Looking for the most elegant, yet easy updos to try on your 4c hair?
In this post, I have compiled a list of 40 beautiful updos to try out.
These hairstyles can be done on short hair, you only need to add a kinky hair extension such as Marley hair to be able to replicate the hairstyle.
To get the polished and smooth look in this post, you will need to do a blowout with heat using a blow dryer.
If you don’t want to add heat to your hair, you can stretch your hair with African threading or using the banding method, then comb your hair out after taking out the hair bands or thread.
Please note that your updo may turn out looking different from your inspired hairstyle.
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These pictures are all sourced from Pinterest. To be credited for your personal picture, please contact me with the exact picture and I’ll be sure to credit you. This post also contains affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase with my link, at no additional cost to you.
1. Faux Hawk Updo on Short 4c Hair
This style is done best with Marley hair extensions and gel to slick it back. Eco Styler is a great gel with a stronghold. Rubber bands and a rat tail comb are also needed for this hairstyle.
This hairstyle is best done on dry hair with just gel or a small amount of cream.
Product used: Marley hair extensions, lots of bobby pins, and a hair gel such as the eco styler gel.
2. Two-Strand Twist High Updo on Stretched 4c Hair
This style is best done on blown-out hair to get this smooth effect. Bobby pins will help keep everything in place while you are twisting.
A rat-tail comb will keep the parts nice and straight, and also tease the hair for more volume in front.
Product used: Lots of bobby pins, and a soft hold hair gel such as the eco styler gel.
3. Rolled Chunky Updo on Blown Out 4c Hair
This style is best for dense, thick hair as it will give it more volume and oomph.
Bobby pins and rubber bands are important for creating this hairstyle.
IG: Tasalahq
4. Copper Toned Flat Twists with Roll-n-Tuck Ends
For this hairstyle, oil sheen, bobby pins, and a rattail comb will be your best friend.
This is a very intricate hairstyle so make sure to have a lot of patience.
I would also suggest an edge control for keeping flyaways down but it is not mandatory. This style can still be beautiful without it.
IG: Klsnaturals
5. Classic Updo on Medium Length 4a/b Hair
To keep this hair tucked, you will need lots of Bobby pins to keep it in place.
It would also be a great idea to have some gel to smooth down the sides.
Using a lot is not necessary, as you just need a small amount to make it look smooth.
6. Game of Fros Updo with Side Cornrows
For this beautiful hairstyle, to keep the cornrows from frizzing up, you will need some soft hold gel.
It would also be a great idea to have two mirrors while styling so that you can see the back of your head, and make sure that the style is even.
For the middle section, you will need bobby pins to keep the twist together.
This hairstyle is best for denser hair to get the thick look but will work with any natural hair.
IG: Game of Fros
7. Loosely Twisted Top Knot Updo
This simple hairstyle by Fatou is one of my favorite hairstyles that I love to do when I put my hair up in a bun.
All you need to do is to pull your stretched natural hair into a bun, loosely twist small sections of your hair, and tuck them in the middle with bobby pins.
To get a smooth bun look, wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf for a few minutes and take it down afterward.
IG: @abanaturelle
8. Interwoven Back With a Pompadour
An intricate hairstyle like this will take a lot of time and patience to complete.
A few pins will keep the hairstyle from unraveling and stay beautiful throughout the day.
You may need the help of a hairstylist due to the intricacy of the back hairstyle.
9. Smooth Roll-n-Tuck Frohawk with Couple Flat Twists on the Sides
To achieve the cornrows, some gel and bobby pins will be your best friend.
This is a beautiful hairstyle you can do yourself at home to try when looking for something new. For some sheen, spray the finished hairstyle with a spray sheen.
10. Intertwined Twists Updo on Short Natural Hair
If you have a shorter hair length that’s at least six inches long, you can achieve this hairstyle either by yourself or with the help of a hairstylist.
All you need to do is to stretch your hair by doing a blowout or with the banding method. For some sheen, spray the finished hairstyle with a spray sheen.
11. All-Back Bun with Wrapped Two-Strand Twists
This is a hairstyle you can easily do yourself at home.
