Before you choose
How to choose from these holiday braided updos
Start with the feature that matters most to you, then use the photographs to compare the remaining details. Treat color, lighting, and a fresh salon finish as separate from the underlying cut or style.
The hairstyle gallery
29+ Holiday Braided Updos
Compare these 29+ holiday braided updos by their visible shape, texture, front detail, and wearability. Save the details that fit your hair and routine.
Idea 01
Low Bun with a Braid Wrapping It, with a Sleek Top
At a glance, the braided remains readable through the sleek texture, and the main front detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Sleek
Low bun with a braid wrapping it, with a sleek top; the style is organized around the braided, with the sleek finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For this sleek braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 02
Woven Twisted Low Bun with Pearl Hair Pins and Waves Down
For shape comparison, the braided remains readable through the wavy texture, and the main front detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Woven twisted low bun with pearl hair pins and waves down; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the wavy finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, for this wavy braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 03
Braided Low Bun and Braids on Both Sides of the Head Are a Great
For shape comparison, the photo is most useful for comparing the braided edge, an open front, and braided movement.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided low bun and braids on both sides of the head are a great and catchy holiday updo; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, for longer wear, secure the braided and decide how much hair can stay loose around the open front.
Choose your direction
First decision
Choose the anchor height and overall silhouette before refining small details.
Texture check
Tension affects comfort, polish, and how well the style lasts.
Upkeep check
Accessories should support the structure rather than hide the hairstyle.
Best reference
Save a clear front view and a second angle when the back shape matters.
Idea 04
Braided Low Bun Plus a Braided Top Look Very Chic and Cool and Such
The braided finish gives this braided visible movement, with the front defined by an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided low bun plus a braided top look very chic and cool and such a hairstyle; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and braided finish stay balanced.
Idea 05
Braided Low Updo with Two Buns
At a glance, the braided finish gives this braided visible movement, with the front defined by an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided low updo with two buns; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and braided finish stay balanced.
Idea 06
Low Bun with a Side Braid
For shape comparison, here, an open front connects cleanly to the braided, and the braided finish keeps the shape light.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Low bun with a side braid and a bump for a whimsy take on a usual low bun hairstyle; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, for this braided braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 07
Low Bun with a Large Sided Braid
At a glance, the clearest visual cues are the braided, braided texture, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Low bun with a large sided braid; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, choose a comfortable tension for the braided, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Idea 08
Messy and Curly Low Updo
For shape comparison, the braided remains readable through the curly texture, and the main front detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Curly
Messy and curly low updo with a braided halo and some locks and curls down for an effortlessly chic look; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the curly texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and curly finish stay balanced.
Idea 09
Low Updo with a Braided Touch and a Wavy and Mess Top
The balance comes from a defined braided, wavy movement, and the way an open front shapes the front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Low updo with a braided touch and a wavy and mess top; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the wavy texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, for longer wear, secure the braided and decide how much hair can stay loose around the open front.
Idea 10
Sleek Low Updo with a Braided Bun
The sleek finish gives this braided visible movement, with the front defined by an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Sleek
Sleek low updo with a braided bun; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the sleek texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and sleek finish stay balanced.
Idea 11
Fishtail Holiday Hairstyle
For shape comparison, here, an open front connects cleanly to the fishtail braid, and the braided finish keeps the shape light.
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Finish
- Braided
Fishtail holiday hairstyle; this photograph shows the structure of the fishtail braid clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, for this braided fishtail braid, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 12
Braided Updo with Braids Covering the Whole Head
At a glance, this braided is defined by a braided surface, a clear lower edge, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided updo with braids covering the whole head and a low bun plus some locks down; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Choose a comfortable tension for the braided, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Idea 13
Braided Low Bun with a Volume on Top
The face frame is set by an open front, while the voluminous finish keeps the braided from looking rigid.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Voluminous
Braided low bun with a volume on top; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the voluminous texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, test whether the voluminous finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 14
Glam Updo with a Braid on Top
At a glance, the photo is most useful for comparing the braided edge, an open front, and braided movement.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Glam updo with a braid on top and a low bun accented with rhinestone hairpins; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, for longer wear, secure the braided and decide how much hair can stay loose around the open front.
Idea 15
Braided Updo with a Wrapped Bun
This braided is defined by a braided surface, a clear lower edge, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided updo with a wrapped bun and chunky braids on the sides of the head; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, choose a comfortable tension for the braided, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Idea 16
Low Twisted Updo with a Side Fishtail Braid and Face-Framing Hair
For shape comparison, the twisted texture softens the fishtail braid; the main face-framing detail comes from face-framing pieces.
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Front
- Face-framing pieces
- Finish
- Twisted
Low twisted updo with a side fishtail braid and face-framing hair; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the twisted texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the fishtail braid through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, for this twisted fishtail braid, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 17
Two Voluminous Braids with Large Low Buns Are a Catchy
For shape comparison, the balance comes from a defined braided, voluminous movement, and the way an open front shapes the front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Voluminous
Two voluminous braids with large low buns are a catchy and bold solution for a bold holiday look; the style is organized around the braided, with the voluminous finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 18
Updo with a Double Braided Halo, a Bump on Op
For shape comparison, the clearest visual cues are the braided, wavy texture, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Updo with a double braided halo, a bump on op and a low bun plus waves framing the face; the style is organized around the braided, with the wavy finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and wavy finish stay balanced.
