Introduction
Tired of struggling with medium-length hair that’s too short for elaborate styles but too long to leave down every day? You’re not alone. Medium hair often falls into that frustrating “in-between” zone where finding the perfect updo feels impossible.
The Promise: These 26 stunning updos will transform your medium-length hair into gorgeous, head-turning styles that stay put all day. From elegant twists to romantic braids, you’ll discover versatile looks for every occasion—whether you’re headed to a wedding, the office, or a casual brunch.
Your Expert Guide: As a professional hairstylist for over 12 years specializing in updos and bridal styling, I’ve mastered the art of creating beautiful styles specifically for medium hair. I understand the unique challenges and opportunities this length presents, and I’m sharing all my insider secrets with you.
What You’ll Learn: This comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting the right updo for your face shape and hair texture to step-by-step styling techniques, must-have tools, and pro tips for making your styles last. You’ll also find answers to common questions about working with medium-length hair and discover how to customize each look to match your personal style.
Table of Contents
Why These Updos Work for Medium Hair
Medium-length hair is actually the sweet spot for creating stunning updos that are both manageable and versatile. Here’s why these styles are perfect for your hair length:
Bullet points:
- Perfect length for versatility – Medium hair (shoulder to collarbone length) provides enough length to create dimension and texture without the weight and bulk that can make longer hair difficult to manage in updos
- Quick styling with lasting results – Most of these updos can be completed in 10-20 minutes, making them ideal for busy mornings or last-minute events, while still holding their shape throughout the day
- Works with all hair types – Whether you have fine, thick, straight, wavy, or curly hair, these updos can be adapted to enhance your natural texture and create stunning results
- Damage-free styling options – Medium-length updos require fewer pins and less tension than styles for longer hair, reducing stress on your hair and minimizing breakage
- Transition-friendly styles – Perfect for those growing out shorter cuts or maintaining a manageable length, these updos work beautifully during every stage of hair growth
- Budget-friendly beauty – Create salon-worthy looks at home using affordable tools and products you likely already own, saving hundreds on professional styling
Choosing the Right Updo for Your Hair
Best Updos for Your Hair Type
Understanding your hair type is crucial for selecting updos that will work beautifully and stay secure. Fine hair thrives with textured styles like messy buns and loosely woven braids that create the illusion of fullness—avoid sleek styles that can appear flat. Thick hair excels in structured updos like French twists and low buns that showcase volume while controlling bulk. Wavy hair naturally enhances romantic, undone styles with minimal effort, making bohemian updos and soft twists ideal choices. Curly hair looks stunning in updos that embrace natural texture, such as pinned curls and twist-outs that celebrate your curl pattern rather than fighting it.
Face Shape Considerations
Choosing an updo that complements your face shape elevates your entire look and creates beautiful balance. Round faces benefit from updos with height on top, like topknots and high buns, which elongate the face and add definition. Oval faces can wear virtually any updo style, from sleek and polished to soft and romantic. Square faces look best with soft, romantic updos featuring wispy pieces around the face to soften angular jawlines. Heart-shaped faces shine with low buns and side-swept styles that add width at the jawline and balance a wider forehead. Long faces pair beautifully with voluminous side buns and updos with width rather than height.
26 Stunning Updos for Medium Hair You’ll Love to Try
#1 Elegant French Twist Updo
The French twist is timeless sophistication at its finest, perfect for formal events, weddings, or professional settings where you want to make a polished impression. Start by gathering hair at the nape and twisting upward along the back of your head, securing with bobby pins placed vertically into the twist. This classic style works beautifully on medium hair because the length creates an elegant twist without excess bulk.
#2 Romantic Updo
Soft, feminine, and effortlessly beautiful, the romantic updo combines loose curls, delicate twists, and strategically placed pins to create an ethereal look. Begin by curling medium-length hair with a large-barrel curling iron, then gently pin sections up and back, allowing wisps to frame your face. This style is ideal for weddings, date nights, or any occasion where you want to channel graceful elegance with a touch of whimsy.
#3 Modern Twisted Bun
The modern twisted bun brings contemporary edge to classic updo styling with sleek sections twisted and wrapped into a low or mid-height bun. Create smooth, defined twists by applying light gel or smoothing cream, then wrap them around a base ponytail for a chic, architectural look. This versatile style transitions seamlessly from office meetings to evening events, offering polish without feeling overly formal or stuffy.
