💇‍♀️ 10 Easy Updos For Medium Hair

Okay, let’s be real. We all have those mornings where our hair just refuses to cooperate, right? Or maybe you just hit snooze one too many times, no judgment here. Good news, my medium-haired pals! You don’t need a salon appointment or an army of stylists to look effortlessly chic. We’re talking maximum impact for minimum effort. Get ready to ditch the struggle and embrace these ridiculously simple updos that scream ‘I woke up like this’ (even if you definitely didn’t).

1. The Messy Bun, Elevated

The OG of updos, but with a glow-up. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, but don’t pull it all the way through on the last loop. Instead, create a messy loop and secure with another elastic. Gently pull at the bun and around your crown for volume and that perfectly imperfect vibe. Leave a few face-framing pieces out to soften the look.

For extra oomph, mist some dry shampoo on your roots before you start. It adds grip and volume, making your bun look fuller and last longer. It’s the ultimate ‘I tried, but not too hard’ look, perfect for literally anything.

2. The Twisted Low Bun

Looks fancy, takes zero brain cells. Part your hair down the middle or to the side. Take two sections from the front, one on each side, and twist them back towards the nape of your neck. Gather these twists with the rest of your hair into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a neat or slightly messy bun and secure with bobby pins. It’s surprisingly elegant.

A little texture spray before twisting gives your hair that perfect grippy feel, preventing strands from slipping out. This one adds a touch of sophistication without requiring a degree in hair engineering.

3. The Half-Up Top Knot

Can’t commit to a full updo? Meet your new best friend. Section off the top half of your hair, from your temples to the crown. Gather it into a small ponytail and then twist it into a tiny, sassy top knot. Secure with a small elastic. You can leave the rest of your hair straight, wavy, or even throw in some quick curls.

Don’t forget to tease the base of the top knot slightly before securing for a fuller, more substantial look. A little hair spray will keep it in place. It’s the best of both worlds, keeping hair out of your face while still showing off your length.

4. The Claw Clip Chic

Remember those 90s clips? They’re back, baby, and better than ever. Gather all your hair as if you’re making a low ponytail. Instead of an elastic, twist your hair upwards and then fold it down against your head. Secure with a stylish claw clip, letting the ends fan out naturally. It’s ridiculously quick and effortlessly cool.

Choose a clip that matches your outfit or hair color for a polished vibe, or go bold with a contrasting one for a statement. This look is proof that sometimes, the simplest tools make the biggest impact. Plus, no hair tie dents!

5. The Braided Crown

Channel your inner boho goddess, no flower crown required. Part your hair down the middle. Take a small section of hair near your ear on one side and braid it loosely. Repeat on the other side. Bring both braids up and over the top of your head, pinning them together to form a ‘crown.’ You can leave the rest of your hair down or gather it into a low bun.

Gently tug at the loops of your braids before pinning them to make them look thicker and more lived-in. A little texturizing spray helps here too. It’s romantic, sweet, and looks way more intricate than it actually is. Prepare for compliments.

6. The Low Ponytail Loop

So simple, it feels like cheating (in the best way). Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic. Then, create a small gap in the hair above the elastic with your fingers. Flip the ponytail up and through that gap, pulling it downwards. This creates a cute, twisted effect. You can repeat for an extra twist.

If your hair is super smooth, a quick spritz of light-hold hairspray on the ponytail will help it hold its shape as you loop it through. It’s an instant upgrade to a basic ponytail, making it look polished and intentional with minimal effort.

7. The Scarf-Wrapped Bun

Turn a bad hair day into a fashion statement. First, create a simple messy bun or a low bun. Then, grab your favorite silk scarf or bandana. Fold it into a band and wrap it around the base of your bun, tying it in a knot or a bow. Let the ends of the scarf hang loose, or tuck them in for a cleaner look.

A vibrant scarf can totally elevate a basic outfit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns and colors. This trick hides any flyaways or less-than-perfect bun moments, adding a pop of color and personality.

8. The Double Mini Buns

Spice Girls vibes, but make it chic. Part your hair down the middle. Take a section from each side, just above your ears, and create two small ponytails. Twist each ponytail into a mini bun and secure with small elastics or bobby pins. You can keep them tight and neat or pull them apart for a messier look.

For a grown-up version, keep the buns low and loose, closer to the nape of your neck, and let some face-framing pieces fall. It’s playful, youthful, and surprisingly versatile for both casual days and fun nights out.

9. The Pin-Up Roll

Retro glam without the time machine. Take a section of hair from the front, about three inches wide. Roll it inwards towards your scalp, creating a “victory roll” effect. Secure it with bobby pins underneath so they’re hidden. You can do one on each side or just a single one on top. The rest of your hair can be down or pulled into a low bun.

Backcombing the section slightly before rolling will give it more volume and make it easier to shape and secure. It adds an instant touch of vintage flair and keeps those front pieces perfectly out of your way.

10. The “Sleek Back” Pony-Bun

When you want to look put-together and fierce. Brush all your hair back very smoothly, making sure there are no bumps. Gather it into a high or mid-height ponytail. Secure with an elastic. Then, twist the ponytail into a tight, sleek bun. Secure with another elastic or bobby pins. Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to tame any flyaways around your hairline.

A fine-tooth comb and a bit of hairspray are your best friends for achieving that super sleek, polished finish. This look exudes confidence and sophistication, perfect for when you need to mean business (or just look like you do).

Conclusion

See? Who said medium hair was boring or limiting? With these ridiculously easy updos, you’ve officially got a whole arsenal of looks that are quick, chic, and totally Instagram-worthy. So go forth, my friend, and conquer your day (or just your couch) with fabulous hair. Your hair game just got a serious, no-fuss upgrade. You’re welcome.