Hair that sits somewhere between the collarbone and the shoulder blades is my favorite length to put up. There’s enough to twist and braid, not so much weight that the style drags itself down by evening. The catch is layers, which I’ll come to before the styles. If you’re the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest, the updos below cover chignons, textured buns, braids and twists, and most of them can be done at home with a little practice. I’ve added what I watch for with each one at medium length specifically.
Those Shorter Layers Around Your Face and Nape
Most medium-length cuts are layered, and the shortest layers are what escape an updo first. They work loose at the temples, behind the ears and at the nape. You can’t stop them completely, but you can plan for them.
- Curl short layers in the direction they need to go, so they lie toward the updo instead of springing away from it.
- Use small bobby pins for short pieces. Standard pins are often longer than the layers themselves and stick out.
- A small amount of pomade or a wax stick on your fingertips holds stray pieces against the head better than more hairspray.
- Accept some tendrils. Pieces that won’t reach can be curled and left out deliberately, which looks intended.
If your hair looks thin in a bun, there are two quiet fixes. A bun form or padding in your hair color makes a small bun look fuller, and one clip-in weft placed under the top layer adds bulk without anyone seeing it.
A Haircut Too Close to the Wedding Can Work Against You
If you’re planning an updo, avoid new layers or a big change in length in the weeks before the wedding. Fresh short layers are the hardest to pin. Ask for a light trim of the ends a few weeks before, so the cut has time to settle, and do any color one or two weeks before so the tone has softened slightly by the photos.
1. Low Chignon Updo for Medium Hair
A low chignon is the style I reach for when a bride wants something classic that won’t compete with her dress. This soft, rolled bun sits at the nape, and medium hair tucks into it neatly without the bulk long hair can create. If the bun looks small, I roll it around a little padding the same color as your hair; nobody sees it and the shape looks fuller. Leave a few face-framing pieces out, and add pearl pins or a small floral comb. It works with a veil or with bare shoulders.
2. Messy Bun Wedding Updo
A messy bun is only relaxed-looking; the structure underneath still needs to be firm. Curl the hair loosely, then gather it into an undone bun, but secure the base with an elastic before you start pulling pieces loose. Then tease out strands at the face and temples. On thin hair the texture makes it look fuller; on very thick hair it lightens the shape. A sprig of baby’s breath or a small clip adds a detail. It suits outdoor and boho weddings, and it forgives small mistakes better than any sleek style.
3. Twisted Half-Up Half-Down Updo
Can’t decide between up and down? Take two sections from each side, twist them back and pin or knot them together at the back of the head. Medium hair leaves enough length below for soft waves. The twists keep hair out of your face and frame statement earrings well. Round and heart-shaped faces suit the extra height at the crown. I pin the twists with two crossed bobby pins rather than one, because the weight of the loose hair underneath pulls on them all day.
4. Braided Crown Updo for Medium Hair
Two braids crossed over the top of the head and pinned make a crown at medium length. At this length the braid ends won’t meet on the other side, so I tuck each end under the opposite braid and pin it there. Loosen the plaits gently for a fuller effect. Fresh blooms or greenery can be pushed into the gaps. It keeps hair off the face for warm weather and garden or rustic weddings, and it holds through hugs and dancing on most textures. Very short layers near the face may need a separate tiny braid to stay in.
5. Low Bun With Loose Tendrils
A smooth low bun with a few loose tendrils is about as versatile as wedding hair gets. Gather the hair into a bun at the nape and draw out wispy pieces around the face and ears. The neckline stays clear, which suits off-shoulder and sweetheart gowns. Tendrils need attention: I curl them separately with a small iron, away from the face, so they don’t just hang straight by lunchtime. A sparkling pin or pearl accent can sit beside the bun.
6. Textured Updo With Curls
If your hair lacks volume, a textured updo built from curls adds both body and dimension. Curl the hair into loose waves, let the curls cool, then pin sections up loosely toward the back. The curls hide the pins well, which is why this is a good DIY style. A decorative comb or fresh flowers add personality, and a few curls near the face keep it soft. It has a vintage feel with a looser, modern finish. Spray a light texture spray into the curls before pinning, otherwise clean hair slides out of the sections.
7. Vintage Rolled Updo
Old Hollywood rolls need hair that’s been set first. I use hot rollers and let the hair cool completely on them before brushing out, then roll and pin each section into a smooth, sculpted shape. Medium hair takes rolls well because it isn’t heavy enough to unroll. It suits elegant indoor venues, and a birdcage veil or an art deco pin finishes the look. It looks complicated, but it’s manageable at home after a few practice runs. Hold spray is necessary here; a soft-hold product won’t keep a roll in place.
8. Braided Low Bun Updo
A braided low bun starts with braiding a few sections and then wraps and pins the braids into a bun at the nape. The braids add detail and they grip the pins, which makes this one of the most secure styles on the list. Rustic, vintage and classic weddings all suit it. Leave a few strands loose at the face, and add tiny pearls or a delicate hairpiece along the braid. With medium hair, I’d use three smaller braids rather than one large one so there’s enough length to coil.
9. Side Swept Updo for Medium Hair
Sweeping the hair to one side and gathering it into a low bun or twist near the shoulder makes a soft, slightly dramatic shape. Medium hair drapes well this way when it has some curl. The look shows off one shoulder and the jawline, so it suits asymmetrical gowns, and the bare side is the place for a statement earring. Put a floral clip or jeweled pin on the gathered side. Remember which side the groom stands on, as that’s the side guests photograph during the vows.