#4 Romantic Curly Updo
Embrace your natural curls or create them with hot tools for this stunning updo that celebrates texture and volume. Pin individual curls or small sections of curly hair upward and back, creating a cloud of gorgeous texture that feels both intentional and effortless. This style showcases the beauty of curly hair while keeping it elegantly contained, perfect for humid weather or active events where you want curls under control.
#5 Textured Twist Updo
The textured twist updo combines multiple twisted sections pinned strategically to create dimension, movement, and visual interest throughout the style. Start by dividing hair into four to six sections, twist each section loosely, then pin them overlapping and crisscrossing for a complex-looking result that’s surprisingly simple. This bohemian-inspired style works beautifully for festivals, casual weddings, or creative professional environments where personality shines through your appearance.
#6 Ultimate Messy Bun
The messy bun is the hero of medium-hair styling—quick, casual, and effortlessly chic when executed correctly. Pull hair into a high or low ponytail, twist loosely, and wrap around the base, securing with pins while intentionally pulling out pieces for that perfectly imperfect texture. This go-to style works for everything from lazy Sundays to coffee dates, proving that “undone” can still look absolutely gorgeous.
#7 Gorgeous Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid updo elevates a classic braid technique into an elegant updo by wrapping the finished braid into a low bun or pinning it up and back. Create your fishtail braid by dividing hair into two sections and crossing small pieces from each side alternately, then gently pull apart the braid for fuller, more textured appearance. This intricate-looking style is surprisingly simple and works beautifully for both casual and formal occasions with boho-chic appeal.
#8 Simple Braid Updo
Sometimes simplicity creates the most stunning results, and the simple braid updo proves this beautifully with clean lines and easy execution. Create one or two basic three-strand braids and pin them up into a low bun, wrapped around the head, or crossed at the back for instant elegance. This unfussy style is perfect for beginners, busy mornings, or anyone who prefers classic beauty over complicated techniques.
#9 Simple French Braid
The French braid updo incorporates hair gradually from roots to ends, creating a secure, sleek look that keeps every strand in place. Start at the crown, adding small sections of hair to your braid as you work down, then pin the end into a low bun or tuck it under itself. This practical yet pretty style excels for athletic activities, hot weather, or long days when you need hair completely secured without constant adjustments.
#10 Textured Loose Updo
The textured loose updo strikes the perfect balance between polished and relaxed, featuring soft waves and deliberately loose pinning for an effortless aesthetic. Curl medium-length hair first, then loosely gather and pin sections upward, allowing pieces to fall naturally and creating intentional gaps and texture. This style is ideal for garden parties, beach weddings, or any event where formal meets casual in beautiful harmony.
#11 Classy Low Twisted Bun
Sophistication meets simplicity in the low twisted bun, where sleek twists wrap around a base ponytail positioned at the nape. Divide your ponytail into two or three sections, twist each smoothly, then wrap around the base and secure with bobby pins for a refined, elegant finish. This professional style works beautifully for job interviews, corporate events, or formal dinners where understated elegance makes the strongest statement.
#12 Romantic Faux Updo
Create the illusion of an intricate updo while keeping your ends down with this clever styling technique that pins and tucks strategically. Section the top and sides of your hair, twist or braid them, then pin at the back while leaving lower lengths flowing freely. This hybrid style offers the elegance of an updo with the softness of down hair, perfect for those who want versatility and romance combined.
#13 Voluminous Half Updo
The voluminous half updo keeps your length on display while adding dramatic height and dimension at the crown for best-of-both-worlds styling. Tease the crown section generously, smooth the top layer, then secure with pins or a decorative clip while allowing the remaining hair to flow. This glamorous style is perfect for parties, date nights, or any occasion where you want to showcase your hair’s length while adding elegant structure.
#14 Classic Formal Updo
The classic formal updo features smooth, polished sections arranged in a structured low bun or chignon, delivering timeless elegance for black-tie events. Begin with straight or smoothed hair, create a clean ponytail at the nape, then wrap sections methodically around the base, securing each piece with bobby pins. This red-carpet-worthy style demands attention at weddings, galas, or upscale events where sophistication is paramount and every detail matters.
