Elegant & Easy Updo Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair

I still remember the first time I tried an updo with my medium-length hair. I was standing in front of the mirror, running late (as usual), thinking, Why does every cute hairstyle online look impossible on my hair? Too short to feel “fancy,” too long to ignore. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.

Updo hairstyles for medium length hair can feel tricky—one minute everything looks great, the next minute pieces are slipping out and you’re ready to give up and grab a hair tie. Been there. The good news? You don’t need super long hair or salon skills to pull off a beautiful updo.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy, realistic updo hairstyles for medium length hair that actually work in real life—busy mornings, last-minute events, and all. Messy, polished, casual, or elegant… we’ll cover it. Ready to finally feel confident pinning your hair up? Let’s do this.

Updo Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair

Updo hairstyles for medium length hair are stylish, practical, and easy to carry for any occasion. They give a neat, elegant look while showing off texture, layers, and volume beautifully.

Messy Low Bun

Honestly, this is the updo I reach for on days when my hair just won’t cooperate—and to be fair, that’s most days. A messy low bun on medium-length hair feels effortless but still put together, which is kind of the sweet spot, in my opinion. I usually start with second-day hair because clean hair slips too much. I loosely gather my hair at the nape, twist it once, and pin it without overthinking. The key is not trying to make it perfect. I’ve found the charm really comes from those little pieces that fall out around the ears and neck.

What I love about this style is how forgiving it is. If a pin feels wrong, I just move it. If a strand sticks out, I leave it. I’ll sometimes tug gently at the crown for softness and spray lightly so it doesn’t collapse. This bun has saved me for casual dinners, quick meetings, and even last-minute events where I had ten minutes and zero patience.

Classic French Twist

I used to think French twists were only for formal events or people who knew exactly what they were doing. Turns out, medium-length hair actually makes it easier because it doesn’t get bulky. I start by brushing everything back, then twisting upward from the nape, tucking the ends inside. Honestly, the first time I tried it, it looked awful—but after a few tries, it clicked. Bobby pins are your best friend here, and I always insert them vertically for better hold.

What makes this style timeless is how polished it looks without much effort once you get the hang of it. I’ve worn it to weddings and work events, and it always feels appropriate. In my experience, a little texture spray beforehand helps grip the hair so the twist doesn’t slide. I don’t aim for perfection anymore—I like it slightly relaxed, because that makes it feel modern rather than stiff.

Braided Crown Updo

This one feels romantic every single time I do it. I usually go for a braided crown when I want something special but not overly fancy. I part my hair slightly off-center, braid one side loosely, then wrap it over the top like a headband. Medium-length hair is perfect for this because the braid sits nicely without feeling heavy. I’ve found that looser braids look better than tight ones—it gives that soft, effortless vibe.

I pin as I go and adjust once it’s in place, pulling a few strands forward near my face. Honestly, this style always gets compliments, even when I feel like I rushed it. It works great for daytime events or even festivals. Sometimes I’ll braid both sides and pin them together at the back, depending on my mood. Either way, it always feels a little magical without trying too hard.

Low Chignon

A low chignon is my go-to when I want to feel elegant but still comfortable. I usually smooth my hair back gently, twist it into a bun at the nape, and tuck the ends underneath. The trick, I’ve learned, is not pulling the hair too tight. Medium-length hair creates a nice, compact shape without needing a ton of pins. I like to leave the front slightly loose so it doesn’t feel severe.

What I appreciate about this style is how versatile it is. I’ve worn it with sarees, dresses, and even blazers. In my opinion, a chignon looks best when it’s a little imperfect. I’ll often twist it twice, pin it, then adjust until it feels balanced. A light mist of hairspray keeps it in place without making it stiff, which is something I’m always careful about.

Twisted Half Updo

This is one of those styles I discovered by accident while running late. I take two sections from the front, twist them back, and pin them together. That’s it. Medium-length hair makes this look fuller because the twists sit nicely without disappearing. I usually curl the ends lightly beforehand, but honestly, it works even without heat.

What I love most is how easy it feels while still looking intentional. I’ve worn this to casual outings and even small functions. Sometimes I’ll add a small clip or decorative pin, sometimes not. I’ve found that twisting loosely and pinning slightly lower gives a more relaxed look. It’s the kind of hairstyle that feels like you tried, but not too hard—which is always my goal.

Textured Knot Bun

This one is for days when I want a bit of edge. I usually start by adding texture spray and lightly teasing the crown. Then I gather my hair into a low pony, knot it once or twice, and pin the ends under. Medium-length hair is perfect for this because it holds the knot shape without looking bulky. Honestly, the messier it looks, the better it turns out.

I’ve worn this style on busy days when I don’t want to fuss but still want something different from a regular bun. I’ll pull out a few strands around the face and leave them natural. In my experience, this bun looks best with casual outfits. It’s not polished, and that’s exactly why I love it—it feels modern and effortless.

Loose Romantic Updo

This is my favorite for weddings or soft evening looks. I usually curl my hair first, then loosely pin sections back, letting the curls fall naturally. Medium-length hair works beautifully here because the curls don’t weigh the style down. I don’t follow a strict pattern—I just pin where it feels right. Honestly, I treat it like controlled chaos.

What makes this style special is how soft it looks from every angle. I always leave face-framing pieces because they make the updo feel romantic rather than stiff. In my opinion, less hairspray is more here. I want movement, not a helmet. Every time I wear this, I feel feminine and relaxed, even if it took me a few tries to get there.

Sleek Low Pony Updo

I know a ponytail doesn’t always sound like an updo, but trust me, a sleek low pony absolutely counts. I smooth my hair back, part it cleanly, and secure it low at the nape. Then I wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it. Medium-length hair gives this style a clean, balanced look without extra bulk.

I turn to this style when I want something modern and confident. It works especially well for professional settings. I’ve found that a bit of serum helps keep flyaways down without making the hair greasy. To me, this pony feels powerful yet simple, and it’s one of those styles that looks better the less you overthink it.

Braided Low Bun

This updo combines two of my favorites—braids and buns. I usually braid my hair first, loosely, then wrap it into a low bun. Medium-length hair makes this manageable without needing extensions. I like keeping the braid relaxed so the bun doesn’t look too tight or formal.

What I enjoy about this style is how secure it feels. Once it’s pinned, it stays put. I’ve worn it for long events without worrying about it falling apart. In my experience, pulling gently on the braid before wrapping it adds volume. It’s a beautiful option when you want detail without too much effort.

Soft Curly Updo

This is my comfort updo—the one I wear when I want to feel like myself. I start with loose curls, then pin sections back gently, keeping everything soft. Medium-length hair curls beautifully and holds shape without needing too much product. I don’t aim for symmetry; I aim for softness.

What makes this style special is how natural it feels. I leave curls around the face and let them move freely. Honestly, it never looks the same twice, and I like that. It’s perfect for evenings, celebrations, or days when I just want my hair to feel light and pretty without being overdone.

Tips to Make Updos Last All Day

A well-done updo should stay neat and comfortable from morning to night. With the right preparation, products, and techniques, you can keep your updo looking fresh and secure all day long.

• Proper pinning techniques: Use bobby pins that match your hair color and insert them in a crisscross (X) shape for better hold. Secure sections in small parts instead of pinning everything at once to avoid loosening.

• Choosing the right hair products: Apply a light mousse or texturizing spray before styling to add grip. Avoid heavy creams that can make the hair slippery and cause the updo to fall.

• Setting the style with hairspray: Finish with a light-to-medium hold hairspray, spraying from a distance. Focus on the roots and pinned areas to lock the style without making it stiff.