17 Up Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair from Buns to Soft Chignons

Medium-length hair offers the perfect balance of versatility and manageability. It provides enough length for intricate styles without the weight of extremely long locks.

Finding the right updo can instantly elevate your daily look or complete a formal ensemble. These styles range from effortless buns to sophisticated, polished chignons.

Whether you have fine strands or thick texture, these options provide endless inspiration. Explore these 17 styles designed specifically to make the most of your mid-length hair.

1. The Classic Low Chignon

The classic low chignon is the epitome of timeless elegance. This style sits at the nape of the neck, creating a clean silhouette that works for any professional or social setting.

To achieve this look, gather your hair into a low ponytail and loop it through itself or around a hair donut. Secure the ends with U-shaped pins to maintain a soft, rounded shape.

This style is particularly effective for medium hair because it utilizes the natural volume without requiring extensions. It keeps the hair secure and polished throughout the busiest days.

2. Messy High Bun

The messy high bun is a staple for those seeking a relaxed yet intentional aesthetic. It provides a playful lift to the face while keeping hair away from the neck.

Flip your head upside down and gather hair at the crown before securing with an elastic. Pull small sections loose around the hairline to create a soft, lived-in feel.

This style thrives on texture, so consider using a sea salt spray before styling. It is the perfect choice for a casual weekend or a focused workout session.

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3. Braided Crown Updo

A braided crown updo transforms medium hair into a regal masterpiece. By weaving sections around the head, you create a built-in accessory that looks complex but remains sturdy.

Divide your hair into two sections and create traditional braids on each side. Wrap them over the top of your head and pin the ends discreetly behind the opposite ear.

This look is ideal for outdoor events where wind might be a factor. The braided structure keeps every strand in place while offering a romantic, ethereal vibe.

4. French Twist with a Modern Flare

The French twist is a sophisticated staple that has been reimagined for modern sensibilities. It involves sweeping the hair to one side and tucking it into a vertical roll.

For medium-length hair, use a large claw clip or decorative pins to secure the twist. Leaving a few face-framing pieces out helps soften the traditional rigidity of the style.

This hairstyle is excellent for adding perceived length and height to your profile. It works beautifully for weddings, galas, or high-stakes business meetings where confidence is key.

5. Sleek Ballerina Bun

The sleek ballerina bun focuses on precision and a high-shine finish. It is a minimalist choice that highlights your facial features and creates a very tidy appearance.

Use a fine-tooth comb and a light-hold gel to smooth the hair back into a mid-height ponytail. Twist the hair tightly and coil it around the base until it forms a perfect circle.

This updo is perfect for those who prefer a “clean girl” aesthetic or need a snag-free style. It remains one of the most reliable options for medium-length hair.

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6. Tucked French Braid

The tucked French braid is a clever way to hide the ends of your hair while creating beautiful texture. It starts as a standard braid and finishes as an elegant roll.

Braid your hair down the center of the back until you reach the ends. Take the tail of the braid, fold it underneath itself, and pin it at the nape.

This style provides a secure hold that lasts for hours without needing adjustments. It is a fantastic option for active days or professional environments where you want to look put-together.

7. Loose Romantic Side Bun

A loose romantic side bun offers an asymmetrical look that is both soft and flattering. By shifting the focus to one side, you create a gentle frame for the jawline.

Gather your hair behind one ear and twist it into a loose, airy coil. Use decorative pins or flowers to secure the bun and add an extra touch of personality.

This style works exceptionally well with wavy or curly hair textures. It embraces natural frizz and flyaways, turning them into part of the effortless, romantic charm.

8. Double Space Buns

Double space buns are a fun and youthful way to style medium-length hair. They provide a balanced, symmetrical look that is increasingly popular in street-style fashion.

Part your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails on either side of the crown. Wrap each section into a small bun and secure them with colorful elastics or pins.

These buns are practical for keeping hair completely out of the way while showing off your personality. They are a go-to choice for festivals or casual creative gatherings.

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9. The Gibson Tuck

The Gibson tuck is a vintage-inspired style that looks far more complicated than it actually is. It involves creating a “pocket” of hair at the nape of the neck.

Place a headband over your hair or use a low ponytail base to create a gap. Tuck the length of your hair into the gap until all the ends are hidden.

This updo is perfect for medium hair because the length is just right for filling the tuck without being bulky. it radiates an air of classic, understated sophistication.

10. Twisted Halo Updo

The twisted halo updo is a great alternative for those who find braiding difficult. It uses simple twists to create a beautiful, textured ring around the head.

