For an inside scoop on the return of the up-do, and the 10 styles to watch for in 2020, we got in touch with two popular Toronto hairstylists who really do it all. From sleek chignons to fringe-details and everything in between, we got the expert insight on what you need to know about the modern up-do, and how it’s reaching new heights in the New Year (pun intended!) So get ready to lock in that high pony and bookmark some up-do braid styles as we take you through 10 celebrity-loved (and stylist-approved) up-do styles that are bringing this trend back in a big way!
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The classic ponytail
Popular Toronto stylist Tania Az, whose roster of high-profile clientele includes the trendsetting ladies behind The Store on Queen, notes a classic ponytail as one of the biggest up-do styles seeing a return in popularity for 2020.
<strongThe style: “Ponytails can be so polished and fresh-looking. They give the illusion of an mini-face-lift as they bring the hair back and up, expose the neck and accentuate your facial structure,” says Tania.
Pro tip: This style works best on medium to thick hair, but for those with fine hair looking to get the most out of the pony trend, Tania says, “That’s what extensions are for — instant volume and length!” We love how Kate Middleton adds volume to her classic pony with a retro-nod by teasing the hair slightly at the crown and then smoothing it into a ponytail.
Pro tip: This style works best on medium to thick hair, but for those with fine hair looking to get the most out of the pony trend, Tania says, “That’s what extensions are for — instant volume and length!” We love how Kate Middleton adds volume to her classic pony with a retro-nod by teasing the hair slightly at the crown and then smoothing it into a ponytail.

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84th Annual Academy Awards – Arrivals

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Center-part low bun style
The style: A personal favourite, and one you’ll often see her rocking with signature statement hoops, Tania says, “The low bun, or 'knot bun' styled with some funky hair accessories is super trendy right now – and will be a big one going into 2020.”
Pro tip: To keep the look on trend, Tania suggests, “Wear this one with a middle part and the hair slicked back for a sleek look.” And for those looking to add some fullness to their bun? “Try a donut 'sockbun' at the ponytail, while creating the bun, to help add volume.”
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Pro tip: To keep the look on trend, Tania suggests, “Wear this one with a middle part and the hair slicked back for a sleek look.” And for those looking to add some fullness to their bun? “Try a donut 'sockbun' at the ponytail, while creating the bun, to help add volume.”
For hair inspo, check out these drastic celebrity haircuts.

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Soft fringe style
The style: Made popular by models-off-duty like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, but taken to the next level by legends like Jennifer Lopez, fringe-styling has been a mainstay on red carpets in 2019, and Tania says this trend will definitely be hot heading into 2020. “This super-easy, flirty style is so fun and sexy — it adds an instant “finishing touch” to any updo hairstyle and looks super cute styled with a messy bun.”
Pro tip: “To create the perfect messy bun to compliment your fringe pieces up front, use a bobble tie to secure your bun in a way that allows you to control how “messy” you want the finished bun to be.”
Pro tip: “To create the perfect messy bun to compliment your fringe pieces up front, use a bobble tie to secure your bun in a way that allows you to control how “messy” you want the finished bun to be.”

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Topknot style
The style: The topknot hairstyle has been a fixture on red carpets all year, and with it’s simple, sleek look, Tania says it’s on her radar as another big styling request in 2020. “This one is great for all hair lengths. For anyone with shorter locks, you can create a “mini top knot” like Zendaya has done in the past, making it one of those rare up-do styles that really works for almost all hair lengths.”
Pro tip: “Flyaways are a pain. I love my baby hairs but I don’t always want them front and center. For a style like this where you want the hair fully slicked back, spray a spoolie (eyebrow brush) with hairspray and run it over the rogue hairs — it’s an easy hack and it works!”
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Pro tip: “Flyaways are a pain. I love my baby hairs but I don’t always want them front and center. For a style like this where you want the hair fully slicked back, spray a spoolie (eyebrow brush) with hairspray and run it over the rogue hairs — it’s an easy hack and it works!”
Check out these cannabis-infused hair and beauty products.

