20 Easy Updos For Medium-Length Hair

If chopping your hair to your chin sounds intimidating but maintaining healthy strands at Rapunzel length is impossible, a medium-length hairstyle is exactly what you need. With haircuts like the lob and the new shag in style, right now is the time for styles with medium lengths. Not having long hair doesn’t mean you can’t style it in a fabulous updo.

Updos might sound too dressy for every day, but these are the trendiest medium-length updos for your real lifestyle. These quick updos for medium-length hair cover every scenario your busy life encounters, and there’s no salon visit required.

Whether you’re in the market for a messy bun for running errands, a stylish French twist for holiday parties, or a boho, braided look for day or night, these updo ideas are fast and doable. These updos are gorgeous options for styling those popular medium-length haircuts.

01of 20

Low Bun Updo

This low style is ideal, as it goes from day to night. Perfect for a day of virtual meetings without looking too buttoned up, you are also ready for drinks with friends. Your style is easy breezy with this updo.

02of 20

Knotted Updo

This is a cute, casual updo that will keep your hair in check on busy days. The basic approach is to section your hair off and twist into a low bun. It’s just that easy!

03of 20

Simple Chignon

Nothing could be more classic than a chignon. This twisted updo will look so classy at holiday parties, but as with many of these updos for medium-length hair, making this a more everyday style is easily done. Twist it up and look your best.

04of 20

Colorful Pins

For a showstopping style that couldn’t be easier, add instant interest to any updo with the addition of colored bobby pins. You can match them to your outfit or create a rainbow pattern.

05of 20

Classy Pony

This ponytail looks a little dressier than your workout look, but it’s just as quick to style. You need to be willing to tease it up before you bind it, but the time invested is not much, and the result is polished and stylish.

06of 20

Braided Bun Updo

A braid is always fetching, and this style looks dressy enough to wear to a wedding or party, but it’s easy enough to wear for work, too. Once perfected, it just might be the dress-me-up look you are seeking.

07of 20

Tied With A Scarf

Tying a scarf around a low bun adds elegance in just a few minutes. Find the tutorial for this scarf updo here.

08of 20

Braided French Twist

With a textured style, your medium hair will appear longer than it is. Your locks will feel controlled but relaxed in this take on a French braid. Just a few steps will get your do into an updo, and you will be styled and ready for anything.

09of 20

Tied With A Bow

In our opinion, bows are always a good idea, and will never go out of style. Tie a velvet bow around a low bun for an effortless updo that can easily dress up your look for any occasion.

10of 20

Quick Curly Updo

Got curls? Never fret. For our medium-length girls with curls, this three-minute hairstyle is for you. You will be able to tame your mane and still show off those voluptuous curls. You can watch the tutorial for this style here.

11of 20

Easy Double Braid Updo

The double braids in this updo are definitely the trick to keeping everything in place while also adding dimension and texture. This look really works even when your hair is super messy or more textured and doesn’t take much longer to do than a regular bun.

12of 20

Knotted With A Turban

For a chic and unexpected updo on those days when your hair is too dirty to style but you don’t have time to wash it, use a scarf as a turban. Just throw it up in any type of topknot, wrap, and you’re good to go!

13of 20

Curly Topknot

Bangs instantly elevate many hairstyles, topknot included. Add some dangling earrings for a chic boho feel.

14of 20

Voluminous Updo

An easy way to give your updo a little more wow factor? Add some oomph. Tease the top section of your hair and create a poof when pulling it back. This works great on textured hair but can be done with straight and fine hair as well with the help of texturing spray.

15of 20

Wrapped With A Braid

For a twist on a classic high bun, braid a front section on your hair. Tie your hair into a high bun, leaving the braid out. Then, wrap the braid over your head like a headband and secure with pins.

16of 20

Dressed Up Low Pony

A low ponytail is one of the easiest styles you can do when you’re in a hurry to get out the door. A velvet ribbon helps it feel luxe, and only requires an extra 30 seconds.

17of 20

Bubble Ponytail

For a fun approach to a ponytail, create a bubble pony by dividing your hair into four sections and using clear elastic to create a sequence. To make it stand out even more, choose colored elastics.

18of 20

Braided Topknot

Braid your ponytail then twist it up into a bun and secure with a scarf. While this chic updo would look so stylish poolside, it could also look elegant with a LBD for a night out.

19of 20

Messy Bun With A Wrap Around Braid

For that perfect undone elegant hairdo, braid your front sections of hair and wrap it around the back of your head. Then, throw everything back into a messy bun. It requires little effort but looks so glam. 

20of 20

Low Bun With A Headband

The easiest way to accessorize a bun? Pop on a headband! For a more undone look, leave a few face-framing pieces out.