How to Do a Braided Updo Hairstyle

One way to add a little pizzazz to an updo hairstyle is to side sweep part of the hair and braid it. A braid along one side of the head adds visual interest to the updo. It’s especially helpful for someone whose hair won’t stay curled. Often hair stylists curl the hair when making more formal updos, but if the hair is sleek and straight, it may not keep the curl. A braid can be the decorative element of an updo instead of curls, and you can also combine the braid with curls.

Step 1

Brush out the hair with the hairbrush to remove knots and tangles. Squeeze roughly a tablespoon of hair gel onto the palms of your hands and rub your palms together. Run your hands through the hair from root to tip to transfer the gel onto the strands.

Step 2

Use your comb to make a part in the hair halfway between the center of the head and the right or left hairline.

Step 3

Gather the hair on the side of the part containing more hair. Do not use any of the hair behind the ear and from the back of the head. Hold the hair at the side of the head, angled toward the back of the head. Separate the hair into three equal-sized sections. Braid the three strands together. Wrap an elastic hair band around the bottom of the braid to hold it in place.

Step 4

Gather the loose hair and the braid with your hands so the braid sits at the back of the top of your head. Wrap an elastic hairband around the hair where it meets the back of the head.

Step 5

Pin loose strands and shorter hairs to the head with the bobby pins. To curl the loose hair in the updo, plug in a curling iron. Gather the hair into 1 in. wide strands and wrap them around the curling iron. Hold in place for 30 seconds, and then release the hair. Repeat with all of the loose hair.