45 Trendy Updo Hairstyles For Medium Length Hair

Searching for new updo hairstyles for medium length hair? You might think that medium hair would be more difficult to maneuver into a fancy updo, but you will be surprised. From buns to knots to braids and twists and even ponytails, there is no limit to the number of updo hairstyles for medium length hair. Curls and waves will add more volume, while straight hair will slick back without a hitch. Highlights and streaks make for a fun, playful edge in a classic updo.

Updo With Loose Curls

by @elstile

If you love romantic hairdos from classic Hollywood or Jane Austen films, you will adore this dreamy look. If you wish, you can adorn it with flowers or ribbons to make it appear even more elegant.

Twisted Updo for Thin Hair

by @heidimariegarrett

The twisted updo, artfully created by Heidi Villa, is an exquisite choice for medium-length, thin hair. It showcases understated elegance with each twist and turn, offering a look of intricate sophistication that's surprisingly simple to achieve.

Heidi Villa's Insight: "This updo only took about 15 minutes and incorporated one of my favorite updo secrets... hair mesh." Perfect for adding volume and structure, this style is a quick, fashionable solution for special occasions

Elegant Twisted Bun

by @sasha__esenina

This sleek bun works great for an evening out or special event as it is extremely stylish and sophisticated.

Copper Crown Braid with Green Highlights

by @lettileipuri

A fiery copper crown braid interwoven with striking green highlights makes for an updo that's both regal and playful. This hairstyle captures the essence of autumnal warmth and is a fantastic way to add color without full commitment.

Styling Tip: The braid itself can be loosened for a softer look or tightened for a more formal appearance, adaptable for any occasion.

Ballerina Buns

by @xenia_stylist

They aren’t just for ballerinas. And yes, they may seem childish if they are pulled up tightly. But a modern style ballerina bun at the nape of the neck with soft wispy waves is quite elegant and chic.

Double Infinity Braids Into Low Buns

by @lettileipuri

This hairstyle is a stunning composition of double infinity braids that gracefully converge into low buns at the nape. This style is particularly flattering for medium-density hair, providing a full-bodied look while the braids add a visual twist that enhances the hair's natural texture and color.

Here's a Tip: For a durable updo, prep hair with a texturizing spray.

Chic Chignon

by @samirasjewelry

This style is perfect for mid-length hair as it adds a great deal of volume. And a chignon roll is so easy to do if you are short of time. Besides, it always looks sophisticated no matter what the occasion.

Messy Updo

by @heidimariegarrett

Crafted by Heidi Villa, this messy updo epitomizes the beauty of controlled chaos, with tendrils artfully escaping to soften the look. This updo is especially suited for hair with natural waves, offering an easy elegance that looks as though you've just swept your hair up in a moment of inspiration.

Styling Tip: Embrace the effortless vibe with a flexible hair paste to add texture and hold.

Pin Curl Updo

by @heidimariegarrett

This pin curl updo is a modern nod to vintage glamour, featuring soft waves pinned back to create a look that's both structured and graceful. The ash blonde tones reflect sophistication, making it a timeless choice for any formal affair.

Updo with Bows and Flowers

by @lettileipuri

This updo is a poetic symphony of style, where bows and flowers crafted from hair add a whimsical touch to the classic bun. This style is a beautiful choice for weddings or other special events where you want your hair to be a conversation piece.

Styling Tip: Use stronghold products to maintain the shape of the bows and flowers.

Braided Half Updo

by @xenia_stylist

Half updos are great as they pull your hair away from your face but still leave some length. Twists and braids take a half updo to the next level and look even better with a two-toned balayage, colorful steaks, or even some fancy accessories.

Twisted Updo

by @xenia_stylist

Ksenia Burdeynaya redefines elegance with this twisted updo, where strands are meticulously coiled into a low chignon. Adorned with a delicate white flower, it's the embodiment of bridal grace or for any day you want to feel special.

Styling Tip: For added texture and hold, Ksenia recommends prepping with a mousse.

Loose Waves with Floral Headband

by @xenia_stylist

A pretty jeweled or floral headband can totally dress up a messy, wavy updo. Simply add a fancy headband to elevate a casual look in just seconds.

Vintage Queen Updo

by @goldplaited_

This Vintage Queen Updo harks back to a time of classic elegance, with a modern twist. The rich auburn hair is swept up into a polished bun, adorned with a black bejeweled accessory that adds a touch of regal sophistication.

