13 fun and fabulous updos for medium hair

Struggling to find updos for medium-length hair? Our stunning collection of hair inspiration is here to help!

Dealing with hair that is neither too short or super long? Well, if you’re struggling to find new ways to style your mid-length cut, we’ve got a surprise for you: 12 gorgeous updos for medium hair (yes, really!).

Whether you’re searching for the perfect ‘do for a snazzy event or just need something new for the office, these updo hairstyles for medium hair are here to solve all your mane woes.

13 amazing updos for medium-length hair

updos for medium hair: side view of lili reinharts blonde hair styled in a medium high bun hairstyle at red carpet event
Style your medium tresses in a casual bun for any occasion. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

1. Casual bun

From the gym to the red carpet, there is nowhere a casual bun can’t take you. Don’t believe us? Just ask Riverdale’s star Lili Reinhart, who switched up her signature ponytail for this fail-safe updo.

updos for medium hair: side view of saoirse ronan with blonde medium length hair styled in a bubble ponytail
Looking for easy updos for medium hair? Try this. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

2. Bubble ponytail

Looking for an on-trend way to upgrade your ponytail? Then you need to make this runway and celeb-approved bubble ponytail your next mane move, pronto.

Next read: 8 ways to style a bubble ponytail.

updos for medium hair: emma stone with medium length light copper wavy hair styled in a side sweeping loose ponytail with side fringe
Flawless waves and a side ponytail make this a winning look. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

3. Side-swept ponytail

Pairing her glossy copper hair with a side-swept loose ponytail, Emma Stone wows us and the red carpet with this effortless updo. Are you ready to do the same?

Editor’s tip: Updos for medium hair, like this one, look their best with beachy waves. But before you reach for your heated tools to create this look, we suggest you protect your hair from heat damage by using the TONI&GUY Heat Protection Mist.

updos for medium hair: back view of margot robbie with blonde hair styled in low space buns with loose hair at the front
Space buns won’t let you down. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

4. Space buns

Updos don’t get much cuter than these space buns for medium hair. Whether they’re braided or twisted, worn low or high, you really can’t go wrong with adding this sweet look to your styling repertoire.

updos for medium hair: emily ratajkowski medium length brown hair styled in a wavy undone side braid with black ribbon at the end of the braid at red carpet event
Which side will you rock it on? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

5. Undone side braid

Looking for braided updo hairstyles for medium hair? This classic side braid is all you need to make your tresses feel brand new again (plus, it’s Emily Ratajkowski-approved!).

PS: It works wonders on second-day hair, as the natural texture of your mane will give the style extra boho-charm.

updos for medium hair: back view of evan rachel wood with auburn hair styled in a low smooth and sleek low bun updo with large gold hair accessory
Date night hair calls for a smooth and sleek bun. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

6. Sleek bun

Best styled on straight hair (when flyaways and frizz tend to be more manageable!), this polished low bun can be worn plain or dressed up with accessories, depending on the occasion.

Editor’s tip: What’s the secret behind sleek updos for medium-length hair? The VO5 Tame & Shine Sprayof course.

This nifty spray will help give your mane a high-shine, frizz-free finish. You can’t argue with that, can you?

updos for medium hair: back view of emilia clarke with platinum blonde hair styled in a formal bun updo with voluminous height at the crown
This updo for medium hair means business. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

7. Vintage updo

With this easy vintage updo in your life, you’ll be able to live out all your pin-up hair fantasies. Now, if you really want to take this style to the next level, all you have to do is pair it with printed scarf.

updos for medium hair: kate mara with brown high with blonde highlights styled in a ponytail with gold hair accessory around the ponytail
Anyone else getting hair envy? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

8. Wavy ponytail

All hail the wavy ponytail! Often overlooked as just a lazy Sunday hairstyle, this ponytail is actually a great style that can work for any occasion.

Next read: 10 of the best ponytails hairstyles to try now.

updos for medium hair: side view of model with blonde hair styled ina retro classic french twist
Ooh la la!

9. French twist

Want updos for medium-length hair that are ideal for weddings and other formal events? Look no further than this French girl-approved ‘do.

This ‘do might look intricate, but you can actually whip it up in under 15 minutes. How? With our step-by-step tutorial.

TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray Front

Editor’s tip: Seal your style with a generous spritz of TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray. Giving a firm but non-stiff hold, this hairspray is ideal for perfecting all your updos for medium length hair.

updos for medium hair: A blonde model with an upside down Dutch braid and high bun
Refresh your bun with a Dutch braid. Credit: Dvora

10. Bun with Dutch braid

While the classic bun is definitely a holy grail, we just love this braided update, as it gives the style extra charm.

Just start by flipping your hair up to the top of your head, before creating a Dutch braid from the nape of your neck upwards. Who knew updos for medium hair could be this fun, eh?

Updos for medium hair: back view of model wit brown hair styled in a single french braid
Don’t overlook this classic hairstyle.

11. French braid

Prefer to go for something a little more tried and tested? Well, it doesn’t get much better than this fancy French braid.

From yoga to brunch with your favourite girls, this French braid is a classic style for a reason. S0, where will you rock yours?

updos for medium hair: model with brown hair styled in a messy crown braid
Tuck your layers and fringe away with a crown braid.

12. Crown braid 

When searching for updos for medium-length hair you might want to consider opting for a crown braid.

In our books, this braided hairstyle is the ideal solution for keeping your fringe or shorter layers safely (and stylishly) off your face.

13. High bun

Woman with dark medium hairstyle styled into a top knot updo
Credit: Rupert Laycock

For a fail-safe look, opt for this classic updo. Team it with some statement earrings to instantly make it office-appropriate.

Check out more effortless medium-length styles for you to try and look fab.

Sign up to our newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks from the experts at All Things Hair.

Subscribe