How to Nail the Look and Make It Look Effortless
There’s something undeniably appealing about an updo that looks polished without feeling stiff or overdone. The best part about them is that we have so many options: adorable buns, cute ponytails, half updos, you name it! The thing is, while the right style frames your face beautifully, the wrong one can take away some of the charm they were meant to bring. With that, it’s time we dove into which updos drive men wild and which ones they’re bored by.
1. The Soft Messy Bun
A soft, messy bun has a relaxed charm that feels approachable while still looking stylish. So, it’s basically a win-win! It gives you that effortless, modern finish that suggests you care about your appearance without looking too rehearsed, and when a few loose strands fall naturally, the whole look becomes even more flattering.
2. The Classic Chignon
Hey, there’s a reason they call this one a classic! The chignon never goes out of style; it’s graceful, refined, and oh-so confident. This updo works especially well when you want something timeless that draws attention to your neckline and facial features.
3. The High Ponytail
Hey there, valley girl! A high ponytail styled with volume brings a bold, energetic quality to your appearance. It creates a lifted effect that can make your face look more defined while also providing a little more oomph to your hair. And it’s the kind of thing that gets a man’s attention.
4. The Loose Braided Updo
A loose braided updo has a romantic quality that feels soft and feminine, so you bet men love it. The texture from the braid adds enough depth to make the style stand out in a very natural-looking way. It’s also easygoing enough that it makes you even more approachable.
5. The Low Twisted Bun
The low twisted bun offers a subtle elegance that can make your whole look more sophisticated. It sits neatly at the nape of the neck, which gives it a gentle and flattering shape from every angle, and men are usually pulled to the kind of hairstyle that makes an appearance on date night.
6. The Half-Up Pinned Style
A half-up pinned style gives you the best of both worlds! It keeps some hair up while letting the rest fall softly around your shoulders. What you get is a balanced look that feels youthful and a little more relaxed than a fully structured updo. Even if men can’t put their finger on why, they’ll fall for it like a moth to a flame.
7. The Sleek Ballet Bun
The sleek ballet bun has a striking finish that puts your facial features front and center. Because everything looks nice and smooth, the style gives off confidence and a strong sense of self-assurance, too. To really up the ante, pair it with a bold lip!
8. The Textured Crown Updo
A textured crown updo brings volume and shape to your hairstyle, which can make your whole look more glamorous. Don’t be fooled, either; that kind of lift naturally draws the eye upward and gives your profile a more dramatic, polished appearance.
9. The Side-Swept Updo
The side-swept updo has a softer, more flirtatious finish, making it perfect for drawing a little attention. It creates movement and asymmetry in a very flattering way, and by shifting the style to one side, you get something that feels fresh and a little unexpected.
10. The Romantic Curled Updo
A romantic curled updo feels soft and elegant, which is a lethal combo when you’re walking down the street! The curls create dimension, too, which makes the entire style more inviting, so when you want a naturally appealing look, this updo’s hard to beat.
Now, not every pulled-back hairstyle creates the effect you might hope for. Before you second-guess yourself, let’s dive into which updos should probably be left off the roster.
1. The Overly Tight Top Knot
An overly tight top knot looks far too severe, often coming across more harsh than anything else. When every strand is pulled back too firmly, it actually draws attention to tension in your face instead of softening your features, so it’s best to keep things loose.
2. The Stiff Teased Beehive
It’s not the ‘80s anymore, and that means it’s time to retire the beehive! Believe it or not, a stiff, teased beehive can make your entire look less natural, especially since it carries too much height with heavy styling products. Instead of appearing glamorous, it can leave you looking distant and overstyled.
Manfred Werner - Tsui on Wikimedia
3. The Over-Sprayed High Ponytail
Though a high ponytail can look chic, too much hairspray makes it hard and unnatural. Just remember: when the hair’s pulled back so tightly that nothing moves, the style loses the softness that makes it appealing.
4. The Messy Bun That Looks Unwashed
There’s a difference between effortless and careless, and a messy bun that looks unwashed usually lands on the wrong side. Loose pieces can be flattering, yes, but when the shape looks accidental instead, the result feels sloppy rather than charming.
5. The Tiny High Bun
A tiny high bun can create an awkward proportion that doesn't flatter the face or the overall silhouette. Buns are a balancing act, and making yours a little too small can seem unfinished instead of intentional. On many people, it gives off a casual, rushed look that doesn't feel especially appealing to the average guy.
6. The Overdone Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail can be playful, and it’s hard to deny the charm, but too many sections can make it look more gimmicky than stylish—especially with men. If the shape becomes too exaggerated, the hairstyle starts drawing attention for the wrong reasons, and what should feel fun can quickly become too planned.
7. The Flat Slicked-Back Ponytail
On the other hand, a flat slicked-back ponytail can sometimes look so severe that it loses any sense of softness. The issue is that when there's no volume at all, the style comes across as overly strict, and instead of giving effortless confidence, it looks cold and unapproachable.
8. The Uneven Twisted Updo
The trouble with these updos is that an uneven twist can look accidental when the balance isn't handled carefully. If one side appears bulky while the other falls flat, the whole hairstyle actually seems poorly planned. So, while a little asymmetry can be stylish, an obvious imbalance usually doesn't create a flattering effect.
9. The Accessory-Heavy Ponytail
A ponytail covered in too many clips, bows, cuffs, or pins just looks cluttered, so be sure to dial it back! The detail shouldn’t compete for attention, especially if you’re trying to woo someone, and when things are too busy, the hairstyle loses the effect that makes a ponytail look good.
Alina Chernovolova on Unsplash
10. The Over-Curled Formal Updo
An overly curled formal updo looks far too dated for the modern woman. It’s mainly because the curls are too stiff and overly arranged! Instead of giving the hair softness and movement, that structure makes the style overly controlled, so aiming for a more natural finish—it’s far more attractive.
