Iconic Hairstyles
Don’t Pick a Summer Updo Until You See These Ideas
Summer is here, if you have medium-length hair, you are lucky. There are many cute updos that will keep you cool and look fantastic all season. Medium hair is perfect for updos because it is not too short to work with but not so long that it gets heavy. These styles are good for hot days, pool parties, beach trips, or just hanging with friends.
Summer is brilliant—until your hair decides it will have its own climate zone. This is where summer updos come in, and if you have medium-length hair? Jackpot. You have just enough hair to play with, but not so much that it feels like going around a wool blanket in July.
But here's the thing: not every updos works for everyone. So let's talk about summer updos for medium hair that actually keep you cool and make you feel like you've got your life together. Let's look at some wonderful summer updos that are easy to do and will make you look like a hair-styling pro.
Why Summer Updos Just Make Sense
Honestly, this is not rocket science. It is warm, moist hair that has its own mind.
But Updos? They are like the best friend who quietly saves your day. You throw your hair up, and suddenly you don't sweat the eyeliner off you. You see polished-out-yourself in your morning started with sunscreen in your eye and flip-flops that do not match.
Let’s break it down:
Cooler neck = happier you.
Keeps frizz under control (mostly).
Saves time when you’ve got somewhere to be.
Adds polish without effort.
And the kicker? You don’t need Rapunzel-length hair to pull them off.
Tools of the Trade (and Stuff You’ll Wish You Had Sooner)
Before you start twisting and attaching as a hair magician, you will take the basics. No fancy—only the pins that keep your style from loosening at lunchtime.
Here's what's in the "Medium Hair Survival" set:
Clear elastics: They’re like the stealthy ninjas of the hair world.
Bobby pins (lots): Go with U-pins for buns if you’re feeling fancy.
Texturizing spray or dry shampoo: Gives your hair grip. Dirty hair = better updos.
Heat protectant: If you’re curling before styling (but hey, skip the heat if you can).
Scrunchies or silk ties: Cute and gentle on your strands.
Braided Crown Bun Updo
Like the braided crown, but this time the bun sits higher up. Merge around your hairline like a headband, then collect the remaining hair in a higher bun.
This creates a beautiful frame around your face and keeps all your hair up and out of your face during warm weather.
Messy Romantic Bun with Loose Curls
This looks fancy but is actually quite simple! First, you can curl some pieces of your hair loosely. Then turn the hair into a low bun, but don't do it too tight.
Let some curly pieces fall around your face. It is the perfect mixture of messy and pretty, great for dates or special occasions.
Braided Low Bun with Criss-Cross Detailing
Start by making two small braids on the sides of the head. Then collect the rest of your hair in a low bun on the back.
Cross the braids over each other and wrap them around the bun. This style looks more difficult than it is, and everyone will think you are a braid expert!
Elegant Braided Crown Updo
This style makes you look like a princess! Start by braiding part of the hair from one side and crossing the top of the head to the other side of the head.
Then collect the rest of your hair in a bun under the braid. The braid sits on the head like a crown-so pretty and perfect for summer parties.
Twisted Low Bun with Volume
Give your hair a little height on top by teasing it gently with a comb. Twist the parts of the hair back and collect everything in a low bun.
The volume at the top makes this look more interesting than a regular bun, and it is super comfortable to wear all day.
Curly High Bun with Slicked Sides
Use gel to smooth the sides of your hair evenly. Then collect all your hair in a high bun on top of your head. If your hair is naturally curly, let the curls shine in the bun.
Textured Top Knot with Face-Framing Strands
A topknot is like a bun, but higher up and messy. Collect the hair to the top of the head and twist it in a knot.
Pull out a few pieces around your face to soften the look. This style is super trendy and perfect for hot summer days when you want to look effortless.
Soft Messy Bun with Wispy Bangs
This is the ultimate "I did not try, but look fantastic" hairstyle. Make a loose, messy bun, and don't worry about doing it perfectly.
If you have wispy bangs, let them do their thing naturally. This look is comfortable and sweet and works for everything from the beach to brunch with friends.
Soft Tousled Updo with Volume
Tousled the hair with a little texture spray first to get the hidden look. Then put the pin up in a soft updo, leaving some pieces a little messy.
