Think you need to be Rapunzel to flaunt a stunning updo? Think again! Medium-length hair can achieve new heights with these gorgeous, elegant, and simply fabulous updos.
Whether you’re searching for inspiration for a prom, wedding, or anniversary or looking to try something new, these images will inspire you. Grab some bobby pins and prepare to discover this year’s finest updos for medium-length hair!
#1: Graceful Half Updo
This is a half-up, half-down hairstyle that is sleek and boasts plenty of volume. My favorite aspect of this look is its adaptability for any occasion. You can elevate it for a stunning bridesmaid style or wear it casually for daily wear. Updos for medium haircuts offer remarkable versatility.
#2: Beautiful Fishtail Braid
FYI: Braids aren’t just for festivals. Elevate formal outfits with a unique touch.
#3: Timeless Elegant Updo
This medium-length updo is a timeless elegant bridal hairstyle with a soft romantic touch. My favorite aspect is how it combines structure with a relaxed feel. I recommend this style for those with light to medium hair thickness. Any hair texture would be suitable as long as it is well-prepped. Instead of opting for a sleek chignon, I incorporated crisscrossing overlapped twists from the middle and each side, then gently loosened them.
#4: Stylish Textured Side Bun
This look is a stylish textured side bun. The client wanted something with texture and body at the root. My favorite thing about this hairstyle is how it looks balanced and beautiful from every angle. We wanted it to look done but not overdone, and I think we achieved that. This look would be excellent for a bride, bridesmaid, wedding guest, or engagement party.
#5: Elegant Bohemian
I describe this look as “elegant bohemian.” I love the detail yet softness that the look provides. The back of the updo allows for a little detailed expression, while the front imparts a more “boho,” lived-in look. I love creating that juxtaposition. I use Aquage Working Spray to set and cool the curls and Aquage Finishing Spray to hold them. I recommend a Marcel 1-inch barrel curling iron to curl with. Always clip and cool your curls. It makes for a long-lasting updo!
#6: Charming Curly Updo
I would describe this look as an enchanting and loose curly updo. The key to this look is keeping the bun low and leaving hair pieces out as you pin the curls. I recommend this look for the client who wants to feel glamorous yet somewhat effortless. This is such a charming look that fits every face shape. If your face is rounder, I suggest leaving some pieces near the face to slim the sides. If you have naturally curly hair, such hair updos for medium hair also work because you can go with your natural curl pattern.
#7: Gentle Flowing Updo
This style features a delicately curled, flowing updo. I appreciate how her fringe elegantly curves and sits neatly, merging seamlessly into the curls at the back. I recommend applying plenty of hairspray! You can also incorporate thickening cream during blow drying before styling the updo.
#8: Simple Elegant Updo
This hairstyle embodies effortless beauty. I appreciate its soft and romantic vibe with a hint of “I just pulled it together.” This look is suitable for everyone and is ideal for someone with fine to medium-textured hair of any thickness. It’s fantastic for an impromptu evening out after work or a garden wedding.
#9: Soft Textured Loose Updo
I would describe this hairstyle as a soft textured loose updo featuring a braid. My favorite aspect of this updo for medium-length hair is the elegant two-stranded braid. It ties the entire look together!
#10: Effortless Braid Updo
Styled to perfection, this relaxed yet elegant hairstyle is for the free-spirited and graceful souls out there. This mid-length updo features an abundance of stunning texture and depth!
#11: Contemporary Bun
This hairstyle is soft, relaxed, and stylish. I appreciate that it carries a classic vibe with a trendy twist. This look would be perfect for anyone with longer hair featuring face-framing layers and bangs. When doing bridal styling, I always keep in mind that these looks should be everlasting. Nobody wants to look back at their wedding photos and question their choices! Therefore, when I meet with the client, I always strive to ensure we select something that endures over time.