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Messy chignon style
Hairstylist Heather Panzini is a seasoned pro when it comes to all things hair. From blonde and complex balayage colouring to extensions and cuts, she does it all.
The style: When we asked her what ranked on her list of up-do’s to watch for in 2020, Heather noted the chignon as one of her favourites. “A chignon in a low, messy style is a simple way to pull your hair back from your face and neck for a clean and elegant look, while still maintaining a casual feel.”
Pro tip: A look that Heather considers especially easy to “DIY,” she notes that updated versions of the style cater more the “messy” theme (different than the slicked-back sister-style often requested for more formal occasions), and results in a chic-yet-effortless finished look. For different variations on the “messy” style, Heather says, “It depends what you’re going for. For example, the popular 'wet-look' chignon requires lots of product, used to create a glossy style that adds more glam, where a softer chignon will call for less product and softer-looking hair.”
SEE ALSO: This is how to get the perfect chignon.
The style: When we asked her what ranked on her list of up-do’s to watch for in 2020, Heather noted the chignon as one of her favourites. “A chignon in a low, messy style is a simple way to pull your hair back from your face and neck for a clean and elegant look, while still maintaining a casual feel.”
Pro tip: A look that Heather considers especially easy to “DIY,” she notes that updated versions of the style cater more the “messy” theme (different than the slicked-back sister-style often requested for more formal occasions), and results in a chic-yet-effortless finished look. For different variations on the “messy” style, Heather says, “It depends what you’re going for. For example, the popular 'wet-look' chignon requires lots of product, used to create a glossy style that adds more glam, where a softer chignon will call for less product and softer-looking hair.”
SEE ALSO: This is how to get the perfect chignon.

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Boho braids
The style: Heather considers the braid trend to be one of the most increasingly popular of the up-do trends of the past year and for 2020. “Boho braids can mean many things — you can be looking at fishtail braids, waterfall braids, French braids, twist and reverse – the list goes on!” The braids can be large or small, says Heather, who notes that for the “boho” effect, will usually include braiding the hair and then pulling the braids apart slightly before styling them up, for that “undone effect”. For the up-do portion, “The braids can then be incorporated into the classic chignon, a messy bun, or some bigger, more dramatic braid,” says Heather.
Pro tip: “These braid-detail up-do’s can be quite intricate, and will be unique to the vision between every hair-dress and clients’ end-goal, but generally all of these will include a lot of texturizing spray to help prime and style the braids.” Of her go-to texturizing products: “I love the liquid-to-powder 'shake' formulas as well as the spray texturizers, which are effective and easy to use.”
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Pro tip: “These braid-detail up-do’s can be quite intricate, and will be unique to the vision between every hair-dress and clients’ end-goal, but generally all of these will include a lot of texturizing spray to help prime and style the braids.” Of her go-to texturizing products: “I love the liquid-to-powder 'shake' formulas as well as the spray texturizers, which are effective and easy to use.”
These shiny-haired celebs are giving us all the hair goals.

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High-pony hairstyle
The style: One of the most popular hair trends of 2019, and forecast to be a big one in 2020, the high-pony is a fun and flirty throwback classic with some updated twists. “A favourite style for clients in their 20’s and 30’s, this look is great for parties, nights out and even for wedding guests looking to rock a more playful hairstyle than the simple chignon or low-ponytail.”
Pro tip: “Hair extensions work so well with this style, and will help to create the effect of a fuller and longer ponytail for that added sense of drama.”
Pro tip: “Hair extensions work so well with this style, and will help to create the effect of a fuller and longer ponytail for that added sense of drama.”

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Boxer braids
The style: “This style is essentially two braids that each use the hair from either side of the head, often using extensions to create a fuller, longer effect,” says Heather. “This style can be worn any time, as it works to both a casual and dressier style while holding the hair firmly in place.” Adds Heather, “Celebrity influence from stars like Kim Kardashian, Camila Cabello, and others have made this a popular one in 2019 and one to watch for next year as well.”
Pro tip: This look is one of those rare up-do styles that won’t fall apart by the end of the night. “Boxer braids hold the hair firmly in place and will easily last a few days before needing to be taken out.”
Pro tip: This look is one of those rare up-do styles that won’t fall apart by the end of the night. “Boxer braids hold the hair firmly in place and will easily last a few days before needing to be taken out.”

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Exposed hair accessories
The style: Ideal for clients with shorter hair looking to get on board with the up-do trend, exposed hair accessories are a great way to keep shorter pieces of hair in place while also adding some visual interest. “I love the idea of using pearl-embellished pins and other sparkly pieces as accents to hair styled in soft, Old Hollywood waves — this is the updated version of the popular 'finger waves' from the 1940’s. This works for any hair length and really creates a glam effect.”
Pro tip: Have fun with your accessories. This trend is a great excuse to find accessories that really play to your own personal sense of style. Whether that means a subtle, pearl pin or a bold, rhinestone-encrusted word spelled out (a major designer trend this past year — ahem Gucci hair pins, anyone?), go for what you like, talk it out with your stylist and make it your own.
RELATED: Frizz-proof hair styles for rainy days.
Pro tip: Have fun with your accessories. This trend is a great excuse to find accessories that really play to your own personal sense of style. Whether that means a subtle, pearl pin or a bold, rhinestone-encrusted word spelled out (a major designer trend this past year — ahem Gucci hair pins, anyone?), go for what you like, talk it out with your stylist and make it your own.
RELATED: Frizz-proof hair styles for rainy days.
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