Easy updo hairstyles for over 60 are truly the unsung heroes of my beauty routine! I’ve discovered that updos are the secret weapon of any seasoned beauty – they’re timeless, practical, and instantly polished without trying too hard.
As we step into 2025, I’m excited to see more women our age embracing updos for older ladies that offer both style and practicality. Whether you’re dealing with fine hair that needs a volume boost or looking for updos for women over 60 that can take you from day to night, I’ve got you covered. Actually, an updo can be as simple as a bun tucked at the nape of your neck or as elaborate as a style mixing braids, teasing, and accessories.
I’ve personally tested dozens of updo hairstyles for older women, and I’ve narrowed it down to 15 gorgeous styles that will have you stepping out with confidence and turning heads wherever you go. The best part? Each of these updos takes just minutes to create, perfect for when we have better things to do than spend hours in front of the mirror!
Elegant French Twist
The French twist remains my favorite updo hairstyle for over 60 because it’s simultaneously sophisticated and accessible. This timeless style frames your features beautifully, creating a smooth silhouette that highlights your cheekbones and jawline while taking years off your appearance.
French Twist styling tips
I’ve found that the perfect French twist begins with proper preparation. First, gather these essentials:
- Strong-hold hairspray
- Bobby pins or French pins
- Teasing comb
- Volumizing mousse (optional)
Start by thoroughly washing and drying your hair—this style shows off the roots, so freshness matters. To create the twist, gather your hair at the nape as if making a low ponytail, then twist it upward against the back of your head. Use one hand to hold the twist while securing with pins. For a more relaxed look, pull out a few face-framing strands. The beauty of this style? It takes less than 60 seconds once you’ve mastered it.
French Twist for glasses wearers
If you wear glasses like me, the French twist requires a special approach. I’ve learned that anything too tight creates awkward separation between hair and frames. Instead, create softness and volume around the sides of your face to blend the glasses with your hairstyle. This softer variation helps frame your features while maintaining the elegant structure of the twist. Plus, pulling out small sections around your face creates a youthful, less severe appearance that complements eyewear beautifully.
French Twist for fine or thinning hair
My fine-haired friends, rejoice! The French twist can work wonders for thinner hair with a few adjustments. Prep damp hair with volumizing mousse before styling. The game-changer for me was learning proper teasing technique—take small sections, push up (never down) with your comb, which creates volume without causing breakage.
For extra security without damage, try French pins instead of numerous bobby pins. These create tension by inserting them away from your scalp, then flipping and reinserting them. If done correctly, you should only need 2-3 pins—too many makes the style heavy and likely to fall out. Finally, gently pull up the base of your twist upward to create that classic French twist look that appears fuller than your natural hair.
Low Chignon with Silver Highlights
The low chignon stands as a cornerstone among easy updo hairstyles for over 60, particularly for those of us who appreciate timeless elegance with minimal effort. This refined style gathers your hair at the nape of your neck, creating a sophisticated look that’s both practical and polished.
Low Chignon styling tips
For a perfect low chignon, I’ve found these steps foolproof:
- Start with clean hair—this style showcases your roots, so freshness matters
- Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure with a thin non-snag elastic
- Twist your ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a bun
- Secure with bobby pins, tucking in any loose ends
Furthermore, I’ve discovered that texture is essential—your hair needs volume to pull off this look effectively. I apply a thickening spray to amp up my fine hair before styling. For extra hold throughout the day, I use texturizing spray for grip and secure with u-shaped pins instead of numerous bobby pins.
Low Chignon for mature hair
Throughout my sixties, I’ve embraced this style as my hair has changed. The low chignon works wonders for those of us experiencing thinning hair—a common concern among women our age.
Moreover, I’ve found that leaving a few strands loose around my face creates a softer, more youthful appearance while highlighting my silver highlights beautifully. Despite what many believe, our natural gray or silver tones add dimension and sophistication to this classic style.
For additional volume, I occasionally use hair bun donuts. Simply wrap your hair around the donut and pin into place for that extra oomph we sometimes need.
Low Chignon for formal events
Whenever I attend weddings or upscale gatherings, the low chignon remains my trusty companion. This style is perfect for formal events, adding a touch of grace and elegance that complements any outfit.
