The Hottest Updo Trends of Summer 2024
5 Trending Updos to Embrace the Summer Heat
Summer is in full swing and upstyles are a must to stay cool through the warmer months. And while you can never go wrong with a classic pony, adding a range of updos to your style rotation will spice up any look. Ahead, we’ve rounded up a mix of playful, chic and nostalgic hairstyles that’ll be trending all summer long.
1. The Viral Messy, Curly Bun
Lifestyle influencer Delaney Childs (@delaneychilds) may not have invented the messy bun, but her TikTok tutorials have made it go absolutely viral. The look is inspired by the nostalgic Pam Anderson updos but with a bit more face-framing pieces and styled with a messy bun instead of a French twist. Here’s a step-by-step to achieve the trendy look:
- Section off the face-framing section.
- Create a ponytail at the crown and secure with an elastic.
- Curl the ponytail.
- Gather the hair into a bun and secure with an elastic leaving the ends out.
- Separate and pull a few end pieces out of the elastic to create a messy look.
- Curl the front face-framing pieces then set the look with hairspray.
2. Twisted & Tucked-Back
While 2023 saw the French twist, 2024 is embracing the Renaissance-inspired, double twists (and sometimes braids!) that frame the face and tuck away flyaways. Need inspiration to recreate the trend? Look to Kendall Jenner’s 2024 Met Gala style and this step-by-step tutorial by Moroccanoil®’s Global Creative Director Antonio Corral Calero and Vice President of Artistry Kevin Hughes to get inspired.
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3. Gothic, Spiky Glam
Slicked-back updos are getting a dramatic upgrade this season by adding spiky strands. While the sleek base of the style remains the same, celebrities like Ariana Grande and Charli XCX are adding in spiked ends for more texture and dimension.
Once the base is slicked-back and ponytail secured, the key is to twist sections of hair into mini buns, secure them at the base of the ponytail, then pull end pieces out so they protrude the ponytail. Flat iron those end pieces then secure with styling gel or hairspray.
4. Zigzag Parts
Love it or hate it—the zigzag part is back. Celebrities and influencers alike are trading in straight partings for a fun, playful way to add a little edge to parted looks. Here’s how to recreate a ponytail featuring a zigzag part:
- Section off the face-frame section of hair, then tie the back section into a ponytail.
- Starting at the front of the center part, use the end of a rat tail comb to create a zigzag.
- Apply gel to the roots of the part to smooth to the head for a sleek look.
- Secure the ends of the front section underneath the ponytail.
5. Sculpted, Nostalgic Prom Updos
The early aughts strike again but this time with sculpted, prom-like hair. Soft, undone boho looks have taken a backseat to bold, structured styles. Super defined sections, curls, knots and bangs are taking over, giving us Gwen Stefani circa the late ’90s vibes. See modern takes on the looks below:
Up Next: 50+ Pastel Hair Colors for Summer 2024.
