A medium length may set some restrictions on variability of hairstyles, since some ‘dos really look more advantageous on longer lengths. However, with shoulder-grazing hair you can also afford plenty of gorgeous updos which won’t ever give out your actual length. Updo hairstyles are an urgent topic for summer days when you need to keep your locks off the face and more or less organized. Besides, every formal event suggests an elegant ‘do, preferably a pulled up style. Whether you’ve dropped in to check on fresh ideas for casual looks or formal updos for shoulder-length hair, you are going to find here both. So, better take some minutes to check what we’ve found for you on the subject.
What updos are the best for medium length? It, certainly, depends on the occasion. However, we can sum up the most popular hairstyles for mid length and create a sort of summary on this topic. In brief, we can list these: buns, simple knots and French knots, braided updos and up hairstyles with tucked ends. Read further for a more detailed review.
Best Updos for Medium Length Hair
- Buns. A bun is probably the easiest updo you can do yourself. With medium length hair that is not thick enough, you may lack body which eventually tells on the bun’s size. Backcombing helps to add body and visually enlarge the bun’s size.
- Knots. Modern knots are rather loose and messy. Tease your hair at the roots to provide some lift around your face and make a low or high “imperfect” knot. Once it’s ready and fixed, you may pull at occasional strands to make loops. Don’t forget that deliberately messy styles are currently trendy.
- Braids. A rare casual updo comes these days without a braid. Whether it’s a chunky crown braid or a tight thin braid on one side to complement a bun, braids are very welcome in modern updos.
- Multi-component styles. Sometimes we do not want to keep it plain. The fanciest hairstyle designs come from multi-component hairstyles, combining, for example, twists and curls, a braid and a bun, a braid and a knot, etc. You may also create your own style, drawing inspiration from the following ideas.
1. Curly Pinned Updo for Shorter Hair
Are bobs your thing? Don’t worry; there are updos for shoulder-length hair too. Add some barrel curls to your cut, roll your ends upwards around your finger, and then tuck them with a bobby pin. For a touch of edge, bring in a thin braid going across the updo.
2. French Knot with Low Ponytail
Learning new updos for medium hair will add some spice, elegance, and interest to your routine style. One example is the French knot pony – a modern, simple, and sleek take on the low ponytail. The wrap-around technique gives a polished look while simultaneously covering that pesky hair elastic.
3. French Braid and Low Bun
Take the standard chignon to the next level by French braiding along the center of your head and overlapping the side sections at the nape of your neck. This style will work better if you have longer layers that won’t stick out of the braid, but shoulder length hair will work with it, too! Simply pull up the remaining hair into a smaller, cute roll!
4. Rosette Side Updo
Sometimes it’s the details that matter. At first glance this appears to be a simple side bun, but upon further inspection one notices that it resembles the petals of a blooming bud. This look can be casual or classy and can easily take you from work to happy hour.
5. Bob with Half Up Mohawk Braid
Looking for medium hair updos that don’t involve a bun? How about this half up fishtail braid? From the intricate braiding on the top to the loose flowing curls on the bottom, there are a few levels of awesome in this hairstyle.
6. Big Bouffant Updo for Shorter Hair
Short-haired girls unite! You may not have the length, but a bouffant updo is not out of reach for you. An easy style with not much effort, it’s a cute way to express your playful side.
7. Messy Curly Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
Commonly polished and neat updos compliment mature ladies, and younger women more often prefer a less refined finish. Pulling face-framing tendrils out and embracing an untamed curl can take medium length updos from polished to age-appropriate.
8. Loose Rolled BunUpdo for Shorter Hair
When it comes to updos for medium length hair, buns are not only a classy choice, but they also protect your ends from damage. As the hair rubs against clothing, friction breaks the cuticles and moisture is drawn away from the hair shafts, especially if you like to wear cotton tops, shirts, T-shirts, etc.
9. Loose Curly Updos
Women who are fans of the romantic updo hairstyles in period movies like Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice will love these looks. These styles are pretty formal on their own, but you can take them up a notch with accessories like flowers or barrettes.
10. Low Messy Wavy Bun for Shorter Hair
When it comes to updos for medium length hair, it’s comforting to know the low bun is always there for you. A bit of pulling at waves creates easy texture, while the wavy tendrils near the face are a soft touch.
11. Side Braid-to-Bun Updo
This classic side-braided updo looks like something from a romantic black-and-white movie. Show the world you’re a classy lady when you shape rolled waves into a side bun. Whether you’re a bridesmaid or the bride, this style can work for you!
12. Messy Low Chignon
This is a versatile coiffure for a semi-formal event or everyday wear! Show off the multiple tones of your hair color, whether you have highlights or balayage, and play around with your messy-chic chignon!
13. Textured Chignon Updo with Braided Elements
A sleek, shiny updo is made seemingly effortless by the incorporated braided elements. The strategic placement of plaits makes or breaks the look. In this case, it adds a detail around the crown and breaks up the formality of the hairstyle.
14. Classy Bob Half Updo with Chain Braids
Are bobs your thing? Don’t worry; there are updos for shoulder-length hair too. Add some barrel curls to your cut, roll your ends upwards around your finger, and then tuck them with a bobby pin. For a touch of edge, bring in a thin braid going across the updo.
15. Curly Pinned Updo for Shorter Hair
If your hair is too short to be pulled into easy updos for medium hair, master a few quick half updos. It also works well for those who don’t feel comfortable with all of their locks away from the face but want to change up the casual downdo style. Pairing the braid with a mini-bouffant contributes a sophisticated vibe.
16. Twist and Pin Messy Updo
Sometimes the main attraction of updo hairstyles is in details. Several twisted rows of hair will make you look like you’re wearing a crown. Experiment with twists and braids to come up with your own lovely low updo. Loose tendrils on the sides are a nice finishing touch.
17. Lovely Twisted and Tied Updo
The weaving and knotting are neat and sophisticated. A few twists and pins are not difficult to do yourself on a daily basis but if you want something special for a special occasion it’s better to trust your locks to a trustworthy stylist.
18. Loose Messy Updos
One of the shining points of Dolce & Gabbana’s show was the hair and makeup. Not only do they make a striking statement on the runways, but the messy updos for medium hair paired with a dark romantic lip and gilded accessories would be perfect for your next formal event.
19. Low Flower Bun Updo
The rose tone of this hairstyle adds to the gorgeousness, but you can rock a low flower bun updo no matter what hair color you have. No need to add a faux flower accessory, the petals are built in for maximum detail.
20. Loose Updo with a Diagonal Braid
A cute diagonal dutch braid is the short version of Elsa’s hair. With a wide braid across the back of your head, you’ll feel like a princess. The looseness helps keep the style casual, but it’s formal enough to wear even to prom!
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