Easy Updos For Medium-Length Hair

If you’ve been staring at your reflection thinking your hair is too short for a proper updo haircut but too long to just leave it out, you’re in good company. Medium-length hair sits in that awkward sweet spot where a lot of people give up and reach for a low ponytail.

But there are actually some really lovely options available, and most of them take under ten minutes. In this article, we walk you through practical updo ideas that work well for medium-length hair. Let’s discuss.

Why Medium Hair Works So Well for Updos

Medium-length hair, roughly collarbone to shoulder length, has a lot going for it. It’s long enough to pin up but short enough that it doesn’t weigh itself down. Hair do medium length styles tend to hold their shape better than very long hair, which can get heavy and fall out of place by midday.

The best thing about medium hair is that it responds really well to texture. A bit of dry shampoo or texturising spray gives you grip, which means your pins and elastics actually stay put. If you have fine hair, this step makes a real difference since it adds body and makes the sections of your hair feel thicker and easier to work with.

How to Do the Classic Messy Bun

The messy bun is probably the easiest hair updos for medium hair to pull off. It looks relaxed but still put-together, and it suits most occasions.​

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with second-day hair or apply dry shampoo at the roots for added volume
2. Gather all your hair and secure it into a ponytail at whatever height you like ( low, mid, or high)
3. Twist the ponytail loosely, then wrap it around the base
4. Use bobby pins to secure it, tucking in any loose ends
5. Pull gently at the bun to loosen it up and give it that lived-in shape
6. Leave a few pieces out around your face if you want a softer look​

Don’t stress about making it perfect. The messier the better, honestly. Messy updos for medium length hair look best when they have a bit of movement and aren’t too stiff.

How to Do the French Twist

The French twist is one of those styles that looks much harder than it is. It works well for updo hairstyles shoulder length hair because you don’t need a lot of extra length to pull it off.​

Steps:

1. Brush your hair back and gather it into a low ponytail without securing it
2. Twist the ponytail upward in one direction until it naturally wants to fold back against your head
3. Tuck the ends in and use bobby pins along the length of the twist to hold it flat against your head
4. Leave the top section slightly loose for a softer finish​

French twists are great for more formal occasions. Think work presentations, weddings, or a dinner out. They also pair really well with a statement earring since the style exposes your neck and jaw.

If you’re not sure which updo suits your face shape, it’s worth reading Updo Hairstyles: Best Updos for Every Face Shape before committing to a style.

How to Do the Twisted Half-Up

This one sits between a full updo and wearing your hair down. It’s casual enough for everyday but a step up from a plain ponytail.

1. Take a section of hair from each side of your head ( roughly the top third)
2. Twist each section toward the back of your head
3. Join both twists together in the centre and secure with a hair tie or a couple of bobby pins
4. Leave the rest of your hair down. You can leave it straight or add a few loose waves​

This messy twisted look works really well for long hair or medium length alike, and it’s one of those updo ideas that takes about two minutes flat. It also works well when you’re growing out a shorter cut.

For those who’ve recently had a shorter style and are transitioning back to length, or are curious about cuts that sit between short and medium, the Bixie Haircut: A Complete Guide to This Trendy Style is worth a read.

Low Chignon

A chignon is just a low bun at the nape of your neck . The name sounds fancier than the style actually is. It’s polished and works for both casual and formal settings.

1. Tie your hair into a low ponytail
2. Lightly tease the ponytail for a bit of texture
3. Twist it and coil it around the base, tucking the ends under
4. Secure with bobby pins all the way around
5. Smooth the top of your hair with a light hold spray​

This style is great for people with fine hair because you can add texture and volume to the ponytail before you coil it, which makes the final bun look fuller. A quick spritz of hairspray keeps flyaways in check without making it look overdone.

If your medium-length hair has had a recent trim or blow-wave, a chignon is one of the best styles to show off the shape of your cut. Our team offers a professional Haircut and Blow Wave Service that sets your hair up perfectly for styles like this one.

Short-Haired Tips for Updos

If you’re short haired or transitioning from a shorter cut, some of these styles might need a bit of adaptation. A few things that help:

• Use smaller sections of your hair when twisting or pinning as this gives you more control
• Try a half-up style instead of a full updo until your hair gains more length
• Clip-in extensions can help for a special occasion if you want a fuller look​

Not every updo suits every hair length, but the half-up twist and the pinned-back messy style both work well even with shorter layers at the back.

A Few Things That Make a Difference

You don’t need a huge kit to get these styles right. Here’s what actually helps:

• Bobby pins: stock up, because you’ll lose them constantly. Use pin the same colour as your hair for a neater finish
• Dry shampoo or texturising spray: It makes grip much better, especially for fine or freshly washed hair
• A light-hold hairspray: It keeps everything in place without making your hair stiff
• A fine-tooth comb: It is useful for smoothing the top of a chignon or French twist​

If you want to add a side fringe to complement your updo, or just shake up your look a little, Side-Swept Fringe Haircut: A Flattering Style for All Faces is a great resource on how that works across different face shapes.

In Conclusion

Hair updos for medium hair don’t have to be complicated. Start with one style. The messy bun is the most forgiving so you can build from there. The more you practise, the quicker it gets. Most people find that after doing the same style three or four times, it takes half the time.

And if you’ve been going back and forth on whether to do sections of your hair differently, add layers, or try something new altogether, sometimes the easiest thing is to just book in with a stylist and talk it through.

Ready for a fresh updo haircut? Book your appointment here and our experts will ensure you walk out with a style that actually works for you.