28 Updos For Medium Length Hair Looks You’ll Want to Screenshot Immediately

28 Updos For Medium Length Hair Looks You’ll Want to Screenshot Immediately

Medium length hair is honestly the sweet spot for updos. You’ve got enough length to work with, but not so much that everything feels heavy or hard to pin. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a night out, or just want your hair off your neck without looking like you gave up, there’s an updo here for you.

I pulled together 28 of my favorite medium length hair updos, from quick five-minute options to ones worth saving for special occasions. Screenshot away.

Low Twisted Bun

This one’s a classic for a reason. You twist sections of hair back toward the nape and pin them into a low bun, letting a few face-framing pieces fall loose. It works beautifully on wavy or straight medium hair and looks polished without trying too hard.

Fine hair benefits from a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray before twisting, since it gives the strands something to grip. This is an easy five-minute style for busy mornings, and it holds up well through a full workday.

Messy High Bun

The messy high bun is your go-to when you want height and don’t mind a little undone texture. Gather hair at the crown, twist it into a loose bun, and pull a few pieces out around your face for softness.

It suits round and oval face shapes especially well since the height balances things out. Thick hair holds this shape effortlessly, while fine hair might need a teasing comb at the crown for extra volume.

Braided Crown

A braided crown wraps one or two braids around the head like a halo. It’s romantic without feeling costume-y, and it works on straight, wavy, or curly medium hair alike.

This is a great option if you’re growing out bangs and need somewhere to tuck those shorter pieces. Bobby pins hidden underneath the braid keep everything secure through hours of dancing or wind.

Half-Up Twisted Knot

Not every updo needs to be a full updo. This half-up style twists the top section into a small knot at the crown, leaving the rest down and loose. It’s casual, quick, and looks great with beach waves.

People with fine hair love this one because it adds the illusion of volume at the root. Spray a little texturizing salt spray on the ends beforehand for extra grip and a lived-in finish.

Sleek Low Ponytail Updo

Take a sleek low ponytail and wrap the tail around the base to hide the elastic, and you’ve got an instant updo that reads as more elevated than it actually is. This works best on straight or blown-out hair with a glossy finish.

It’s a favorite for job interviews and client meetings because it looks put-together in under ten minutes. A shine serum smoothed over the surface keeps flyaways in check.

Textured Fishtail Updo

Fishtail braids have this effortless, undone quality that reads as intentional rather than sloppy. Braid a loose fishtail down one side, then coil it into a low updo near the nape.

Wavy and curly hair textures make this style look even more dimensional since the braid pattern catches the light differently. Pull a few strands loose at the crown for a softer, less structured shape.

Double Twisted Buns

Two smaller buns instead of one big one gives this updo a slightly playful, modern edge. Section hair down the middle, twist each side back, and pin into two low buns at the nape.

This works particularly well on medium hair with layers, since the shorter pieces add texture around the buns naturally. It’s an easy weekend style that still photographs well.

Bubble Braid Updo

Bubble braids use hair ties spaced along a ponytail to create rounded “bubble” sections, then the whole thing gets coiled up into a bun. It’s a fun, slightly editorial take on the classic updo.

Thick or medium-thick hair shows off the bubble effect best. This style tends to read a little more formal, making it a solid choice for proms or evening events.

Chignon With Face-Framing Pieces

A chignon sits low at the nape and has that soft, French-girl elegance to it. Smooth the top back, twist the length into a loop, and pin it flat against the head.

Leave a couple of face-framing pieces loose, especially if you have curtain bangs or layers around your face. This is a go-to for anyone who wants something that reads sophisticated but never stiff.

Braided Low Bun

Combine a simple braid with a bun for a look that feels a bit more intricate without extra effort. Braid the length of your hair, then coil the braid into a bun and pin it in place.

This holds exceptionally well through humid weather or long events since the braid keeps flyaways contained. It suits nearly every hair texture, though curly hair might need a light gel to smooth the braid itself.

Voluminous Top Knot

If you want height and drama, the voluminous top knot delivers. Backcomb the crown section before gathering hair into a high knot, letting the volume do the visual work.

This style pairs nicely with statement earrings since your neck is fully exposed. Medium thickness hair achieves the fullest version of this look, though a bit of dry texture spray helps finer strands along.

Side-Swept Braided Updo

Instead of centering everything, sweep a loose braid over one shoulder before pinning it into an updo on that side. It has an asymmetrical, slightly undone romance to it.

This one’s particularly flattering for square or heart-shaped faces since the asymmetry softens angular features. Loose waves throughout the braid keep it from looking too tight or formal.

Slicked-Back Bun

Sometimes simple wins. A slicked-back bun uses gel or a strong-hold cream to smooth every strand flat before twisting into a tight, low bun. No loose pieces here.

This is the updo I reach for when I want something that lasts all day without a single touch-up. It’s especially striking on hair with a natural shine, and it works on any texture once smoothed.

Twisted Half-Up With Braid Accent

This builds on the classic half-up twist by adding a thin braid woven into the crown section before twisting it back. It’s a small detail that makes the whole style feel more considered.

Wavy medium hair holds the twist shape particularly well. This is a nice in-between option for anyone who wants more than a basic half-up but doesn’t want a full formal updo.

Low Braided Ponytail

A low ponytail gets an upgrade when you braid the tail instead of leaving it straight. Wrap a piece of hair around the elastic to hide it, and you’ve got a clean, elevated everyday updo.

This style is forgiving on second or third-day hair since a little texture actually helps the braid hold its shape. It’s an easy one to recreate at your desk if you need a quick refresh midday.

Rope Twist Updo

Rope twists are created by twisting two sections of hair around each other repeatedly down the length, then coiling the whole thing into a bun. The texture reads more intricate than a basic twist.

Medium length hair with some layering shows off the rope pattern nicely since shorter pieces add subtle texture. This works well for both casual outings and dressier occasions depending on how polished you keep the rest.

Braided Halo With Loose Waves

Similar to the braided crown but styled with looser, beachier waves throughout the rest of the hair, this version leans more bohemian than formal. Great for outdoor weddings or festival season.

Curly and wavy hair textures are especially suited to this look since the waves complement the braid’s texture instead of competing with it. Finish with a light-hold spray to keep waves bouncy without stiffness.

Structured French Twist

The French twist is timeless for a reason. Smooth hair back, twist it vertically along the back of your head, and pin it into that classic elongated shape.

Straight or straightened hair creates the cleanest version of this updo. It’s a strong pick for black-tie events or anytime you want a look that feels instantly formal without excessive styling time.

Twisted Space Buns

Space buns get a slightly more grown-up treatment here with twisted sections instead of simple ponytails. Part hair down the middle, twist each side up, and pin into two buns.

This style has a bit of a fun, youthful energy while still looking intentional. Fine to medium hair works well since the twists don’t need excessive bulk to look full.

Braided Bun With Volume

Add a braid into the mix before forming a bun, then gently pull at the braid’s edges to loosen and add volume throughout. It softens what could otherwise be a tight, severe shape.

This is a solid choice for thick hair that tends to feel heavy in a plain bun, since the braid distributes bulk more evenly. A texturizing spray beforehand helps the loosened pieces hold their shape.

Low Side Bun

Instead of centering the bun at the nape, sweep everything to one side for a low side bun. It has an old-Hollywood glamour to it, especially when smoothed and combined with a deep side part.

This flatters most face shapes since the asymmetry draws the eye diagonally. It pairs beautifully with a bold lip or statement earring since one side of the neck stays fully visible.

Twisted Updo With Braided Accent Piece

This combines a simple twisted bun with one thin braid wrapped around the base for a decorative touch. It’s a small styling trick that makes the updo feel custom rather than basic.

Medium hair with face-framing layers looks especially good here since those shorter pieces stay loose around the face while the braid adds interest at the back.

Curly Updo With Pineapple Twist

For curly medium hair, the pineapple twist technique gathers curls high on the head in a loose, twisted knot that protects curl pattern while still looking styled and finished.

This is a fantastic low-manipulation option that keeps curls defined rather than flattened. A curl-defining cream applied before twisting helps maintain shape through humidity and movement.

Braided Updo With Ribbon Detail

Weaving a thin ribbon into a braid before coiling it into a bun adds a subtle, romantic detail that works beautifully for bridesmaids or garden party events. It’s a small touch that photographs really well.

Choose a ribbon that complements your outfit rather than competes with it. This style suits straight to wavy medium hair best, since the braid pattern stays clean and easy to follow.

Wrapped Ponytail Bun

Start with a simple ponytail, then wrap the length around the base repeatedly until it forms a neat bun shape. It’s one of the fastest updos on this list and still looks completely finished.

This is the style I default to on days I’m short on time but still want to look pulled together. It works on nearly any hair texture and holds well through a full day of errands or work.

Braided Top Knot

Braid a small section from the crown before twisting the remaining hair into a high knot, letting the braid wrap around the base of the bun as a finishing detail. It elevates a simple top knot instantly.

Medium thickness hair creates the best proportion for this style, since the bun stays substantial without becoming too heavy on top. Great for workouts that transition straight into evening plans.

Loose Updo With Face-Framing Waves

This is the most relaxed option on the list, gathering hair loosely at the back while leaving soft waves framing the face throughout. It reads effortless, like you just twisted your hair up without a second thought.

Wavy hair achieves this look most naturally, though straight hair can get there with a curling wand run through the front pieces first. It’s a favorite for daytime events and brunches.

Braided Updo With Volume At The Crown

Teasing the crown before pulling hair into a braided updo gives the whole style extra lift and dimension. It counters the flatness that can happen when hair is pulled back tightly.

This works well for fine or medium hair that tends to look limp when pulled straight back. The added volume at the crown balances the sleekness of the braid underneath.

Whichever style you land on, remember that medium length hair updos don’t need to be perfect to look good. A few loose pieces, a little texture, and some bobby pins go a long way. Try a few of these out, see which ones your hair takes to naturally, and keep the ones that make getting ready feel a little more fun.