60 Updos That Make Thin Hair Look Full

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Written by Rachel Miller

Updated: April 13, 2024

Tired of thin hair that falls flat? Don’t despair! Discover 60 incredible updo styles designed to add volume, texture, and the illusion of fullness to your hair.

#1. French Twist with Volume at the Crown

French Twist with Volume at the Crown

For your French Twist, begin by teasing your hair at the crown to boost volume. Next, gracefully twist your strands back, securing them with bobby pins for an elevated and sophisticated look.

#2. Loose Chignon with Face-Framing Tendrils

Loose Chignon with Face Framing Tendrils

Create the ultimate romantic flair with a loose chignon, enhanced by gentle face-framing tendrils that soften and elevate your elegant updo.

#3. Braided Updo with Delicate Hair Accessory

Braided Updo with Delicate Hair Accessory

Intertwine a delicate hair accessory into your braid, instantly elevating the simple plait into an emblem of sophistication; this subtle touch grants an air of refined intricacy to your style.

#4. Twisted Updo with Side-Swept Bangs

Twisted Updo with Side Swept Bangs

For a modern take on an enduring classic, begin by twisting your strands into an updo, ensuring you leave some locks free to elegantly sweep your side bangs, adding chic asymmetry.

#5. Low Bun with Textured Braids

Low Bun with Textured Braids

Start by applying volumizing mousse to dry hair, focusing on the roots. Braid sections, leaving strands out for texture. Gather at the nape, twist into a bun, and secure with bobby pins. Tug gently at the braids to enhance volume.

#6. Sleek Top Knot with a Polished Finish

Sleek Top Knot with a Polished Finish

Achieve a sleek top knot by first ensuring your hair is smooth and knot-free. Apply a dollop of volumizing mousse for hold and gather your mane into a high ponytail. Then, twist your hair firmly until it naturally coils into a bun. Secure it with bobby pins, maintaining a tidy appearance. A spritz of strong-hold hairspray will add the desired polished finish.

#7. Messy Bun with Voluminous Top

Messy Bun with Voluminous Top

For that effortless, chic vibe, you can’t beat a messy bun uplifted with voluminous top. Tease your roots, spritz dry texturizing spray, and twist casually; secure with bobby pins for that perfectly tousled elegance.

#8. Braided Crown with Wispy Pieces

Braided Crown with Wispy Pieces

To craft a braided crown fit for a fairy-tale, start by braiding hair around the head, then gently pull at the braid to create delicate, wispy pieces that soften the look.

#9. Tousled Updo with Face-Framing Layers

Tousled Updo with Face Framing Layers

Begin by teasing your crown for subtle lift. You’ll then create a loose, tousled bun, allowing your face-framing layers to cascade softly, enhancing the updo’s romantic flair.

#10. High Ponytail with Textured Wraps

High Ponytail with Textured Wraps

Secure your high ponytail, then twist some strands around the base. This technique not only conceals bobby pins and elastics, but also adds chic texture for an elevated, casual look.

#11. Twisted Half-Up Style with Curly Ends

Twisted Half Up Style with Curly Ends 1

For a whimsical twist, start by gathering the top section of hair. Gently twist and pin it halfway, allowing curls to cascade freely, creating a playful and feminine half-updo.

#12. Loosely Braided Bun

Loosely Braided Bun

Entwine thin strands into a loosely braided bun, a synthesis of relaxed charm and perpetual grace. Pin and tuck with care, ensuring your locks cascade with ease and sophistication.

#13. Updo with Subtle Bouffant

Updo with Subtle Bouffant

To infuse your updo with that timeless bouffant allure, begin by gently backcombing the crown, securing volume with bobby pins. Smooth over strands for sleekness, merging retro elegance and today’s chic.

#14. Half-Up Style with Clipped-In Extensions

Half Up Style with Clipped In

For a half-up style, blend in clipped-in extensions to easily boost volume and length. Choose shades close to your hair color, ensuring they disappear seamlessly into your natural locks for a luscious, full-bodied look.

#15. Twisted Side Braid with Voluminous Crown

Twisted Side Braid with Voluminous Crown

For those with thin locks, master a twisted side braid and crown it with volume for an updo that exudes both elegance and fullness. Employing volumizing mousse will elevate your style seamlessly.

