Medium Hair? These 20 Updos Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Did you know that medium-length hair is considered the most versatile hair length, yet many people struggle to style it beyond basic ponytails? If you’ve found yourself stuck in a styling rut with your shoulder-length locks, you’re not alone. The challenge isn’t a lack of options—it’s knowing which updos actually work for your hair type and lifestyle.

This guide features 20 medium hair updos designed for every occasion, from Monday morning meetings to weekend celebrations. You’ll discover techniques for layered hair, natural texture, and freshly washed strands, complete with clear instructions for all skill levels. Whether you need a five-minute style or an elaborate weekend look, these updos will expand your styling confidence and help you make the most of your medium-length hair.

Low Bun Updo With Soft Romantic Waves

When searching for the perfect balance between elegance and effortless style, a low bun updo with soft romantic waves delivers exactly what medium-length hair needs.

Smart prep techniques include curling sections with a flat iron, adding root teasing for volume, and securing twists with invisible pins.

Thoughtful accessory selection, like donut bun supports and strategic hairspray layers, creates a flawless finish ideal for weddings and special events.

Messy Low Bun Updo With Blonde Highlights

Mastering the art of a messy low bun updo with blonde highlights transforms medium-length hair into a stunning statement piece that effortlessly blends sophistication with relaxed charm.

Strategic highlight placement enhances dimension, while gentle tugging creates volume that showcases lighter tones beautifully.

The twisted, pinned sections work perfectly with blonde maintenance routines, and face-framing tendrils add softness. Texture spray amplifies movement, making highlights pop with dimensional depth.

Knotted Low Bun Secured With Bobby Pins

While blonde highlights create beautiful dimension in loose styles, a knotted low bun offers an equally alluring option.

It showcases the natural texture and movement of medium-length hair through an intricate yet surprisingly simple technique.

• Back-comb at the nape before sectioning for enhanced grip
• Tie ponytail sections together like shoelaces, creating decorative knots
• Master pin placement by sliding bobby pins from bun’s exterior toward scalp
• Consider elastic alternatives through strategic knotting and secure tucking

Slicked-Back Updo With Loose Messy Ends

The slicked-back updo with loose messy ends combines polished sophistication with playful, carefree texture, making it perfect for both elegant events and casual outings. Scalp prep begins with sectioning hair from ears to bun placement using a tail comb.

Product selection matters—choose hair oil for sleekness and flyaway cream for refinement. Secure with an elastic band, then manipulate loose ends for dimension, creating customizable messiness that feels effortlessly chic.

French Twist Half-Updo From Both Sides

Creating a French twist half-updo from both sides delivers an elegant, romantic look that works beautifully for weddings, date nights, or any occasion requiring polished charm.

This symmetrical twist creates stunning face framing while keeping hair secure.

• Section top hair from ears to crown for perfect half-up separation
• Twist right-side section and wrap toward center, pinning securely
• Repeat with left side for balanced, symmetrical design
• Insert bobby pins with the zig-zag side down for maximum grip and hold
• Finish with hairspray for lasting hold

Mohawk Braid Half-Updo With Loose Curls

Combining edgy appeal with romantic texture, a mohawk braid half-updo with loose curls transforms medium-length hair into a show-stopping style perfect for festivals, parties, or casual weekends with friends.

Dutch braiding creates the signature center section, crossing outside strands under the middle for dimensional edge styling.

Stretching the braid afterward adds gorgeous texture, while messy buns at the crown complete the look, making accessory pairing effortless and fun. For those with naturally curly hair, working with whole curls instead of breaking them apart helps minimize frizz and maintains your hair’s natural texture throughout the style.

This versatile half-up approach works beautifully with straight, wavy, or curly textures, adapting seamlessly to your hair’s natural movement.

Half-Up Updo With Mini-Bouffant Volume

Perfect for date nights, brunch gatherings, or elegant celebrations, a half-up updo with mini-bouffant volume brings retro glamour to medium-length hair.

It uses surprisingly simple techniques.

Creating Your Bouffant:

• Section hair at the crown, leaving front fringe down for a flattering frame
• Master the teasing technique by backcombing from mid-strand toward roots for height
• Focus on strategic padding placement to support volume throughout wear
• Secure with bobby pins and hairspray for lasting hold

Mini Bouffant Updo for Sophisticated Events

When special occasions call for sophisticated styling, the mini bouffant updo delivers timeless elegance that works beautifully on medium-length hair.

Begin by teasing roots at the crown, creating volume that forms the signature bump.

Secure the bouffant with bobby pins, then gather remaining hair into a low twisted roll.

Enhance with vintage accessories for classic charm, and finish with hairspray for a textured finish that lasts all evening.

Micro Braids Top Knot Updo With Flowing Strands

Transforming medium hair into an eye-catching masterpiece becomes effortless with the micro braids top knot updo, a style that strikes the perfect balance between polished and playful.

This versatile creation combines structured braiding with relaxed, flowing strands that frame the face beautifully.

• Secure with satin wraps for sleep protection overnight
• Apply lightweight oils for essential scalp hydration
• Adjust messiness levels for different occasions
• Complete styling in under five minutes

High Cornrow Updo for Maximum Impact

While flowing strands offer softness and romance, cornrows deliver bold structure that commands attention from every angle.