Just stretch your hair with a blow drier so that you can perfectly replicate this hairstyle and you’re ready for your date!
IG: Yellow Sisi
12. Twisted Rear Updos Perfect For Brides
A bride that plans to wear a wedding veil on her wedding will be best served by this hairstyle because she can just clip her veil at the back of her hair, on top of the twisted hair.
And when it’s time to take down the vel for the reception, she can easily do that without worrying about messing up her hairstyle.
IG: Klsnaturals
13. Tucked Afro Puff with Threaded Twists At The Front
This hairstyle gives a unique twist on a braided style. A loose braid ending in a bun is a fresh new take on a simple cornrow style.
This hairstyle may look more complicated than it looks, so it’s best to get the help of a hairstylist.
Product used: Lots of bobby pins.
14. Twisted Afropuff Mega Bun
This is a very simple style that won’t take too much of your time. If you’re a little pressed for time, this is a great style to do.
Just part a few sections and use rubber bands to make the buns. Make sure to slick it back with gel and a brush.
15. Simple Twist Low Bun Hairstyle
This is a very simple low-maintenance style that won’t take too much time at all and you can wear it again.
Just a simple brush and bobby pins for this style is all you need.
Add a headband or some hair clips for some extra personality.
IG: Klsnaturals
16. Rolled and Twist Hairstyle
This hairstyle would look best with the added extensions.
It gives it so much more volume and it reaches for the sky.
To achieve that gorgeous swoop in the front, use lots of bobby pins.
IG: Klsnaturals
17. Ginger Half-Up Half-Down
Adding color to your hair can make a hairstyle stand out more and just look a lot more fun.
As naturals, we don’t need to be afraid of color.
We can color our hair and still have healthy, beautiful natural hair. As long as you can continue to care for your hair with regular deep conditioning.
18. High Twisted Hair Updo
To be successful with this hairstyle, using extensions will make it look a lot closer to the photo.
If that’s not your thing, a simple faux hawk style is just as beautiful.
This style will also require some gel and edge control.
IG: Klsnaturals
19. Overlapping Tucked Hair on 4c Hair
Heat styling will stretch the hair and work a lot better for this style.
It will give it a lot more volume as well because it will not shrink to your head so easily.
IG: @igbocurls
20. Twisted and Braided Crown Updo
Have a lot of bobby pins and edge control handy for this style. This elegant updo is perfect for a night out or an office party.
It’s so pristine and looks professional, like the beauty in this photo.
IG: @4adaniels
21. Elegant Twisted Hair Updo on Medium Length 4C Hair
Every elegant hairstyle can be brought to another level with a rhinestone tiara or hairclip.
These hairstyles are gorgeous on their own but there’s nothing wrong with a little bling every once in a while.
22. Looped Elegant Hair Updo
This is a beautiful style fit for a queen. Don’t forget your bobby pins and your crown!
IG: @bellanaija
23. Mohawk Updo With Side Twists
There is something so beautiful about smoothed-down edges with a textured updo.
Some people shy away from it or laugh at people who do it but they just don’t understand or know how to rock it perfectly like the beauty in this photo.
24. Updo on Thick 4c Hair
If you don’t want to stretch your hair with heat or any other means, you can still wear an up-do, as long as you’re creative enough to come up with something beautiful, such as this half-up-do with afro bangs.
IG: Game of Fros
25. Flat Twists With Back Roll and Tuck
This is a beautiful hairstyle that can be worn to any special occasion such as a wedding, birthday party, and even a job interview.
You can do this hairstyle yourself at home or with the help of a hairstylist.
IG: Tasala HQ
26. Sidesweep Updo on 4c Hair
For this style, you will need to stretch your hair so that it looks smooth. And you can style the updo in whatever way you see fit.
27. Rolled Curls Hair Updo
You don’t always have to stretch your hair to achieve gravity-defying styles like this.
Letting your natural texture shine through can still be beautiful. Sometimes all our hair needs is a brush and a good gel to slick down the edges.
