Keke Palmer Masters the Art of the Chic Updo

Paired with her signature hair color? She’s unstoppable.

Keke Palmer wearing a denim crop top with a curled hairstyle
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Keke Palmer is determined to prove that she’s a natural redhead, and I fully support this effort. Since revealing her new hair color a few months ago, the actress has gone all in, wearing a myriad of hairstyles like afros, braids, and curls, all in her now signature shade. On August 7, Palmer shared a video with fellow actor and radio host Big Boy on Instagram, and the duo gave a little sneak peek of their upcoming interview. Incredible ventures aside, my eyes were laser-focused on Palmer’s new hairstyle, which, of course, showcased her favorite copper hue.

Palmer’s hair was first divided into two sections, laying the groundwork for a gorgeous half-up, half-down style. The top was then secured into a sleek ponytail with curled ends. The lower half of her hair was also curled flawlessly, allowing the ends of the ponytail to blend seamlessly with the rest of the hairstyle, creating an almost waterfall-like effect. An elegant French manicure and a blush-heavy glam completed the look.

Palmer has never been one to shy away from trying out new hairstyles, and this latest look is just another on her seemingly endless list of options. She’s worn afros, goddess braids, bouncy ‘70s curls, and everything in between, and no matter the look, she always seems to nail it with precision.

The actress’s latest hairstyle is fairly easy to recreate, and I have a few products in mind that will make it that much more attainable at home, without the help of a professional. Keep reading for the products that will give you the half-up, half-down hairstyle that’s just as suitable for work as it is for play.

Ariel Baker
Beauty Writer

Ariel Baker is the Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. Previously the associate beauty editor at PS and briefly freelance, she has bylines in InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women's Health, and more.

Since she started out in the non-profit sector, Ariel enjoys looking at beauty from a sociocultural lens, looking to avenues like politics, music, and the arts, to inform her views on the space. That being said, as a true beauty-product obsessive, testing the latest items to hit the market, keeping up with trends, and meeting industry icons, will always be her favorite part of working in the beauty space.

When she's not working, Ariel can be found hanging out with her fiancé and loving on their two cat daughters: Cow and Chicken.