwhelming, and cultural celebrations where beads carry meaningful significance.
My Styling Tips
Select quality beads that complement your hair color and personal style. Popular types include wooden, glass, and plastic beads, each offering different esthetics. Wooden beads deliver natural warmth, while glass beads catch light beautifully.
For attachment, use a crochet hook or bobby pin to easily slide beads onto your locs. Skip rubber bands entirely and secure with Goody’s Ouchless Polybands instead, which prevent breakage and tension.
Maintenance remains crucial when showcasing beads. Regular cleansing and moisturizing keep your locs healthy and vibrant. Use lightweight oils that won’t weigh down your hair, applying them to your scalp and the length of your locs between the beads for optimal hydration.
Sleek High Ponytail Updo for Locs
What Makes This Style Stand Out
High ponytails never go out of style. I’ve been styling this updo for locs for years, and it remains one of my absolute favorites for good reason. This serves as a perfect alternative when you’re tired of wearing a top knot but still want to keep your locs out of the way. The sleek finish creates a polished appearance that works with medium length locs and longer.
What sets this loc updo hairstyle apart is its clean, geometric lines. I typically recommend this style when you have lots of new growth, as the sleekness actually works in your favor. The tight, smooth base contrasts beautifully with the volume of the ponytail itself. For special occasions, wrapping the base with a gold tie elevates the entire look, adding intricate details to the completed style. Besides the gold option, you could consider adding other colored ties to personalize your updo hairstyles with locs.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This loc updo style proves both practical and stylish for many occasions. I wear it myself for everything from client appointments to evening events. The versatility honestly surprises people who think ponytails are too casual. Professional settings appreciate the refined appearance, while casual outings benefit from the effortless chic vibe it creates.
My Styling Tips
Start with properly moisturized locs. I apply scalp repair hydrating repair to the roots, followed by crown elixir stimulating hair oil for shine. Aloe vera gel smooths any flyaways without leaving residue.
Use both hard and soft bristle brushes to achieve that sleek finish. The hard bristles smooth the surface while soft bristles polish everything into place. Apply edge control around your hairline, then gather your locs high at the crown with a large hair tie. For extra security, wrap a loc around the base to conceal the elastic.
Crisscrossed Locs with Voluminous Bun
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Geometric precision meets artistic flair in this crisscrossed locs updo. I’ve styled this look countless times, and the reaction is always the same: pure amazement at how the pattern transforms ordinary locs into something architectural. The crisscrossed design at the crown creates a visually striking pattern that leads into a voluminous bun at the top. Rather than simply gathering your locs, you’re creating an X-shaped pattern across the scalp that adds dimension and structure.
What I find remarkable is how the dark color adds depth, making the crisscrossed design stand out beautifully. The intersecting points where the locs cross create focal areas that naturally draw the eye upward, emphasizing the voluminous bun positioned at the crown. This chic, creative, intricate protective style showcases your locs while keeping them secured and protected.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This loc updo hairstyle belongs at formal events where you want to make a statement. I recommend it for weddings, whether you’re the bride, bridesmaid, or guest. The geometric pattern reads as sophisticated and intentional, perfect for special occasions where your updo hairstyles with locs need that extra polish.
Equally important, this style photographs beautifully. The dimensional quality of the crisscross pattern catches light from multiple angles, creating visual interest in every shot.
My Styling Tips
You’ll need at least one quality hair tie to create this locs updo style. Start by dividing your locs into sections that will form the crossing pattern. Work methodically, creating the X-shaped design by overlapping sections at strategic points before securing them.
Let go of perfectionism while shaping the bun. The beauty lies in the structured pattern at the base, while the bun itself can have organic volume. Secure any loose locs into the bun afterwards rather than stressing about perfect placement during initial styling. The crisscross foundation does the heavy lifting visually, so your bun simply needs to complement that geometric base.
Half-Up Locs with Twisted Details
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Half-up locs with twisted details offer that perfect middle ground I’m always talking about with my clients. You get to showcase the length of your locs while keeping hair away from your face. The barrel twist variation creates a tube-shaped detail that adds dimension without overwhelming the overall look. Unlike full updos, this style maintains movement and flow.
What I find most appealing is how two-strand twists work beautifully in this half-up configuration. During my early years perfecting this technique, I learned that taking two to three locs at a time and twisting them together creates easier manipulation and a more polished finish. The twisted section frames your face while the remaining locs cascade down, creating that effortless balance between structured and free-flowing.
Fall colored locs with a half-up half-down style look particularly stunning. The warm tones catch light differently when some locs are elevated, adding depth to the color palette.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This loc updo hairstyle works for numerous settings. I wear it myself for client consultations because it looks professional yet approachable. Equally important, it transitions seamlessly to casual weekend activities where you want your locs styled but not completely up.
The versatility makes it perfect for those days when you can’t decide between wearing your locs down or pulling them up completely. You essentially get both esthetics in one style.
My Styling Tips
Mastering this style requires practice. I tell every client learning this technique to be patient with themselves. The key lies in how you tuck the ends of the second twist under the first twist that’s already secured. Hold one hand over where you secured the twists and use the other to separate them, keeping everything locked in place while you adjust.
