Hair Up Hairstyles Medium Length Hair A Style Guide

Popular Medium Length Hair Updo Styles

Hair up hairstyles medium length hair – Medium-length hair offers a versatile canvas for a wide array of updo styles, ranging from casual everyday looks to elegant formal creations. The choice depends largely on hair texture, face shape, and the occasion. This section explores popular options and provides detailed instructions for creating two specific styles.

Popular Medium Length Updo Hairstyles

The following table categorizes popular medium-length updo hairstyles by formality and hair type suitability.

Style Name	Description	Best Hair Type	Occasion
Messy Bun	A relaxed, slightly undone bun, perfect for everyday wear.	Straight, wavy, curly	Everyday, casual outings
Sleek Low Bun	A polished, low-slung bun ideal for formal events.	Straight, slightly wavy	Formal events, weddings
Half-Up Half-Down Braid	A romantic style where the top section of hair is braided and pinned back.	Wavy, curly	Dates, casual events
Twisted Updo	Hair is twisted and pinned into an elegant updo, offering a sophisticated look.	Straight, wavy	Formal events, work
Braided Crown	A braid encircles the head like a crown, a visually striking style.	Straight, wavy	Weddings, special occasions
Space Buns	Two buns positioned on either side of the head, a playful and trendy style.	Straight, wavy, curly	Casual outings, festivals
Low Side Bun with a Twist	A low bun with a twist or knot added for extra visual interest.	Straight, wavy	Work, dinner dates
High Ponytail with a Wrap	A high ponytail with a strand of hair wrapped around the base for a refined touch.	Straight, wavy	Work, casual outings
French Twist	Hair is twisted and rolled up into an elegant French twist.	Straight, slightly wavy	Formal events, work
Top Knot	A simple, high bun perfect for quick styling.	Straight, wavy, curly	Everyday, gym

Creating a Messy Bun for Medium Hair

A messy bun is effortlessly chic and surprisingly easy to achieve. This requires minimal tools and products for a relaxed look.

1. Gather your hair into a high or low ponytail. Secure with an elastic band.
2. Twist the ponytail loosely.
3. Wrap the twisted ponytail around the base of the ponytail to form a bun.
4. Secure the bun with bobby pins, allowing some strands to fall loose for a messy effect.
5. Optional: Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo for added volume and texture.

Step-by-Step Braided Updo for Medium Length Hair

This braided updo provides a more structured yet still romantic style. It’s ideal for those with medium length hair who want a slightly more formal look.

1. Start by sectioning your hair into three equal parts – one on each side and one in the middle. Secure the side sections with clips.
2. Begin a French braid with the middle section, incorporating hair from the sides as you braid downwards.
3. Once you reach the nape of your neck, continue braiding the remaining hair in a regular three-strand braid.
4. Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic band.
5. Gently pull on the braid to loosen it and create a more voluminous, less structured look.
6. Wrap the braid around the base of your head and secure with bobby pins.
7. Tuck in any loose ends and adjust the style as needed.

Hair Accessories for Medium Length Updos

Hair accessories play a crucial role in enhancing medium-length updos, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The choice of accessory depends on the desired look and the occasion.

Hair Accessories and Their Functions

Accessories can be categorized by their primary function: holding the updo in place or adding decorative elements.

• Holding: Bobby pins, hair clips, elastics, hair ties.
• Decorating: Headbands, scarves, jeweled clips, hair combs.

Impact of Hair Accessory Materials

Different materials create distinct visual effects. Metal accessories offer a sleek, modern look, while fabric accessories add a softer, more romantic touch. Plastic accessories are versatile and come in a wide range of colors and styles.

Many stylish updos are perfect for medium-length hair, offering a range of options from casual chignons to elegant twists. If you have naturally curly hair, finding the right updo can be especially rewarding, and for those with shoulder-length curls, there are tons of possibilities. Check out this guide for inspiration on hairstyles for shoulder-length curly hair to see how these techniques can be adapted for your length.

Ultimately, the best updo for medium-length hair depends on your personal style and the occasion.