Editor's Advice: A hairspray with a glossy finish will help achieve the sleek look and hold the style in place.

French Roll

by @tonyastylist

You can’t go wrong with the classic French roll. It only takes 5 minutes and a few hairpins. This look will never go out and it works for a myriad of occasions from a day at the office to a more formal event.

Colorful Braided Bun

by @blushandmane

Sarajane Maples, with nearly 8 years of styling expertise, presents a playful explosion of color with this braided bun. The pastel pinks and blues intertwine to create a vibrant, whimsical updo that's as fun as it is fashionable.

Updo Hairstyles with Cute Flowers

by @samirasjewelry

This charming updo is adorned with tiny, delicate flowers, adding a whimsical touch to the soft, bouncy curls. The pastel-hued hair beautifully complements the floral accents, creating a look that's both playful and polished.

Styling Tip: When replicating this style, opt for light-hold products that enhance curl definition without weighing them down.

Updo With Ribbons

by @tonyastylist

A winding ribbon delicately woven through a braided updo will add a touch of class. If the occasion is formal, add a few sprigs of a baby's breath or a flower to kick it up a notch.

Side Braid with a Hair Flower Bun

by @samirasjewelry

The fiery cascade of a side braid blooms into a delicate hair flower bun, presenting a romantic and artistic updo. The warm tones of the hair enhance the floral motif, making it a perfect harmony of color and form.

Low Ponytail with Accessories

by @hair_vera

Vera Krsteva brings sophistication to simplicity with this sleek low ponytail, elevated by a cascade of waves and a band of sparkling accessories. The style reflects a perfect balance between everyday wearability and special occasion flair.

Styling Tip: A smoothing serum can ensure the ponytail remains sleek and the waves stay defined.

Twisted Updo with Jeweled Barrette

by @tonyastylist

This glamorous look with tightly pinned curls at the nape of the neck is even more exquisite with a fancy jeweled barrette that holds it in place.

Braided Mohawk

by @blushandmane

Sarajane Maples, a NAHA Award-winning stylist, transforms medium-length hair into a bold statement with this braided mohawk updo. Accented with jeweled hair art, it's a blend of edgy and elegant, perfect for those looking to stand out.

Editor's Advice: Ideal for adding edge to fine hair, this updo is as much a piece of art as it is a hairstyle. The braiding technique adds volume and the hair accessories bring a unique, personalized touch that's sure to turn heads.

Accessorized French Roll

by @ xenia_stylist

Messy updo hairstyles seem to never go out. And if you wish it to appear messy yet sophisticated, the easiest way to achieve this effect is by adding an accessory.

Space Buns

by @adlydesign

Do you know that the space bun trend dates back to the 90s? The look became popular after Star Wars won the hearts of millions of people with Princess Leia wearing a similar updo.

Triple Stacked Bun

by @tonyastylist

What can be prettier and more convenient than a bun? Only a triple stacked bun hairstyle. It’s also a popular look among women who have white collar jobs.

Halo Braid

by @xenia_stylist

A halo braid helps to create a carefree, somewhat relaxed image. If that’s the effect you are looking for, go for it. Leave out several face framing strands for the hairstyle to be more romantic.

Soft Low Bun With Accessories

by @xenia_stylist

This soft low bun is a vision of understated elegance, with strands woven together into a harmonious updo, accented by a simple, chic hair accessory. The style exudes a serene grace, perfect for a polished, yet unfussy look.

Styling Tip: For a bun that stays put while looking soft, use pins that match your hair color and a light hold hairspray.

Double Braided Updo

by @tonyastylist

This double braided updo intertwines elegance and creativity, featuring soft blonde strands masterfully woven into a romantic design, punctuated with sparkling accents.

Styling Tip: For an updo that lasts, secure the braids with clear elastic bands and tuck away ends with bobby pins that match your hair color. This hairstyle is especially suited for medium-length hair with fine to medium texture, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any special occasion.

Soft, Curly Updo

by @heidimariegarrett

This soft, curly updo is the epitome of romantic styling, with loose curls swept up into an effortlessly chic bun. The light blonde tones catch the light, giving the style a dreamy and ethereal quality.

Cascading Curls

by @tonyastylist

If you are looking for classy updos for medium length hair sporting your luscious locks, try cascading curls. This style works great for formal occasions. The straight and sleek style of the back is a great contrast for the gorgeous cascading curls on the top of your head.

