12 Stylish Updos for Women Over 60

Do you have long hair? Are you looking for new ways to style it? Medium to long hair provides more versatility when it comes to styling. Ponytails, braids, chignons (buns), and elaborate updos are all options.

Let’s take a look at some updos. An updo basically means a hairstyle where the hair is swept up in the back or up and is held in place typically with hair ties and pins.

An updo can be a simple bun tucked at the nape of the neck or an elaborate style mixing braids, teasing, and hair accessories.

Here is my list of stylish updos for women over 60:

1. The Quick No-Fuss Bun – An everyday style.
2. The Big Tiered Bun – A bun with more volume.
3. The Big Nape Bun – Elegant and sophisticated nape bun.
4. Cornrow Braids Updo – Stylish rear-round look.
5. Messy Look Updo – Perfect for curly hair.

Keep reading to discover more stylish updos.

The Quick No-Fuss Bun

This easy chignon is always a go-to for older women with longer hair. Often, simple pins will keep the bun in place. Choose pins that match the color of your hair. They typically come in a variety of shades.

Pull all your hair back into a ponytail and twist it around the tie. For a more textured effect, split the ponytail in two and twist each section in different directions. Pin in place.

The Big Tiered Chignon

The big chignon effect is a more elegant look and is great to pair with formal attire. The hair is pulled back into a ponytail and sectioned into several pieces. Each piece is twirled and pinned into place. The thicker your hair, the bigger the updo.

The Big Nape Bun

This sophisticated big nape bun can be worn casual or formal. To add volume and create a bigger bun purchase hair bun donuts for that extra oomph. Wrap your hair around the donut and pin into place.

Cornrow Braids Updo

Cornrow braids are created high to style a bun. This is a stylish hairstyle, and it is perfect year round. Try different color cornrows and change the look completely.

Messy Look Updo

This updo is great if you have naturally curly hair. Simply pull your hair up and snap it in the back with a claw clip hair accessory. Let the curls come down around the clip.

Tight Twisted High Bun

This easy bun is perfect if you have long hair. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and simply twist your hair onto itself and then around the hair tie. Sometimes you can twist it tight enough and not need any pins.

Romantic Bun with Braids

This timeless updo takes us back to Victorian times. Create braids and style them into a crown around your head and place all the hair into a low bun formation. You’ll look and feel like a queen!

Messy Bun with Bangs

Messy buns are quite trendy and paired with bangs can even give you a youthful look. Wrap a large color-matched hair elastic around the bun a few times and pull out hair to create some volume. Leave hair strands on either side to frame your face.

Side Bun

Part the hair on one side and bring all of it to the other side. Place below the ear and position either with pins or a scrunchie.

Watch the tutorial below to learn how to style your hair in 7 different updos easily.

Elegant Twisted Chignon

This is a perfect go-to updo for a formal event. Add hair extensions to get the full chignon effect.

Bubble Ponytail Updo

Image generated via AI

Modern and playful, the bubble ponytail adds volume and flair with minimal effort. Simply tie your hair in a high ponytail, then add evenly spaced elastics down the length, gently tugging each section to puff it out. 

French Twist with a Twist

Image generated via AI

This updated version of the timeless French twist offers a relaxed, modern feel. Instead of a tight roll, the hair is loosely gathered and pinned, allowing soft pieces to fall naturally around the face. It’s very elegant and works beautifully for both casual days and special events.

What Hair Accessories Work Best for Updos?

The right accessories can make or break an updo, especially if your hair is fine, layered, or tends to slip out of place. Choosing tools that are gentle on aging strands while offering strong hold is key.

Claw Clips

These are a go-to for quick, no-fuss updos. They’re perfect for creating messy buns or twist styles in seconds. Look for medium to large clips with a strong spring and smooth edges to avoid snagging hair.

TOCESS 8 Pack Big Hair Claw Clips

U-Shaped Pins and French Pins

Unlike traditional bobby pins, U-shaped pins are designed to anchor buns without flattening the style. They slide in easily and hold a bun or chignon securely, even if your hair is thick or textured.

French Hair Forks Tortoise Shell U Shape Updo Hair Pins Clips

Hair Donuts (Bun Makers)

Want a full, voluminous bun without teasing? A hair donut adds structure and volume to thinner hair. Simply pull your ponytail through the center, spread your hair over the form, and tuck it underneath.

Teenitor Donut Hair Bun Maker Set

Spiral Pins

These corkscrew-shaped pins twist into your bun and lock everything in place with minimal effort. They’re especially helpful if you struggle with regular pins slipping out.

Kitsch Spiral Bobby Pins

Scrunchies and Covered Elastics

Elastics covered in fabric are much gentler on hair than rubber bands. Choose satin, velvet, or cotton scrunchies in colors that match your hair for a discreet hold, or go bold and let them show.

Lolalet Scrunchies

Decorative Clips and Combs

For a dressier updo, add a decorative touch with jeweled combs, pearl pins, or floral clips. They not only style the look but can help disguise thinning spots or hold back shorter layers.

Pearl Rhinestone Hair Accessories

Flexible Headbands or Scarves

Headbands can add polish and keep flyaways in check, especially if you have face-framing layers. Thin scarves can be wrapped around a bun or tied like a bandana for a more artistic or bohemian look.

DRESHOW 8 Pack Headbands

When shopping for hair accessories, look for ones that are lightweight, non-slip, and designed with comfort in mind. If an accessory pulls or feels too tight, swap it out; updos should feel as good as they look.

Read BEST WIGS FOR WOMEN OVER 60.

Also read HAIRSTYLE TIPS FOR OLDER WOMEN: 13 TRADE SECRETS YOUR HAIRDRESSER WANTS YOU TO KNOW!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you like to style your hair in updos? What is your favorite updo? Do you use hair accessories? Tell us about it in the comments below.