IG: Tasalahq
28. Two-Strand Twists with Top Bun
Flat twists are such a versatile and simple hairstyle that doesn’t take much time at all.
Adding a top bun will add an elegant touch to such a simple style.
IG: Tasalahq
29. Rolled 4c Hair Updo
4C hair can do such amazing things when it comes to hairstyles.
We can create amazing creations like this just from the way our hair grows from our scalp.
30. Elegant High Hair Bun with Accessories
You can never go wrong with a simple, but gorgeous bun! Accessories can really take a simple bun to the next level as well as adding a gorgeous twist to the front.
31. Faux Hawk Updo with Cornrow Style
Small cornrows like this will require a steady hand and lots of patience and skill.
If you don’t want to add extra hair to this style, twisting your hair into Bantu knots will still make this style look elegant and graceful.
Top this look off with a beautiful clip or chain.
32. Rolled Updo on Colored Hair
For this style, it looks like it was blown out with a blow dryer to give it a smoother look.
Occasionally blowing your hair out is good for your hair to stretch it and try different styles.
Heat styling doesn’t always have to be damaging. We don’t need to be so afraid of it.
We also don’t need to be afraid of color!
As long as we are treating our hair and taking care of it weekly, we can use heat and color to switch up our styles.
If you’re afraid to chemically lighten it or you don’t want to commit to one color, you can always try a color wax and switch up your color whenever you want.
33. Hair Buns with Metal Cuffs and Beads Updo
This style used extension hair but this style would still be so beautiful with just two space buns. Beads and metal cuffs like this can be found at any beauty supply store but can also be found online.
A link for extension hair can be found at the beginning of this article. The beads and cuffs make this style stand out so much more.
Make sure to cover your hair with a satin scarf or bonnet to preserve it.
34. Long 4c Hair Updo
Our hair is so versatile and beautiful. We can do amazing things to it like this and look magnificent.
This hairstyle reminds me of a tornado, without the devastation.
The only thing “devastating” about this style is how devastatingly beautiful it is.
35. Rolled and Twisted Hair Updo
To get the hairstyle to have this much volume and density, extensions are definitely recommended. Using a ponytail and twisting into the curls would be a great idea for this updo.
Using gel and edge control will keep the rest of it smooth and shiny. Baby hairs are not needed.
36. Natural Hair Up-do on Short Hair
If you have short hair and think you can’t pull off an elegant updo without adding hair extensions to your hair, then you will have to open your mind and get creative.
This fold and tuck hairstyle can be pulled off with short hair.
If your hair is only a few inches, you can twist or cornrow parts of your hair, so that you won’t have to pull the front part of your hair too much.
37. French Braid Twisted Hair Updo
For density and volume, adding extensions will give you the look in this photo. This is a beautiful hairstyle for your wedding day.
It’s so elegant and simple. If you are going to be wearing this hairstyle for your wedding, you can add a tiara, hair accessory, or bridal veil to elevate this hairstyle.
38. Chunky Twisted Hair Updo
A fancy style like this takes time, patience, and practice. The two mirror hack will also work well with this hairstyle since most of the hairstyle is at the back of the head and nape of the neck.
You also will want to have a number of bobby pins at your disposal.
IG: Game_of_fros
39. High Bun Twisted Hair Updo
For this hairstyle, using a shoelace to create a puff is a great hack that I’ve learned.
Tighten the shoelace to your desired length and tie it tightly so it does not come undone.
After creating the puff, you can create the twists using bobby pins.
Another great benefit of using a shoelace is that the puff won’t wiggle or come loose while you are creating the twists.
Just make sure to tuck it in or use a black one so no one will be able to see it.
40. Elegant Rolled Updo
This style also should be done with two mirrors so you can work on the back of your head a lot easier. Having someone help you with it would be a better idea so it will come out so beautiful and last longer.
The different layers of colors adds another element of beauty to this style.
IG: Tasalahq
Which one of these hairstyles is your favorite? Which one(s) will you be trying next? Do you have a question about how to achieve any of these hairstyles if you have a different hair length or type? Please let me know in the comments section.
