22 Updo Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair for Every Event

Medium length hair offers incredible versatility for styling. It provides enough length for intricate designs while remaining manageable for quick transitions.

Finding the right style can transform your entire look. Whether attending a gala or a casual brunch, these options provide the perfect balance of elegance and ease.

Explore these stunning choices to find your next signature look. These designs cater to various textures and skill levels for a flawless finish every time.

1. The Classic Chignon

The classic chignon is a timeless choice that sits gracefully at the nape of the neck. It relies on a smooth finish and a tucked-under technique that hides the ends of your hair perfectly.

This style is ideal for formal gatherings or professional settings where a polished appearance is paramount. It creates a silhouette that is both sophisticated and understated, allowing your outfit to shine.

To achieve this, use a smoothing serum to tame flyaways before rolling the hair into a low coil. Secure it firmly with U-shaped pins to ensure the structure remains stable throughout the event.

2. Twisted French Roll

The French roll is a vertical updo that screams Parisian chic. It involves sweeping the hair to one side and pinning it before rolling the rest back over the pins.

Medium length hair is actually the easiest to work with for this specific style. You have enough length to create the roll without having excessive bulk that makes pinning difficult.

Spritz a light-hold hairspray on your palms and smooth them over the sides to keep the look sleek. A decorative comb can be tucked into the seam for an extra touch of glamour.

3. Bohemian Braided Crown

A braided crown circles the head like a natural tiara, offering an ethereal and romantic vibe. It works beautifully with medium hair as the braids meet perfectly at the back.

This look is a favorite for outdoor festivals or daytime celebrations. It keeps the hair away from the face while maintaining a soft, textured appearance that looks effortless.

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Gently pull at the loops of the braid once finished to add volume and a slightly “undone” feel. This pancake technique makes the braids look thicker and more substantial on medium-length strands.

4. The Messy Low Bun

The messy low bun is the ultimate solution for a quick yet stylish transition. It embraces natural texture and intentional stray pieces to create a relaxed, modern aesthetic.

You can wear this style to the gym, the office, or even a dinner date. It is highly adaptable and takes less than five minutes to execute with just a hair tie and two pins.

Use a texturizing spray before styling to give your hair the necessary grip. This prevents the bun from sliding down and adds the “grit” needed for that perfect lived-in look.

5. Sleek High Ballet Bun

A high ballet bun sits at the crown of the head, creating an elongated neck silhouette. It is a powerful look that feels clean, sharp, and very intentional.

This hairstyle works exceptionally well for events where you want to showcase high necklines or statement earrings. It pulls the hair back tightly, highlighting the facial structure beautifully.

Apply a high-shine pomade or gel to the roots before brushing the hair upward. This ensures a mirror-like finish and keeps every strand in place for hours.

6. The Gibson Tuck

The Gibson tuck is a vintage-inspired style that involves tucking the length of the hair into a pocket created above a low ponytail. It is deceptively simple but looks highly intricate.

It offers a soft, rounded shape that frames the back of the head beautifully. This style is perfect for those who want a secure updo that doesn’t feel overly tight.

You can use an elastic headband as a base to wrap the hair around for extra security. This technique helps beginners achieve the tuck without the hair slipping out of place.

7. Triple Twisted Bun

This style involves dividing the hair into three equal sections at the nape and twisting each into a small mini-bun. The result is a unique, textured row of knots.

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It provides a modern twist on the standard low bun and works great for medium hair that might be too thick for a single knot. It distributes the weight evenly across the head.

Secure each mini-bun with small clear elastics before pinning them close together. This ensures that even if one pin loosens, the overall structure of the updo remains intact.

8. Dutch Braid Halo

The Dutch braid halo uses an inverted braiding technique where the strands cross under rather than over. This makes the braid pop out and sit on top of the hair.

This style is excellent for active events where you need your hair to stay completely out of your way. It is sturdy, stylish, and stays put through movement.

Finish the ends of the braids and tuck them underneath the starting point to hide the elastics. A few strategically placed pins will make the circle look seamless and continuous.

9. Waterfall Braid Into a Bun

This hybrid style begins with a delicate waterfall braid across the back of the head. The remaining lengths are then gathered into a soft, side-swept bun.

It is a very romantic look that works well for weddings or garden parties. The cascading strands of the waterfall braid add a layer of visual interest to the side profile.

Use a curling iron on the ends before pinning them into the bun to add extra dimension. This creates a fuller look for those with finer medium-length hair.

10. The Bubble Updo

The bubble updo uses multiple elastics to create “bubbles” of hair that are then pinned against the head. It is a high-fashion look that is surprisingly easy to DIY.

This style is perfect for those who enjoy a more architectural and modern aesthetic. It provides a lot of volume and height without requiring much teasing or backcombing.

Use clear elastics to keep the focus on the hair shapes themselves. Tug the sides of each “bubble” outward to maximize the volume before pinning them into a cluster.

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11. Side-Swept French Braid

A side-swept French braid begins at one temple and travels diagonally down to the opposite ear. The tail is then tucked into a small, elegant coil.

This asymmetrical look is very flattering and adds a sense of movement to the hair. It is a great way to manage layers that might otherwise fall out of a standard updo.

Keep the braid slightly loose to maintain a soft appearance. If you have shorter layers around the face, let them fall naturally to create a face-framing effect.

12. The Knotted Mohawk

The knotted mohawk consists of several small buns or knots lined up from the crown to the nape. It offers an edgy, bold look while remaining technically an updo.

This is a fantastic choice for a night out or a concert where you want something unique. It keeps the hair off the neck but adds height and drama to the top.