#16. Low Bun with Hair Donut Insert

Low Bun with Hair Donut Insert

To craft a chic low bun with a hair donut insert, first gather your hair into a ponytail at the nape. Slip the ponytail through the donut, then spread your hair around it, pinning discreetly to secure. This technique promises a voluminous and polished updo perfect for various occasions.

#17. Textured Updo with Dry Shampoo for Lift

Textured Updo with Dry Shampoo for Lift

Spritzing dry shampoo at your roots not only absorbs oil but also provides an impressive lift. This technique bolsters your updo, offering an illusion of lushness to your otherwise fine strands.

#18. Crimped Ponytail for Added Thickness

Crimped Ponytail for Added Thickness

To grant thin hair an illusion of bountiful volume, try a crimped ponytail. Employ crimping methods across the strands before gathering them up, instantly magnifying thickness and creating layers of depth.

#19. Intricate Braided Updo with a Detailed Pattern

Intricate Braided Updo with a Detailed Pattern

To master the intricate braided updo, weave small, precise braids into a sophisticated pattern. Ensure each strand intertwines flawlessly, achieving a stunning visual that enhances your thin hair with complex elegance.

#20. Twisted Low Bun with Subtle Backcombing

Twisted Low Bun with Subtle Backcombing

To forge added fullness, first incorporate Volumizing mousse into your locks. Commence subtle backcombing at the crown before twisting your mane into a low bun, securing meticulously with bobby pins for a plush appearance.

#21. Multiple Mini Braids Woven into an Updo

Multiple Mini Braids Woven into an Updo

You’ll weave strands into mini braids, then artfully arrange them into an updo, enhancing your thin hair with intricate texture and captivating depth.

#22. Loose French Braid with Pulled-Apart Sections

Loose French Braid with Pulled Apart Sections

You will have mastered the art of the loose French braid for thin hair by gently tugging at the sections. This simple technique creates a fuller, more voluminous look, elevating your updo instantly.

#23. Half-Up Style with Hidden Bobby Pins for Lift

Half Up Style with Hidden Bobby Pins for Lift

Achieving a luxuriant crown with fine hair may seem elusive, but hidden bobby pins can work miracles. Insert them under the top layer to discreetly boost volume, creating an elegant, lifted half-up style.

#24. Voluminous Crown Braid

Voluminous Crown Braid

Start weaving a classic crown braid; gently tug at the loops to maximize volume, creating the illusion of a fuller crown. This technique blends understated elegance with the desirable thickness of your tresses.

#25. High Space Buns

High Space Buns

Begin by teasing your crown before spiraling hair into twin buns atop your head. This technique will not only add volume but will also infuse a whimsical charm into your look.

#26. Sleek Updo with Twisted Side Detail

Sleek Updo with Twisted Side Detail

Achieve effortless elegance with a sleek updo accented by a twisted side detail, a blend of minimalism and refined grace, ideal for a polished appearance.

#27. Braided Top Knot with a Messy Finish

Braided Top Knot with a Messy Finish

Initiate your style with a sleek top knot; add a textured braid, wrapping it around the base. Loosen a few strands to ensure that a messy bun aesthetic prevails, merging polished artistry with carefree flair.

#28. Side-Swept Updo with a Statement Hair Clip

Side Swept Updo with a Statement Hair Clip

Transform your side-swept updo from simple to striking by adding a statement hair clip, instantly injecting elegance and drawing the eye.

#29. Half-Up Top Knot with Beachy Waves

Half Up Top Knot with Beachy Waves

Begin by curling your hair to create the beachy waves, ensuring a relaxed and summery vibe. Next, gather the top section into a smooth top knot, securing it with bobby pins for a chic and effortless look.

#30. Loosely Twisted Updo with a Headband

Loosely Twisted Updo with a Headband

For a whimsical touch to your thin hair, twist sections lightly, wrapping them into a serene updo. Embellish with a headband to infuse charm and maintain that fairy-tale femininity effortlessly.

#31. Elegant Updo with a Jeweled Comb

Elegant Updo with a Jeweled Comb

Transform your updo into a work of art by strategically placing a jeweled comb for instant glamour and sophistication. This touch elevates your style, adding a sparkling focal point to any elegant ensemble.