#15 Effortless Casual Updo
The effortless casual updo embraces texture, looseness, and intentional imperfection for a style that looks like you just threw your hair up—but better. Gather hair loosely into a low ponytail or bun without obsessing over smoothness, pull out face-framing pieces, and secure with minimal pins for that “I woke up like this” vibe. This relaxed style is perfect for weekend brunch, running errands, or casual get-togethers where comfort meets style.
#16 Romantic Contrast Updo
The romantic contrast updo plays with opposing textures—smooth and rough, tight and loose, structured and flowing—to create visual drama and interest. Combine sleek twisted sections with deliberately messy pieces, or pair a polished base with textured, pulled-apart braids for dynamic contrast. This artistic style works beautifully for creative professionals, fashion-forward events, or anyone who loves styles that make a statement through unexpected combinations and deliberate styling choices.
#17 Youthful Braided Updo
The youthful braided updo incorporates multiple small braids woven together and pinned up for a fresh, playful look bursting with personality. Create three to five braids throughout your hair—mixing French braids, Dutch braids, and regular braids—then pin them crossing and overlapping for intricate beauty. This fun, energetic style is ideal for festivals, outdoor concerts, graduation ceremonies, or any event where you want to showcase youthful spirit and creative flair.
#18 Modern Sleek Bun
The modern sleek bun features ultra-smooth hair pulled tightly into a high or mid-level bun for contemporary, minimalist sophistication. Apply smoothing serum and use a fine-tooth comb to eliminate any bumps or flyaways, creating a perfectly polished surface before wrapping hair into a tight bun. This fashion-forward style works beautifully for art gallery openings, modern weddings, fashion events, or professional settings where clean, contemporary aesthetics are appreciated and celebrated.
#19 Boho Chic Updo
The boho chic updo embraces free-spirited beauty with loose braids, twisted sections, and deliberately undone elements that create effortless, festival-ready style. Incorporate small braids throughout loosely gathered hair, leave face-framing pieces wavy and free, and pin sections casually for an artfully messy result. This relaxed style is perfect for outdoor weddings, music festivals, bohemian-themed events, or anyone whose personal style leans toward natural, uncontrived beauty with earthy elegance.
#20 Textured Side Bun
The textured side bun brings asymmetrical interest and modern appeal by positioning your bun at one side of the head rather than center. Create texture through backcombing or curling, then gather hair to one side and form a loose, voluminous bun secured with pins. This contemporary style adds instant sophistication to casual outfits and works beautifully for cocktail parties, dinner dates, or professional events where you want polished style with personality and modern edge.
#21 Sophisticated Bohemian Updo
The sophisticated bohemian updo elevates boho style with refined elements—think loose braids with smooth sections, or textured twists finished with polished edges. Balance deliberately messy elements with intentional structure, combining the relaxed appeal of bohemian styling with the elegance of formal updos. This versatile style bridges casual and formal beautifully, making it perfect for upscale garden parties, destination weddings, or creative professional environments where both polish and personality matter equally.
#22 Double Crown Braid Updo
The double crown braid updo features two braids that frame the face and crown like a halo before being pinned at the back. Create French or Dutch braids starting at each temple, braid around the head toward the back, then pin the ends together or tuck them under. This romantic, ethereal style is stunning for outdoor weddings, Renaissance fairs, costume events, or anyone who loves styles with fairy-tale beauty and feminine grace that feels both timeless and magical.
#23 Free-Spirited Waves Updo
The free-spirited waves updo loosely gathers wavy hair while allowing significant movement and flow throughout the style for relaxed, beachy vibes. Create loose waves with a large-barrel curling iron or braiding overnight, then casually pin sections up and back without constraining the natural movement. This carefree style is ideal for beach weddings, summer parties, vacation styling, or any occasion where you want to look put-together while maintaining that effortless, vacation-mode aesthetic.
#24 Trendy Topknot
The trendy topknot gathers all hair at the crown and wraps it into a high bun for modern, sporty-chic style with major attitude. Pull hair upward smoothly or with texture depending on your preference, twist into a bun, and secure at the very top of your head. This confident style works for workouts, casual weekends, creative work environments, or anyone who loves contemporary styles that combine practicality with fashion-forward appeal and youthful energy.
