Let’s be honest. We all crave that effortlessly chic look—the kind of elegant updo that whispers “I have my life together” without screaming “I spent an hour wrestling with a curling iron and 50 bobby pins.” But for those of us with medium-length hair, the dream of a simple, beautiful updo often crashes into the reality of complicated tutorials, slippery strands, and a severe lack of patience.
If you’ve ever looked at a intricate braided crown or a perfectly messy bun and thought, “I could never,” this guide is for you. This collection is a tribute to simplicity, designed for the busy, the impatient, and the all-thumbs when it comes to hairstyling. Get ready to fall in love with your medium-length hair all over again with these six incredibly easy updos that prioritize style without the struggle.
1. The Effortless Twisted Low Bun
This is the quintessential “looks fancy, is actually foolproof” hairstyle. The twisted low bun is your best friend for everything from a day at the office to a last-minute dinner date. It’s elegant, secure, and requires zero technical skill.
How to achieve it: Start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck as if you’re making a low ponytail. Instead of securing it with a hair tie, simply twist the entire length of your hair until it naturally begins to coil upon itself. Wrap this twist around the base to form a bun. Don’t worry about perfection; a few loose pieces add to the charm. Finally, secure the bun with a spiral hair tie or a few bobby pins woven through the center for an invisible hold.
Pro Tip: For added texture and grip, especially on freshly washed hair, spritz a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray at the roots before you begin. This will give your hair a little more personality and make the twist hold better.
2. The 30-Second Messy Ponytail Updo
Never underestimate the power of a ponytail. This version elevates the basic ponytail into a chic, voluminous updo in less time than it takes to find your keys. It’s the ultimate solution for bad hair days or when you need an instant refresh.
How to achieve it: Flip your head over and gather all your hair into a high ponytail, securing it with a hair tie. The key here is not to pull all the hair tightly through the tie on the last loop. On the final wrap, only pull the hair halfway through, creating a loop or a “ponytail fold.” Gently tug at the sides of the loop to loosen it and create volume. You can leave the ends out to frame the bun, or tuck them under the base and secure with a bobby pin for a cleaner finish. Fluff it up, and you’re done!
Pro Tip: For a more romantic look, gently pull out a few small sections around your face and at the crown to soften the style and frame your features.
3. The Simple Rope Braid Bun
If a regular French braid feels like a marathon, the rope braid is a pleasant stroll. It looks intricate but is one of the simplest braiding techniques to master. Wrapping it into a bun creates a beautiful, bohemian-inspired updo that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to achieve it: Part your hair down the middle. Take one section of hair from the front and divide it into two equal strands. Twist these two strands around each other away from your face, continually adding small sections of hair from the side as you go down towards the back of your head. Once you’ve incorporated all the hair from that side, secure the end with a small elastic. Repeat on the other side. Then, simply combine the two rope braids with the rest of your hair into a low ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with pins.
Pro Tip: To make the rope braid pop, gently pull it apart section by section to plump it up and give it a fuller, more effortless appearance.
4. The Elegant Hair Flip & Tuck
This hairstyle is so deceptively simple you won’t believe how polished it looks. It’s a no-tie, no-pin (well, maybe one) method that creates a beautiful, folded look at the back of your head. It’s ideal for when you want to look put-together in literally ten seconds.
How to achieve it: Gather your hair as if you’re making a mid-height ponytail. Instead of pulling it all the way through the hair tie on the last loop, stop when your hair is only halfway out—you should have a loose loop. Then, take the “tail” of hair that is hanging out and flip it up and over the top of the loop, tucking it into the center. You can leave it as a soft, folded ponytail or spread out the loop to create a fuller, more bun-like shape. Secure any loose ends with a single bobby pin hidden inside.
Pro Tip: For extra volume, gently tease the hair at the crown before you gather it. This will give the “flip” more body and height.
5. The Half-Up Twisted Crown
Why put all your hair up when a half-updo can be just as beautiful and even easier? This style keeps your hair down but pulls it away from your face in the most graceful way, creating a beautiful, crown-like effect without any complex braiding.
How to achieve it: Take two small sections of hair from the front, one from each side of your part. Twist each section loosely backwards, away from your face. Once you’ve twisted them back to about the crown of your head, cross the left strand over the right and pin them in place with bobby pins, forming a subtle “X.” Then, take the right strand, cross it over the left, and pin again. Tuck the ends of the twists into the rest of your hair and secure. The result is an instant, elegant crown that holds back your hair beautifully.
Pro Tip: For a more textured, boho vibe, gently pull apart the twists after you’ve pinned them to make them wider and softer.
6. The Claw Clip Chic Updo
The claw clip is making a major comeback, and for good reason. It is the ultimate tool for an instant, stylish updo that requires absolutely no skill. This is the go-to for wet hair, third-day hair, or just when you can’t be bothered.
How to achieve it: Gather all your hair as if you’re making a high ponytail. Twist the length of your hair once, then coil it upwards towards the crown of your head. While holding the coil in place, use a large, sturdy claw clip to clamp down vertically, grabbing a good section of hair at the base. The key is to let the ends of your hair fall out freely for a casual, messy finish. You can also tuck the ends under before clipping for a neater look. Give the hair at the crown a gentle pull for volume, and you’re finished.
Pro Tip: Invest in a good-quality, large claw clip with a strong grip. A flimsy clip will droop, but a good one will hold all day and look incredibly chic.
Embrace the Easy Updo Lifestyle
Beautiful hair shouldn’t be a source of stress or a time-consuming chore. As these six hairstyles prove, you can achieve an elegant, put-together look with minimal effort and maximum style. The secret isn’t in mastering complex techniques; it’s in knowing a few simple tricks that work with your hair’s natural texture and length.
The next time you’re running late, having a bad hair day, or simply don’t want to deal with your hair, come back to this guide. Pick one of these easy updos for medium hair and give it a try. With a little practice, you’ll have a repertoire of gorgeous, go-to styles that make you look and feel amazing—without the complicated routine.
