Finding an updo for fine, thin hair can feel like a challenge. By nature, updos often rely on natural volume and thickness, which fine hair typically lacks.
In the meantime, I’m focusing on styles that provide an illusion of texture and volume, yet will hold securely as you wear them: lightweight twists, rich braids, and versatile styles that bridge the gap between simple and voluminous.
1. Modern Luxury Updo
This modern luxury updo is for when you want to achieve a total showstopper look. It combines a sleek feel with a hint of volume for a polished, sophisticated look.
I personally think this is the perfect updo to go for when you’re seeking a high-end appearance.
2. Full Bun
A full bun just works wonders. It makes your fine, thin hair look way denser.
This style is ideal for ladies who are looking to create a beautiful, balanced, and voluminous appearance.
3. Old English Royal Updo
For an incredibly regal and timeless look, you can’t go wrong with the Old English royal updo. It’s a stunning option for fine hair.
The elegant, structured style creates a dreamy illusion of both thickness and sophistication.
4. French Bun
The French bun is a fantastic, timeless style that works beautifully on fine hair.
Its minimalist, sleek shape adds such a high level of sophistication to finer strands. I find that this is always a go-to choice for formal occasions.
5. Unparted Bun
The key here is getting a clean, polished finish so that your hair looks thicker. I used to make these on the fly when I was running late.
Just smooth everything back, and then you can add a touch of shine spray to get an extra-glossy finish.
6. Funky Updo
Want a super fun and edgy appearance? A funky updo is a great choice.
It’s a completely playful style that adds much-needed fullness and flair to your hair. This look makes your entire vibe a little more edgy.
7. Bridal Chignon
This elegant, low bun creates a soft, romantic look.
It is an amazing pick for weddings and other formal events. If you want a refined and timeless style, this is the one for you.
8. Soft Textured Ponytail
This breezy ponytail gives you a laid-back yet super sophisticated style for fine hair.
Texture is absolutely key here. It adds some much-needed dimension and interest to those thinner strands.
9. Sleek Ponytail
A sleek ponytail is the best choice for fine, thin hair when you want to keep things polished and neat.
For added depth, just tease the crown a little bit to make your hair appear more voluminous.
10. Braided Large Bun
Going with a braided large bun is an excellent strategy to make your fine, thin hair look more substantial.
I find this gorgeous hairstyle to be perfect for any formal event on your calendar.
11. Super Wavy Updo
Incorporating waves and texture into a super wavy updo creates a truly dynamic look.
You can totally style this for a special occasion. Just be aware that it will require some effort to maintain it throughout the day.
12. High Stacked Updo
This style is for ladies with thin hair that want an amazing high-impact look.
The height and volume generated at the crown make your hair appear instantly fuller. The structured shape also ensures that the hair stays perfectly in place.
13. Deep Twisted Chignon
This hairstyle is perfect for formal occasions.
It instantly adds volume and depth to your hair by adding twists that create a much fuller appearance.
14. Round Updo
The beauty of a round updo is that it brings gorgeous shape and volume to your fine, thin hair without requiring too much density.
However, I’d be lying if I said you can keep it in for a super long time.
15. Vintage Bridal Updo
For brides who have fine hair, this updo is everything.
It instantly creates a timeless elegance that allows you to generate fullness at the crown. It also keeps everything structured and perfectly in place all night long.
16. Updo with One-Sided Braid
A traditional updo gets a stylish twist with this one-sided braid.
It gives your fine, thin hair a lot of flair and structure without totally overwhelming your look.
17. Textured High Bun
A textured high bun is all about bringing volume and height to the table.
I find that this style makes fine, thin hair look way fuller and more stylish. Add bangs for just a little bit of extra detailing.
18. Bouncy Ponytail
I can attest to the sheer fun of adding some spring to your ponytail for a bouncy effect.
You can use a volumizing mousse or spray to ensure the bounce and the stylish look stay completely intact all day long.
