15 Easy Updo Hairstyles for Women with Medium Hair
Medium-length hair is perfect for creating stunning updos that look fancy but don’t require hours of styling. Whether you’re heading to work, a wedding, or just want to switch up your everyday look, the right updo can make all the difference.
The best part? You don’t need to be a hair expert to pull off these styles. Most of these looks use simple techniques like twisting, braiding, and pinning that anyone can master with a little practice.
From messy buns that give you that effortless vibe to elegant chignons for special occasions, there’s an updo here for every mood and event. Let’s explore these easy styles that will have you looking polished in minutes.
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1 Messy Bun Styles
The messy bun is your best friend on busy days. It looks cute and takes just two minutes to pull together.
Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail. Twist it loosely, then wrap it around the base. Secure with a hair tie and let some pieces fall out naturally.
For extra texture, scrunch your hair with sea salt spray first. Pull out a few face-framing strands after you’re done. The goal is to look effortlessly put-together, not perfect.
2 Low Chignon Looks
Low chignons are perfect when you want to look put-together without trying too hard. They sit at the nape of your neck and work great for work meetings or dinner dates.
The best part? You don’t need perfect hair to pull this off. Loose pieces that fall out actually make it look better and more relaxed.
Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail. Twist it loosely and wrap it around the base. Secure with bobby pins and gently tug at a few pieces to create that messy-chic vibe everyone loves.
3 Braided Crown Updos
Braided crowns make you look like royalty without the fancy salon price. Start by parting your hair down the middle, then braid each side loosely along your hairline.
Pull the braids up and pin them across the top of your head like a crown. Let some pieces fall naturally for a softer look.
This style works great for weddings, date nights, or when you want to feel extra special. The best part? It only takes about 10 minutes once you get the hang of it.
4 Twisted Side Styles
Twisted styles add a romantic touch to your updo without being too fancy. They’re perfect when you want something prettier than a basic ponytail but don’t have time for complex braids.
Start by twisting small sections from each side of your head. Pull them back and secure with bobby pins at the nape of your neck. You can leave the rest of your hair in a low bun or ponytail.
These styles work great for date nights or casual weddings. The best part? Even if your twists aren’t perfect, they still look effortlessly chic.
5 Half-Up Knots
Half-up knots are perfect when you want something cute but not too fancy. Just grab the top section of your hair and twist it into a simple knot on top of your head.
This style works great for bad hair days or when you’re running late. Your hair stays out of your face, but you still get that relaxed, messy-chic vibe.
The best part? It takes less than two minutes to do. You can dress it up with a pretty hair tie or keep it casual with a basic elastic.
6 French Twist Variations
The classic French twist gets a fun makeover with these simple tweaks. Try a low side twist for a relaxed vibe, or add some loose pieces around your face for a softer look.
You can also create a messy French twist by gently pulling apart sections after pinning. For extra flair, twist only half your hair and leave the rest in loose waves. These styles work great for both work meetings and dinner dates.
7 Ponytail Bun Combos
Want the best of both worlds? Ponytail bun combos give you exactly that. These styles mix the sleek look of a ponytail with the polish of a bun.
Start with a mid-height ponytail, then twist or braid the length before wrapping it into a bun. You can also try a half-up ponytail that flows into a low bun at the nape.
These hybrid styles work great for work meetings or dinner dates. They’re also perfect when you can’t decide between casual and dressy. Medium hair length makes these combos super easy to create and secure.
8 Rope Braid Updos
Rope braids add a fun twist to your regular updo. They look fancy but are much easier than they seem.
Start by dividing your hair into two sections. Twist each section in the same direction, then wrap them around each other in the opposite direction. This creates that rope-like texture.
You can pin rope braids into a low bun or wrap them around your head like a crown. They work great for weddings or date nights when you want something special. The best part? Even messy rope braids look good, so don’t stress about making them perfect.
9 Pin Curl Styles
Pin curls bring vintage glamour to your medium-length hair without much fuss. These curls work great for special events or when you want to feel extra fancy.
Start with damp hair and curl small sections around your finger. Pin each curl flat against your head with bobby pins. Let them dry completely, then gently brush them out.
You can wear pin curls loose for a soft retro look. Or gather them into a low side bun for something more formal. Either way, you’ll get that classic Hollywood vibe that never goes out of style.
10 Side Swept Rolls
This romantic style works great for date nights or special events. Simply curl your medium-length hair, then sweep sections from each side back toward your ears.
Roll each section into loose spirals and pin them behind your ears. Leave the rest of your hair flowing down your back for a soft, elegant look.
The best part? You only need basic bobby pins and a curling iron. This updo strikes the perfect balance between put-together and effortless.
11 Knotted Hair Styles
Knotted hairstyles are perfect when you want something cute but don’t have tons of time. These styles use simple knots instead of fancy braids or twists.
The best part? You don’t need to be a hair expert to pull them off. Just twist sections of your hair and tie them into loose knots. Your medium-length hair is just right for this look.
Try a side knot for casual days or stack multiple knots for something more special. These styles work great with both straight and wavy hair textures.
12 Wrapped Ponytails
A wrapped ponytail takes your basic pony and makes it look way more put-together. Simply tie your hair back, then take a small section and wrap it around the elastic to hide it.
This style works great for work meetings or dinner dates. The best part? It only takes an extra 30 seconds but looks like you spent way more time on it.
Your medium-length hair has just enough weight to create a sleek wrap that stays in place all day.
13 Rolled Updo Looks
Rolled updos are perfect when you want to look put-together without much effort. They work great for both casual days and special events.
Start by loosely curling your hair, then roll small sections away from your face. Pin each roll in place as you go around your head. The result is a soft, romantic style that looks way harder than it actually is.
You can make this look messy and relaxed or neat and polished. Add some bobby pins with pearls or small flowers to dress it up even more.
14 Textured Bun Styles
Textured buns add instant charm to your medium-length hair. They work great when your hair isn’t freshly washed or when you want that effortless, lived-in look.
Try scrunching some texturizing spray into damp hair before styling. Twist sections loosely and pin them into a messy bun at the nape of your neck.
For extra volume, tease your hair gently at the crown first. Pull out a few face-framing pieces to soften the style. This look takes just five minutes but gives you that perfect "I woke up like this" vibe.
15 Classic Chignon Styles
The chignon never goes out of style. This twisted bun sits low at the nape of your neck and works for any event.
Start with slightly dirty hair for better grip. Brush your hair back into a low ponytail, then twist the length around the base. Secure with bobby pins and you’re done.
For a softer look, pull out a few face-framing pieces before you start. The messy chignon gives you that "I woke up like this" vibe that’s so popular right now.
