Swap Your Bouncy Blowout for a Gothic Updo This Spring

Though Lydia Deetz bangs have had a sort of renaissance in the last year, there’s a less colloquial version of “gothic” that we’re focused on right now. It’s a little more ornate than the blackest of black-dyed hair and heavy side bangs could ever be.

From the 12th century to the early 17th century, European art and architecture was all about stained glass, pointed arches, and working in religious themes one way or another. It was the Gothic era, baby, and while it’s annoying when someone says “I was born in the wrong decade,” Lily-Rose Depp might be right about that one. How does she look so, so good in an intricately braided hairstyle and heavy, frilly frock?

Ahead, everything to know about the Gothic Updo trend that’s been taking over red carpets recently—including inspiration from the very hairstylists creating the looks.

The Gothic Updo Trend

For the best introduction to the gothic updo, I advise you to tune in to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” music video. For the shoot and corresponding press, hairstylist Freddie Aspiras crafted a braided crown to decorate the top of the singer’s golden hair.

“This hairstyle draw from a fairytale warrior out to face chaos,” he wrote in an Instagram post. And while it looks complicated, it really is something you can try at home. “Create a tight braid, then pin it at the crown,” he added.

Recently we’ve seen similar hairstyles on the likes of Depp (her entire Nosferatu press tour was a lesson in gothic styling) and Charli XCX, who rocked gothic styles on the 2025 Grammys and the 2025 Brit Awards red carpets. Both stars worked with hairstylist Bryce Scarlett to achieve the looks.

Peityn Otto, a hairstylist based in St. Paul, Minnesota, says the popularity might also have something to do with the world’s hunger for romantic fantasy (okayyy, I’ll say it, romantasy) novels and their heroines.

“With the popularity of romance fantasy, we’re seeing rewritten historical fiction of the female heroine instead of the damsel in distress,” Otto says, pointing to Chappell Roan’s Joan of Arc-inspired looks as a prime example. “These updos communicate themes of yearning, going to battle, big emotions, and professed love.”

’90s Ties

No, a gothic updo doesn’t have to transport you straight to the renaissance festival. There are ways to sport the look that are reminiscent of more recent influences.

“Pulling from styles of the past gives a sense of nostalgia, and these gothic updos somewhat reminds me of a mix of ’90s grunge and early 2000s movies like The Craft and 13, Hot Topic, and the MySpace era,” explains hairstylist Jackie Seabrook, who helped style Emma Chamberlain’s gothic updo at the 2024 Met Gala. “The gothic updo trend is supposed to be a mix of drama and sophistication complimenting the dark, vampy aesthetic of goth fashion. Think messy, texture, lots of hanging tendrils, beehives, micro bangs, and thick Elvira bangs.”

Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Megan Fox have also offered more modern (but still befitting of the title!) takes on the trend.

How to Get the Look

While there are so many routes you can take for your gothic updo, you might as well get one specific step-by-step guide. And this is a good one.

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Scarlett styled Charli XCX’s famous dark locks in lived-in gothic curls, piled in a messy half-up.

“Starting with clean wet hair, I applied the John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse at roots for control and lift,” explained Scarlett at the time. “Then I applied a generous amount of John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum throughout the hair with a wide-tooth comb to ensure the product was evenly distributed.”

Next up, the artist used Laifen’s diffuser attachment and blow dryer. While the hot air was blowing, he pulled on her hair to decrease volume and achieve a more stretched-out wave.

“Once completely dry, I used a quarter-size amount of the John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème and smoothed it throughout the hair, continuing to stretch out the curls,” he added. Then, after going through her locks with a one-inch curling iron (leaving the ends straight!) to define those pretty natural curls, he used John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray for a “tougher, undone texture.”

More Gothic Updo Inspiration

For a simpler approach, Seabrook recommends a messy and textured bun. “Think Pamela Anderson messy updo with a lot of bits hanging,” she says.

If you have naturally curly hair, use your texture to your advantage. Otherwise, add in waves or messy curls first. Then, you’ll want to spray some dry texture spray throughout your locks and secure them in a ponytail at your desired bun height. Finally, twist the hair into a messy bun (leaving the ends out!) and backcomb any remaining strands to sit on top of your head in your desired shape.

“Some like their ends to be spiky, so use hairspray to define those hairs,” adds the professional.