18 Celebrity Updos That Are Impressive From Every Angle

It's definitely a cinematic moment when someone enters the room looking fierce and then turns their head ever so slightly to reveal what's going on with their hair from behind. There's just something about a statement updo that commands attention.

Celebrities are especially good at pulling this off, and we urge you to take your cue from them as we enter the holiday party season.

Like celebs on the red carpet, your updos will forever be memorialized across social media this season. These looks will make you feel like the magnificent star you are while sipping Champagne and mingling with your friends!

01
Nicole Kidman
Getty | Pascal Le Segretain

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman achieved goddess-level status at the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival with this decorated updo. The soft strands framing her her face feel really romantic, and we're digging the hint of sparkle the art deco clip adds. Try this vintage-style barrette by 1928 ($12, originally $24) for a similar effect.

04
Adina Porter
Getty | Emma McIntyre

Adina Porter

Here, American Horror Story's Adina Porter rocks a topknot that looks both fresh and glam. For the same gorgeous sheen, work Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Scent & Shine Brassica Seed Oil ($26) into dry hair before styling.

06
Sharon Case
Getty | Paul Archuleta

Sharon Case

For a playful look, channel Sharon Case's soft and feminine milkmaid braids. Her fresh and flawless makeup makes this ethereal updo feel ritzy. We love her added sartorial touch of matching her double hoop earrings to her two symmetrical braids.

08
Elle Fanning
Getty | Dimitrios Kambouris

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning looked like she stepped right out of a dream and onto the Met Gala's red carpet. The sleek hair, braided bun, and elegant headband make her look like a romantic Renaissance princess.

If you want to re-create this look on yourself, we suggest using this Urban Outfitters Leaves Halo Headband ($20) as an affordable option.

11
Vanessa Kirby
Getty | Amanda Edwards

Vanessa Kirby

This sweet, chicly messy ponytail worn by Vanessa Kirby is another option that's easy to dress up or down depending on the event.

To create similar texture, curl hair with a Beachwaver Pro ($199) and then add a texturizing spray like Living Proof's Texture Mist ($26). We love how that spray leaves hair soft and tousled, not sticky and crunchy.

15
Samira Wiley
Getty | Tibrina Hobson

Samira Wiley

A faux hawk like this one on Samira Wiley brings a whimsical touch to any big event. We love how it shows that party hair can be both sophisticated and fun.

17
Jennifer Lawrence
Getty | Franco Origlia

Jennifer Lawrence

This updo worn by Jennifer Lawrence at the Venice Film Festival was equal parts vintage nostalgia and modern-day glam.

Notice how her hair is gently swept back instead of pulled tightly against her scalp — no updo headaches with this style! We also love how nonfussy her twisted chignon looks from the back.

To re-create that easy-breezy texture, reach for R + Co's Grid Structural Hold Setting Spray ($29).

21
Annabelle Stephenson
Getty | Paul Archuleta

Annabelle Stephenson

Wondering how to get the shiny finish of Annabelle Stephenson's tousled, messy chignon? After securing your updo, lightly mist a finishing spray like Chi Rose Hip Oil Color Nurture Dry UV Protecting Oil ($18).

If you prefer a bun that literally sparkles, swap out your normal finishing product with IGK Preparty Hair Strobing Glitter Spray ($16). That formula contains moonstone extract and finely milled glitter that makes your hair look as extra as neon holiday lights.

24
Evan Rachel Wood
Getty | Jeff Kravitz

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood's tightly braided updo is both classy and playful — check out those teal braids on the side!

While this style works with and without the pop of color, you can turn yourself into a green glamour girl for a night via a low-commitment temporary dye like IGK Girls Club Color Spray ($29).

26
Kata Mara
Getty | Walter McBride

Kata Mara

Catch Kate Mara from the front, and you'll think she's sporting your standard-edition supersleek ponytail. From any other angle, though, you'll see she's wearing an edgy, deconstructed bubble pony.

28
Christina Milian
Getty | Paul Archuleta

Christina Milian

Christina Milian's rocking just another topknot, right? Wrong! Take a look at her from the side — she's actually repping a seriously sweet triple knot.

30
Kate Middleton
Getty | Max Mumby/Indigo

Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton is a duchess IRL, but she is a queen when it comes to statement updos.

You can nod to our British friends with this look and add a hat, throw in a seasonal bauble, or keep it simple!

Whatever you decide to do, prepare for lots of oohs and ahhs over this Audrey Hepburn-esque croissant bun.

33
Farina Pao
Getty | Desiree Navarro

Farina Pao

This is the perfect updo for so many types of events, from an ultraglam gala night to laid-back work party. We love how Farina's double braids lead our eyes straight to her messy topknot.

34
Gigi Hadid
Getty | Gilbert Carrasquillo

Gigi Hadid

We're all about the futuristic-meets-galactic vibe that Gigi Hadid was channeling on the Met Gala's red carpet.

To help get that piecey texture, try something like R+Co's Control Flexible Paste ($27).

It creates a semimatte finish with a tough but nonsticky hold. Translation: you can dance all night and still have good hair.

36
Christina Ricci
Getty | JB Lacroix

Christina Ricci

Christina's look is simple and sweet, and thanks to the thick, face-framing fringe, it offers a slight throwback to the '70s. Try a set of clip-in bangs to really change up your look without committing to a full-time commitment.

39
Janelle Monáe
Getty | Jason LaVeris

Janelle Monáe

We an always count on Janelle Monáe to throw some serious pizzazz into her look. This double-bun updo was already bound to make a statement, but the safety pins she added throughout take this one to a whole extra level of awesome.

Urban Outfitters sells Safety Pin Bobby Pin Sets ($10), but if you've got enough texture, you can opt for the real thing.

42
Meghan Ory
Getty | Paul Archuleta

Meghan Ory

Meghan Ory's updo is another one that looks deceivingly simple in the front. Once she turns around, you can see the three upside-down braids that add a touch of playfulness and lots of texture.

45
Mandy Moore
Getty | Michael Tran

Mandy Moore

Here, Mandy Moore wears one of this season's hottest trends: the velvet hair bow. Could this look be any more fitting for a time of year where gift-wrapping stations are set up at practically every corner?

To replicate this look, try a Cara Velvet Bow Hair Band ($14). For a more earthy vibe, try Haze and Co's Suede Bow Barrette ($45).