The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards was held on Saturday, 9th of May, 2026, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos. The 2026 AMVCAs served more than awards this year. Bold fashion statements on the red carpet, dramatic glamour, and cinematic excellence were present, but the bold ponytail updos were the main character of the biggest night in African entertainment.
Ponytail updos are versatile, elevated hairstyles that are achieved by creating smooth bases with high ponies or low ponytails and often styled with hairsprays and gels for a polished finish. Popular styles include the slicked-back high pony, voluminous teased ponytail, and side-sweep style.
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Ponytail Updos at AMVCA 2026
This beauty trend did not stand out for its versatility but for how effortless it complemented the extravagant gowns, bold makeup, and statement pieces that adorned the red carpet looks. The ponytail updos have proven to be a timeless beauty trend.
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BOLAJI OGUNMOLA
Bolaji stuns in a sleek, high, messy bun. A structure silhouette that gives her face the perfect contour.
ERICA NLEWEDIM
Erica and her ever-captivating smile graced the AMVCAs, wearing a dark brunette updo in a sculpted high bun that gathers at the crown and is parted down, framing her face.
ENADO ODUNSI
Enado’s elegant updo has a side part and swept across the head and smoothed from the face back into a intricate bun at the nape of her neck
SHINE ROSMAN
Shine showed off with a sleek high bun pulled back into a tight glossy knot at the back of her head. The main characters were the dramatic styling of the baby hairs sculpted into multiple large finger waves.
DORATHY BACHOR
Dorathy’s has her styled in a polished high ponytail that pulls back tightly from her face in a chignon, highlighting her facial features.
TOYIN ABRAHAM
Toyin’s chic, short pixie-style cut is tapered at the side and back with more volume and texture at the crown. Its soft, defined curls give a sophisticated edge to the high-fashion drama of her gown.
NINI SINGH
Nini’s hair is parted cleanly down the center and pulled back tight and smooth, creating a polished, “glass-like” appearance.
UCHE MONTANA
Uche wore her hair styled flat against her head with a glossy finish. It has a sharp, center part gelled baby hairs in decorative swirls along the forehead.
LIQUOROSE
Liquorose is styled with a sleek, high topknot bun that gathers the hair into a tall, structured updo.
OSAS IGHODARO
Osas wore a sleek, honey-blonde low bun that complements the silver and gold tones of her dress. The bun features intricate braiding details that gather at the nape of her neck.
JULIANA OLAYODE
Juliana’s sleek, high updo has a voluminous bun with a textured finish.
GENOVEVA UMEH
Genoveva’s hairstyle is a sculpted high bun with braided detailing woven along the top and sides of her scalp with small rhinestones scattered across her hair near the temples and forehead.
MEDLIN BOSS
Medlin rocked a sleek, well-laid black ponytail that was pulled back into a clean, tapered low bun that highlights her facial features.
SIMI DREY
Simi’s hair is brushed back smoothly from the forehead and sides to create a polished, “wet-look” that elegantly frames her face.
DABOTA LAWSON
Dabota is wearing her braids in a round, large bun, an unusual red carpet look that complements her avant-garde ivory gown.
From sleek sculpted finishes to voluminous styles, ponytail updos took over the AMVCA red carpet in a not-so-subtle way. Here are some looks that prove this classic hairstyle is the most versatile choice for high-fashion events.