Take two sections from the front of your hairline and twist them back, adding more hair as you go. Secure the two twists together at the back into a small bun.

This style is excellent for highlighting highlights or multidimensional hair color. It provides a soft, feminine look that transitions easily from day to night.

11. Knotted Low Bun

A knotted low bun uses the hair itself to create a unique structural element. Instead of a simple coil, the hair is literally knotted to provide visual interest.

Separate your hair into two sections at the nape and tie them together as you would a shoelace. Secure the remaining ends around the knot with bobby pins.

This style is perfect for medium hair because it doesn’t require excessive bulk to look intricate. It offers a modern, architectural feel to a standard low updo.

12. Bubble Braided Bun

The bubble braided bun combines the trendy “bubble” look with the security of a traditional bun. It adds significant volume to the back of the head.

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Create a ponytail and place small elastics every few inches down the length, pulling the hair out to create bubbles. Coil this textured strand into a bun.

This is an ideal solution for those with thinner medium-length hair who want more volume. The “bubbles” create the illusion of thickness and complex layering.

13. Dutch Braid into Chignon

Combining a Dutch braid with a chignon adds a 3D element to your hairstyle. The inverted braid sits on top of the hair, leading directly into a polished bun.

Start a Dutch braid at the hairline and continue until you reach the nape of the neck. Roll the remaining hair into a smooth chignon and pin it securely.

This style is particularly striking because of the contrast between the textured braid and the smooth bun. It is a popular choice for bridesmaids or formal parties.

14. Waterfall Twist Side Bun

The waterfall twist side bun brings a sense of movement to an “all-up” hairstyle. It uses cascading twists that lead the eye toward a clustered side bun.

Begin twisting hair from one temple across the back of the head, dropping small sections to create a waterfall effect. Gather everything into a bun on the opposite side.

This look is sophisticated and detailed, making it perfect for photography. It showcases the shine and health of medium-length hair from every possible angle.

15. Low Twisted Chignon

The low twisted chignon is a variation of the classic that adds more texture and grip. It involves twisting two large sections of hair before forming the bun.

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Divide your hair into two equal parts and twist them toward each other. Intertwine these two twists at the nape and pin them into a flat, wide chignon.

This version of the chignon is very sturdy and less likely to slip during the day. It provides a contemporary twist on a very traditional hair silhouette.

16. Voluminous Top Bun with Bangs

A voluminous top bun is the perfect way to showcase bangs or fringe. It draws the eyes upward and creates a sense of height and drama.

Gather the bulk of your hair at the very top of your head, leaving your bangs free. Use a “hair donut” or backcombing to ensure the bun looks full and round.

This style is particularly helpful for balancing rounder face shapes. It is a bold, fashionable choice that works for both high-end events and casual outings.

17. The Twisted Pompadour Updo

The twisted pompadour updo adds volume at the front for a high-fashion, edgy look. It combines a lifted top section with a sleek, pinned-back rear.

Tease the front section of your hair to create height and pin it back. Gather the remaining hair into a series of small, vertical twists at the back of the head.

This hairstyle is a fantastic way to experiment with a more architectural shape. It is a powerful look that conveys confidence and a keen sense of style.

How do I make an updo stay in medium hair?

The secret to longevity is using the right “grip.” Start with hair that isn’t freshly washed, or use a dry shampoo or texturizing spray to give the pins something to hold onto. Always “lock” your bobby pins by crossing them in an “X” shape for maximum security.

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Are chignons better for formal events?

Chignons are traditionally viewed as more formal than buns because they are pinned at the nape and often have a smoother finish. However, a messy chignon can be casual, just as a sleek high bun can be very formal. The finish of the hair determines the formality more than the position.

Can I do these on curly hair?

Absolutely, as curly hair often has the perfect natural “grip” for updos. You may find that you need fewer pins because the texture prevents the hair from sliding out. Focus on loose, romantic versions of these styles to embrace your natural curl pattern.

What tools do I need for a bun?

At a minimum, you will need a high-quality hair elastic, several bobby pins, and U-shaped hair pins for the bun itself. For a more polished look, a fine-tooth comb, a boar bristle brush, and a flexible-hold hairspray are essential for smoothing down flyaways.

How do I add volume to thin medium hair?

To make updos look fuller, try using a hair donut or padding inside the bun. You can also “pancake” your braids—gently pulling the loops of the braid outward—to make them appear twice as thick. Backcombing the roots before styling also adds necessary lift.

Is a chignon the same as a bun?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a bun is usually a coil of hair wrapped around itself at any height. A chignon specifically refers to a style pinned at the nape of the neck, often involving more complex tucking or folding techniques.