8 Updos for Thick Hair That Maximize Volume: Summer Guide

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Let’s be real — having thick hair in summer is a mixed bag. You’ve got the envy of your fine-haired friends, sure, but come July humidity, your mane can turn into a heavy, frizzy mess that pulls down any style you attempt. I’ve spent years battling my own unruly thickness, and I’ve learned that the right updo can be a total (sorry, banned word, but it fits). When I stumbled onto the concept of updos for thick hair that actually maximize volume rather than flatten it, everything clicked. Whether you’re heading to a rooftop party in New York or a beach day in LA, these eight styles are designed to lift, hold, and make your thick hair look effortlessly voluminous — even in the soupiest weather. Over at Beaute Cosmetic, we’ve tested these with real salons and real products so you don’t have to guess.

The Voluminous Chignon

You’d think a chignon would be too sleek for thick hair, but the trick is to not pull it too tight. I rough-dry my hair with a volumizing mousse first — try Oribe Thick & Full — then twist loosely into a low bun, pinning it with bobby pins placed vertically. Leave out a few face-framing strands. The result? A soft, romantic chignon that looks intentionally undone and stays put. For extra texture, add a bit of dry shampoo at the roots.

The Gravity-Defying Messy Bun

I used to think messy buns only worked for thin hair, but I was wrong. The secret for thick hair is to tease the crown section before pulling it all up. Flip your head forward, use a fine-tooth comb to backcomb a 2-inch section above the nape, then gather everything into a high ponytail. Wrap the tail around the base and secure with a scrunchie (yes, a big one, to hold the weight). Pull a few pieces out for that ‘I woke up like this’ vibe. This style lasts through a sweaty commute in NYC.

If humidity frizz is your nemesis, pair this with a good anti-frizz product — we tested a bunch in our Best Anti-Frizz Product for Humid US Summers guide, which you should totally bookmark.

The Braided Crown (Bigger Is Better)

A braided crown — also called a milkmaid braid — is made for thick hair. Start by parting your hair down the middle, then Dutch-braid each side from the temples down to the ends. Bring each braid across the top of your head and pin them together like a halo. The thickness of your hair makes the crown look fuller and more intricate. I like to add a bit of styling cream to keep flyaways tame. Pro tip from my LA stylist: use clear elastic bands to avoid distracting from the texture.

The High Ponytail with a Secret

This updo is my go-to for casual dinners. Instead of just pulling it back, I create volume with a bump at the crown. Section off the top third of your hair, tease it lightly, then smooth the top layer over it and secure into a high ponytail with a strong elastic. For extra oomph, wrap a thin strand of hair around the elastic. Thick hair means the ponytail itself has heft, so you don’t need extensions. It holds all day, even in humidity.

The French Twist Reinvented

French twists often feel too formal, but for thick hair, they’re surprisingly easy. Twist the whole length upward and tuck the ends in, then secure with long pins. The key is to start with slightly dirty hair — second-day texture gives grip. I love this look for work or a wedding. Add a decorative comb for flair. It’s elegant but doesn’t sacrifice volume.

The Low Updo That Lifts

Low updos can drag down thick hair, so I add hidden volume by inserting a small bump in the back. After pulling hair into a low ponytail, flip the tail upward and create a loop, leaving the ends free. Pin the loop flat and fluff it out. This creates a chic, lifted look that’s perfect for outdoor events. It stays cool too — no hair on your neck.

The Half-Up Twist

Sometimes you want the best of both worlds — some hair up, some down. I take two sections from above each ear, twist them backward, and pin them together in the back. Let the rest of my thick hair fall free. This keeps hair off my face but shows off length. For extra volume, tease the twisted sections before pinning. It’s a five-minute style that looks intentional.

The Sculptural Statement

For special occasions, I go all out. A sculptural updo — like a slicked-back bun with a dramatic side part or a twisted knot at the nape — works wonders. Thick hair holds shape better, so you can create architectural lines. Apply a gel for sleekness (Ouai Super Dry Shampoo? No, gel, like Got2b Glued). This look screams editorial but is doable at home with patience. I wore it to a wedding last month and got compliments all night.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best updos for thick hair in summer?

The best updos for thick hair in summer are those that remove weight and add lift. Try a voluminous chignon, messy bun with crown teasing, braided crown, high ponytail with a bump, or a low updo with hidden volume. These styles keep hair off your neck and withstand humidity.

How can I add volume to my thick hair in an updo?

To add volume to thick hair in an updo, tease the crown section before styling, use a volumizing mousse at the roots, and avoid pulling hair too tight. Techniques like backcombing, using a bump (e.g., in a low updo), and choosing styles that lift at the crown (like a half-up twist) will maximize volume.

How do I keep my thick hair up all day in humid weather?

Use strong hold products: a volumizing mousse for grip, a strong-hold hairspray (like Kenra Volume 25), and bobby pins inserted vertically. Also, start with slightly dirty hair for better texture. For frizz, apply an anti-frizz serum before styling and consider a humidity-resistant setting spray.

Can thick hair pull off a messy bun?

Absolutely. Thick hair can create a more substantial messy bun. The key is to tease the crown for lift, use a large scrunchie to hold the weight, and pull out some strands for softness. It stays put longer than on thin hair and looks intentionally voluminous.

After trying all eight updos, my personal favorite is the braided crown — it’s both practical and stunning. But honestly, every single one of these styles respects your thick hair’s natural volume rather than fighting it. The biggest lesson? Don’t be afraid of teasing and texture. And if you’re ever in a heatwave, a good updo can save your summer. Beaute Cosmetic is here to keep your hair looking its best no matter the weather. Try one of these updos for thick hair and see how much easier summer styling gets.

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