8 Updos for Thick Hair That Make the Most of Your Volume

01.07.2026, 02:37 allure.com

Anyone with thick hair knows it can feel like both a blessing and a burden. There's the extra drying time and the seemingly endless packages of hair ties sacrificed to the cause. On the other hand, when it's time to create an updo on thick hair—whether formal or just for the hell of it—that abundance actually becomes your best friend.

"Thick-haired girlies often complain about how much work their hair is, but when it comes to updos, it is a definite advantage," says Billy Hannam, hairstylist at Anushka Spa and Salon in Palm Beach, Florida. “Thick hair provides natural volume and fullness.”

In other words, the very thing that can make washday feel like an endurance sport is what opens the door to some seriously stunning updo options. Whether you're inspired to wear a polished chignon, a romantic bun, or a runway-ready beehive, thick hair offers the kind of built-in body that hairstylists love to work with.

“One of the biggest advantages of thick hair is that it provides built-in volume and hold,” says Marcos Diaz, a New York City-based hairstylist. “The key is choosing styles that work with that density rather than trying to control it too much.”

Ahead, we've rounded up the best updos for thick hair that make the most of every last substantial strand.

Never underestimate the ability of a bun to be interesting—especially when you’re going for panache, not perfection. “A textured, mid-placement bun is one of my favorite updos for thick hair because it showcases the hair’s natural volume and movement while keeping the look modern and effortless,” says Diaz. “It’s versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions.”

Diaz recommends applying a texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray or the Allure Readers’ Choice Award winner Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray throughout dry hair to create grip and hold. Next, gather your hair into a ponytail in the middle of the back of the head, twist it loosely into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Feel free to pull out a few face-framing pieces and add a bit of volume at the crown for a softer finish.

Bumble and Bumble

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Sephora

Living Proof

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Nordstrom

Ulta Beauty

Part of what makes this look so incredibly stylish is the balance it strikes between the severity of a perfectly polished, middle-parted base and the softness of a low, cushiony bun. “A sleek, center-part chignon is timeless and elegant,” says Diaz. “Thick hair naturally creates a fuller-looking chignon, which gives the style a luxurious finish.”

After making a center part, smooth your hair into a low ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with pins. You’ll want to keep the top under control and free of flyaways with a pomade like Aveda Control Paste Hair Pomade or the Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Fatboy Perfect Putty. To add glossiness and make sure it stays in place, spray a shine-enhancing hairspray all over. We like Joico Hold Hero High Hold + Shine Boosting Finishing Spray.

Aveda

Aveda

Fatboy

Amazon

Joico

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

A slicked-back puff creates a “sophisticated silhouette, while allowing natural curls to take center stage,” says Millie Morales, a Miami-based hairstylist. “It’s a versatile style that transitions seamlessly from everyday wear to the most elegant occasions.”

To avoid a crunchy finish and achieve a soft look, Morales starts with an air-dry cream through the mid-lengths and ends. (We love the Best of Beauty Award-winning Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream.) Next, she applies a gel to the roots and hairline and uses a soft-bristle brush to smooth the hair back. “Once the puff is secured with a satin scrunchie or puff cuff, I enhance the curls with Garnier Curl Construct Creation Mousse to add lightweight definition, soft volume, and movement,” Morales says. “The result is a puff that feels hydrated, airy, and elegant—never stiff or wet-looking.”

Best Frizz Smoother

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Ulta Beauty

Picture a French twist. We guarantee the person sitting next to you pictures something entirely different. While the formula is the same, there’s actually so much you can do with the French twist format, especially when you’re working with an abundance of hair. “A French twist works great with thick hair because you’re not fighting your natural fullness,” says Hannam. “It's working with what you have.”

To create a French twist, section out the top of your hair, leaving the sides and back down. Brush your hair to one side, and secure it with bobby pins, ideally in a vertical line. Now, brush your hair the opposite way, bringing it all into your hand and twisting it up against the back of your head to secure it with bobby pins. “From here, it's creative placement of the remainder of the hair and some teasing at the top for volume,” says Hannam, who realizes that this may not be the most DIY-friendly style. “Fair warning: French twists are difficult to do at home,” he says. “If it's a very special event, it may be in your best interest to see a professional.”

Braided crowns may send your thoughts racing back to the aughts, but there’s no denying how timeless and whimsical the look is. “It’s a romantic style that works beautifully for special occasions,” says Diaz. “Thick hair creates fuller, more dimensional braids, making it ideal for a braided crown updo.”

Create two braids and wrap them across the crown, securing them with bobby pins. For an even fuller, softer look, loosen the braid slightly. You can set the braids as far forward or back as you prefer, and it even works for a half-up accent.

While beehives were mainstream decades ago, they’ve taken on an edgier feel in the 21st century, making it an awesome updo alternative for those who feel like chignons and French twists just aren’t “them.” “It's all about sleek sides and volume up,” says Hannam, who cannot stress the importance of teasing enough. “First, you’re going to want to shape and tease the top to the high heavens—no tease is too much. You'll want more teasing than you would think.” Did he mention teasing?

“From my perspective, it's a French twist with a ton of volume up top,” says Hannam, who adds that French twist styling rules apply here. He says that if you want a super-sleek beehive, you’ll want to smooth the teased hair and tuck the ends underneath, pinning them securely. “Oribe Flash Form Finishing Wax Spray is great for updos because it helps to tame flyaways and give that very subtle, almost waxy texture.”

Oribe

Orbe

Don’t let anyone tell you that a ponytail isn’t an updo. A high ponytail is absolutely an updo, especially when you work in dramatic volume, delicious texture, or a fun fringe moment.

“A high, textured ponytail is one of the most flattering updos for thick hair because it highlights the hair’s natural fullness while creating lift and movement,” Diaz says. “It’s polished enough for an event, but still feels modern and effortless.”

Apply a texturizing spray through the mid-lengths and ends, then gather your hair into a high ponytail at the crown (the level of smoothness is up to you). Tease the ponytail lightly for extra volume and wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a seamless finish.

A braided knot or bun lets cornrows really show off their versatility. Aside from a tightly plaited crown as the universal foundation of the look, the options are truly endless, whether you want to wear it high or low, intricate or simply wrapped, with or without tendrils. “I especially love when curls remain visible at the ends of the braids,” Morales says. “They add softness, movement, and personality, making the style feel polished without looking overly formal.”

If your goal is anything more complex than a traditional bun, you may want to make your way to a pro who can wind and sculpt your braids into an elaborate knot, something that’s not quite as easy to pin down (literally) without an unobscured view of the back of your head.

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