Idea 19
Fishtail Side Braided Updo with a Braided Bun and Some Locks Down
For shape comparison, visible braided separation gives the fishtail braid movement without obscuring an open front.
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Finish
- Braided
Fishtail side braided updo with a braided bun and some locks down; this photograph shows the structure of the fishtail braid clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, choose a comfortable tension for the fishtail braid, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Idea 20
Exquisite Low Bun with a Braided Halo
At a glance, the photo is most useful for comparing the braided edge, an open front, and voluminous movement.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Voluminous
Exquisite low bun with a braided halo and a voluminous top plus locks down; the style is organized around the braided, with the voluminous finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, test whether the voluminous finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 21
Braided Updo with Two Twisted Low Buns and Volume on Top
The clearest visual cues are the braided, voluminous texture, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Voluminous
Braided updo with two twisted low buns and volume on top; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the voluminous finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and voluminous finish stay balanced.
Idea 22
Braided Low Bun with a Sleek Top and Face-Framing Hair
At a glance, the face frame is set by face-framing pieces, while the sleek finish keeps the braided from looking rigid.
- Style
- Braided
- Front
- Face-framing pieces
- Finish
- Sleek
Braided low bun with a sleek top and face-framing hair; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the sleek texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Check this braided from the front and back so the face-framing pieces, anchor point, and sleek finish stay balanced.
Idea 23
Dutch Braided Bun with a Bump on Top and Face-Framing Hair
The photograph makes the dutch braid, braided movement, and face-framing pieces easy to compare.
- Style
- Dutch braid
- Front
- Face-framing pieces
- Finish
- Braided
Dutch braided bun with a bump on top and face-framing hair; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the dutch braid through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, match the dutch braid anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 24
Messy Braided Low Bun with Twi Side Braids and Hair Down
This braided is defined by a tousled surface, a clear lower edge, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Tousled
Messy braided low bun with twi side braids and hair down; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the tousled finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 25
Braided Bun with a Volumetric Top
For shape comparison, visible voluminous separation gives the braided movement without obscuring an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Voluminous
Braided bun with a volumetric top; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the voluminous finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, choose a comfortable tension for the braided, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Idea 26
Braided Low Bun with a Sleek Top
At a glance, the clearest visual cues are the braided, sleek texture, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Sleek
Braided low bun with a sleek top; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the sleek texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and sleek finish stay balanced.
Idea 27
Holiday Updo
The photograph makes the braided, braided movement, and an open front easy to compare.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Holiday updo; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, for this braided braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 28
Braided Low Updo with Two Side Braids, a Bump, a Low Bun
At a glance, the balance comes from a defined braided, braided movement, and the way face-framing pieces shapes the front.
- Style
- Braided
- Front
- Face-framing pieces
Braided low updo with two side braids, a bump, a low bun and face-framing locks plus some beaded hair pieces; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and face-framing pieces determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 29
Braided Updo with a Sleek Top
For shape comparison, the sleek texture softens the braided; the main face-framing detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Sleek
Braided updo with a sleek top; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the sleek texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, test whether the sleek finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 30
Braided Updo with a Bump on Top
For shape comparison, the braided finish gives this braided visible movement, with the front defined by an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided updo with a bump on top; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, test whether the braided finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 31
Rustic Low Updo with a Double Braid and Some Locks Down
At a glance, the braided texture softens the braided; the main face-framing detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Rustic low updo with a double braid and some locks down; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, test whether the braided finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 32
Top Knot with a Braided Back
For shape comparison, the balance comes from a defined braided, braided movement, and the way an open front shapes the front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Top knot with a braided back; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, for this braided braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 33
Simple Braided Low Updo with a Bump on Top
For shape comparison, this braided is defined by a braided surface, a clear lower edge, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Simple braided low updo with a bump on top; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and braided finish stay balanced.
Idea 34
Messy Braided Updo with a Volume on Top
For shape comparison, the tousled texture softens the braided; the main face-framing detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Tousled
Messy braided updo with a volume on top; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the tousled finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, test whether the tousled finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 35
Braided Low Updo with Some Volume on Top and Some Locks Down
Visible voluminous separation gives the braided movement without obscuring an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Voluminous
Braided low updo with some volume on top and some locks down; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the voluminous finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, test whether the voluminous finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Choose placement and structure
Compare where the style is anchored and how the hair travels into it. That structure determines the silhouette more than decorative finishing touches.
Balance hold with softness
A smooth base usually lasts longer, while loose texture feels softer and more relaxed. Decide which matters more for your routine or occasion.
Save the useful angle
Back views explain braiding, twisting, and pin placement; front views show face framing. Keep both when the style needs to be recreated accurately.
About the author
Bella Ross
Bella Ross is the hairstyle editor behind Latest Easy Hairstyles. She curates practical haircut, braid, color, and styling ideas with a focus on looks that are easy to browse, realistic to recreate, and useful for everyday hair decisions.