Three Ways to Use a Scarf to Accessorize a Medium-Length Updo

1. The Classic Wrap: Tie a scarf loosely around the base of a bun or ponytail for a simple, elegant touch. The scarf’s pattern or color adds a pop of personality.
2. The Knotted Accent: Tie a small knot in the scarf and pin it to the side of an updo. This adds a subtle, yet visually interesting detail. The knot can be positioned to complement the updo’s shape and lines.
3. The Braided Integration: Braid a thin scarf into your hair before creating the updo. This incorporates the scarf seamlessly into the hairstyle, creating a more cohesive and visually stunning look. The braid can be integrated into a French braid, a fishtail braid, or a regular three-strand braid, depending on the complexity of the updo.

Styling Techniques for Different Hair Textures

Achieving a successful updo depends heavily on understanding and adapting techniques to suit different hair textures. Straight, wavy, and curly hair each require unique approaches.

Styling Techniques for Various Hair Textures

Straight hair often requires the use of texturizing products to add grip and hold for the updo. Wavy hair benefits from techniques that emphasize the natural waves and curls, often requiring less manipulation. Curly hair necessitates gentle handling to avoid frizz and maintain the curl pattern.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Challenge: Lack of volume. Solution: Use volumizing mousse or dry shampoo at the roots before styling.
• Challenge: Flyaways. Solution: Use a smoothing serum or anti-frizz product.
• Challenge: Hair slipping out of the updo. Solution: Use strong-hold hairspray and plenty of bobby pins.

Adding Volume to Fine or Thin Hair, Hair up hairstyles medium length hair

1. Apply a volumizing mousse or spray to damp hair, focusing on the roots.
2. Use a round brush to lift the hair at the roots while blow-drying.
3. Backcomb gently at the crown to create extra lift and volume before styling into an updo.

Updos for Various Face Shapes: Hair Up Hairstyles Medium Length Hair

The right updo can accentuate your best features and balance your face shape. Different styles flatter different features.

Flattering Updos for Different Face Shapes

Round faces benefit from updos that add height and length, such as high buns or tall ponytails. Oval faces can pull off almost any updo. Square faces are well-suited to styles that soften the angles, like loose, wavy updos. Heart-shaped faces look great with styles that add volume at the bottom, balancing the wider forehead.

Modifying a Basic Updo for Different Face Shapes

A simple low bun can be adapted for different face shapes. For round faces, position the bun higher on the head and add height. For square faces, add loose tendrils to soften the jawline. For heart-shaped faces, leave some volume around the ears and the bottom of the hairstyle.

Placement of Hair Accessories

Strategic placement of hair accessories can enhance the overall look. For round faces, avoid placing accessories directly in the center of the forehead. For square faces, consider using accessories to draw attention away from the jawline. For heart-shaped faces, accessories can add volume and balance to the lower portion of the face.

Maintaining Updos Throughout the Day

Keeping your updo intact throughout the day requires the right products and techniques. A few simple steps can make a significant difference.

Hair Products for Updo Maintenance

• Hairspray (strong hold)
• Anti-frizz serum
• Dry shampoo (for refreshing)
• Bobby pins

Preventing Frizz and Flyaways

Using an anti-frizz serum before styling can significantly reduce flyaways. A light mist of hairspray can also help keep the hair in place and prevent frizz.

Refreshing a Medium-Length Updo

1. Gently loosen any tight sections of the updo to release tension.
2. Use your fingers or a small brush to smooth down any flyaways.
3. Lightly mist with hairspray to refresh the style and add hold.
4. Add a few more bobby pins if necessary to secure any loose strands.

Commonly Asked Questions

How often should I wash my hair before styling an updo?

Washing your hair depends on your hair type and how quickly it gets oily. Generally, washing it a day or two before styling an updo can provide better grip and hold.

What are some quick and easy updos for busy mornings?

A simple twist, a low bun, or a half-up half-down style are all quick options. These require minimal effort and styling products.

How can I add more volume to my updo without using heat styling tools?

Use volumizing mousse or texturizing spray before styling. Backcombing sections of your hair at the roots can also create extra volume.

Can I sleep with my updo to save time in the morning?

Loose braids or buns are generally safe for sleeping in. Tight styles can cause breakage or damage, so avoid those for sleeping.