For special occasions, I’ve experimented with the wrapped chignon variation. I divide my hair into three sections, create the bun with the middle portion, then wrap each side strand around the bun to hide the hairband. This technique creates what my stylist calls “a graceful neckline that’s perfect for showing off elegant jewelry”.
Textured Bun in Ash Blonde
My absolute must-have among easy updo hairstyles for over 60 is the textured bun in ash blonde. This effortlessly chic style embraces natural movement and brings a contemporary flair to mature hair. The loosely pinned textured bun works beautifully with ash blonde tones, creating subtle dimension that flatters aging skin.
Textured Bun styling tips
For the perfect textured bun, I’ve learned preparation is everything. You’ll need:
- Texturizing spray for grip
- Strong hold hairspray
- Bobby pins (I prefer “invisibles” for a seamless look)
- Optional hair donut for added structure
I start with day-old hair or add texturizing spray for better grip. Using my flat iron, I create loose waves throughout, focusing on the crown area to build volume. Subsequently, I spray a texturizing product, scrunching it in to enhance natural movement. The secret is back-combing throughout the crown for that cushioned effect that naturally lifts your features.
Textured Bun for natural waves
As someone with naturally wavy hair, I’ve discovered this style truly shines when working with—not against—your hair’s natural texture. Indeed, I gather my hair into a low ponytail, leaving out a few face-framing pieces that soften my features. Next, I twist the ponytail gently, wrapping it to form a loose chignon.
The beauty of this style for us over 60 is that those strategic wispy strands around the face enhance our best features. Essentially, these soft pieces act like a flattering frame, drawing attention to our eyes and smile rather than any signs of aging.
Textured Bun for quick styling
What makes this updo ideal for women our age is how quickly it comes together. Whenever I’m pressed for time yet need to look pulled-together, this is my go-to style. I simply gather my hair, create a loose ponytail, twist sections, and pin them loosely.
For even faster styling, I create what I call a “halfway chignon” by pulling my ponytail only halfway through on the last loop. After securing the basic shape, I gently pull small pieces on the exterior to create an airy, voluminous effect.
The textured bun offers that perfect balance between sophistication and ease—ideal for warmer days when you want your hair off your neck without sacrificing style.
Soft Curled Updo in Sandy Blonde
Among my collection of easy updo hairstyles for over 60, the soft curled updo in sandy blonde adds a touch of romance that’s perfect for special occasions. Gentle curls pinned back showcase the multi-dimensional beauty of sandy blonde, while face-framing layers soften the look and add youthful movement.
Soft Curled Updo styling tips
I’ve found that proper preparation is the key to this gorgeous hairstyle. First, I apply volumizing mousse or gel to wet hair. For naturally curly hair, this is all you need before diffusing your locks to get those airy, voluminous curls. However, if your hair is straight like mine, I use a curling wand for loose curls, focusing on creating movement rather than tight ringlets.
The secret to well-groomed curls? Moisture! I can’t stress this enough – with the right hair care products, your curls will look salon-fresh. Additionally, I’ve discovered that sandy blonde balayage brightens my complexion and makes my skin tone glow.
Soft Curled Updo for volume
As we age, our gorgeous curls may start losing their natural flexibility, consequently leading to reduced volume. Thankfully, I’ve found modern layering comes to the rescue! With a medium layered cut, my curly updo always looks full and dimensional.
For thin hair, I use a firm hold mousse on damp hair before setting small-sized rollers in different directions. After drying, I rake through with a bit of serum to break up the curls slightly. Another trick I love: placing a small padding underneath certain sections to add oomph and volume without anyone knowing.
Soft Curled Updo for romantic looks
This elegant curled updo, adorned with delicate floral accents, beautifully complements a timeless, romantic theme. For special occasions, I add fresh flowers or subtle greenery for a natural touch.
Although this style looks elaborate, it’s surprisingly easy. I’ve mastered taking pieces out on the side and pulling a bit of hair forward for volume, creating that whimsical, effortless appearance. Thereafter, I secure with decorative pins for added flair.
What makes this updo truly special is how it softens my features. Those strategic face-framing pieces open up my face and draw attention to my eyes rather than any signs of aging.