#12: Half Double Crown Braid
This is a stylish half-double crown braid with gentle waves. What I love most about it is how natural it appears and how effortless it feels. I always emphasize that establishing a solid foundation is essential for any look, whether it’s styled up, down, or partially gathered. The primary products I utilized were Kevin Murphy Hair.Resort Spray for hold and Redken Braid Aid for crafting the braids. I completed the look with Kevin Murphy Session.Spray.
#13: Chic Boho Updo
This stunning bohemian updo is incredibly versatile. It can be styled for a formal occasion, effortlessly transition with a change of outfit, and be ready for the after-party.
#14: Casual Undone Updo
This style has a more relaxed and effortless vibe. It strikes the perfect balance between being styled and free-flowing. I adore this look because the hair appears incredibly soft, tousled, and romantic. I suggest using hair matting powder products to enhance texture and volume. A working hairspray is also recommended for achieving fine detailing.
#15: Carefree Waves
My favorite thing about this hairstyle is that it is loose and organic looking, especially with the addition of flowers. This look is currently trending and complements bohemian-style weddings/events beautifully. This style is very elegant and can be dressed up or down. This particular look is quite versatile and perfect for the adventurous festival goer. It’s also a charming, less formal choice for a bridesmaid. This style creates easy updos for medium hair texture and fine types! This also works perfectly for mid-length to long hair.
#16: Chic Topknot
This is a stylish mid-length hairstyle. Topknots can be dressed up with a beautiful dress or dressed down with a casual tee and jeans.
#17: Elegant Contrast
This updo was designed for a charming and romantic wedding. It’s soft and enhances any dress, being timeless and sophisticated. This look is perfect for clients with color contrast, particularly blondes or lighter brunettes. With darker hair, we sometimes lose the detail of a style. Medium to thick hair texture is ideal as well. If the client had finer hair, I would dismantle this style more. This style is gentle enough and sophisticated enough to wear to any occasion.
#18: Charming Faux Updo
This style is a lovely and contemporary faux updo. This bridesmaid has medium-length hair, making this look simple to achieve.
#19: Classic French Braid Style
This braid is a variation of the traditional French braid. It integrates classic braiding methods with macramé stitching – something I enjoy incorporating into my creations. I would suggest to anyone thinking about this braid that it looks fantastic on numerous hair lengths and textures. Occasionally, clients believe braids only work on long hair, but this is not always the case! If you style your hair this way, you just need mid-length hair.
#20: Sophisticated Twisted Bun
My favorite thing about this updo is its sophisticated, modern twisted bun. This is one of those formal hairstyles for medium hair that’s incredibly charming and romantic. It’s easy to create and timeless. You can wear it for almost any occasion, whether going to a wedding, an evening out, a party, dinner, etc. It’s perfect for any event where you want to look elegant!
#21: Elegant Low Twisted Bun
This medium updo is ageless and sophisticated. My favorite thing about this upstyle is how it makes her fine, short hair appear fuller than it is. I love how it’s off her neck in a flattering way for those warm summer days. Twists are complementary to all ages and add much dimension to any style.
#22: Charming Loose Updo
It is a loose, charming updo. I admire this style because it’s softer than perfectly pinned updos, and it’s also easy to fix if a piece or two comes loose throughout the day. I had her wash and blown dry her hair the day off because she gets oily. I used many products to provide texture (Moroccan Oil Dry Texture Spray, Puff Me, etc.). I finished with a firm hold hairspray and shine spray to set everything.
#23: Elegant Braided Updo
We crafted this style out of inspiration. I French braided the front of her hair, leaving out just a few wispy pieces, and pulled the rest into a bun off the side. I appreciate that this look features playful details and texture from every angle.
#24: Stylish Textured Updo
This updo features plenty of texture and volume, making it an ideal choice for any occasion—the face-framing strands in the front enhance your best attributes.
#25: Perfectly Imperfect Messy Bun
This unique updo hairstyle is giving us the chills for its charm! Enhance your hair’s definition with a simple updo. These messy updos for medium hair are perfect for highlighted strands.
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