Ensure each knot is centered perfectly for a symmetrical look. Use a strong-hold hairspray on the sides of the head to keep the profile sleek and tight.

13. Tucked Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid uses two strands to create an intricate, woven pattern. Once the braid is finished, the tail is folded up and pinned underneath itself at the nape.

This style highlights the highlights and lowlights in your hair color beautifully. It looks much more complicated than it actually is, making it a great “cheat” for fancy events.

For medium hair, a thicker fishtail looks best, so don’t pull the strands too tight. A looser weave makes the final tucked bun look more substantial and textured.

14. Wrapped Low Ponytail Bun

This style starts as a standard low ponytail, but a section of hair is left out. The ponytail is bunned, and the remaining section is wrapped around the base.

The wrap covers the elastic and adds a professional, polished finish to a simple bun. It is a great “desk-to-dinner” hairstyle that takes minimal effort.

Make sure the wrapping section is smoothed with a bit of wax or pomade. This prevents any stray hairs from sticking out and ruining the clean lines of the wrap.

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15. The Scarf-Woven Updo

Incorporating a silk scarf into your updo adds a pop of color and extra volume. You simply braid the scarf into your hair and then pin the entire braid into a bun.

This is a fantastic summer style that protects the hair while looking incredibly chic. It can turn a simple low bun into a statement piece for your outfit.

Choose a scarf made of lightweight material so it doesn’t add too much weight. Secure the scarf to your initial ponytail elastic so it doesn’t slide as you braid.

16. Volume-Heavy Beehive

The beehive focuses on volume at the back of the crown, reminiscent of 60s glamour. The ends of the medium-length hair are tucked neatly at the nape.

This style is perfect for events where you want a “va-va-voom” effect. It works best on hair that hasn’t been washed for a day or two, as it has more natural grip.

Backcomb the crown section in small layers and smooth the top layer over the “nest.” Use plenty of firm-hold spray to keep the height consistent throughout the night.

17. The Double Rope Twist

Rope twists involve twisting two strands of hair in one direction and then wrapping them around each other in the opposite direction. Two of these are then pinned at the back.

This creates a very sturdy and rope-like texture that looks very different from a standard braid. It is a quick way to add visual complexity to your updo.

Rope twists are less likely to “frizz” out than standard braids on medium hair. They provide a very clean and defined look that stays looking sharp for hours.

18. Faux Hawk with Curls

By pinning the sides of your hair tightly and leaving a strip of curls down the center, you create a soft faux hawk. This uses the natural bounce of medium hair to its advantage.

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This is a great way to showcase natural curls or waves without letting them hang loose. It is fun, energetic, and very stylish for social gatherings.

Use large bobby pins that match your hair color to secure the sides. This ensures the “hawk” part of the hair remains the primary focus of the look.

19. The Petal Bun

The petal bun involves creating several small loops of hair and pinning them in a circular pattern. The result looks like a blooming flower at the back of the head.

It is an incredibly elegant choice for weddings or formal portraits. The loops add a level of softness and femininity that a standard round bun lacks.

This style works best if the hair is pre-curled, as the ends will naturally tuck into the “petals.” Use a shine spray at the end to make the loops look healthy and radiant.

20. Relaxed Half-Up Top Knot

While technically a “half” updo, this style focuses the volume at the top. It keeps the hair out of the eyes while allowing the medium length to show at the back.

This is the quintessential “cool girl” look for casual outings. It works on straight, wavy, or curly hair and requires very little precision to look good.

Secure the top section with a small elastic and then wrap the hair around it loosely. Don’t worry about it being perfect; the charm of this look is its casual nature.

21. Criss-Cross Low Bun

This style features sections of hair from the sides that cross over the top of a pre-made bun. It creates an “X” pattern that adds a professional touch to the style.

It is very effective for hiding hair ties and making the updo look more integrated. It also helps to pull back shorter side layers that might otherwise fall out.

Cross the sections tightly and pin them underneath the bun so the pins are invisible. This gives the appearance that the hair is magically holding itself in place.

22. The Double Space Buns

Space buns involve two symmetrical buns on either side of the head, usually positioned high. They are playful, youthful, and full of personality.

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For medium hair, these buns are often the perfect size—not too small, but not so large that they become heavy. They are a staple for festivals and creative events.

Ensure your middle part is straight to keep the look balanced. If you want a more “grown-up” version, place the buns lower at the nape of the neck instead.

What is the best way to secure medium length hair?

Using a combination of hair elastics for the base and U-shaped pins for the bulk is usually most effective. Elastics provide the necessary tension, while U-pins allow you to “sew” the hair into place for a more natural look.

Can I do an updo on fine hair?

Yes, fine hair can look voluminous in an updo if you use the right prep products. Texturizing sprays and dry shampoos add the necessary “bulk” and “grip” to keep pins from sliding out and to make buns look larger.

How do I make my updo last all day?

Preparation is key; start with “second-day” hair or use a sea salt spray to add texture. Finish the look with a high-quality hairspray, and carry a few extra bobby pins in your bag for quick touch-ups.

Are updos possible for layered medium hair?

Layers can actually add beautiful texture to an updo, though they require more pins. Braided styles or “tucked” styles are best for layers, as the weaving action helps lock shorter pieces into the main structure.

What tools are essential for these styles?

You should have a fine-tooth comb for teasing, a boar-bristle brush for smoothing, clear elastics, and plenty of bobby pins. A handheld mirror is also helpful to check the back of your head as you work.

Can I create these looks without heat?

Absolutely, many of these styles rely on braiding and twisting rather than curls. If you want a textured look without heat, try braiding your damp hair overnight and styling the resulting waves the next morning.