Classic Roll Updo in Natural Black
I’ve fallen in love with the timeless Classic Roll Updo in natural black for its vintage glamor. This 1950s-inspired style brings elegance to updos for women over 60, creating a structured yet feminine look that turns back the hands of time. The rich natural black shade adds depth and contrast to graying hair, making this updo perfect for those wanting a sophisticated, head-turning style.
Classic Roll Updo styling tips
For this elegant updo, I rely on a few essential tools:
- Bobby pins matching my hair color
- Strong-hold hairspray
- Rat-tail comb for precise parting
- Fine-tooth comb for smoothing
Initially, I create a square U-shaped part for my bangs, separating it from the rest of my hair. Next, I secure the back section with bobby pins, creating a foundation for the roll. Since precision matters here, I always pull the hair over to hide the part I made for the bangs—this part should be invisible in the final style.
The magic happens during the rolling process. I gather the side section, roll it inward, and pin against the base I created. In fact, this entire elegant style takes less than 10 minutes to complete—mine specifically took 9 minutes and 38 seconds!
Classic Roll Updo for contrast
Natural black creates stunning dimension, especially as we embrace our silver strands. The deep tone provides a beautiful backdrop that makes silver highlights pop. Hence, I’ve found this style particularly flattering when I want a more dramatic, defined look.
This updo certainly delivers that vintage vibe while still looking fresh. The clean lines frame my face nicely, drawing attention upward in a flattering way. Undoubtedly, this structured style provides contrast not just in color, but also in the sleek silhouette it creates.
Classic Roll Updo for sleek finish
Prior to any formal event, I always reach for this style—it’s both timeless and elegant. The smooth, polished finish makes it appropriate for everything from dinner with friends to fancier occasions.
To achieve that coveted sleekness, I finish with a quality hairspray, carefully taming any flyaways. Yet I’m careful not to overdo it—the goal is sophistication, not stiffness.
The true brilliance of this updo lies in its versatility. For a formal occasion, I wear it in a snug, pearl-studded knot. Still, I can downsize it for a day at the office into something more relaxed. As we mature, finding styles that deliver both polish and practicality becomes increasingly valuable—and this classic roll updo delivers both beautifully.
Layered Crown Twist in Warm Auburn
For women seeking both elegance and simplicity, the Layered Crown Twist in warm auburn has become my go-to updo hairstyle for over 60. This beautiful design lifts the roots slightly for volume and gathers hair into a neat twist at the back, creating a regal look that flatters mature faces.
Crown Twist styling tips
Oftentimes, I compare this style to a modified milkmaid braid where you wrap twisted sections around your head rather than using traditional Dutch or regular braids. To achieve this look, I use:
- A rat-tail comb for precise sectioning
- Bobby pins that match my auburn shade
- Light-hold hairspray
- Texturizing spray for grip
I begin by gathering two small sections from my hairline, right next to my part. After twisting both sections toward my face, I cross one over the other toward the back of my head. Throughout the process, I add hair from my hairline to the section closest to my face before each twist.
Crown Twist for volume
As our hair naturally thins with age, this style works wonders! Texture and volume become our allies, as flat styles typically expose scalp through thinning hair.
For extra lift at the crown, I gently tease the roots using about 12 strokes with my rat-tail comb. I focus my teasing close to the scalp, as I only want the hair to stand up slightly for that extra volume. Yet for extremely fine hair, a crimper applied just at the root area builds body and texture without being visible.
Crown Twist for layered hair
My layered haircut truly enhances this style! Naturally, the different lengths create fantastic texture and dimension when twisted. For maximum impact, I always finish by pinching and pulling sections to create more volume and a slightly undone look.
What makes this style uniquely flattering for those of us over 60 is how it lifts everything upward, creating a youthful appearance without looking like we’re trying too hard.
Loose Braided Bun in Soft Brown
I absolutely treasure the loose braided bun in soft brown as one of the most versatile updos for older women. This remarkable style combines the elegance of a traditional bun with the textured detail of braiding, creating dimension that’s both sophisticated yet approachable.
Braided Bun styling tips
For this lovely updo, I begin by gathering my hair into a low ponytail. Next, I divide the ponytail into large sections and braid them into one substantial braid. The secret to success lies in gently pulling at the sides of my braid—a technique often called “pancaking”—which creates the illusion of more volume. As a result, even fine or thinning hair appears fuller and more textured.