Always double check for symmetry. Step back from the mirror and evaluate both sides to ensure balanced placement. You’ll adjust the amount of hair used for the twists depending on your loc thickness anyway, so experiment until you find what works best for your specific hair.
Simple Top Knot for Everyday Wear
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Busy mornings require a loc updo hairstyle that delivers polish without demanding perfection. This minimalist updo features dark locs gathered into a small, high bun and secured with a black scrunchie. A few locs hang loose around the face, creating that casual and effortless look perfect for everyday wear.
What I appreciate most about this style is its versatility and appropriateness for various occasions. The main quality remains the look of effort-free styling, which resonates with my clients who juggle demanding schedules. You’re basically creating a compact bun at the crown without fussing over every detail. The simplicity becomes the statement itself.
Top knots work with all hair types and prove both easy to do and stylish. I’ve watched countless clients master this technique during their morning routines, shaving precious minutes off their styling time while maintaining a put-together appearance.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This loc updo style fits seamlessly into your daily routine. I wear mine for client consultations, grocery runs, and coffee dates without changing a thing. The beauty lies in its adaptability, working equally well at the office or weekend farmer’s markets.
My Styling Tips
Keep a quality scrunchie handy that matches your loc color. Gather your locs at the crown, twist them into a compact bun, and secure. Leave two or three front locs loose for face-framing softness. Skip perfectionism and embrace the natural texture.
Loc Updo Styles with Gold Cuffs
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Gold cuffs act as miniature sculptures for your locs, transforming any updo into wearable art. I started experimenting with cuffs during my New York days, and watching how they caught light during photoshoots convinced me they belong in every loc wearer’s arsenal. These pieces aren’t just accessories; they secure your style while adding that refined elegance you’re after.
Brands like Zigleys craft real 18K gold and gold-filled options specifically for locs. The signature locking mechanism screws through your loc, making these cuffs more secure than most rings or bracelets. I appreciate how they’re designed for long-term wear without daily removal, even during hair washing. The lightweight construction means you forget you’re wearing them, yet everyone else notices.
Cuffs placed strategically on loc buns or twisted crowns elevate your entire updo into an elegant statement piece. The durability matters too; these aren’t fragile decorations but investment pieces built to last.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This bold look excels at festivals, cultural events, or any moment when you want your hair as the outfit’s centerpiece. I wore gold-cuffed updos throughout fashion week, and the response was overwhelming. Similarly, formal celebrations benefit from that touch of luxury gold provides.
My Styling Tips
Add cuffs after completing your updo structure. Gold-filled jewelry offers affordable luxury for everyday wear, while solid gold becomes that timeless investment piece. Position cuffs at varying heights for dimension rather than clustering them together.
Messy Bun Locs for Effortless Style
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Messy buns remain a favorite for most people, whether they wear locs or not. What I love about this loc updo hairstyle is that it doesn’t demand perfection to look good. During my early styling days, I assumed creating a messy loc bun would be simple, but my shoulder-length locs taught me otherwise. Years later, with locs reaching past my bra strap, I finally cracked the code.
The beauty lies in its forgiving nature. You don’t need precise technique or mirror-perfect execution. This updo for locs actually celebrates imperfection, making it accessible for anyone regardless of their styling experience.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This style shines when you’re running errands or rushing out the door. I reach for messy buns constantly during busy client schedules when I need my hair secured quickly. Particularly during summer months, pulling your locs into a loose bun combats heat while maintaining style.
My Styling Tips
Invest in quality hair ties. I’ve found Snapee Hair Ties work best for creating loc bun styles. You need at least one reliable tie.
Release any perfectionist tendencies while shaping your bun. The technique matters less than your willingness to embrace organic texture. Shape the basic structure first, then tuck any loose locs into the bun afterwards rather than stressing during initial styling. This approach transforms what seems challenging into something genuinely effortless.
Twisted Low Bun with Color Highlights
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Low buns carry an understated sophistication that high updos sometimes lack. I discovered this during my wedding styling days when brides wanted elegance without drama. Adding color highlights to a twisted low bun creates visual interest at a placement that photographs beautifully from every angle. The low positioning works exceptionally well for medium to longer length locs, giving you enough hair to create those gorgeous twisted patterns before securing everything at the nape.
Color highlights become strategic focal points when woven through the twists. Whether you choose subtle caramel streaks or bold copper tones, the twisted texture catches light differently than straight styles. I’ve found that wrapping the bun with a spiral tie adds another dimension entirely, creating clean lines that contrast beautifully with the organic texture of your locs updo styles.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This loc updo hairstyle transitions beautifully across settings. The elegant and easy execution makes it wedding guest approved, yet practical enough for your no-retwist days when you still want polish. Formal events like proms and weddings showcase this style perfectly, while professional environments appreciate the refined nape placement.
My Styling Tips
Work with properly moisturized locs before starting. Create your twisted pattern from crown to nape, incorporating highlighted sections strategically throughout. Secure with quality elastics, then wrap everything into your low bun. For added sophistication, try sweeping bangs alongside your twisted low bun to frame your face beautifully.
