Duck & Dry Updos Salon in London

London's most stylish updos

Duck & Dry is the name behind London's best updos. The right updo has a way of pulling everything together, the outfit, the mood, the whole moment. From an easy everyday style to sleek, polished occasion hair, our professional stylists create beautiful, long-lasting updos for whatever your day holds, at any of our London salons. We'll take your hair up a level, because the right updo isn't just about how it looks, it's about how it makes you feel.
Book Appointment

Signature Updos

Updos For Every Occasion

Putting hair up is kind of our thing. Our expert stylists have mastered the art of the updo, having styled thousands of them across London, and they know it does more than pull your hair back. Done well, it frames your face, holds through the longest day, and turns a good outfit into a complete look. Weddings, parties, date nights or simply because you feel like it, our signature updos are designed to suit the moment and, more importantly, feel like you. Choose your look, take your seat and leave with a little more confidence in your step. Good hair, great energy.
Explore our signature updos below, each one made to suit you and built to last.
Woman wearing a black blazer and white shirt with a stylish hair bun updo on a plain background
Woman with styled hair in a ponytail updo wearing a green jacket on a plain background
Woman with chelsea bun updo as seen from the back on a plain background
Woman with long wavy hair styled in a high ponytail on a plain background

Woman with styled hair in a ponytail updo wearing a green jacket on a plain background

The Signature

Duck Tail

Our take on the ponytail, and the style that started it all. The Duck Tail is sleek and sculpted through the crown, gathered high and wrapped at the base, then left to fall in soft, full waves. Sharp from every angle, relaxed enough for daytime and polished enough for a night out.

Woman wearing a black blazer and white shirt with a stylish hair bun updo on a plain background

Timeless and Refined

Mayfair Fold

An elegant tucked roll, polished and neat. Smooth over the crown and gathered low at the nape, the Mayfair Fold is refined without trying too hard, as easy to wear on an ordinary day as it is to a wedding or dinner somewhere lovely. Understated, and quietly confident.

Woman with chelsea bun updo as seen from the back on a plain background

A Modern Classic

Chelsea Bun

A classic gathered bun, clean and refined. Smoothed back from the face and coiled low at the nape, the Chelsea Bun is neat, timeless and quietly elegant, the kind of style that works as beautifully for a wedding as it does for the office. Simple, done well.

Woman with long wavy hair styled in a high ponytail on a plain background

The Best of Both

Half & Half

Half up, half down with a wavy tail. Half & Half lifts the crown for shape and height while leaving the length loose and softly waved below, giving you the polish of an updo with the ease of hair worn down. A flattering, easy choice for any day you want something in between.

Bridal low bun hairstyle with a gold and pearl hair piece, worn with a lace open-back dress and pearl earrings.

Back view of a woman with long blonde wavy hair styled in a high tousled ponytail

Side back view of a woman with dark brown hair in a low twisted bun updo

Updos that match your hair type

  • Bridal Updos
    Our stylists create bridal updos that look beautiful up close and hold from the ceremony through to the evening. Soft and romantic or sleek and classic, we tailor the finish to your dress, your veil and the mood of your day.

  • Updos for Long Hair
    Long hair gives us plenty to work with, from full wrapped ponytails to low folded rolls and coiled buns. We shape the length into a style that holds its weight and stays put, however long the day runs.

  • Updos for Short Hair
    Short hair can absolutely be worn up. We work with bobs and shoulder-length cuts to create neat twists, pinned-back styles and soft half-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of hair is best for updos?

Updos work on short, medium and long hair, so it comes down to the style rather than the hair. Some styles naturally suit certain lengths and textures more than others, which is why our stylists will always talk through the options with you rather than fixing on one look in advance. Tell us what you have in mind at booking, and your stylist will recommend the updo that works best for your hair.

Can I get a wedding updo at Duck & Dry?

Yes, we specialise in updos for brides and bridesmaids at all of our salons. The Mayfair Fold and the Chelsea Bun are the most requested bridal styles, both smooth through the crown and gathered low at the nape, and both hold their shape through a long day. Trials are available ahead of the wedding so you can see the finished look and make adjustments before the day itself. We also style hen dos and pre-wedding celebrations, with group styling tables, a prosecco bar and half day or full salon hire available across our locations.Enquire here.

How much do updos cost in London?

Updos at Duck & Dry start from £54 for The Express, which is the style only, or £59 for The Classic, which includes a wash. Final pricing depends on the style you choose and the length and thickness of your hair. You can see the full menu on our pricing page.

Can you do updos on short hair?

Yes, we create updos on short hair, including bobs and lengths that sit above the shoulders. Some styles suit shorter hair better than others, so your stylist will talk through the options with you and recommend what will work best. If you have something specific in mind, mention it at booking or when you arrive.

What updo hairstyles can I get at your salons?

We offer four signature updos: the Duck Tail, the Mayfair Fold, the Chelsea Bun and Half & Half. The Duck Tail is a high, sculpted ponytail falling into soft waves. The Mayfair Fold is a tucked roll gathered low at the nape. The Chelsea Bun is a classic low bun, smooth and neat. Half & Half lifts the crown while leaving the length loose and waved. If you have something else in mind, our stylists can adapt to the look you want.

Do I need to book in advance for an updo, or can I walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome, though we recommend booking in advance to secure the day and time you would like. Weekends and the evenings before events fill quickly, and bridal or group bookings should always be arranged ahead. Book online to check live availability.

Can you do an updo on hair extensions?

Yes, we style updos on all types of hair extensions, including tapes, bonds and clip-ins. Our stylists work around the attachment points so the finished style sits securely and nothing shows through.

Extensions carry an additional charge: +£10 for a half head, +£20 for a full head. If your hair falls past the shoulder blade or you have a very thick set, the length and thickness charges on our price list apply on top.

Select the extensions option when booking, and let your stylist know which method you're using so we can allow the right amount of time and choose a style that suits your placement.

How long will my updo last?

Most updos hold well into the following day, and often longer with a little care. Some styles naturally hold for longer than others, and your hair type plays a part too. The more carefully you treat it, the longer it will hold.