Shoulder-length hair can feel stuck between down and done, but updos for medium length hair fix that fast. A messy knot, braided bun or twisted halo can be pinned up in minutes.
If you want more looks after this one, browse the wider set of hairstyle ideas.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Updos in the source list | 20 styles |
| Soft side knot | About five minutes |
| Side braided bun | Two minutes |
| Side braided bun: braid length | 2-3 inches above the ear |
| Rolled braid twist: front sections | About two inches wide each |
| Source last updated | January 9, 2026 |
These figures come from the list of easy updos for medium hair on The Right Hairstyles, as of its January 9, 2026 update. Figures can change, so check the source before you rely on them.
Why an updo suits shoulder-length hair
Wearing shoulder-length hair down all the time takes effort and patience. It has to be freshly washed and styled to get a blowout or soft curls. On the days when that isn’t happening, an updo is your way out.
The source describes a messy bun, a sleek pony or a crown braid as a middle ground between casual and elegant. That is why one short list can cover workdays and special nights out.
Use this quick guide to pick a starting point:
- Short on time: try the side braided bun or the soft side knot.
- Want a relaxed look: try the messy top knot or the low bun with bangs.
- Dressing up: try the formal twisted bun or the twisted halo wrap.
Quick knots and buns
A textured messy top knot is the go-to when you need something quick yet polished. The steps are short:
- Brush your hair into a high ponytail.
- Twist it loosely.
- Pin it into a full, slightly undone bun.
- Pull a few strands around your face so it still looks intentional.
The side braided bun is the fastest option in the source, listed at two minutes. Make a side part and French braid from the part to a point 2-3 inches above the ear. Then gather the hair into a loose, high ponytail, twist the length around the base and secure it with an elastic.
The soft side knot can be done in about five minutes. Gather your hair into a loose, low side ponytail, twist it around the base and secure it with a scrunchy. Pull out face-framing strands and style your bangs as you like.
A few more knot and bun ideas from the same list:
- Low bun with bangs: works best on second day curls or waves. Gather a loose low ponytail without brushing, divide it into two sections, fold the bigger one underneath and wrap the smaller one around the base.
- Flat twist bun: part the hair straight back into sections, make a flat twist with each, then pull the loose hair into a messy bun secured with a scrunchy.
- Quick pencil twist: twist your hair around your finger to make a loop and secure it with a pencil. You do not need any bobby pins for this one.
Braided updos that last all day
Braids add structure to an updo, and several looks here start with one. If the technique is new to you, read up on how to do a french braid before you try the chignon.
The French braid chignon combines a braid with a bun. French braid the hair all the way down to the nape, make a low ponytail, then use its length to form a bun and secure it with an elastic. A few flyaways are fine, because it does not have to be perfect.
The braided ponytail takes minutes but lasts all day. Start at your temple and make a chunky French braid going straight to the back. Then make a low ponytail with the remaining hair and pull out a few strands so it looks piece-y.
Other braided options include:
- Side braid ponytail: start with straight hair, section off a one-inch strand at the top and braid it to the ends, then gather everything into a low ponytail.
- Braided chain bun: grab a section at the front and tie a knot, then keep adding hair and tying knots along the hairline toward the nape. Finish with a loose, messy bun.
- Rolled braid twist: section off two strands at the corners of your forehead, each about two inches wide, braid them and join the braids. Roll the remaining hair, secure it low with an elastic and use a scarf as a base for the roll.
Polished updos for weddings and formal events
The formal twisted bun is described as a glam bun for special occasions such as weddings and formal events. Divide the hair at the back into two sections from ear to ear. Make a sleek low ponytail from the bottom section and fold it under into a bun, then backcomb the top section, bring it to one side of the bun and wrap the ends around it. Bobby pin as needed.
Some softer dressy options:
- Twisted halo wrap: a loose flat twist from one corner of your forehead all the way around to the other side, secured with bobby pins. It is quick, yet it looks classy.
- Twisted nape chignon: section off a square chunk of hair at the nape, make a low chignon with the rest, then twist the small section and wrap it around the base. Secure with bobby pins.
- Curled crown twist: tease the crown section at the roots, strand by strand, for volume. Twist the nape hair in multiple directions, pin the twists and curl the bangs in messy sections.
The lifted crown ponytail is an edgier, still chic choice. Divide your hair into three sections (the bangs, the crown and the remaining portion), lightly tease the crown for lift, then make a low ponytail.
Matching the style to your hair and your day
Your starting texture changes which updo works best. The source suggests second day curls or waves for the low bun, and straight hair for the side braid ponytail. The pin curl bun starts with wand-curled hair, so plan a few extra steps for it.
If your hair is curly, pair these ideas with the tips on how to style curly hair. Whatever your texture, a loose, slightly undone finish is built into many of these looks, so imperfect is fine.
A simple way to choose:
- Decide how much time you have, from two minutes to a more detailed formal look.
- Check whether your hair is freshly styled, straight, wavy or curled.
- Pick the style whose starting point matches, then adjust the finish with loose face-framing strands or extra pins.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest updo for medium-length hair?
Show answer
In the source list, the side braided bun is described as a two-minute style. The soft side knot is listed at about five minutes.
Do I need bobby pins for these updos?
Show answer
Not always. The quick pencil twist uses only a pencil and no bobby pins, while the side braided bun needs just an elastic. Many of the other styles use a scrunchy, an elastic or bobby pins.
Which updo works for a wedding or formal event?
Show answer
The source calls the formal twisted bun a glam style for special occasions such as weddings and formal events. The twisted halo wrap is another option that looks classy without much effort.
Can I do an updo on second day hair?
Show answer
Yes, for some styles. The low bun with bangs is described as working well with second day curls or waves, and it needs a loose, messy texture.
