Medium-length hair is truly the sweet spot—long enough to play with different styles, yet short enough to manage easily. If you’ve been feeling like you’re stuck in a rut with your hair or think that updos are just for long locks, think again. These stylish and surprisingly simple updos are tailored for shoulder-length hair and will carry you from casual days to dressy nights with minimal effort.
From low buns and braided knots to playful ponytails and accessorized twists, these updos are perfect for busy mornings, festive evenings, or last-minute plans. Whether you’re heading to brunch, the office, or a wedding, there’s a look on this list that will suit your vibe—and you won’t need a professional stylist to pull it off.
1. Casual Chic Low Bun
This low bun is your ultimate go-to when you need something stylish and fuss-free. It’s polished enough for a Zoom meeting, yet casual enough to wear to a laid-back coffee date. Just pull your hair back loosely at the nape and secure it with an elastic or pins.
You can keep it a little messy for a relaxed feel or smooth everything down with a styling cream for a more refined finish. It’s versatile, elegant, and takes less than five minutes to create—ideal for those in-between days when you’re not sure how to wear your hair.
2. Quick Knotted Updo
This no-fuss knotted updo is perfect for those mornings when you’re racing the clock. Start by parting your hair into two sections and tying them into a simple knot, then tuck the ends into a low bun. Secure with pins, and you’re done!
It’s a cool, undone style that works beautifully with natural texture or even second-day hair. Best of all, it keeps your hair out of your face while still looking effortlessly put together.
3. Classic Twisted Chignon
The twisted chignon is a timeless updo that never goes out of style. With a few strategic twists, you can elevate your entire look—ideal for work events, date nights, or even a formal party.
Even better, it’s easy to adjust the tightness or volume depending on your mood. For a softer look, tug gently on the twist to loosen it. Want something more sleek? Use a touch of serum to smooth down flyaways.
4. Updo with Colorful Bobby Pins
Sometimes, all it takes to make your updo stand out is a splash of color. Grab a few vibrant bobby pins and place them strategically into a low bun or twist to add personality and flair.
This is a fun way to tie your hairstyle into your outfit—match the pins to your accessories, or go bold with contrasting shades. It’s effortless, creative, and refreshingly playful.
5. High Ponytail With a Polished Twist
Give your everyday ponytail a glamorous upgrade by teasing the crown for added volume and wrapping a section of hair around the base to hide the elastic. It’s quick to do but looks sleek and sophisticated.
This look is great for medium-length hair because it adds height and elongates your silhouette. Whether you’re wearing it with leggings or a cocktail dress, this pony will always deliver.
6. Braided Low Bun
Combining the structure of a bun with the charm of a braid, this style is perfect for medium hair that doesn’t always cooperate. Start with a loose braid, wrap it into a bun, and secure.
It’s just dressy enough for a wedding but simple enough for work. Plus, it keeps your hair in place all day long, even through humidity or a hectic schedule.
7. Scarf-Wrapped Low Bun
Add instant flair to your hair with the help of a silk or cotton scarf. Just tie it around a low bun and let the ends trail down for a vintage-inspired finish.
It’s a great way to accessorize when your hair needs a little extra love. Choose florals for spring, bold prints for summer, or soft neutrals for autumn.
8. Textured Braided French Twist
This look is a modern remix of a classic updo, made more relaxed and bohemian with a soft, braided finish. It’s especially flattering on medium hair because the twist adds length and volume.
This style works best with a bit of texturizing spray. Once your braid is in place, tuck and pin it into a twist along the back of your head—it’s stylish, feminine, and surprisingly easy.
9. Velvet Bow Bun
There’s something so effortlessly elegant about a velvet bow. Tie one around your low bun for a romantic, Parisian-inspired look that works for anything from date night to holiday dinners.
Bows are back in a big way and this simple accessory instantly makes any updo look special. Keep it loose and relaxed for daytime, or smooth everything down for a more refined evening effect.
10. Fast and Flattering Curly Updo
Curly girls, rejoice—this quick curly updo was made for you. Simply gather your curls loosely at the crown or nape and let them cascade naturally while keeping the shape structured.
This style embraces your natural texture while keeping everything in place. Add a couple of pins and you’re good to go in under five minutes—frizz and flyaways included.
11. Double Braided Bun
Double the braids, double the charm. This textured style is perfect for days when your hair feels unmanageable. The braids anchor the style, while the bun keeps things clean and casual.
This updo holds up well even with layers and is ideal for medium hair that doesn’t quite reach the middle of your back. Bonus: It looks even better slightly messy.
12. Turban-Wrapped Updo
When dry shampoo isn’t cutting it and wash day feels too far away, reach for a scarf and wrap your hair into a turban-style updo. It’s chic, bohemian, and totally on trend.
Tuck your hair into a topknot, wrap the scarf around your head, and you’re instantly transformed into a street-style muse. Perfect for festivals, brunch, or bad hair days.
13. Curly Top Knot With Bangs
Medium-length curls look incredibly cute piled high into a topknot, especially when paired with bangs. This look is both polished and fun, and a great way to show off your curls while keeping them out of your face.
Add bold earrings or a bright lip to turn this easy updo into a complete statement. It’s playful, stylish, and very on-trend.
14. Voluminous Teased Updo
A little volume goes a long way. For a bold and beautiful look, tease the top layer of your hair and fold it into a tucked-up bun. This style gives fine or flat hair an instant lift.
It’s especially flattering if your hair lacks natural texture—just use a volumizing powder or dry shampoo before you begin. The result is dramatic, yet incredibly easy to pull off.
15. Braided Headband Bun
Start by braiding a section from the front of your hairline, then tie the rest into a bun and wrap the braid over your head like a headband. It’s a whimsical, fairytale-inspired look that takes just a few extra minutes.
This style is a great way to incorporate a braid without doing a full plaited look. It’s also perfect for keeping flyaways tucked in with style.
16. Velvet Ribbon Low Pony
A velvet ribbon turns an ordinary low ponytail into something elegant and refined. Just tie it at the base, and you’ve got a romantic hairstyle that’s perfect for date nights or holiday dinners.
The contrast of soft velvet with a sleek ponytail is eye-catching and trendy. Try different textures and colors of ribbon depending on the occasion or season.
17. Playful Bubble Ponytail
Turn heads with a bubble ponytail that’s as fun as it is easy. Just divide your ponytail into segments using elastics and gently tug each section to create volume.
You can go bold with colored bands or keep it subtle with clear ones. Either way, this style brings a modern twist to a classic ponytail.
18. Braided Topknot with a Twist
Start with a high ponytail, braid it, then wrap it into a bun and finish with a stylish scarf. It’s equal parts chic and practical—especially for hot days or poolside lounging.
This look works beautifully on medium-length hair, and the braid adds just enough detail to keep it interesting. It’s also a great vacation hairstyle.
19. Romantic Braid-Wrapped Messy Bun
Start by braiding small front sections and wrapping them around your head like a crown. Then toss everything back into a low messy bun for a relaxed yet romantic vibe.
This style is ideal for weddings or evenings out, but it’s so simple you could wear it to brunch too. It balances elegance with ease, making it one of the most versatile updos on this list.
20. Headband Low Bun
A soft, stretchy headband is the easiest accessory to elevate your low bun. It’s a five-minute hairstyle that looks like you spent an hour.
Let a few strands frame your face for a gentle, undone finish. Whether you’re headed to yoga or lunch, this effortless look will never fail you.