15 High Updos for Medium Length Hair

For many years I have been experimenting with different styles and writing my thoughts about hairstyles that work, not just those that look good in a stylist’s mood board. This means that all tips I will give you now were tried out by me during workdays, weddings and hot summer afternoons. So, I guarantee that my recommendations are not just stylish images.

What are the best high updos for medium length hair then? There are several styles that suit medium length hair and belong to the category of high updos: sleek high buns, textured top knots, braided crowns, bubble ponytails – styles created with the help of twisting, braiding or backcombing to add volume and hold the shorter hair layer. These styles allow compensating lack of length in medium hair while keeping a chic look.

However, don’t be lazy to continue reading because now I will show you what style suits your hair and face shape.

Why High Updos Work So Well for Medium Hair

There is something about having medium length hair, it’s sort of the sweet spot. It’s not long enough to have some really extravagant, lengthy braids going down your back, but certainly long enough to do something with. High updos are an ideal style choice when dealing with medium length hair as it lifts hair off the face, making it look longer as well as showcasing the beauty of your neck, jawline, and cheekbones. It will also help to make sure that the style stays in place, as opposed to low buns or half-ups, as gravity works against you.

1. The Sleek High Bun

And here’s why it’s a classic. The neat high bun involves using a fine tooth comb along with a strong hold gel to straighten all your hair into a neat ponytail which is then twisted into a neat bun. This hairstyle works well with straight to slightly wavy medium hair and suits most face shapes. However, it elongates a round face and a square face as well.

All you will need is a boar bristle brush, an edge control gel and some hairpins matching the color of your hair. Quick tip: spray your comb with hairspray before styling away those flyaways!

2. Textured Top Knot

In case you’re not a fan of sleek styles, you can consider trying the textured top knot, which is the more laid-back version. You don’t need to smooth your hair but rather fluff up your roots a bit, creating volume and twisting your strands into a bun on top of your head. Loose and undone strands should frame your face.

You definitely need some texture for this style; wavy and curly hair will make it look more effortless. Spritz your strands with a texturizing product (such as sea salt) beforehand.

3. High Ponytail with a Twist

The high ponytail is a basic hairstyle, but when you create a twist at the base of the ponytail, it elevates your look. You section a part of your hair before making the ponytail and then wrap it round the elastic band and secure it under. This way, you will not be able to see the elastic at all and this will make you look more polished.

It works well with both fine and thick hair types, and you should go for it if your layers are too short for a bun. Smoothing serum can be used to tame the frizz in the ponytail area.

4. Braided Crown Updo

This is where things get a little more special-occasion. A braided crown wraps one or two Dutch braids around the head, meeting at the crown where the rest of the hair is pinned into a small high bun or twist. It’s stunning on medium hair because the braids create the illusion of length and fullness. This style suits oval and heart-shaped faces particularly well, framing the face without overwhelming it.

You’ll need a rat-tail comb for clean parts and a flexible-hold hairspray to keep flyaways in check. It’s a favorite for weddings, proms, or any event where you want to feel a little bit like royalty.

5. High Bubble Ponytail

Bubble ponytails are fun, playful, and surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. You section your ponytail with small elastics every two to three inches, then gently pull the hair between each section outward to create rounded “bubbles.” This style works best on hair with some layers removed—if your ends are very blunt, the bubbles won’t separate as nicely.

It suits thick or medium-density hair best. This is a great pick for birthday parties, festivals, or a fun twist on date night.

6. High Chignon with Face-Framing Pieces

A chignon is essentially a twisted or coiled bun placed higher on the head, and pulling a few face-framing pieces loose softens the entire silhouette. This works wonders for square or angular face shapes, since the loose strands break up harsh lines. Medium hair with layers around the face is ideal here—you don’t want to fight your natural face-framing pieces. Use a curling wand to add a slight bend to those loose pieces so they don’t look stringy. It’s polished enough for work, yet soft enough for a dinner date.

7. Voluminous High Pouf

If you love drama, the high pouf delivers serious volume at the crown before sweeping into a ponytail or bun. Backcombing at the roots with a teasing comb creates the lift, and a strong-hold spray keeps it standing tall through the night. This works exceptionally well on fine hair that needs a volume boost, and it’s a favorite for retro-inspired or pin-up looks. Great for themed parties or anytime you want your hair to make a statement.

8. High Braided Bun

Take a simple three-strand or fishtail braid, coil it into a bun at the crown, and secure with pins. This gives texture and dimension that a plain twisted bun doesn’t have. It works on nearly any hair type, though thicker hair creates a fuller, more dramatic braid. This is a wonderful option for curly-haired women, since braiding curly hair before bunning it helps control frizz and shrinkage. Perfect for both office settings and semi-formal events.

9. Twisted High Updo

Instead of one bun, this style uses two twisted sections that meet at the crown, criss-crossing before being pinned into place. It creates a woven, intricate look without requiring actual braiding skills. Great for beginners who want something that looks more advanced than it actually is. This works especially well on hair with medium density and some layering, since it needs enough hair to twist without looking thin.

10. High Ponytail with a Dutch Braid

Add a small Dutch braid along the front hairline before pulling the rest of your hair into a high ponytail. This adds a sporty yet elegant edge, and it’s fantastic for keeping hair out of your face during workouts while still looking pulled together for a coffee date afterward. Works on straight, wavy, or curly hair alike.

