A high updo has a lovely way of making crown volume part of the whole look, rather than something you have to fuss over separately.

I’m drawn to how a little height can make an updo feel bold and polished, while the shape and texture keep it from looking too stiff.

The details make all the difference, from a softly lifted crown to a more dramatic silhouette.

These ideas show just how many ways women can wear a high updo, with plenty of personality tucked into the styling.

Voluminous High Bun With Face-Framing Pieces

A high, loosely gathered bun keeps the hair lifted at the crown, with a rounded shape and a few wispy strands left out around the face. The brunette updo has lighter pieces through the lengths that show against the darker roots.

I’d keep the bun a little undone rather than pulling every strand tight, since that lets the crown volume stay noticeable. The loose pieces also give this updo a more relaxed feel than a sleek, pinned-back bun.

High Half-Up Bun With Long Straight Hair

The rounded bun sits high at the crown, while the rest of the long, straight hair falls loose down the back. Keeping the lower section sleek makes the raised shape stand out without putting all the hair up.

I’d keep the bun smooth and secure, then leave a few fine pieces around the face for a softer edge. It’s a nice option when you want crown height but still enjoy wearing your length down.

High Crown Bun With Face-Framing Pieces

A loose, high bun keeps the shape lifted at the crown, while the swept-back sides show off the blonde highlights. Long, wispy pieces fall around the face and neck, giving the updo a relaxed finish rather than a tightly pinned one.

I’d keep a little texture through the bun so it doesn’t look too polished. The lighter strands also make the twists and loose sections easier to see.

Curly High Updo With A Braided Base

A thick braid runs along the side and back, blending into a high, loosely gathered updo. The curls stay visible through the crown, giving the shape plenty of height and a textured finish.

I’d keep a few small curls loose around the nape and face so the updo doesn’t feel too tightly arranged. This idea suits long, naturally curly hair, since the curl pattern helps build the full shape.

High Bun With Face-Framing Bangs

A high, loosely gathered bun gives this updo a rounded shape at the crown, while wispy bangs and longer pieces soften the outline around the face. The auburn hair keeps a few loose strands visible, so the style feels relaxed rather than tightly pinned.

I’d keep the bun slightly undone to preserve that easy shape. Those face-framing pieces also make this a nice option if you want an updo without pulling every strand away from your face.

Silver French Twist With Wispy Bangs

The hair is swept into a high, softly rounded updo, with a smooth shape that adds height at the crown. Wispy bangs and two longer pieces at the temples keep the style from feeling too formal.

I’d keep the front pieces loose rather than pinning everything back, since they give this classic updo a more relaxed finish. The silver color also makes the swept-back shape easy to see.

Bubble Ponytail With Crown Volume

A high ponytail is divided into rounded sections with elastics, creating a bubble shape down the length of the hair. The lifted crown and loose blonde pieces around the face keep it from feeling too neat.

I’d keep the bubbles slightly relaxed rather than pulling each section tight, so the ponytail retains some softness. It’s a fun way to wear long hair up while still showing off its length.

High Curly Puff With Loose Tendrils

A dense, coily puff sits high on the head, creating a rounded silhouette with plenty of height at the crown. A few defined curls are left loose at the front, breaking up the updo and adding a face-framing detail.

I like the contrast between the gathered sides and the fuller curls above. If you wear a similar updo, leaving out a couple of tendrils can keep the shape from feeling too pulled back.

High Messy Bun With A Braided Wrap

A loose, high bun keeps the crown full, while a thick braid winds around its base for a little extra detail. The lighter pieces left out near the temples soften the updo and give it a relaxed finish.

I’d keep the bun slightly undone rather than smoothing every strand into place. That contrast lets the braid stand out without making the hairstyle feel too formal.

High Bun With A Side Braid

A thick braid curves along the side of this dark-haired updo and disappears into a rounded bun set high at the back of the head. The smooth sides make the raised crown the focus, while the braid adds a clear detail without making the shape feel busy.

I’d keep the braid slightly loose so its sections stay visible against the sleek finish. This is a polished option for long hair when you want height at the crown and a bun with more interest than a simple twist.