Braided Locs Updo Hairstyles
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Braiding your locs opens an entirely different world of updo possibilities. I discovered this technique during my Sassoon Academy days when a classmate showed me how three locs braided together created stunning dimension. Locs can be styled in braids, twists, buns, and even curls, making them incredibly versatile. The braided waterfall bun became one of my signature looks because it’s completely customizable. You can braid your locs loose or tight depending on the style you’re going for. What makes this option remarkable is that the waterfall braid delivers drama while working beautifully for classic styles.
For formal occasions, I recommend the curly braided loc updo created by braiding three locs per braid, then curling them with perm rods. French braid variations work equally well for short, medium, and long locs. The braided mohawk updo offers an edgy sophistication that turns heads everywhere.
Best Occasions to Wear It
Braided loc updos transition beautifully between settings. Weddings and formal events showcase these styles perfectly, while simpler braided buns handle everyday activities with ease.
My Styling Tips
Start by sectioning your locs based on your chosen braid pattern. Three locs per braid creates manageable thickness. Work methodically from front to back, securing each braided section before moving forward.
High Puff Updo Hairstyles with Locs
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Volume takes center stage with this loc updo hairstyle. Dark locs pulled into a high, voluminous puff create that casual yet stylish look I discovered during my freelancing days in New York. The sides are neatly twisted, adding definition and a sleek finish to the updo. What surprised me most when I first experimented with this style was how the twisted sides frame your face beautifully while the puff adds height and dimension.
The contrast between the structured, smooth sides and the full, textured puff creates visual interest without requiring complex techniques. I’ve styled this on clients with varying loc lengths, and the puff adapts beautifully to what you’re working with.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This style is perfect for a night out or a casual day, combining simplicity with a touch of flair. I wore this exact updo during a photoshoot in Los Angeles, then kept it for dinner afterward. The versatility honestly impressed everyone around me.
My Styling Tips
Gather your locs at the crown and secure them loosely to create that voluminous puff effect. Work on the sides separately, twisting small sections backward toward the puff. Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color for seamless blending.
Wrapped Locs Updo with Scarf
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Scarves add a protective and stylish dimension to locs updos that I stumbled upon during my summer in New York. Locs look beautiful wrapped in head scarves, creating endless styling possibilities without requiring complex techniques. I remember watching tutorials where quick and easy head wrap styles took less than five minutes to complete, yet delivered that polished appearance I was after.
The fabric choice matters significantly. Silk scarves work wonderfully during summer months, protecting your locs while keeping you cool. You can wrap your locs into a bun first, then drape the scarf around for added flair, or incorporate the scarf directly into the updo structure itself. The versatility honestly amazed me when I first experimented with different wrapping methods.
Best Occasions to Wear It
Beach outings and summer parties showcase this loc updo hairstyle perfectly. I’ve worn scarf-wrapped updos to weddings, casual spring gatherings, and even professional settings where the scarf added that creative touch without overwhelming. Cartagena-inspired multicolor wraps bring vibrant energy to vacation days, while fitted styles work beautifully for everyday wear.
My Styling Tips
Start with moisturized locs gathered into your preferred updo structure. Fold your scarf lengthwise, place it at your hairline, and wrap backward, crossing the ends before securing. For lazy hair days, this becomes your saving grace. Experiment with different folding techniques until you discover what flatters your face shape best.
Textured Top Knot with Cascading Locs
What Makes This Style Stand Out
Textured top knots with cascading locs strike that perfect balance between structured and free-flowing. I discovered this loc updo hairstyle during a photoshoot where I needed something polished at the crown but still wanted to showcase the length and movement of my locs. The beauty lies in securing just the top portion while allowing the remaining locs to cascade down your back or over your shoulders.
Creating this look can take less than five minutes once you master the technique. What I find remarkable is how the importance of your technique actually depends on your hair length. Longer locs give you more styling flexibility, while medium-length locs require tighter securing at the crown to prevent slippage.
The textured element comes from intentionally creating an organic, lived-in appearance at the knot itself rather than smoothing everything perfectly. A few loose locs framing your face add softness, while the cascading portion provides that dramatic length showcase missing from full updos.
Best Occasions to Wear It
This style transitions beautifully from professional settings to casual evenings. I wore this exact updo hairstyle with locs during client consultations because it kept my hair manageable while maintaining that approachable, stylish appearance clients appreciate.
My Styling Tips
Gather locs from your hairline to mid-crown, leaving the back section loose. Twist and wrap into your knot, securing with a hair tie that matches your loc color. Leave strategic face-framing pieces for dimension.
Conclusion
Updo locs hairstyles offer endless possibilities for self-expression, whether you’re heading to a formal event or simply want to switch up your everyday look. I’ve shared these 15 styles because I genuinely believe your locs deserve to be celebrated in creative, beautiful ways. You don’t need to master every technique at once. Start with one style that speaks to you, practice it until you feel confident, then experiment with another. Over the years, I’ve watched clients discover their signature looks through this exact approach. Your locs tell your story, so have fun exploring these updos and finding the ones that make you feel like the best version of yourself.
