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15 simple and stunning updo hairstyles for medium-length hair

All the inspiration you need

By Samantha McMeekin

Editor / March 07 2023

People often spend a lot of time deliberating whether to grow their hair long or cut it short, but honestly, the mid-lengths is where it’s at.

And if you thought having hair that’s not quite long enough for an Elsa-like braid and not quite short enough to wear out all the time would be a pain, we’re here to prove you wrong.

There’s plenty of updo hairstyles that work for medium-length hair. In fact, we’d argue to say it provides the perfect canvas for all sorts of hairstyles.

So get ready for the messy bun to no longer be your only calling card and add these updo hairstyles to your resume.

The twisted mohawk

If conventional updos aren’t your style, follow Florence Pugh’s lead and rock a twisted mohawk. Pugh’s hairstylist Peter Lux twisted sections of the actress’ hair into avant garde shapes from the top of her head to the nape of her neck.

Image credit: @peterluxhair

The micro plait messy bun

We think Pinnock may have just discovered our go-to updo for the summer. The singer’s combination of micro plaits and a messy bun is just too easy to recreate after a long day bumming around at the beach.

Image credit: @leighannepinnock

The French girl top knot

Make like Emily in Paris star Lily Collins and inject a basic top knot with some French girl flare. Collins let her blown out fringe do the leg work and twisted her lengths into a chic chignon on top of her head.

Image credit: Getty

Unexpected Colour Play

We’ve seen peekaboo hair rise in popularity over the last few seasons, with skunk stripes and rainbow undercuts coming to the fore more than ever. So why not make like Rita Ora and capitalise on the trend with a spicy addition of unexpected colour? We love the slice of blue heaven she’s added to an otherwise traditional and sophisticated chignon.

Image credit: @ritaora

‘It Girl’ Slick ‘N Clip

No hairstyle is more on-trend at the moment than the sleek claw clip updo often sported by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. And guess what? Medium-length hair is perfect for it. You’ve got enough to whip inside the clip, but not too much that it’s spilling over.

Try: Scunci Hair Accessories Claw Clip No Slip Grip 1pc ($6.95 at Big W)

Image credit: Getty

‘No Tails’ French Braids

Who said French braids had to be tied off? If you’re lucky enough to have the skill, don’t let your lack of Rapunzel length stop you. Simply slide in some bobby pins to secure the ends at the nape of your neck.

Image credit: Getty

Pile High

Working with coily texture? Bring it to the front and centre and let it shine. Work it like a high pony, but tie it off closer to your forehead so it cascades over like a faux fringe.

Image credit: Getty

Modern Milkmaid Braid

If Lucy Boynton has been spotted wearing a milkmaid braid, it must be back in style. However, the classic has been slightly modernised to suit her shorter length, pulling hair from the root into the braid, rather than having lengths wrapped around the head.

Image credit: Getty

Half-Up Half-Down

Nobody said an updo requires you to put all of your hair up. This is one time a half-assed job will earn you praise.

Image credit: Getty

Headband Heap

If your goal is a voluminous messy bun but you’re having a hard time getting it that way with a single hair tie, employ the help of a headband or hair scarf. It will help to keep things piled high and also provide an anchor to secure straggler hairs with bobby pins. Keep a few loose like Ciara though – so pretty.

Image credit: Getty

Tucked-Away Top Knot

Florence Pugh has a whole library of updo looks that don’t require loads of length – just enough. Our favourite? This plaited top knot that instead of being tied off is simply tucked under itself and secured. The flick of her untamed ends just adds to it really.

Image credit: Getty

Smooth Operator

A great one for dirty hair days (or if you’re Rihanna, the red carpet), this sleek and tightly pulled style will allow you to wrap the most amount of your length into one neat and high pile. Beat any flyaways by spritzing some hairspray on a toothbrush to capture and comb them down, or start from the beginning with a smoothing cream.

Try: John Frieda Frizz Ease Weightless Wonder Featherlight Smoothing Crème ($16.99 at Priceline)

Image credit: Getty

Softly-Parted Bun

If you’ve got shorter face-framing layers that won’t reach a high-piled bun, go with a centre part and softly tie back the back half instead. It’ll allow the shorter front sections to hang loose.

Image credit: Getty

Deep Side-Part Ponytail

This updo style is a classic for a reason and can work with any hair length when the ponytail is tied low. Be like Lili Reinhart and wrap it with a metallic tie as an added touch.

Image credit: Getty