High Updo With Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs and loose pieces at the temples soften the outline of this high, loosely gathered updo. The hair is swept up to show a rounded crown, while the dark brown color keeps the shape looking cohesive.

I’d keep the bun slightly relaxed rather than pulling every strand tight, so the face-framing layers stay easy and natural. It’s a nice way to bring crown height into an updo without relying on a sleek finish.

High Half-Up Bun With Loose Bob-Length Layers

The half-up bun lifts the top section high on the crown, while the rest of the brunette bob hangs around the jaw and neck. Loose strands at the sides keep the updo relaxed rather than tightly pulled back.

I’d keep the bun a little undone so it sits comfortably with the shorter layers below. It’s a handy way to bring height to the crown without gathering all your hair up.

High Braided Bun With Loose Waves

Thin braids sweep back from the sides and join a high, tousled bun, giving this updo extra detail around the crown. Long blonde waves and two loose front pieces keep the shape relaxed rather than sleek.

I’d keep the braids visible and leave a few lengths down to echo the undone texture. It’s a nice option if you want a high updo with crown height but don’t want all of your hair pinned away.

High Updo With Long Side-Swept Bangs

The dark hair is gathered into a high updo with plenty of height through the crown. Long, side-swept bangs and loose tendrils keep the shape from feeling too formal.

I’d keep the updo slightly relaxed so those front pieces can fall naturally around the face. It’s a useful variation if you want a lifted crown but prefer not to pull every strand away from the hairline.

Smooth High Bun With a Side Part

A deep side part sweeps into a sleek, high bun, giving this updo a smooth shape with extra height at the crown. The dark hair is wrapped into a compact braided bun, keeping the finish neat rather than loose or textured.

I’d keep the sides polished to make the crown height stand out. A few fine strands near the ears can be left loose if you prefer a less formal finish.

High Bun With a Crown Braid

A thick braid curves across the crown and leads into a loose, high bun, giving this updo a more defined shape than a simple top knot. The blonde face-framing pieces and wispy strands keep the finish relaxed rather than tightly pinned.

I’d keep the bun a little tousled so the braid stands out without making the whole style feel too formal. It’s a nice option for long hair when you want height at the crown with a detail that can be seen from the front.

High Claw-Clip Updo With Loose Face-Framing Pieces

A large claw clip gathers the brunette hair high at the back, leaving the ends loose and lifted into a soft, undone shape. The long front pieces and flyaways keep the updo relaxed rather than tightly swept back.

I like the way the height sits at the crown without needing a smooth, formal bun. It’s a simple direction to try with medium or long hair, though the loose finish will vary with your hair’s texture and thickness.

High Updo With Swept-Over Bangs

The hair is gathered into a high, rounded updo, while long silver-streaked bangs sweep diagonally across the forehead. That contrast between the lifted crown and the loose fringe gives the updo a softer outline.

I’d keep the front pieces lightly separated rather than smoothing them flat, so the gray strands remain visible and the fringe keeps its shape. It’s a useful variation if you want crown height without pulling every section away from your face.

High Double Buns With Loose Tendrils

Two high, rounded buns create a wide silhouette across the crown, while loose strands fall along the cheeks and neck. The relaxed texture keeps the updo from looking too tightly arranged.

I like the contrast between the lifted shape and those fine pieces left out around the face. This is a fun option for long hair when you want an updo with plenty of height and a less polished finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get volume at the crown without making my updo look too stiff? A: Build the lift in small sections with a little teasing at the roots, then smooth the surface lightly. Keep the rest of the style soft so the height looks intentional, not helmet-like.

Q: Will a high updo hold if my hair is fine? A: Yes, especially if you add texture before pinning and secure the base with pins that cross each other. A little dry shampoo or texturizing spray can give fine hair more grip.

Q: Can I wear a crown-volume updo with bangs? A: Absolutely. Leave the bangs loose or sweep them to the side, and keep the crown lift just behind them. That balance frames your face without hiding the shape of the updo.

Q: What should I do if my updo starts to loosen during the day? A: Keep a few bobby pins handy and slide them into the loose areas without pulling the whole style tight. A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray can help settle flyaways.