10. Flower Bun Updo
A flower bun is made from small loops of hair pinned together into petal shapes. Naturally wavy medium hair comes together into it quickly, since the waves give each loop body. It’s a little different from the usual bun and suits boho and garden weddings. Small fresh flowers can sit between the loops. Each loop needs its own pin pushed through the base, otherwise the petals open up and the shape becomes a messy bun by the reception.
11. Sleek Low Bun Updo
A sleek low bun smooths every strand into a polished knot at the nape. Medium hair tucks away neatly, and the minimal shape goes well with structured gowns and contemporary venues. Pair it with bold earrings or a sleek clip. The challenge at this length is short layers escaping around the nape and ears: I smooth them with a wax stick and a fine-tooth comb, then set them with a quick blast of hairspray applied to the comb, not to the head. Clean lines on a warm day keep hair entirely off your face and neck.
12. Twisted Updo With Accessories
A twisted updo makes a natural base for accessories. Twist sections and pin them up into a soft, layered shape, then slide pearl pins, jeweled combs or fresh flowers along the twists. It works for formal and relaxed weddings. The twists create texture without braiding skill, which is useful if a friend is helping. Leave a few face-framing pieces loose. With heavy accessories, I pin them into a twist rather than loose hair, so the weight is carried by the structure.
13. Half-Up Bun Updo
A half-up bun gathers only the top section into a small bun, with the rest left down in soft waves. It’s youthful and relaxed, so it suits boho, beach and casual weddings, and it keeps hair off your face while showing length. A small clip or flowers around the bun add detail. Place the bun at the crown or just below it. Set too high, it can look like a gym knot rather than a wedding style.
14. Braided Updo With Flowers
A braided updo adorned with fresh flowers weaves braids into a soft pinned-up shape, then has blooms tucked into it. Medium hair has enough length for woven detail. Baby’s breath gives a soft look; small roses give more color. Garden, rustic and bohemian weddings suit it best. Ask your florist for flowers wired onto pins, which go in much more securely than loose stems pushed into a braid. Matching the hair flowers to your bouquet ties them together in photos.
15. Curly Updo for Medium Hair
A curly updo gathers curls loosely toward the back and pins them into a full shape that keeps their natural volume. It’s meant for naturally curly or coily hair, and a few curls left around the face soften it. I never brush curls at the chair; I separate them with fingers and pin in clusters. Refresh the curls with a little water and a curl cream on the morning, rather than relying on the previous day’s definition. A sparkling pin or fresh flowers add a finish.
16. Twisted Bun Updo
A twisted bun twists sections before wrapping them into the bun, which gives it a woven, textured look. Medium hair has enough length for soft twists, and it suits formal and semi-formal weddings. Pearl pins look neat along the twists. Leave a few tendrils loose to soften the edges. A twist unwinds slightly when pinned, so I twist each section one turn more than looks right.
17. Boho Loose Updo
A loose boho updo gathers the hair into a soft, undone shape with lots of wispy pieces. Outdoor, beach and garden weddings suit its relaxed construction. Tuck in greenery, baby’s breath or small wildflowers. Pull strands free around your face. The risk with loose styles is that they slip a little more each hour, so make the hidden base secure even if the surface looks undone. It flatters most hair types and feels comfortable all day.
18. Knotted Updo for Medium Hair
A knotted updo ties sections of hair into soft knots and pins them into a gathered shape. Medium hair has enough length to tie defined knots, and the detail looks intricate while being simple to make. Modern and boho weddings suit it. Add small pins or flowers between the knots and leave a few face-framing strands. The knots themselves hide the pins well. Hair that’s slightly dirty or sprayed with texture spray holds a knot better than freshly washed hair.
19. Pinned Back Waves Updo
Pinned-back waves aren’t a full updo, but they keep hair off your face while showing length and texture. Curl the hair into waves, then pin the sides back loosely. A decorative comb or floral pin goes where the hair gathers. Beach, garden and boho weddings suit it, and it flatters nearly any face shape. At medium length the ends can flip outward on the shoulders, so I curl the ends away from the face and brush the waves out gently.
20. Elegant French Twist Updo
A French twist sweeps hair to one side and rolls and tucks it into a sleek vertical shape. Medium hair has just enough length, as long as it reaches below the shoulder; shorter than that, the ends poke out at the top of the roll. It suits formal weddings and keeps hair entirely off the neck on a warm day. A veil or sparkling pins can be added. It’s easier to make than it looks: brush the hair to one side, pin a vertical line of crossed pins up the center, then roll the rest over them.
Practice at Home With Two Mirrors and a Timer
Most of these styles are realistic to do yourself or with a friend, but only if you’ve done them before. Practice twice in the weeks before the wedding and time yourself, because it usually takes longer the first time than you expect.
- A hand mirror to see the back of your head in the bathroom mirror
- A tail comb for clean sections and parting
- Around thirty bobby pins and a handful of U-pins in your hair color
- Small clear elastics for anchoring ponytails and braid ends
- A curling iron, a texture spray and a flexible-hold hairspray
Take a photo of the back of your head after each attempt. What looks fine from the front often has a gap or a visible pin at the back, and that’s the view guests see during the ceremony.
Let the Neckline Decide the Shape
Medium hair gives you a wide range of updos, from sleek chignons to braids and textured buns. The neckline is the best guide to narrowing it down: high necks and lace backs suit higher, compact styles, while low backs and off-shoulder gowns look good with low buns and side-swept shapes. Add fresh flowers, pearl pins or a jeweled clip to make the style your own. Practice your favorite once or twice before the wedding, and you’ll know exactly how long it takes on the morning.
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