11. Sleek High Bun with a Bow Accessory

Take the classic sleek bun and add a silk bow or ribbon wrapped around the base. This tiny addition instantly elevates the style from everyday to event-ready. It’s a favorite among women attending garden parties, bridal showers, or spring weddings. The bow also cleverly hides bobby pins, so it doubles as both decoration and functional cover-up.

12. High Updo with Curly Ends

For this one, you pull hair into a high bun or ponytail, then curl the ends that are left hanging loose with a curling iron. It gives the illusion of longer, more voluminous hair. This works particularly well for medium hair that’s naturally straight, since the curled ends add contrast and softness against the sleek base.

13. High Space Buns

Space buns—two symmetrical buns positioned high on either side of the head—have made a serious comeback. They’re youthful, fun, and surprisingly versatile. Straight hair gives a cleaner, more graphic look, while wavy or curly hair softens the style considerably. This is a low-maintenance choice for casual outings, concerts, or even a lazy Sunday when you still want to look cute.

14. High Updo with a Side Braid Accent

Instead of braiding across the crown, this style incorporates a single side braid that sweeps into a high bun, adding asymmetry and visual interest. It’s particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces. This works well for semi-formal events where you want something a little different from the standard center-braided crown.

15. High Ponytail with Curled Tail

Simple, glamorous, and endlessly adaptable—this style takes a high ponytail and curls the entire length into loose waves or tight curls, depending on the vibe you’re after. It’s a go-to for red carpet-inspired looks and works on nearly every hair type and face shape, making it one of the most universally flattering options on this list.

Comparing the Styles: Which Updo Fits You Best?

High Updo Comparison by Hair Type, Occasion, and Maintenance

Hairstyle	Best Hair Type	Best Face Shape	Styling Time	Maintenance Level	Best Occasion
Sleek High Bun	Straight/Wavy	Round, Square	10 min	Medium	Work, Formal
Textured Top Knot	Wavy/Curly	All shapes	5 min	Low	Casual
High Ponytail with Twist	Fine, Thick	Oval, Heart	5 min	Low	Everyday
Braided Crown Updo	Any	Oval, Heart	20 min	High	Wedding, Prom
High Bubble Ponytail	Thick	Oval, Round	15 min	Medium	Party
High Chignon	Layered hair	Square, Angular	15 min	Medium	Work, Date
Voluminous High Pouf	Fine	Long, Oval	15 min	High	Themed events
High Braided Bun	Curly, Thick	All shapes	15 min	Medium	Office, Semi-formal
Twisted High Updo	Medium density	Oval	10 min	Medium	Everyday
High Ponytail + Dutch Braid	Straight, Wavy	All shapes	10 min	Low	Gym, Casual
Bun with Bow	Straight	Heart, Oval	12 min	Medium	Bridal, Garden Party
Updo with Curled Ends	Straight	All shapes	15 min	Medium	Date night
High Space Buns	Straight, Curly	Round, Oval	8 min	Low	Concerts, Casual
Updo with Side Braid	Any	Heart, Oval	15 min	Medium	Semi-formal
High Ponytail, Curled Tail	Any	All shapes	15 min	Medium	Red carpet, Events

Quick Reference: Styling Terms You Should Know

Balayage vs. Ombre
: Balayage is a hand-painted color technique with soft, natural-looking transitions, while ombre is a more defined, gradual shift from dark roots to light ends. Neither affects updo structure, but balayage tends to show off twisted or braided sections more dynamically.

Backcombing vs. Teasing
: Both terms are often used interchangeably, referring to combing small sections of hair backward toward the roots to build volume and hold at the crown.

Hair Porosity
: This refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. High-porosity hair tends to frizz easily in updos, so a smoothing serum before styling helps immensely.

Tips for Success

• Always prep damp or slightly dry hair with a heat protectant if you’re curling before updo-ing.
• Texturizing spray adds “grip” that fresh, clean hair often lacks—day-old hair actually holds updos better.
• Use pins that match your hair color so they disappear into the style.
• Set your finished updo with a light mist of flexible-hold spray, not a stiff, crunchy one.
• Practice new styles a few times before an event—muscle memory matters more than tutorials.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Skipping the prep step
: Many women jump straight into styling without texturizing or smoothing first, leading to frizz or slipping buns. Always prep your hair type accordingly.

Using too few pins
: Medium length hair is notoriously tricky to secure. Don’t be shy—use more bobby pins than you think you need, crossing them in an X pattern for extra hold.

Ignoring face shape
: Not every high updo suits every face. Round faces, for example, look better with some volume at the crown rather than a completely flat, tight bun.

Overloading with product
: Too much gel or hairspray can leave hair stiff and unnatural-looking. A little goes a long way—build up gradually instead of piling it all on at once.

Forgetting the “cool down” step for curls
: If your updo includes curled sections, let the curls cool completely before touching them. Warm curls fall flat almost immediately.

Wrapping It Up

High updos for medium length hair genuinely give you the most bang for your buck—minimal length required, maximum visual impact delivered. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a work meeting, or just want to feel a little more put-together on a random Tuesday, there’s a style on this list that’ll fit the moment.

At the end of the day, mastering a few of these high updos for medium length hair means you’ll never be caught without a good hair option again—rain, heat, or last-minute plans included.