#32. Braided Updo with Fresh Flower Accents

Braided Updo with Fresh Flower Accents

Imagine weaving delicate blooms into your braided updo, an enchanting touch for springtime vows or bohemian flair. You’ll master this graceful look that exudes romance and soft, natural beauty.

#33. Vintage-Inspired Updo with a Birdcage Veil

Vintage Inspired Updo with a Birdcage Veil

To conjure the charm of yesteryear, a vintage-inspired updo swathed in a birdcage veil evokes timeless grace. Begin by teasing the crown for lift; then twist and pin your locks into a low chignon. Gracefully drape the veil to complete this nostalgic tableau, ensuring you become the embodiment of retro-chic elegance on your special day.

#34. Structured Updo with a Pearl Headband

Structured Updo with a Pearl Headband

Start by teasing your roots for a voluminous top, and secure a low bun at the nape. Adorn with a pearl headband to perfectly accentuate your elegant, structured updo for thin hair.

#35. Side-Swept Updo with Soft Curls

Side Swept Updo with Soft Curls

For an occasion calling for romance and elegance, fashion a side-swept updo accentuated with soft curls. Delicately pull strands to one side, secure them tenderly, and let curls cascade for a look of timeless grace.

#36. Intricate Braided Chignon

Intricate Braided Chignon

You’ll love the intricate braided chignon as an updo of choice for formal events. It exudes an elegant complexity that effortlessly elevates thin hair, imbuing it with a refined and sophisticated silhouette.

#37. Milkmaid Braids

Milkmaid Braids 1

Transform thin strands into a charming, rustic hairstyle with milkmaid braids. This timeless updo adds volume and a whimsical touch by braiding and pinning hair atop your head. You’ll achieve a look that’s both classic and enchanting.

#38. Bubble Braid Ponytail

Bubble Braid Ponytail

For an enchanting twist on your style, master the bubble braid ponytail; simply tie sections with bobby pins and tease for bountiful volume. This playful updo invites compliments and turns fine strands into a textural delight.

#39. Half-Up with Twisted Space Buns

Half Up with Twisted Space Buns

Begin with volumizing mousse to give your locks a boost; then, gather the upper half of your hair. Twist each section into buns atop your head and secure with bobby pins. Finally, spritz with dry texturizing spray for hold and volume.

#40. Faux Hawk Updo with Braids

Faux Hawk Updo with Braids

For a faux hawk updo that is sure to impress, start by adding volume with a dry texturizing spray. Braid your hair along the sides and twist and pin the center to create the faux hawk illusion, guaranteeing a look of audacious elegance.

#41. Colorful Scarf Woven into an Updo

Colorful Scarf Woven into an Updo

Transform your updo with a vibrant scarf for a splash of color. Begin by folding the scarf lengthwise, wrapping it around the base of your updo, and secure with bobby pins. Weave the ends through braids or twist around your bun to enhance texture and a playful character.

#42. Updo with Braided Hair Wrap

Updo with Braided Hair Wrap

Begin your updo journey by weaving a textured braid along your scalp, using it as a chic headband. Secure this braided hair wrap around your bun or ponytail, instantly elevating your style with sophistication and a trendy bohemian touch.

#43. Twisted Pinned-Up Style for Short Hair

Twisted Pinned Up Style for Short Hair

For those yearning for elegance without excess length, a twisted, pinned-up style emerges as a chic solution. Tucking and securing with bobby pins provides a refined appearance ideal for short hair textures.

#44. Faux French Twist with Bobby Pins

Faux French Twist with Bobby Pins

Achieve a chic faux French twist effortlessly; you’ll twist and tuck your hair, securing with bobby pins. This method offers an elegant updo, making thin strands appear lush and intricate.

#45. Mini Braids with Colorful Hair Ties

Mini Braids with Colorful Hair Ties

Twist your delicate strands into mini braids and secure each with vibrant hair ties. This method not only infuses your updo with a burst of color but also injects a spirited, youthful charm into your overall look.

#46. Half-Up Twist with a Statement Clip

Half Up Twist with a Statement Clip

Transform your half-up twist by securing it with a statement clip. This not only adds a striking detail but infuses a dash of sophisticated glamour into your updo – ideal for turning heads at any event.

