💁♀️ 15 Simple Updos For Medium Hair
Alright, fellow hair enthusiasts with medium-length locks. We get it. Sometimes you want to look put-together, but the thought of wrestling with a curling iron or a thousand bobby pins makes you want to just glue a hat to your head. Been there, done that, bought the oversized sunglasses.
Good news! Your hair doesn’t have to be a high-maintenance drama queen. We’ve rounded up 15 ridiculously easy updos that make you look like you actually tried, when in reality, you probably just rolled out of bed five minutes ago. Your secret’s safe with us (and maybe your dry shampoo).
1. The Effortless Top Knot
You know the drill. Roll out of bed, see your hair, and think, “Nope.” The top knot swoops in like a superhero here to save your bad hair day (or just your lazy one).
Gather your hair high on your head, twist it into a bun, and secure it with a hair tie. Don’t overthink it; the messier, the better. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for that “I woke up like this” vibe, even if “this” involved a lot of coffee. A tiny spritz of dry shampoo before you start adds grip and volume, making your knot less likely to stage a jailbreak.
This look just screams cool-girl chic without any actual effort, which, let’s be honest, is the dream.
2. The Messy Low Bun
For those days when you want a bun but can’t commit to the sky-high drama of a top knot. This is the bun’s chill cousin, perfectly suited for a coffee run or a fancy-ish brunch.
Collect your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it loosely, and coil it into a bun. Secure it with an elastic, then gently pull sections to create volume and texture. Resist the urge to make it perfect; its charm lies in its undone nature. A quick blast of texturizing spray before you twist gives it that enviable lived-in feel.
It’s the ultimate “I tried, but not too hard” vibe, making you look effortlessly elegant.
3. The Half-Up Top Knot
Can’t decide between up or down? Why not both? This style perfectly balances showing off your length while keeping those pesky front pieces out of your face.
Grab the top section of your hair, from your temples to the crown. Twist it into a small bun and secure it with a small elastic. Ensure the bun sits high enough to create a lifted effect, but not so high it looks like a tiny horn. Use a clear elastic for extra stealth points.
It’s the ideal look for when you want to feel put-together but still want to unleash your inner rockstar with flowing locks.
4. The Chic Low Pony Tuck
This isn’t your average low ponytail; it’s a sophisticated twist that takes literally seconds. Prepare to fool everyone into thinking you spent ages on your hair.
Tie your hair into a low ponytail. Then, create a small gap above the elastic with your fingers and flip the ponytail up and through the gap. Pull it down gently to tighten. Add a pretty velvet scrunchie over the elastic for an instant upgrade. A little smoothing serum on the ends keeps flyaways at bay.
It’s a deceptively simple style that elevates any outfit from casual to classy in a blink.
5. The Braided Bun
Don’t be scared by the “braid” part. We’re talking super basic here, because who has time for intricate fishtails on a Tuesday?
Form a simple three-strand braid with all your hair, then coil the braid into a bun at the nape of your neck. Secure with bobby pins. Don’t pull the braid too tight before you coil it; a little looseness adds to the charm. You can even do two pigtail braids and coil those for a double-bun effect.
This style adds a touch of bohemian elegance without requiring a degree in hairstyling.
6. The Twisted Low Updo
This one looks way more complicated than it is, which is exactly the kind of magic we’re after. It’s basically a fancy knot for your hair.
Divide your hair into two sections. Twist each section away from your face, then cross them over each other at the nape of your neck. Twist them again, then tuck the ends under and pin them securely. Use pins that match your hair color for an invisible finish. A light-hold hairspray will keep those twists from unraveling.
It’s a polished look that works wonders for both casual outings and slightly dressier occasions.
7. The Loop-De-Loop Ponytail
So simple, it’s almost cheating. This takes your basic ponytail from “just rolled out of bed” to “I meant to do that” with one extra step.
Tie your hair into a low or mid-height ponytail, but on the last loop, only pull the hair halfway through, creating a loop. Leave the ends hanging down. Tease the loop gently for more volume and a less severe look. This style is perfect for showing off a cute hair tie.
It’s quick, it’s cute, and it keeps your hair off your neck without a full bun commitment.
