The 10 most flattering celebrity updos for mature hair — and they're surprisingly easy to recreate at home
Face-lifting, low-effort updos to add to your hair rota
Can we let you into a secret? Although updos can often look like they require hours spent in front of a mirror (and a hefty arm workout), they're often much easier to achieve than they appear. Better still, they're incredibly flattering on mature women, so well worth the (small) effort.
A well-placed updo can help create the illusion of added volume to hair and a more lifted appearance to the face as well. It's no wonder they're a firm favourite among stylish 50-plus celebrities, from Helen Mirren to Andie MacDowell.
Whether you’re simply desperate to sweep your hair out of your face, you've left wash day a little too long (guilty) or you're in need of a last-minute polished hairstyle, we've rounded up the easiest celebrity updos to inspire your next look.
The 'French facelift updo' - Hannah Waddingham
Hannah Waddingham's French-girl inspired updo is characterised by the soft, face-framing pieces framing the face. Rather than pulling hair tightly back, she allows for plenty of lift at the crown for an ultra-flattering, face-lifting effect.
'This style creates an instant sculpting effect that can make cheekbones appear higher and the jawline look more defined,' says Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist, founder of Studio23 and Key Opinion Leader at Jerome Russell Bblonde.
For the lift, don't forget volumising mousse.
The chignon - Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren is proof that a low, sleek chignon is a timeless choice — and one that's surprisingly simple to recreate. Worn smooth and close to the head, it can help create the illusion of a more lifted appearance, making it particularly flattering for mature faces.
To recreate the look, start by smoothing your hair back and using a lightweight styling cream to tame any flyaways. For ease, secure your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then twist it into a bun and pin it in place. Finish with a spritz of hairspray to keep everything secure.
The half-up, half-down - Princess of Wales
The best of both worlds, a half-up, half-down hairstyle like the Princess of Wales' keeps hair tucked away from the face while still showing off length and movement.
The Princess' hairstyle is cleverly lifted at the crown, creating the illusion of volume before falling into a cascade of curls. Want another clever trick from Kate? Cover the hair tie with a hair accessory — in this case, a bow.
The face-lifting pony - Demi Moore
Don't overlook the classics. A high ponytail may not be the most groundbreaking hairstyle, but it's a timeless favourite for a reason. Demi Moore's sleek ponytail, positioned high on the crown, has a taut finish that creates the illusion of a more lifted appearance.
By subtly drawing cheekbones and eyes up, it delivers a facelift-like effect with nothing more than a hair tie. (However, if your hair is fragile or thinning, you might want to ease up on tugged-back style.)
The French comb - Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, recently gave a '90s favourite a modern revival: the French comb. With her locks swept into a Parisian-inspired twist, the style was held in place with a diamante-embellished comb. Très chic, Sophie.
Beyond adding interest to an updo, a French comb can also create the illusion of extra volume — making it especially useful for mature, fine hair in need of a lift. As OSMO Ambassador and award-winning hairstylist Jude Taylor explains, ‘when the comb is pushed and locked it gives the hair on the crown of your head a little lift, giving you that boost extra volume’.
The romantic twist - Gillian Anderson
If sleek styles feel a little too severe, take inspiration from Gillian Anderson's soft, romantic twist with its perfectly undone finish. Not only does it look polished, but it doesn't require precision either.
Simply sweep the hair gently back towards the nape of the neck, then twist and pin it into place. For the soft, romantic finish, pull out a few loose, wispy pieces at the front to frame the face. It works particularly well with natural waves or curls that are a day or two old.
The messy pony - Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman's messy ponytail is proof that a more relaxed style can be just as flattering. The height at the crown, created by a high ponytail and a small, messy bun, helps to create the illusion of a subtle lift, but it's the addition of curtain bangs that makes this look especially ageless.‘
Nicole’s fuller bangs instantly highlight her facial structure, drawing focus to the eyes and lips, creating that soft, youthful framing effect that makes the whole look feel fresher,’ says Jason.
The ballerina bun - Zoe Saldana
Zoë Saldaña's ballerina bun is one of the most sophisticated updos we've seen on the red carpet this year. Her hair has been swept back smoothly before being elegantly twisted into a neat, polished bun.
With her hair completely pulled away from the face, her striking bone structure is given room to shine. The sleek finish lifts everything up, creating an elegant, flattering effect. En pointe.
The low pony - Andie Macdowell
The ultimate low-effort updo? The low ponytail. Simply brush the hair back towards the nape of the neck before securing it with a hair tie. For a particularly polished finish, smooth down any flyaways with a styling cream — it'll make the style look far more time-consuming than it really is.
Andie MacDowell elevates the look even further with a chunky ribbon tied around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie.
The fishtail braid - JLo
A fishtail braid may take a little more handiwork, but once you get into the rhythm, it's just as easy to create as a regular plait. Simply divide the hair into two sections, then repeatedly cross small pieces from each side over to the opposite section until you reach the ends.
JLo softens the look with a few loose, face-framing pieces pulled out at the front. The result is a romantic finish that instantly softens a mature face.
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