Hey there, beauty lovers! Isabella here, and I’m so excited to talk about one of my favorite topics: updos for medium length hair. It’s amazing how many different looks you can create with just a little length. Whether you’re looking for that perfect style for a special event or something easy for a casual day out, updos are your best friend. Today, we’re diving into “Wedding Guest or Weekend Chic: 22 Updos.” My journey into hair started sweeping floors in my mom’s salon, and that early love for transforming looks still fuels everything I do here at Glam Hair Nails. I truly believe that hair is a powerful way to express yourself, and I’m here to share my tips and tricks so you can feel confident and beautiful. Ready to find your next go-to style from our list of Wedding Guest or Weekend Chic: 20+ Versatile Updos for Medium Length Hair? Let’s get started!
22 Updos for Medium Length Hair
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! I’ve pulled together a fantastic list of 22 updos that are just perfect for medium length hair. These styles are so versatile. You can totally rock them as a wedding guest or just for a casual weekend outing. We’re going to count down, and the last one on our list is my absolute top pick!
22. Low Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
This is a total classic for a reason. A low bun looks so elegant for a wedding. It also works great for a laid-back weekend. Just pull out a few pieces around your face. It softens the look beautifully. This style is lovely on most face shapes. It’s especially good if you have fine hair; the bun gives the illusion of more volume. A little texturizing spray helps with hold and adds a bit of oomph.
21. Braided Crown
Feeling romantic? A braided crown is your answer. It’s dreamy for special events like weddings. It also has this cool, bohemian vibe for weekend fun. You just make a braid on each side and pin them across the top of your head. Securing it with bobby pins that match your hair color is key. It makes them disappear!
20. Messy Top Knot
Ah, the messy top knot. This is my weekend go-to. It looks effortlessly cool. You can even dress it up a bit for a relaxed wedding guest look. The trick is not trying too hard. Just gather your hair high up and twist or wrap it into a bun. Then, gently tug at sections to make it look perfectly imperfect. Pulling out a few strands around your face gives it a softer finish.
19. French Twist
The French twist screams sophistication. It’s perfect for formal occasions. But honestly, it’s surprisingly easy to do for a chic weekend look too. You just need to twist your hair upwards and secure it with pins. Keeping it secure is the main challenge. Using a smoothing serum before you start helps everything stay neat and in place.
18. Half-Up Top Knot
I love a good half-up top knot. It’s super casual and fun for weekends. It’s also a great way to show off your curls or waves while still having some hair up for an event. Sectioning your hair properly is important. You want the top part to be clean. Adding a little volume at the crown before you make the bun makes it look better.
17. Twisted Low Ponytail
This style has a lovely elegant twist detail. It’s perfect if you’re a wedding guest but don’t want a full updo. It’s also streamlined and chic for a weekend. Just make a low ponytail. Then, split the hair above the elastic and pull the ponytail through the gap. Do it once or twice. Concealing the hair tie with a piece of hair wrapped around it makes it look polished.
16. High Ponytail with Wrapped Base
A high ponytail is so polished for events. It also feels sporty and chic for weekends. Smooth your hair back and secure it high up. Then, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic. Use a bobby pin to hold it. Hairspray is your friend here for keeping everything sleek and in place.
15. Bubble Ponytail
This one is so playful and trendy! It works for both fun events and casual weekends. You make a ponytail, then add elastics down the length, creating “bubbles” by pulling the hair gently between each elastic. Using clear elastics makes the style look seamless.
14. Side Swept Updo
This updo is so romantic and glamorous. It’s perfect for weddings. It also has an elegant simplicity for a weekend dinner date. Sweep your hair to one side and secure it low. Then, twist or bun the hair on that side. Adding some curls before sweeping gives it more texture and softness.
13. Pin-Curled Updo
Want some vintage charm? Try a pin-curled updo. It’s fantastic for special occasions. It also adds great texture for a weekend look. Curl sections of your hair, pin them up while they cool, then arrange and secure them. Letting the curls cool completely before styling helps them hold their shape.
12. Knotted Bun
This style is modern and minimalist. It works for both events and weekends. You basically tie your hair in a knot (or two!) and pin it in place. It sounds simple, but it looks really cool. A light hold spray helps keep the knots from unraveling without making your hair stiff.