To finish, I simply loop the braided end around the ponytail base, hiding the elastic and creating a beautiful bun. Securing with just a few bobby pins completes this “set it and forget it” look.
Braided Bun for casual elegance
What makes this style particularly appealing for us ladies over 60 is its relaxed sophistication. Unlike some updos that can appear overly formal, the loose braided bun strikes that perfect balance between polished and approachable. For added elegance, I sometimes wrap a small braid around the base of the bun or integrate braided sections before pinning up.
Braided Bun for all-day wear
The remarkable durability of this style makes it ideal for busy days. By comparison to other updos, the braided structure provides exceptional staying power without causing tension on the scalp. I’ve worn this style through everything from gardening to dinner parties without needing adjustments. For extra security, I use clear elastics for an invisible finish and light hairspray for flyaways.
Sleek Top Knot in Dark Brunette
The sleek top knot with dark brunette hues has earned its place as my favorite polished updo hairstyle for over 60. This refined style features clean lines and a glossy finish that instantly creates a more youthful appearance by gently pulling facial features upward.
Top Knot styling tips
Creating this elegant look requires just a few essentials:
- Brush and hair wax or styling cream
- Two no-tangle hair elastics
- Bobby pins matching your hair color
- Light hairspray for hold
First, I thoroughly brush my hair to distribute natural oils, which helps create grip and shine. Next, I flip my head upside down (my secret for perfect centering!) and gather my hair into a high ponytail. After securing with an elastic, I wrap the ponytail around its base, forming a neat bun. Plus, I’ve found that securing with crossed bobby pins provides all-day hold without tension headaches.
Top Knot for straight hair
My straight hair texture makes this updo exceptionally flattering. For added polish, I apply a small amount of smoothing serum before styling to combat frizz and flyaways. Afterward, I brush everything back into the high ponytail position. The key difference for straight hair? Working with smaller sections when wrapping the bun creates that sleek, structural look that lasts.
Top Knot for minimal layering
Throughout my years of experimenting with updos, I’ve discovered this style works wonders for those of us with minimal layering. Fewer layers mean fewer stray pieces escaping the bun. To maintain that sleek look, I use a small amount of edge control on my hairline – just enough to tame those baby hairs without looking stiff or unnatural.
Romantic Updo with Salt-and-Pepper Tones
Embracing my salt-and-pepper hair has become a beautiful journey, and this romantic updo celebrates every silver strand with elegance. Naturally intertwining darker tones with silver highlights creates a sophisticated dimension that’s uniquely flattering for women our age.
Romantic Updo styling tips
For this graceful style, I begin by sectioning the front of my hair into smaller pieces. Then I twist each section backward, securing with mini clips as I go. The remainder of my hair gets styled into either a bun, ponytail, or what I playfully call my “pineapple” depending on my mood.
A twist-and-bump technique works wonderfully too. I simply take hair from both temples, twist once, push forward slightly to create volume, and secure with clear clips. Fortunately, this entire style takes just five minutes—perfect for busy days!
Romantic Updo for natural gray
This updo truly shines when embracing natural salt-and-pepper tones. Unlike harsh single-color dyes, these varied silver strands create beautiful dimension against darker sections. Remarkably, this style helps conceal demarcation lines while transitioning to gray hair, making it ideal for those of us growing out our natural color.
Romantic Updo for soft framing
My favorite aspect is how leaving a few tendrils loose creates softness around my face. These strategically placed wisps gently conceal forehead lines while drawing attention to my best features. For added elegance, I sometimes incorporate small braids, styling them into a crown around my head before gathering everything into a low bun formation.
Wavy Twist Updo in Golden Blonde
The golden waves of a twist updo have transformed my hairstyling routine completely! This gorgeous style accentuates the golden blonde tones while creating dimension that catches the light beautifully. Naturally, golden blonde highlights add extra glow to this sophisticated updo, making it one of my top choices among easy hairstyles for over 60.
Wavy Twist Updo styling tips
To create this elegant look, I start by sectioning my hair into three parts. First, I secure just the middle section with an elastic and twist it into a low bun. Typically, I use bobby pins to hold this foundation in place. Next, I separate the remaining side sections into two parts each and twist them individually before twisting them together. Obviously, the magic happens when I wrap these twisted sections around the central bun, securing with pins as I go.
