The 5 Best Updos From Curly-Haired Celebs

Owning curly hair often comes with the territory of knowing your locks will have a mind of their own. So much so, that those with curls often need to go to great lengths to combat common curly hair problems, such as adjusting their hair routine for winter or taking steps to keep their hairstyle intact overnight. But even with all the effort, one thing remains true: Few things rival the magic of curly hair.

Unlike sleek styles that rely on rigidity and precision, curls thrive with shape, movement, texture and a sprinkle of unpredictability. When thrown charmingly into an updo, they transform and take on an entirely new life. Rather than left loose, the hair is elevated and anchored together in a sculpted form off the shoulders. Just how this is executed is up to its wearer. Updos can come in many forms, including ballerina buns, tousled topknots, whimsical waves, or halo braids. And when it comes to our favorite celebrities, they make a strong case for the power of the curly updo.

When American actress and producer Yara Shahidi arrived at the 2019 LACMA Art + Film Gala, she needed an updo fit for a red carpet moment that was all about artistic impact. In came her hairstylist Nikki Nelms with an arresting vision that worked a treat. Shahidi's updo was an intricate marvel of curls, placed high in a gravity-defying shape that felt at once regal and effortless.

Rather than a neatly contained bun, her curls are gathered into an organic formation, brimming with texture and dimension. The volume at the crown carefully released tendrils to soften the look, skimming her forehead and framing her face. Nelms wove tiny aureate embellishments into the strands, which caught the light like flecks of stardust. Grounded by her golden Gucci gown, it was a glorious gush of glitz and glamour.

We've seen her marry a lord onscreen, but in real life, British actress Simone Ashley has curls fit for a queen. Nowhere was this clearer than during the "Bridgerton" press tour, when her hair was fixed by celebrity hair stylist Peter Lux, whose creations have graced the covers of Vogue and the red carpets of Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, and Florence Pugh. Here, Ashley's curls were gathered into a loose, airy bun. 

Wisps of hair were artfully left loose, adding a touch of softness, while a subtly off-kilter side part added to its lived-in allure. The carefully coiled tendrils framing her face wouldn't have been out of place in the candlelit ballrooms of the Ton — but the look was tactfully translated for today. For the woman who brought Kate Sharma's love story to life, she proved yet again that she possesses romantic charm in abundance.

The actress shared her curl care routine with Harper's Bazaar UK, revealing the steps she takes to keep her hair healthy and defined. As soon as she steps out of the shower, she applies Oribe's Supershine Moisturizing Crème (available on Amazon) to lock in hydration. Once her hair is about 90% dry, she works a small amount of Oribe Curl Gloss between her fingertips, scrunching it through her curls before massaging the roots to fight frizz. She added: "I'll do this after I've diffused it. If I've got time, I'll diffuse my hair, which is really good for curly hair."

As "Sex and the City" was poised to change the fashion landscape, American actress Sarah Jessica Parker was still experimenting with her style. At the 1998 premiere of the show in New York City, her signature curls sported a look that defied easy categorization. Her curls soared skywards, whilst twisted tresses laced together in a haphazard fashion to form an interesting crown of curls. Wisps of her curly hair trailed freely past her jaw, and slender boho braids delicately encircled her hairline like a laurel to lend the eclectic chaos that defined '90s fashion. 

After all, to borrow a line from Carrie Bradshaw, maybe some hair isn't meant to be tamed. Maybe it needs to run free until it finds someone just as wild to run with. To achieve SJP's look, enhance the texture of your dry hair with a curl-enhancing mousse (like this one by Pacinos on Amazon) or texturizing spray. Flip your head upside down, gently tease the roots at the crown with your fingers or a comb, and spritz with hairspray for extra lift. 

Assemble your locks loosely at the top of your head, shaping them into a messy bun and securing sections with bobby pins, though still allowing some strands to fall naturally around your face. Take two small sections of hair from near your temples and braid them into cute, thin plaits. Then, wrap them across your hairline with a headband, fixing them behind your bun with bobby pins. Don't worry if the finishing touches don't look perfect — the beauty of this style is in its undone feel. After all, there's a reason messy buns were trending again in 2023.

Pop star Rihanna sported a beautiful, ultra-feminine updo for the launch of RiRi by Rihanna fragrance in 2015. With cascading ripples and soft but powerful volume, it held the same lustrous sensuality as the floral heart of the scent. This was a carefully orchestrated contrast: structured precision was juxtaposed against an unruly flair. Her natural curls were arranged high on her scalp, as her spirals softened the overall shape. 

The rich auburn hue of her hair looked gorgeous with its golden undertones — totally harmonizing with the warmth of sandalwood and vanilla in the perfume's base. Now that the singer is at the helm of her own hair care line, Fenty Hair, she offers a Curl Crew Treatment and Curl-Defining set, so you can achieve her flawless, full-bodied texture from the comfort of your own home.

American actress Laverne Cox doesn't always wear her natural curls, and anyone with textured hair knows the effort that maintaining them demands. But in January 2017, she relaxed her hair for the first time since 2011. She marked the moment on Instagram, writing, "My natural hair journey continues, and I want to celebrate that as much as the other looks we rock. I also want to celebrate my natural hair sisters. I love you!" Since then, she's sported some great updos, like at the Oscars in 2022 — a graceful look that saw her blonde tresses swept up into a loose, romantic bun. 

Speaking to People, the "Orange is the New Black" star explained that she stopped relaxing her hair in 2011 due to severe damage — unsurprising from a woman whose career requires her to constantly switch up her look. As she shared, "Now, I'm actually committed to oiling my scalp every day and it actually lengthens and hydrates my hair." Cox also credited coconut oil (you can try this one by Palmer's on Amazon) and the Matrix Total Results Length Goals line — which includes a sulfate-free shampoo, a restoring conditioner, and a multi-benefit styling spray — for significantly improving the health of her locks.