11. Pulled Back Half-Up
This is simple elegance at its finest. It works for pretty much any occasion. Just smooth the top section of your hair back and secure it with a pin or elastic. Adding a decorative clip can elevate it for an event.
10. Voluminous Updo with a Bump
If you want height and sophistication, this is it. It’s a classic wedding guest look. You create a “bump” or slight pouf at the crown by backcombing the hair underneath. Then, gather the rest of your hair into a bun or twist. Backcombing is key for getting that lift.
9. Braided Bun
This updo has such beautiful intricate detail. It’s lovely for a wedding. It also looks neat and polished for a weekend. Braid your ponytail or a section of hair, then wrap it around the base to form a bun. Keeping the braid tight as you wrap helps it look neat.
8. Double Buns
Feeling fun and youthful? Try double buns! They’re perfect for a casual weekend. Part your hair down the middle and create two symmetrical buns. You can place them high or low. Adding some glitter or cute accessories makes them even more playful.
7. Chignon
The chignon is the epitome of timeless elegance. It’s a go-to for formal events. You gather your hair low at the nape of your neck and twist or roll it into a neat bun. Using a bun maker can help you get a perfect shape.
6. Updo with a Scarf
Adding a scarf is a fantastic way to inject color and personality. You can weave it into a braid, wrap it around a bun, or tie it around your head with an updo. Choosing the right scarf material, like silk or cotton, makes a big difference in how it lays.
5. Twisted Half-Up
This style is simple yet so chic. It works for both events and weekends. Take two sections of hair from the front and twist them back, securing them at the back of your head. Using small, clear elastics helps hide the ties.
4. Braided Headband Updo
This updo is romantic and delicate. It’s beautiful for a wedding guest. You create a braid along your hairline that acts like a headband. Then, gather the rest of your hair into a bun or other updo. Blending the end of the braid into the rest of your hair makes it look seamless.
3. Low Side Bun
An elegant and asymmetrical style, the low side bun is perfect for a special occasion. Gather your hair to one side at the nape of your neck and create a bun there. Adding a decorative pin or comb can really dress it up.
2. High Bun
A high bun is sleek and polished. It works for a formal wedding or a clean, put-together weekend look. Gather your hair high on your head and twist it into a smooth bun. Using a hair donut can help add volume and create a perfect shape.
1. Romantic Updo with Loose Curls
And finally, my top pick! This updo is soft, romantic, and absolutely perfect for a wedding guest. You incorporate loose curls into your updo, letting some fall around your face and neck. Curl sections of your hair first. Then, gently pin them up, keeping the look soft and undone. Setting the curls with a flexible hold hairspray helps them last.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked lots of questions about creating and keeping updos perfect, especially for medium length hair. Here are some common ones I hear!
What products are best for holding an updo in medium length hair?
For holding power, hairspray is a must. Look for different holds depending on the style. Strong hold keeps everything locked in place. Flexible hold lets you rework the style a bit. Bobby pins, of course, are essential for securing sections. Texturizing spray adds grip and volume, making pins hold better.
How can I make my updo last all day and night?
Start with clean, dry hair. Sometimes hair that’s a day old holds styles better than freshly washed hair. Use strong hold products where needed, especially at the base of your updo. Pin securely, making sure pins are hidden. A final mist of hairspray helps lock it in for hours of fun.
Can I do these updos myself or do I need a stylist?
Many of the styles on this list are totally DIY-friendly! Simple buns, ponytails, and some twists are easy to master with practice. More intricate looks, like complex braided updos or formal chignons, might be easier with a stylist. It really depends on your skill level and how much time you have to practice.
How do I choose the right updo for my face shape?
Think about balancing your features. If you have a round face, high updos can add length. For longer faces, styles with width or face-framing pieces work well. Oval faces tend to suit most updo styles. Experiment and see what you feel best in!
Conclusion
So there you have it! 22 amazing updos perfect for your medium length hair. I hope this list gives you lots of ideas and confidence to try something new. Remember, these styles work whether you’re dressing up as a wedding guest or just want to feel a little extra on the weekend. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Your hair is a canvas for self-expression. Have fun playing around and finding the looks that make you feel beautiful and totally you.