Wavy Twist Updo for thick hair
Fortunately, this style works wonders for those of us blessed with thicker locks! My friends with abundant hair find this updo particularly flattering as it showcases the beautiful shape and movement. The twisting technique helps manage volume without flattening it, creating a sensuous statement that’s irresistible. For maximum impact, I sometimes add a bit of texture spray for extra grip before twisting.
Wavy Twist Updo for texture
The beauty of this style lies in its ability to showcase different textures. Occasionally, I’ll create soft waves first with a curling iron to enhance dimension. The twist updo not only controls my natural waves but celebrates them, giving that “perfectly imperfect” look that’s both sophisticated and approachable. Meanwhile, the golden blonde tones highlight every twist and turn, creating a multidimensional effect that’s absolutely stunning for special occasions or everyday elegance.
Layered Side Bun in Light Brown
The side bun in light brown offers that perfect blend of sophistication and casual charm that I’ve come to appreciate in my daily rotation of updos. My friends often comment on how this style frames my face beautifully while showcasing the warm dimension of light brown tones.
Side Bun styling tips
Creating this effortless look requires minimal tools:
- A tail comb for clean parting
- Bobby pins that match your hair color
- Light-hold hairspray
I start by parting my hair deeply to one side, then gather everything low near my nape—this position is commonly the most flattering for our mature faces. Typically, I twist the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic, securing with pins. For that desirable “undone” look, I gently pull out a few face-framing strands.
Side Bun for asymmetry
The beauty of a side bun lies in its graceful asymmetry. Overall, this placement creates wonderful visual balance, drawing attention to my cheekbones rather than any signs of aging. Fortunately, I’ve found adding a single braid that wraps into the bun adds delightful texture while accentuating the intentional off-center design.
Side Bun for light layering
My layered haircut works perfectly with this style! The varied lengths create natural texture that makes my bun appear fuller. Generally, I tease the roots slightly for extra volume, making even fine hair look thicker and more substantial.
Structured Updo with Caramel Brown Tones
The structured updo with caramel brown tones has completely changed my approach to formal hairstyling at my age. This carefully crafted style features strategic pinning of layered hair that creates both sophistication and dimension—perfect for those of us wanting a polished yet youthful appearance.
Structured Updo styling tips
Preparing for this style begins with proper sectioning. First, I separate my crown area with a zigzag parting, which helps blend the style more naturally than straight lines. Properly prepped hair makes all the difference—I apply a small amount of texturizing dust only at the roots for essential grip. For securing, I use:
- Flat bobby pins matching my caramel tone
- Light-hold hairspray
- Rat-tail comb for precise teasing
The rich caramel highlights bring unexpected warmth to my style, creating natural-looking dimension that flatters mature skin tones.
Structured Updo for volume
My favorite aspect of this style is how it adds magnificent height where we need it most. Fundamentally, volume at the crown creates that “cushion effect” that subtly lifts facial features. For maximum volume, I perform about 12 teasing strokes right at the roots—this magic number truly locks in the height.
Structured Updo for polished look
Given that first impressions matter, this updo delivers that perfectly put-together finish. Ordinarily, I finish by gently pinching and pulling sections for controlled texture without looking messy. The twisted elements create beautiful movement while maintaining that structured elegance that works wonderfully for everything from dinner dates to special celebrations.
Classic Gibson Tuck in Dark Chestnut
The timeless Gibson Tuck in dark chestnut has become my secret weapon among updos for older women. Named after the iconic Gibson Girl illustrations from the late 1800s, this refined style embodies sophisticated femininity while offering practical elegance for those of us embracing our mature beauty.
Gibson Tuck styling tips
Creating this classic updo requires minimal tools:
- Smoothing shampoo and conditioner
- Heat protectant cream
- Bobby pins matching your hair color
- Light-hold hairspray
First, I create a center part, taking small sections from each side and twisting them away from my face. As I twist, I incorporate bits of hair from underneath until reaching my nape. Next, I roll my ponytail over itself, create a small opening at the base, and tuck the ponytail through this opening. Finally, I secure with pins that match my dark chestnut shade.
