Easy Updos for Medium Length Hair: The Ultimate Styling Guide

Medium length hair—often referred to as the "Goldilocks" of hair lengths—is arguably the most versatile cut a woman can have. It is long enough to pull back yet short enough to maintain volume and bounce without the weight of Rapunzel-like locks. However, many individuals find themselves in a styling rut, believing that intricate updos are reserved exclusively for those with waist-length tresses. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, easy updos for medium length hair are often easier to execute and hold better than styles on longer hair because there is less weight pulling the style down.

Whether you are rushing to the office, preparing for a romantic date night, or attending a wedding as a guest, mastering a few key updos can transform your look in minutes. The beauty of medium length hair lies in its texture and manageability. You have enough length to twist and pin, but you don't have to worry about hiding feet of excess hair. This comprehensive guide will explore the most stylish, functional, and surprisingly simple updos specifically curated for shoulder-grazing cuts.

From the quintessential messy bun to the sophisticated French twist, these styles require minimal tools and zero professional training. We will explore step-by-step tutorials, essential product recommendations, and professional secrets that stylists use to ensure your hair stays put from morning until night. Let’s dive into the world of effortless styling.

1. The Textured Low Bun: Effortless Elegance

The textured low bun is the holy grail of easy updos for medium length hair. It strikes the perfect balance between polished and relaxed, making it suitable for both board meetings and brunch. Unlike a severe ballerina bun, which can sometimes look too harsh or highlight a lack of volume, a textured low bun utilizes the natural movement of medium hair to create the illusion of density.

To achieve this look, preparation is key. Start by applying a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to the roots and mid-lengths. Medium hair often needs a bit of grit to hold pins securely. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if you were making a low ponytail. Instead of pulling the hair all the way through the elastic on the final wrap, create a loop. Take the loose ends that remain, twist them around the base of the elastic to hide it, and secure them with bobby pins. The secret here is to gently tug at the bun to expand it, giving it a fuller appearance. Pull a few face-framing tendrils loose to soften the look.

This style works exceptionally well for medium hair because you don't have an overwhelming amount of hair to wrap around the base. With long hair, a low bun can become heavy and droop; with medium hair, it stays perky and secure against the nape. For an added touch of sophistication, professional stylists often recommend wrapping a small strand of hair around the elastic before forming the bun to ensure a seamless finish.

2. The Modern French Twist

For decades, the French twist was considered a rigid, hairspray-heavy style reserved for proms and weddings. However, the modern iteration is softer, easier, and perfectly suited for medium length hair. The traditional French twist can be difficult with very long hair because tucking the ends away requires massive pins and significant structural integrity. With medium hair, the ends tuck away naturally without creating a bulge at the crown.

Start by sweeping all your hair to one side (usually the left). Secure the hair with bobby pins in a vertical line from the nape upwards—this creates an anchor. Then, gather the hair, smooth it over to the right, and roll it inward against the bobby pins you just placed. Because your hair is medium length, the roll will be neat and manageable. Secure the roll with U-shaped pins or large bobby pins, pushing them into the roll and then hooking them back against the scalp for maximum hold.

This style exudes professionalism and grace. It elongates the neck and highlights the jawline. If you have layers—common with medium cuts—let them fall naturally. A strictly slicked-back twist can look dated, but a version with loose layers and soft texture feels contemporary and chic. Use a flexible hold hairspray to keep flyaways at bay without cementing the hair into a helmet.

3. The Braided Crown Tuck

Bohemian styles are timeless, and the braided crown tuck is a romantic option that looks incredibly intricate but is deceptively simple. This is one of the best easy updos for medium length hair because it keeps shorter layers secure within the plaits. If you have ever struggled with layers popping out of a ponytail, this style is your solution.

Begin by parting your hair down the center or slightly to the side. Create two loose braids (Dutch or French braids work best for grip) on either side of your head, starting near the temples and working your way down to the nape. Secure the ends with clear mini elastics. Now, simply cross the braids at the back of your head. Tuck the end of the left braid under the right braid and pin it in place. Repeat with the right braid, tucking it under the left. The result is a seamless crown of braids.

For medium hair, the ends of the braids will likely meet perfectly at the back without needing to wrap around the head multiple times. This creates a neat, compact look. If your hair is on the shorter side of medium, you can simply pin the braids side-by-side at the nape rather than crossing them. This style is particularly popular for summer events, outdoor weddings, or humid days when you want your hair completely off your neck but still want to look styled.

4. The "Gibson Tuck" Reloaded

The Gibson Tuck is a vintage style from the Edwardian era that has seen a massive resurgence due to its simplicity and volume-boosting properties. It is essentially a rolled low bun, but the technique used makes it one of the most secure easy updos for medium length hair available.

Start with a simple low ponytail. Slightly lower the elastic band to create a gap in the hair above the elastic. Flip the ponytail up and through this gap (a technique often called a "topsy tail"). However, instead of pulling the ponytail all the way through, you will tuck the remaining length into the pocket created by the flip. Roll the hair until it forms a soft, horizontal roll at the nape of the neck. Secure the roll with bobby pins.

This style is genius for medium hair because it uses the hair's own volume to create the structure. If you have fine hair, you can gently backcomb the ponytail before rolling it to create a larger chignon. It looks incredibly sophisticated and can be accessorized with a decorative comb or pearl pins for a formal event. It protects the ends of the hair, making it a healthy styling option for those trying to grow their hair out.