This protective style begins with four-quadrant parting, using color-coded clips to track each section’s braiding direction toward the crown center.

Triangle-shaped parts prevent hair shortage at edges. Installation timing requires patience, though the maintenance schedule stays minimal.

Finish with a sleek sock bun, adding extensions for dramatic height and event-ready elegance.

Crown Braid Updo for Medium-Length Hair

Mastering the crown braid updo transforms medium-length hair into an elegant masterpiece that works beautifully for both casual outings and special celebrations.

This innovative style features strategic braid placement that wraps around the head, creating stunning dimension while ensuring neckline compatibility for various outfit choices.

• Section hair and apply volumizing powder for incredible lift
• Dutch braid from temple using under-crossing technique
• Interlock braids by pulling one through the other’s gap
• Pancake edges and secure with bobby pins for fullness

Braided Band Wrapped Around Messy Bun Updo

Building on crown braid elegance, the braided band wrapped around a messy bun updo offers a relaxed yet polished alternative that combines structured braiding with carefree texture.

Create a three-strand braid, pinch sections for volume, then wrap it around your gathered bun.

Elastic concealment happens naturally when tucking braid ends underneath. Pin techniques involve securing through braid centers and edges, transforming everyday hair into something special.

Double Knot Updo for Thick Medium Hair

When thick medium hair needs a stunning updo that showcases its natural volume,

the double knot technique delivers both elegance and practicality in one delightful package.

• Knot placement begins at the nape, crossing sections like shoelaces
• Texture embrace allows natural waves without brushing
• Bobby pins secure tucked ends invisibly
• Gel creates sleek finish for polished occasions

This innovative style transforms everyday hair into something extraordinary, offering versatility for any celebration.

Twisted Ponytail Bun Updo in Minutes

As busy mornings demand quick solutions without sacrificing style, the twisted ponytail bun updo emerges as a perfect answer for medium-length hair.

This stunning look combines speedy techniques like rope twists and strategic sectioning to create dimension and fullness.

Start by texturizing the ponytail, then twist sections outward before wrapping them into an elegant bun.

Perfect accessory pairings include decorative pins or delicate hair jewels for extra sparkle.

Messy No-Curl Twisted Updo With Bobby Pins

Creating an effortless yet polished look becomes surprisingly simple.

with this messy no-curl twisted updo that relies on strategic bobby pin placement rather than heat styling tools.

Essential techniques include:

• Dividing hair into sections from top to bottom, twisting while gradually incorporating more strands
• Weaving closed bobby pins through bun edges for maximum hold
• Pinching and pulling secured twists upward to create volume
• Wrapping finger-rolled sections around elastic concealment points

Triple-Knot Updo for Extra Thick Hair

Taming extra thick hair becomes a delightful challenge with this triple-knot updo, a style that transforms abundant volume into a stunning architectural masterpiece.

Divide hair into three equal sections, securing each ponytail at matching heights for perfect anchor placement.

Cross and twist sections together, creating an intricate triple knot structure while maintaining steady tension management. Secure with bobby pins, then fluff and pull strategically for texture, achieving this showstopping look in under ten minutes.

French Roll Updo With Statement Hair Brooch

While thick hair commands bold structural designs, medium-length locks shine with elegant simplicity through the timeless French roll updo.

This versatile style transforms everyday looks into polished elegance within minutes, perfect for weddings, work, or date nights.

Essential styling elements:

• Brooch placement at the crown adds sophisticated flair
• Metal contrast against hair color creates visual interest
• 5-6 bobby pins secure the twist from bottom to top
• Face-framing pieces soften the finished look beautifully

Sleek Formal Updo for Weddings and Proms

For special occasions that demand picture-perfect hair, the sleek formal updo delivers timeless sophistication with a polished, smooth finish that photographs beautifully under any lighting. This elegant style begins with a topsy tail technique, then transforms into a refined bun with twisted side sections.

Strategic accessory placement, like pearl-adorned bobby pins, adds subtle glamour, while thoughtful neckline pairings with halter or high-neck dresses showcase this stunning look’s clean lines perfectly.

Gathered Curls Updo for School Dances

The gathered curls updo brings a youthful, spirited energy perfect for school dances and recital performances where young dancers want polished hair without the formality of a complete updo.

This versatile half-up style combines bouncy curls with a secure high ponytail, creating movement while keeping hair controlled.

• Apply heat protection before curling bottom sections away from face
• Secure smoothed temple hair at crown with elastic
• Curl ponytail sections thoroughly for styling longevity
• Finish with stronghold hairspray to maintain shape

Pull-Through Ponytail Updo in 15 Minutes

When time runs short before a special event, this pull-through ponytail updo delivers an intricate, braided appearance in just fifteen minutes.

Quick Techniques include splitting ponytails in half, weaving sections over and under, then securing with clear elastics.

Tool Choices matter: grab a rat tail comb, spray bottle, and hairspray.

Pancake each section by gently tugging edges, creating gorgeous volume and dimension throughout.