When it comes to shoulder-length hair, some might think the styling options are limited compared to longer locks. But don’t be fooled! Medium-length hair offers a plethora of stunning updos that can make you forget about the length altogether. These versatile styles are perfect for keeping your hair off your face during hot summer days while still looking chic and sophisticated.
Summer calls for hairstyles that are not only functional but also stylish, and updos are the perfect solution. Whether you’re heading to a formal event or simply need a polished look for the office, there’s an updo for every occasion. Shoulder-grazing hair allows for a range of elegant styles that can be as casual or as refined as you need, ensuring you look fabulous no matter the setting.
Ready to be inspired? We’ve curated a collection of the best updo hairstyles for shoulder-length hair. From effortless casual looks to sophisticated formal styles, we’ve got you covered. Take a few minutes to explore these fresh ideas and discover the perfect updo to elevate your shoulder-length hair game.
Updos for Medium Length Hair
#1 Bouffant Up Do
Fine hair can sometimes fall flat in updos, making the scalp visible, especially with darker shades. Elevate your style by adding height at the crown with a voluminous bouffant for a fuller, more glamorous look.
#2 Fancy Roll for Medium Hair
For a relaxed, messy looped style, chunky highlights are a game-changer. Twisting these highlights together creates a stunning swirled blend of caramel and coffee hues, adding depth and texture to your look.
#3 Messy Updo for Bob Length Hair
Texture is the secret to a standout style. Whether your hair is tightly wrapped or cascading down your back, a piecey, layered look paired with waves is sure to draw compliments. Add a balayage for an even more eye-catching effect.
#4 Classic Bun with Face-Framing Strands
If romantic hairdos are your thing, you’ll adore this dreamy updo inspired by Jane Austen’s movie adaptations. Enhance your elegance with shiny accessories, and leave a few wispy tendrils loose to frame your face, perfectly complementing a high bun.
#5 Sophisticated Updo for Medium Hair
Take your time gently pinning your hair into a loose, classy bun, and finish with plenty of hairspray to keep it securely in place.
#6 Low Curly Updo with a Small Bouffant
The most effortlessly chic hairstyles often require the most skill. To recreate this updo at home, start by curling all your hair and teasing the crown area. Then, pin up the curls in a carefree, random pattern for that perfect blend of elegance and ease.
#7 Twisted Crown Half Updo
Creating an updo with mid-length locks can be tricky. For an easy yet stylish solution, try a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Make two French twists from either side of your head and secure them in the middle with bobby pins. Add some waves for extra volume and flair.
#8 Linked Crown Low Bun
For a unique twist on the classic low bun with a braided crown, try linking the top part together instead. These effortless updos for medium hair will keep you looking trendy and chic.
#9 Casual Updo for Medium Hair
Achieve an ethereal and effortlessly fancy everyday look with a mix of a messy low bun, face-framing tresses, and blonde highlights.
#10 Romantic Updo for Tousled Balayage Hair
When deciding on your perfect prom hairstyle, an updo is a timeless choice. It’s classy and elegant, complementing your gown without overshadowing it. The twists and curls add a charming touch, while leaving a few loose strands creates the natural movement that brings it all together.
#11 Double Headband for Medium Hair
After you get your perfect messy bun together, add a personal touch with a cool double headband.
#12 Half Up Half Down with Braid Crown
An effortless updo for medium hair that you can do yourself anytime is braiding two larger strands on each side and gathering them together for a charming half-up, half-down hairstyle.
#13 Loose Messy French Braided Updo
Revitalize your look by opting for an updo with bangs. This ensures your hairstyle is stunning from every angle. Delicate tendrils and a fringe add a sweet touch, beautifully complementing the romantic charm of a braided chignon.
#14 Messy Chignon for Medium Hair
Medium hair offers more than just loosely waved bobs. Elevate your look with a chic chignon. Feathering out small sections of the updo adds texture, dimension, and body, though achieving these elements without long locks or extensions can be a challenge.
#15 Lovely Twisted and Tied Updo
The art of weaving and knotting in hairstyles exudes a sense of neatness and sophistication. Simple twists and pins can be easily managed for daily wear, but for more intricate styles suited to special occasions, consulting an experienced stylist is often the best choice.