8. The Claw Clip French Twist
The 90s are back, baby, and so are claw clips. Forget the tiny plastic ones; we’re talking chic, oversized clips that do all the heavy lifting for you.
Gather all your hair as if you’re making a low ponytail. Twist it upwards along the back of your head, then fold it over itself. Secure the twist with a large claw clip. Choose a clip in a fun pattern or a sophisticated neutral tone to make it a statement piece. Don’t worry if a few strands escape; it adds to the effortless vibe.
This is the ultimate lazy-girl hack for looking instantly put-together and stylish.
9. The Faux Bob Tuck
Ever wondered what you’d look like with a bob without actually committing to the chop? This trick lets you test the waters with zero regrets.
Gather your hair into a very loose, low ponytail and secure it with an elastic a few inches from the ends. Roll the ponytail upwards towards your nape and pin it securely underneath your hair, hiding the elastic. Leave a few face-framing pieces out to enhance the illusion. A texturizing spray helps give the “bob” some body.
It’s a fun, temporary way to switch up your look and surprise everyone with your “new” haircut.
10. The Bubble Braid Updo
This one is playful, trendy, and ridiculously easy to create. Think of it as a ponytail that got an adorable upgrade.
Start with a high ponytail. Add another elastic a few inches down, then gently pull the hair between the two elastics to create a “bubble.” Repeat this process until you run out of hair, then coil the bubbly braid into a bun and pin it. Use small, clear elastics to make the bubbles pop. A quick mist of hairspray will keep the bubbles intact.
It’s a whimsical style that brings a youthful, fun energy to your look.
11. The Headband Tuck
This is probably the easiest updo on this list, requiring minimal effort and maximum impact. You literally just need a headband.
Place a stretchy headband over your hair. Starting from the front, take small sections of hair and tuck them up and over the headband, working your way around to the back. Opt for a decorative headband to instantly elevate the style. A few bobby pins can help secure any stubborn strands.
It’s a sweet, romantic look that keeps your hair neatly in place with zero fuss.
12. The Pin-Curl Updo
No, we’re not talking about a full retro do. This is a simplified version, perfect for adding texture and a touch of vintage charm without the hours of setting.
Take small sections of hair, twist them into loose coils, and pin them flat against your head at the nape of your neck or slightly higher. Mix and match the direction of the coils for a more organic look. Curl the ends of your hair slightly before coiling for extra bounce. Finish with a light hairspray to set the coils.
It creates beautiful texture and an elegant, timeless feel perfect for date night or a special event.
13. The Chic Space Buns
Who says space buns are just for festivals? These adorable buns can be surprisingly sophisticated when done right, especially on medium hair.
Part your hair down the middle. Create two high pigtails, then twist each into a bun and secure with an elastic and bobby pins. Keep the buns relatively small and neat for a more grown-up vibe. A little shine serum smooths out any frizz.
They’re a playful and trendy option that adds a touch of quirky charm to your everyday style.
14. The Knotted Low Bun
Forget twisting; let’s get knotty. This bun uses a simple knotting technique for a unique, textured finish that looks way harder than it is.
Divide your hair into two sections at the nape of your neck. Tie them into a simple knot, then tie another knot directly below the first. Tuck the ends under the knots and secure with bobby pins. Leave a few strands loose around your face for a softer look. This works best on hair with a bit of natural grip.
It’s an artistic and unconventional bun that stands out from the crowd.
15. The Scarf-Wrapped Bun
When in doubt, accessorize. A scarf isn’t just for your neck; it’s a secret weapon for elevating a basic bun into a statement piece.
Create a simple messy bun. Then, wrap a colorful scarf around the base of the bun, tying it in a knot or a bow. Choose a scarf with a vibrant pattern or interesting texture to really make your bun pop. You can even weave the scarf into the bun as you create it for a more integrated look.
This updo adds personality and flair, transforming a simple style into a fashion-forward statement.
Conclusion
See? We told you. Your medium hair isn’t a limitation; it’s an opportunity for some seriously chic, low-effort updos. No need for a team of stylists or a degree in advanced braiding. Just a few minutes, maybe a bobby pin or two (they always go missing, don’t they?), and a dash of confidence.
Go forth and conquer your day, knowing your hair looks fabulous without demanding all your precious morning minutes. You’re welcome.