Gibson Tuck for understated elegance
The beauty of this style lies in its refined simplicity. Amid flashier trends, the Gibson Tuck offers that rare combination of sophistication without ostentation. This traditional tuck with slight layering provides perfect volume control, creating a neat, tidy appearance.
Gibson Tuck for mature women
For women our age, this updo brilliantly combines historical elegance with practical styling—taking under five minutes to complete. The structure flatters mature features while offering all-day comfort.
Soft Knot with Strawberry Blonde Glow
Falling in love with strawberry blonde’s warm glow has completely revitalized my approach to updo hairstyles for over 60. This captivating shade—neither quite red nor blonde—creates a soft, inviting frame that beautifully complements mature features. The subtle reddish copper tones mimic “the warm hues of the sun, the flames of a fire, or the oranges and yellows of a sunset”.
Soft Knot styling tips
Creating this elegant yet effortless style begins with properly prepped hair. First thing to remember, I gather my locks at the nape of my neck, loosely twisting strands before pinning them in place. Unlike tighter styles, this updo thrives on that “perfectly imperfect” appearance. For longevity, I secure with bobby pins that match my strawberry blonde shade, tucking ends carefully underneath.
Soft Knot for natural finish
The beauty of this style lies in its organic, unstructured elegance. Coupled with layered strands that are “loosely gathered and pinned”, this updo achieves that coveted lived-in look without appearing messy. I’ve discovered that pulling a few face-framing pieces loose softens my features yet maintains sophistication—ideal for both casual gatherings and more formal occasions.
Soft Knot for warm tones
Typically, I find strawberry blonde works magnificently with this style as it “uses pale, soft and warm tones to create a delicate sun-kissed appearance”. The dimensional quality of these warm hues catches light beautifully, highlighting every twist and turn of the soft knot. For those with cool skin tones, this color choice is particularly flattering as “the red notes balance out the lighter tones”.
Voluminous Curl Updo in Natural Gray
Naturally gray curls become a stunning statement piece with this voluminous updo that celebrates texture while offering sophistication. My silver-haired friends often ask how I achieve this look that’s both elegant and effortlessly chic.
Curl Updo styling tips
For perfect results, I start with curl-defining products on damp hair before gathering it into a loose ponytail. Typically, I twist sections gently, wrap them around the base, and secure with bobby pins. The secret? Leaving several strands loose around my face creates softness that’s wonderfully flattering. Occasionally, I’ll add a decorative clip or pin for special occasions.
Curl Updo for natural texture
Accordingly, this style works magnificently for highlighting natural curl patterns. My favorite technique involves pulling my hair up with a claw clip, letting the curls cascade around it naturally. This approach allows my silver waves to shine through while maintaining that coveted volume and bounce. Oftentimes, a volumizing powder applied at the roots beforehand enhances the overall effect.
Curl Updo for confident aging
Embracing natural gray curls feels remarkably liberating! This style accentuates the multi-dimensional quality of silver tones while creating height that frames my face beautifully. Presently, I find this updo perfect for showcasing my natural texture with confidence and style.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these 15 easy updo hairstyles have inspired you to try something new with your gorgeous locks! Throughout my sixties, I’ve discovered that updos truly offer the perfect combination of practicality and elegance for women our age. Consequently, my confidence has soared while my styling time has dramatically decreased.
Remember, the right updo does more than just keep hair off your face—it frames your features beautifully, adds volume where needed, and creates that polished look we all desire. Most importantly, these styles work with our hair’s natural texture and changing quality rather than fighting against it.
My friends often ask which style they should try first. My advice? Start with something simple like the low chignon or textured bun, then gradually experiment with more intricate styles as your confidence grows. Eventually, you’ll develop your own signature variations that perfectly suit your face shape and lifestyle.
The beauty of these updos lies in their versatility. These styles transition effortlessly from casual brunches to formal events, making them essential additions to your beauty routine. Additionally, each updo takes mere minutes to create, leaving you more time to enjoy life rather than fussing with complicated styling tools.
My personal journey with these hairstyles has transformed not just my appearance but also how I feel about embracing this chapter of life. Certainly, there’s something powerful about walking into a room with a beautifully styled updo that makes me stand taller and smile brighter.
Why not give one of these styles a try tomorrow morning? Your hair—and your schedule—will thank you!