5. The Half-Up Top Knot

While technically a half-up style, the top knot is a staple in the repertoire of updos for medium length hair. It is the perfect weekend look—cool, edgy, and functional. It keeps the hair out of your face while allowing you to show off the length and texture of your cut.

Section off the top third of your hair, starting from the tops of your ears and moving upward to the crown. Twist this section into a high bun. You can make it neat and tight for a sleek look or loose and messy for a casual vibe. Secure it with an elastic and pins. The key to making this look polished rather than childish is to add texture to the hair that is left down. Use a curling wand to add loose waves or a flat iron for a sleek, straight finish.

This style is particularly effective for second or third-day hair. The natural oils help the top knot stay sleek, while the bottom section can be refreshed with a bit of dry shampoo. It adds height to the face, which can be very slimming, and works on every hair texture from pin-straight to coily.

6. The Multi-Twist Updo

If you are looking for a style that mimics the complexity of professional bridal hair but takes five minutes in front of a mirror, the multi-twist updo is the answer. This style relies on sectioning, which makes it incredibly secure for medium length hair that might be heavy.

Divide your hair into three vertical sections at the nape of your neck (left, center, right). Start with the center section: twist it into a small low bun and pin it. Then, take the left section, twist it loosely away from your face, drape it over the center bun, and pin it. Repeat with the right section. The overlapping twists create a woven effect that looks architecturally complex.

Because you are pinning the hair in three separate sections, the weight is distributed evenly, preventing the style from pulling on your scalp or falling out. This is an excellent technique for thick medium length hair that struggles to stay up in a single elastic. It’s elegant enough for a black-tie event but simple enough to do before a dinner date.

Essential Tools for Styling Medium Hair

To successfully execute these easy updos for medium length hair, having the right toolkit is essential. You do not need expensive equipment, but a few key items will make the process significantly smoother.

• Texturizing Spray: Medium hair can sometimes be too "slippery" to hold an updo, especially if it is freshly washed. A good texturizing spray adds grit and volume, giving the pins something to grip.

• U-Shaped Pins vs. Bobby Pins: Standard bobby pins are great for securing flat sections, but U-shaped pins (or hairpins) are superior for anchoring buns and twists without flattening the shape. They allow for a softer, more voluminous finish.

• Clear Elastics: Heavy fabric hair ties can be bulky and hard to hide in medium length hair. Clear, small poly-bands are essential for securing the ends of braids or creating the base for ponytails.

• Tail Comb: A rat-tail comb is necessary for creating clean parts and for backcombing (teasing) the roots to add volume at the crown.

• Flexible Hold Hairspray: Avoid "concrete" hold sprays. Look for workable, flexible hold sprays that allow movement while controlling humidity-induced frizz.

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Updos

Achieving the look is one thing; making it last is another. Here are professional tips to ensure your medium length updo survives the day:

• Dirty Hair is Better: Freshly washed hair is soft and slippery. Second-day hair has natural oils that provide texture and hold. If you must wash your hair, use a sea salt spray before drying to mimic that second-day texture.

• The "X" Technique: When using bobby pins, never just slide one in. Always cross two pins in an "X" shape. This locks them together and creates an unshakable anchor.

• Backcomb the Crown: To avoid looking flat, gently tease the hair at the crown before pulling it back. This adds a subtle lift that makes any updo look more professional and flattering.

• Mind the Layers: Medium hair often has layers that stick out. Instead of fighting them, embrace them as "face-framing" pieces. If a piece sticks out of a bun where you don't want it, use a small amount of pomade on your fingertips to twist and tuck it back in.

FAQ: Common Questions About Medium Length Updos

Q: My hair is too layered and pieces keep falling out of my updo. What can I do? A: Layers are common in medium cuts. The best approach is to curl the ends of your hair before styling. The curl helps the layers hook into each other and stay put. Additionally, using a wax spray or pomade can help "glue" the shorter layers to the longer strands.

Q: Can I do these updos on curly medium hair? A: Absolutely. In fact, curly hair is often easier to style into updos because the natural texture provides excellent grip. You may need fewer texturizing products. Embrace the volume and allow natural tendrils to escape for a romantic look.

Q: How do I hide the hair elastic in a messy bun with medium hair? A: Since you might not have enough length to wrap hair around the elastic multiple times, try the "pull-through" method. Before tightening your messy bun, pull a small section of hair from the bun itself to cover the band, or use a decorative scrunchie or hair scarf so hiding the elastic isn't necessary.

Q: I have fine, thin hair. Will these updos look flat? A: Not if you prep correctly. Use a volumizing mousse before blow-drying and a texturizing powder at the roots. The "Gibson Tuck" and the "Messy Bun" are particularly good for fine hair as they can be "pancaked" (gently pulled apart) to create the illusion of thickness.

Q: How long does my hair need to be for these styles? A: These styles are optimized for hair that is anywhere from collarbone length to armpit length. If your hair is shorter (chin length), you may need to rely more on half-up styles or use more bobby pins to secure the back sections.

Conclusion

Having medium length hair does not mean you are resigned to wearing it down every day. As we have explored, the world of easy updos for medium length hair is vast, stylish, and incredibly accessible. Whether you opt for the sleek professionalism of a French twist or the boho-chic vibes of a braided crown, these styles prove that you don't need waist-length hair or a professional styling team to look put-together.

The key to success lies in experimentation. Take some time on a weekend to practice these techniques. Equip yourself with a few quality pins and a good texturizing spray, and you will find that your medium length hair is actually the most versatile accessory you own. Don't be afraid to modify these styles to suit your specific face shape and hair texture. After all, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful.