Think you need to be Rapunzel to rock a stunning updo? Think again! Medium-length hair can soar to new heights with these gorgeous, elegant, and simply fabulous updos.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a prom, wedding, or anniversary, or if you want to try something unique, these photos will ignite that inspiration for you. Grab some bobby pins and prepare to discover this year’s finest updos for medium-length hair!
Elegant Voluminous Half Updo

This stunning half-up, half-down updo radiates smoothness and abundant volume. What I adore about this style is its suitability for any occasion. You can elevate it for a chic bridesmaid appearance or simply enjoy it as a daily hairstyle. Updos for medium haircuts offer incredible versatility.
Bohemian Elegance Updo

This stunning bohemian updo is a fantastic choice due to its versatility. It is perfect for a formal gathering, and after changing your outfit, you can effortlessly transition to the after-party.
Charming Duality

This updo was designed for a rustic and enchanting wedding. It’s gentle and enhances any dress, being timeless and sophisticated. This look is perfect for clients with color variation, particularly blondes or lighter brunettes. With dark hair, we sometimes lose the detail of a style. Medium to thick hair texture is preferable as well. If the client had finer hair, I would deconstruct this style further. This style is soft enough and sophisticated enough to wear to any occasion.
Elegant Braided Updo

This hairstyle was inspired by a need for style. I French braided the front section of her hair, allowing a few soft strands to remain free, and gathered the rest into a bun tucked to the side. I appreciate how this style showcases playful details and texture from every perspective.
Easygoing Casual Updo

This hairstyle embodies effortless elegance. I adore how it feels soft and whimsical with a touch of “I just threw it up.” This look is ideal for anyone and works best for those with fine to medium-textured hair of any thickness. It’s perfect for a spontaneous evening out after work or an outdoor wedding.
Elegant Low Twisted Bun

This medium updo is timeless and elegant. 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 flattering to all ages and add much dimension to any style.
Timeless Elegant Updo

This medium-length updo is a timeless elegant bridal style with a soft romantic touch. My favorite aspect is how it balances structure and looseness simultaneously. I recommend this look for individuals with light to medium hair thickness. Any hair texture will suit as long as it is adequately prepped. Instead of opting for a sleek chignon, I incorporated crisscrossing overlapped twists from the center and each side, then gently loosened them.
Enchanting Updo

This is a loose, enchanting updo. I adore this style because it’s more relaxed than perfectly pinned updos, and it’s also simple to adjust if a piece or two becomes loose during the day. I had her wash and blow dry her hair the day of because she tends to get oily. I applied several products to create texture (Moroccan Oil Dry Texture Spray, Puff Me, etc.). I completed the look with a strong hold hairspray and shine spray to secure everything.
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!
Contemporary Bun

This hairstyle is soft, loose, and chic. I appreciate that it carries a timeless essence while incorporating a modern twist. This look is ideal for individuals with longer hair that features face-framing layers and fringe. When planning bridal hairstyles, I always keep in mind that these styles should remain timeless. No one wants to look back at their wedding images and second-guess their choices! Therefore, during my consultation with the client, I prioritize selecting a look that will endure over time.
Chic Topknot

This is a stunning mid-length hairstyle. Topknots can be styled elegantly with a beautiful dress or casually with a t-shirt and jeans.
Effortlessly Styled Loose Updo

I would describe this look as an effortlessly styled loose updo featuring a braid. My favorite thing about this updo for medium-length hair is the two-stranded braid. It brings the whole look together!
Effortless Braid Updo

Crafted with care, this chic yet relaxed hairstyle is perfect for the easygoing and elegant individuals. This mid-length updo showcases remarkable texture and dimension!
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 perfect for a bride, bridesmaid, wedding guest, or engagement party.
Charming Curly Updo

I would describe this look as a charming 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 look glamorous yet somewhat effortless. This is such a charming look that fits every face shape. If your face is rounder, I recommend 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.
Whimsical Waves

My favorite aspect of this hairstyle is its relaxed and natural appearance, especially with the addition of flowers. This style is currently in vogue and pairs beautifully with bohemian-themed weddings/events. It exudes elegance and can be adjusted for both formal and casual occasions. This particular look is highly adaptable and perfect for the free-spirited festival goer. It’s also a charming, more casual option for bridesmaids. This technique creates effortless updos suitable for medium hair textures and finer types! It also works wonderfully for mid-length to longer hair.
Chic Twisted Bun

My favorite aspect of this updo is its sophisticated, chic twisted bun. This is one of those elegant hairstyles for medium hair that’s delightfully charming and romantic. It’s simple to create and never goes out of style. You can wear it for nearly any occasion, whether attending a wedding, an evening out, a party, dinner, etc. It’s ideal for any event where you wish to look elegant!
Intriguing Textured Twist Updo

With an abundance of texture and volume, this elegant twisted style serves as the perfect updo for any event—the face-framing strands in front highlight your most flattering features.
Stunning Fishtail Braid

FYI: Braids can elevate more than just festival looks. Add a unique flair to formalwear with this style.
Chic Messy Bun

This trendy updo hairstyle is giving us the chills for its unique flair! Elevate your hair’s definition with a simple updo. These stylish messy updos for medium hair are perfect for highlighted strands.
Casual Undone Updo

This style embraces a more relaxed and effortless vibe. It strikes a balance between being intentionally messy and slightly structured. I love this appearance because the hair appears soft, tousled, and romantic. I suggest using hair matting powder products to enhance texture and volume. A working hairspray is also recommended to achieve fine detailing.
Half-Up Double Crown Braid

This hairstyle features a half-up double crown braid with gentle waves. What I love most about it is how effortlessly natural it appears. I always emphasize that a solid foundation is crucial for any hairstyle, be it up, down, or half up. The primary products I utilized were Kevin Murphy Hair.Resort Spray for setting and Redken Braid Aid for the braids themselves. I completed the look with Kevin Murphy Session.Spray.
Elegant French Braid

This braid is a variation on the traditional French braid. It combines classic braiding techniques with macramé stitching – something I enjoy incorporating into my work. I would advise anyone contemplating this braid that it looks stunning on a variety of hair lengths and textures. Occasionally, clients assume braids only suit long hair, but this is not always the case! If you wear your hair like this, you simply need mid-length hair.
Elegant Faux Updo

This hairstyle offers an elegant and contemporary faux updo. This bridesmaid has medium-length hair, which facilitates the creation of this look.
Delicate Flowing Updo

This style features gently curled, flowing updo. I appreciate how her fringe gracefully curves and integrates seamlessly with the curls at the back. I recommend using plenty of hairspray! You can also incorporate thickening cream to blow dry prior to styling the updo.