19. Glam Ponytail
This glam ponytail works wonders by pulling fine, thin hair back while simultaneously adding fullness right at the crown.
Use a smoothing serum to maintain the shine for hours on end.
20. Minimalistic Bun
When feeling sleek and simple is your top priority, the minimalistic bun is a go-to for fine, thin hair.
This amazing style focuses on getting that smooth finish and clean lines, which is why it’s perfect for just about any occasion.
21. Twisted Lon Bun
This is an elegant yet super simple hairstyle that manages to add both texture and sophistication to fine, thin hair.
It creates a gorgeous illusion of much more volume and depth, making it perfect for both casual and formal outings.
22. Chignon with Bangs
A chignon with bangs offers a simple, classic look for fine, thin hair.
The chignon keeps the style refined and polished. The bangs are fantastic because they help to add great dimension to your face.
23. Updo with Curtain Bangs
The face-framing layers of the curtain bangs add instant volume and texture to the updo.
Pairing curtain bangs with an updo is always a brilliant choice.
24. Textured Clapped Updo
I can attest to how super functional and cute this updo is.
It adds great dimension to your hair, giving you a playful, modern vibe. You can easily style this for your next party.
25. Messy Braided Updo with Tendrils
The loose braids and tousled look give your hair a gorgeous, effortless, full-bodied look.
This updo is perfect for women who are specifically looking for a messier, yet still stylish, updo.
26. Messy Braided Updo
Messy braided updos are great for creating the illusion of fullness without needing a ton of density.
The actual braid beautifully complements the loose parts, giving your hair some much-needed structure.
27. Simple Bun
The amazing thing about a simple bun lies in its sheer ease and versatility.
For fine, thin hair, this style can be your go-to for achieving a clean, elegant look. For an extra splash of flair, you can add a few subtle accessories.
28. Small Braided Updo
I am obsessed with this delicate, detailed look. The style adds dimension without any need for heavy volume.
The beauty of this updo is that it truly helps your hair look both fuller and much more structured.
29. Updo with Twist and Braid
Combining a twist and a braid gives you a much more intricate appearance.
This is absolutely perfect for finer or thinner hair that really needs a boost. The true strength of this hairstyle lies in its inherent functionality.
30. Voluminous Low Bun
The bun is positioned right at the nape, which creates a sophisticated, fuller look.
This is an excellent choice for a bridal hairstyle if you’re a bride who wants to keep her hair simple yet cute.
31. Statement Middle Bun
This bun is placed directly in the center, which immediately draws attention to the gorgeous, structured bun.
It helps keep your look balanced and totally chic. The bangs are a great addition that add an extra splash of flair.
32. Lovely Beehive Updo
This voluminous updo works wonders for fine, thin hair. You just tease at the crown, which instantly adds significant height and volume.
For a much softer appearance, leave a few face-framing strands loose.
33. Textured Bubble Braided Updo
Bubble braids are fantastic because they give the immediate illusion of thickness.
The side braids keep your hair firmly in place, creating a perfect blend of structure and texture. I would be a proud outfit repeater in this look.
34. Textured Updo with Bangs
This tousled look beautifully enhances both volume and texture, which gives your fine, thin hair that gorgeous, full-of-body appearance.
You can get that whole carefree vibe without needing any excessive styling.
35. Textured Bun with Bangs
The lovely texture in the bun adds the volume. The bangs work to balance out your whole look by framing your face.
This is truly perfect for a classy event or walking the red carpet.
Conclusion
Your search for the ideal updo is officially over. I truly believe that having fine, thin hair is no longer a challenge we need to fight.
Instead, you can use these fantastic hairstyles to create that amazing illusion of both volume and texture, which just enhances your natural beauty.
This curated collection of 35 updo ideas offers plenty of gorgeous options to achieve a fuller, more substantial appearance while absolutely loving your unique hair type.