Dutch Braid Into High Bun with Highlights

by @heidimariegarrett

Heidi Villa crafts a masterpiece with this Dutch braid that ascends into a high bun, interlaced with striking highlights for depth. This approach ensures fullness and continuity for a polished and dynamic updo.

Heidi's Insight: “There's a lot more thought and planning that goes into this style than you'd think in order to create a seamless transition between the braid and the bun. There's also some wefts of hair bobby pinned into the bun area.”

Voluminous Low Bun

by @tonyastylist

Updos are ideal hairstyles for special occasions. An updo allows you to show off your gorgeous hair as well as open your shoulders for a sexy effect.

Curly Hair Updo with Peek-a-Boo

by @presleypoe

This curly hair updo crafted by Presley Poe features an audacious peek-a-boo of vibrant colors, presenting a bold statement of individuality. The artful blend of hues accentuates the natural texture, showcasing Poe's innovative vision.

Side Trendy Updos

by @heidimariegarrett

This elegant side updo captures the essence of a modern-day Cinderella, with soft, sweeping locks that culminate in a low, side-swept bun. The warm, caramel tones add a touch of romance, ideal for a wedding or any enchanted evening.

Styling Tip: To achieve this timeless elegance, use a curling iron on low heat to create loose waves before pinning them into place.

Messy French Twist

by @tonyastylist

French twists are extremely versatile. But the key point is that they look perfect no matter sleek or messy. What is more, a slightly messy twist with the decoration looks super sleek!

Messy Twisted Low Bun

by @hair_vera

When you mix messy side braids with a messy low bun, something extraordinary will come out. But add up an icy blonde hair color, and it will look ethereal and fabulous!

Low Updos With Accessories

by @tonyastylist

Embellish your low updo with some elegant accessories for an image that is romantic and sophisticated.

Elegant Braided Updos For Medium Hair

by @samirasjewelry

Shakhzoda Tapilova elevates the classic updo with this elegant braided masterpiece. Perfectly suited for medium hair, the interwoven strands create a sophisticated, dimensional look that's both timeless and modern.

Styling Tip: We recommend using a texturizing spray before braiding to provide grip and to help the style hold throughout the day.

Elegant Updo With Headband

by @shiyan_marina

And when you want your updo hairstyles to reflect the elegance bursting inside you, the right approach and proper accessories are key. Make sure that your ‘do is unpretentious and simple, just like this sleek polished twist folding inside. Then, add character to your hairstyle, finishing it with a refined headband.

Luxury Updo with Little Braids

by @shiyan_marina

Your hair and creativity are all you need to create a unique festive look. It’s your natural accessory, remember? Now, imagine how many amazing embellishments your hair can turn into once you set your creativity into motion. Little braids on a twisted updo: sounds pretty easy. But look how gorgeous and luxurious they look together!

Voluminous Side Braided Updo

by @shiyan_marina

Some updos can drastically change the texture of a woman’s hair, making it appear fuller and more voluminous. As you might have guessed, this braided updo is just what the doctor ordered for girls with thin hair. A loose yet well-secured braid that gradually turns into an updo works wonders amping up the whole silhouette, and that’s enough to fight your flat looks!

Twisted Updo with Pearls

by @blushandmane

This twisted updo, adorned with elegant pearls, is the epitome of sophistication. Each twist and turn is carefully orchestrated to create a sumptuous design that's both timeless and contemporary, perfect for adding a luxurious touch to medium-length hair.

Styling Tip: Secure the twists with bobby pins that match your hair color to keep the focus on the pearls.

Silver Low Updo With Accessories

by @tonyastylist

If you rock trendy hair color like silvery blonde, grey or even purple, the best thing you can do with it is to accessorize it with a matching embellishment. Just look how striking this hairstyle is: the braided texture enhances the silver shade while silvery accessories make the look totally authentic.

Bright Violet Low Bun

by @tonyastylist

Another stunning combination of head-turning hair color and super defined medium updo! Coupled with the dark roots and brightly colored top layer, such styling idea gets even more accentuated and thus more distinctive. Want to add some dimension? A loose twisted bun and color job like this will be the best choice.

Textured Upstyle With Flowers

by @hair_vera

Nothing can compare to updo hairstyles embellished with big floral accessories or real flowers. Such looks are nothing but the purest embodiment of femininity which we all want to emphasize from time to time. Just put some flowers into your textured updo with various loose wavy twists and see your inner woman blossom.

FAQ: Updo Hairstyles