tie it up

I know, I know, I said "the U word" right there in the title of this article, but trust me, not all updos have to be scary. While the word may have bad prom or Miss America connotations, some of our favorite celebrities and It Girls prove that you can have a cool updo that doesn't involve that one soft tendril falling over your temple. (C'mon, you know the one.)

From Gwen Stefani's signature twists, to Kate Bosworth's braided mohawk, to Rooney Mara's '90s throwback ponytail, there are a lot of ways to tie your hair up that are way more awesome than a basic ponytail or topknot. A good updo is also a great way to switch up your hairstyle without getting a haircut (what, you're not ready to get that Marc Jacobs spring '14 bowl cut just yet?), or hitting the salon for a dye job. So check out our favorite braids and buns in the gallery and try them out for yourself with our handy tips. Because if anything is going to inspire you to try a new 'do, it's these stars' awesome ones. 

THE STAR: Kate Bosworth

THE LOOK: Braided mohawk

TRY IT IF: You want a bold and clean look

YOU'LL NEED: Got2B Glossy Anti-Frizz Shine Serum -- $4.22

THE STAR: Rooney Mara

THE LOOK: Sleek multi-tie ponytail

TRY IT IF: You're a '90s throwback living in the new millenium

YOU'LL NEED: Goody Stay Put Elastics -- $3.99

THE STAR: Suki Waterhouse

THE LOOK: Center part with a tight, low bun

TRY IT IF: You want a no fuss, clean and classic 'do

YOU'LL NEED: Pantene Pro-V Thick Hair Anti-Humidity Spray -- $3.99

THE STAR: Jessica Chastain

THE LOOK: The loose back-of-head braid crown

TRY IT IF: You have shorter hair that won't wrap around for a full braid halo

YOU'LL NEED: Tigi Catwalk Extra Strong Mousse -- $8.79

THE STAR: Ashley Madekwe

THE LOOK: The faux bob

TRY IT IF: If you want to test drive a short hair style

YOU'LL NEED: Sephora Bobby Pins -- $7

THE STAR: Bella Thorne

THE LOOK: The loose, twisted braid

TRY IT IF: You want something a little braided, a little twisted, and all around cool

YOU'LL NEED: Ouidad Styling Setting and Holding Spray -- $16

THE STAR: Dianna Agron

THE LOOK: Messy in the front, neat in the back

TRY IT IF: You like that undone-done look

YOU'LL NEED: Drybar Three Day Bender Curling Kit -- $125

THE STAR: Blake Lively

THE LOOK: The messy multi-tie ponytail

TRY IT IF: You want a voluminous take on this '90s trend

YOU'LL NEED: Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray -- $25

THE STAR: Gwen Stefani

THE LOOK: The two twist bun

TRY IT IF: You want to be Gwen Stefani (Really, though, who doesn't?!)

YOU'LL NEED: Lea Journo Voile Finishing Spray -- $28

THE STAR: Iggy Azalea

THE LOOK: The wavy ponytail

TRY IT IF: You like the simplicity of a ponytail, but want a new take on the classic

YOU'LL NEED: Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray -- $24

THE STAR: Nicole Richie

THE LOOK: The high fishtail braid

TRY IT IF: You want a dramatic 'do to match your awesome outfit

YOU'LL NEED: Oscar Blandi Pronto Texturizing and Volume Spray -- $24

THE STAR: Poppy Delevingne

THE LOOK: The ultimate messy topknot

TRY IT IF: You want the updo bedhead look

YOU'LL NEED: Sachajuan Ocean Mist -- $28