#16 Romantic Loose Curly Updo
Easy hairstyles for medium hair can be effortlessly chic, like styling big curls into a charming half-up, half-down look. Another option is to try a small chignon with curls cascading elegantly around it. Curls have a natural beauty that can make any hairstyle look fabulous, even if it’s not perfectly neat.
#17 Swept Up Bun
For a glamorous wedding look, consider this swept-up style: pin up a loose bun and elegantly sweep up the sides.
#18 Classy Bob Half Updo with Twists
If your hair is too short for the typical medium hair updos, mastering a few quick half updos is the perfect solution. This style is great for those who prefer to keep some hair framing their face while adding variety to their casual look. Pairing the half updo with a mini-bouffant adds a touch of sophistication to the overall vibe.
#19 Perfect Wedding Updo
This curly bun is the elegant wedding updo you’ve been dreaming of!
#20 Textured Chignon Updo with Braided Elements
A sleek, shiny updo is effortlessly enhanced by incorporating braided elements. The strategic placement of plaits is crucial—it adds a crown detail and softens the overall formality of the hairstyle.
#21 Tucked Updo with a Big Bouffant
Go big or go home—especially with bouffants! Embrace big, sexy hair with maximum volume on top. Loose, textured locks add a messy yet magnificent touch. Complete the look by sweeping bangs to the side for added flair.
#22 Messy French Roll Hairstyle
This elegant style is perfect for women with medium to long hair. To recreate it at home, sweep your hair back into a messy French roll, secure it with bobby pins, and set with hairspray. This effortless yet chic look is ideal for showcasing your fashionable earrings.
#23 Casual Ponytail with Bangs
What you see is what you get, ladies! A quick and easy updo for medium hair.
#24 Loose Rolled Bun
When opting for updos with medium-length hair, buns not only offer a classy look but also protect your ends from damage. Friction from clothing can break strands and draw moisture away from hair shafts, making buns a practical and stylish choice.
#25 Classic Bridal Updo
Another gorgeous low bun style, perfect for weddings. Adding a subtle bouffant creates a fuller appearance, visually enhancing thin hair with more volume. Whether you’re a bridesmaid or the bride herself, this style is sure to complement your look beautifully!
#26 Soft Half, Up Half Down Ponytail
The classic half-up, half-down ponytail is a versatile and universally flattering hairstyle. It strikes the perfect balance between casual and polished, making it suitable for various occasions, whether it’s everyday wear or a more formal event.
#27 Messy Curly Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
Here’s a charming and whimsical hairstyle that blends elegance with a touch of playfulness. Soft, bouncy curls are gathered into a loose and tousled updo at the back of the head. Delicate tendrils frame the face, enhancing its romantic allure and drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
#28 Romantic Wedding Hairstyle
Achieve this chic messy bun, perfect for special occasions, without needing long hair. Use several bobby pins to roll and secure a loose bun, and tease the crown slightly with a comb for added volume. This hairstyle is not only cute but also effortless and low maintenance.
#29 Medium Updo for Formal Events
This soft French roll, adorned with a charming hair brooch, is perfect for formal events where you want to add a touch of flair to a strict dress code. It exemplifies a formal hairstyle with a captivating detail.
#30 Half Up, Half Down Bun
Braid both sides of your hair halfway down, then twist them into a messy bun and secure it with a rubber band!
#31 Low-Key Loose Updo
Updos for medium hair aren’t just for formal occasions—they’re perfect for everyday wear too. Opt for a low-maintenance style that allows you to spend more time enjoying your day and less time getting ready.
#32 Low Twisted Updo for Shorter Hair
Simple hair doesn’t have to be boring; it can still incorporate eye-catching details while remaining understated. With medium-length hair, where inches are limited, a minimalist approach can be a stylish win-win for those with shorter locks.
#33 Easy Double Braid Crown
Doubling up on your crown with a traditional crown braid paired with a fishtail or fishbone braid creates a stunning result, though it’s not the easiest style to achieve!
#34 Easy Braided Updo for Medium Hair with Flowers
Enhance the femininity of your braided updo by adding small flowers. This fairy-like look is perfect for weddings, festivals, nights out, or simply any occasion!
#35 Chunky Medium Updo
This elegant updo features a large, chunky bun expertly twisted into place. Leave a few strands out in the front to delicately frame your face. It’s a perfect choice for your wedding day or a glamorous school dance.