#25 Soft Flowing Updo
The soft flowing updo pins hair loosely while maintaining movement and allowing sections to flow naturally rather than being rigidly secured. Create gentle waves or curls, then pin sections upward with deliberate looseness, leaving hair soft and touchable rather than stiff or sprayed. This romantic style is beautiful for intimate weddings, date nights, anniversary dinners, or any special occasion where soft, feminine beauty takes center stage over structured, formal styling approaches.
#26 Undone Updo
The undone updo celebrates imperfection with loosely twisted sections, deliberately pulled-out pieces, and a “just lived-in” aesthetic that looks effortlessly cool. Gather hair casually without smoothing, create loose twists or braids, pin randomly rather than precisely, and pull pieces out intentionally for texture. This fashion-forward style is perfect for those who love modern, editorial looks and works beautifully for creative industries, fashion events, or anyone whose personal style embraces intentional imperfection and contemporary edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create these updos on freshly washed hair?
While many updos actually work better on second-day hair because natural oils provide grip and texture, you can absolutely style freshly washed hair by applying texturizing products first. Use dry shampoo, volumizing powder, or texture spray at your roots immediately after blow-drying to create the slightly gritty texture that helps pins hold securely and prevents slipping throughout the day.
How do I make my updo last through humidity and weather?
Combat humidity and weather challenges by using anti-humidity hairspray as your finishing product and applying a light layer of smoothing serum to the outer surface of your completed style. Pin your updo more securely than you think necessary, using extra bobby pins throughout rather than minimal pins, and consider hairstyles that embrace texture rather than fighting it, as sleek styles struggle most in humid conditions.
What if my hair is layered or has shorter pieces that won’t stay up?
Layered hair and shorter pieces actually add beautiful texture and dimension to updos rather than hindering them—embrace those pieces! Use small clear elastics to secure shorter sections before pinning them up, apply strong-hold gel or pomade to smooth baby hairs and short layers against your head, or intentionally leave face-framing pieces out to soften the overall look and make layers appear intentional rather than problematic.
How many bobby pins should I use for a secure updo?
Most secure updos for medium hair require 15-30 bobby pins depending on hair thickness and style complexity—don’t be afraid to use more pins than seems necessary. Insert bobby pins with the wavy side down against your scalp for better grip, cross pins in X-patterns for maximum security, and remember that pins hidden throughout the interior of your style are just as important as visible finishing pins.
Can I sleep in an updo or do I need to take it down?
While you can technically sleep in most updos, your hair and scalp will appreciate the break, and you’ll maintain healthier hair by removing pins and elastics before bed. If you must keep an updo overnight, switch to a very loose, low bun secured with a soft scrunchie to prevent tension headaches and breakage, and plan to refresh and re-pin in the morning rather than expecting the style to look perfect after sleeping.
How do I prevent my updo from giving me a headache?
Updo headaches result from excessive tension, too-tight elastics, or heavy pins pulling on your scalp throughout the day. Avoid pulling ponytails or sections too tightly—you should be able to comfortably raise your eyebrows after securing base ponytails. Position your updo at low or mid-height rather than high on your head to reduce gravitational pull, use fabric-covered elastics instead of thin rubber bands, and remove a few pins if you notice discomfort developing rather than suffering through it.
Conclusion
Ready to transform your medium-length hair into stunning updos that turn heads everywhere you go? These 26 versatile styles prove that medium hair is actually the perfect length for creating gorgeous updos for any occasion, from casual weekends to elegant formal events. You now have all the tools, techniques, and inspiration needed to master beautiful updos that showcase your personal style while working perfectly with your hair’s unique length and texture.
Start with one or two styles that speak to you and match your current skill level—the messy bun and simple braided updo are perfect beginner-friendly starting points. As you build confidence and skill, challenge yourself with more intricate styles like the French twist or double crown braid that showcase advanced techniques and create show-stopping results.
Join thousands of medium-hair enthusiasts who have discovered the joy of versatile, beautiful updos that make getting ready easier and more fun. Share your updo creations with friends, experiment with different variations and accessories, and remember that practice makes perfect—each attempt will improve your technique and speed. Your perfect updo is waiting to be discovered, so grab your bobby pins, try these stunning styles, and prepare to fall in love with your medium-length hair all over again!