#47. Slicked Back Updo with Gel

Slicked Back Updo with Gel

For an edgy, modern updo, start by working gel into your roots, smoothing hair backward with your fingers. Gather into a low bun, ensuring the gel provides both control and a glossy sheen, perfect for fine strands seeking bold definition.

#48. Pinned-Back Curls with a Headband

Pinned Back Curls with a Headband

Begin by curling small sections of your hair to create a cascade of soft waves. Secure these with bobby pins at the back of your head, ensuring a firm hold. Accent this blend of vintage and modern aesthetic by placing a sleek headband gracefully along your hairline.

#49. Half-Up Twist with a Ribbon

Half Up Twist with a Ribbon

Transform your half-up twist from simple to sensational by weaving a ribbon through it. The ribbon adds an eye-catching charm, elevating your style with an effortless touch of femininity that’s sure to turn heads.

#50. Messy Bun with a Scrunchie

Messy Bun with a Scrunchie

For an effortlessly chic style, grab a scrunchie to elevate your messy bun. Gently twist your thin hair into a loose heap at the crown, secure with the scrunchie and pull out stray wisps for a modern touch.

#51. Braided Halo with Loose Waves

Braided Halo with Loose Waves

Embark on crafting your braided halo; begin with dry texturizing spray for grip. Weave your hair around the crown, forming the halo, while ensuring loose tendrils hang softly, enhancing the whimsy of your bohemian style.

#52. High Ponytail with Extensions

High Ponytail with

Transform your high ponytail from flat to fab using hair extensions. Begin by securing your ponytail at the desired height. Then, cleverly clip in extensions around the base, ensuring they’re hidden beneath your natural hair. Tease gently for a flawless blend that boosts both volume and length, achieving that sought-after full-bodied effect.

#53. Twisted Low Bun with a Statement Hair Piece

Twisted Low Bun with a Statement Hair Piece

Start by gathering your thin hair into a low ponytail at the nape. Gently twist it until it coils upon itself, securing with bobby pins to form a bun. Complete the updo by tucking in a statement hair piece for that refined touch.

#54. Updo with a Colorful Hair Scarf

Updo with a Colorful Hair Scarf

Transform your updo with a vibrant hair scarf, enhancing texture and adding an artistic flair. Simply twist your locks gently, secure them artfully at the crown, and tie in the scarf for a pop of color. This style promises versatility for any event.

#55. Sleek Side-Swept Updo with Curled Ends

Sleek Side Swept Updo with Curled Ends

Achieving a sleek, side-swept updo with curled ends begins with smoothing your strands using a volumizing mousse and a brush. After creating side-swept bangs, curl the tips for a playful allure. Secure firmly with bobby pins for a sophisticated yet whimsical look.

#56. Braided Updo with a Hair Stick

Braided Updo with a Hair Stick

Begin by crafting your braided updo, ensuring each section intertwines gracefully. Once styled, gently slide a hair stick through the base, securing the braids with a nod to tradition, thus adding an air of timeless elegance.

#57. Half-Up Style with a Fishtail Braid

Half Up Style with a Fishtail Braid

Achieve a detailed texture by weaving a fishtail braid into your half-up style, granting a dynamic and intricate look to your fine locks.

#58. Elegant Updo with Side Braids

Elegant Updo with Side Braids

You’ll weave enchantment into your tresses by incorporating side braids into an updo. Start by creating small, French twisted plaits along each temple, pulling these intricate strands back to merge with a low bun. The result? A captivating mix of sophistication and whimsy for any upscale event.

#59. Vintage-Inspired Updo with a Hair Brooch

Vintage Inspired Updo with a Hair Brooch

For a nod to bygone elegance, fashion a vintage-inspired updo; think soft waves pinned delicately at the nape. Finalize this classic silhouette by securing a hair brooch amid the curls, lending a flash of glamourous sparkle reminiscent of a more genteel era.

#60. Tousled Updo with a Jeweled Hair Vine

Tousled Updo with a Jeweled Hair Vine

Start by prepping your thin strands with a dry texturizing spray, adding grip and volume. Twist random sections loosely and pin them into a low bun, allowing a few wispy waves to escape for a relaxed vibe. Then, weave a jeweled hair vine through your tousled creation, adjusting it so that it complements your features and brings a touch of sparkle. The right bobby pins will secure everything in place, ensuring your style holds beautifully throughout your event.


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