The key is not to do it too nicely-the slightly undone look is what makes this style so pretty and relaxed.
Classic High Bun with Pearls
Take the basic high bun up by adding pearl hair sticks or a pearl band. Smooth the hair in a high bun and attach it well.
Then add your pearl accessory for a touch of elegance. This style is perfect when you want to look fancy but still be cool.
High Voluminous Bun with Bangs
Tease the hair at the roots with too much volume, and then collect it in a high bun. If you have bangs, you can style them the way you want-right over, side-swept or curly.
The volume makes this bun look full and glamorous, perfect for when you want to make a statement.
Twisted Low Bun with Soft Layers
Instead of just pulling your hair back, twist small sections when you collect them against your back.
This creates a fairly twisted effect that looks more complicated than it is. The soft layers provide movement and keep the style from looking formal.
Elegant Low Bun with Loose Strands
Make a low bun by the neck, but leave it a little loose instead of pulling it so tight. Pull out a few face frames and maybe one or two threads behind.
This creates a soft, romantic look that is perfect for summer evenings or special occasions.
Fluffy Messy Bun with Face Framing
The key word here is "Fluffy"! Do not smooth the hair down too much before making the bun. Let it have some texture and volume.
Pull out pieces around your face and let them curl naturally or give them a quick twist. This style is fun, youthful, and perfect for random summer days.
Curly High Bun with Defined Curls
This style celebrates your natural curls while holding them out of your neck. Start by using curl cream on moist hair, squeeze, and let it air dry. Collect all your curls high on your head and attach with a hair band.
Don't worry about doing it perfectly-the messier, the better! Pull out a few curls around your face for a soft, romantic look.
Romantic Braided Low Bun
Perfect for date nights or special occasions, this elegant style looks more difficult than it actually is. Make a loose side braid from one side of the head, and then wrap it in a low bun by the nape of the neck.
Secure with bobby pins and gently pull apart the braid to make it look fuller and more romantic. Add some hairspray to hold everything in place.
Textured Low Twisted Updo
This effortless style works well for both casual and formal events. Divide the hair to one side, and then turn sections from both sides back to the ears. Collect everything in a low ponytail, twist it loosely, and attach it to a bun.
The key is to keep it loose and structured instead of elegant and tight for the modern, specified appearance.
Messy Voluminous Curly Bun
Big, bouncy, and full of life-this bun is perfect for showing off your personality! Tease the hair at the roots for extra volume and collect it high on the head.
Turn your hair loosely and attach it into place, and let some pieces stick out for the completely imperfect messy look.
Casual High Bun with Flyaways
Sometimes the best hairstyles are the ones that look like you didn't try too hard. Pull your hair high and secure with an elastic. Don't worry about catching every single thread-the little strands make the style look natural and carefree.
This is perfect for beach days, workouts, or just running errands while still looking put together.
Elegant Curled High Bun
When you want to look extra fancy, this is your style. Curl the entire hair with a curling iron, and then brush through the curls to soften them.
Gather everything high on the head and create a full, glamorous bun. This style is perfect for weddings, parties, or when you want to feel special.
Braided Halo Low Updo
This essential style makes you look like a princess! Make a loose braid along the hair like a headband. Collect the rest of the hair in a low bun at the neck.
The braid acts as a beautiful crown, while the low bun keeps everything safe and elegant. Perfect for outdoor summer events.
Braided Crown into Messy Bun
Combine the beauty of braids with the ease of a messy bun. Start by braiding part of the hair from one side over the top of your head like a crown.
Attach the end, and then collect all remaining hair in a tall, messy bun. This style looks intricate but is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for festivals or informal summer fun.
Elegant Curly High Bun with Tendrils
This romantic style is perfect when you want to look polished but not too formal. Curl your hair, then pull it back into a high bun, and let some curly hairs around your face.
It is sophisticated enough for work but quite enough for dinner dates or summer collections with friends.
Double Dutch Braided Low Buns
Double braids, double the fun! Divide your hair down the middle and make a Dutch braid on each side, starting from the crown and braiding down. Attach each braid in a low bun behind the ears.
This playful style keeps all your hair for sure and looks adorable from all angles. Great for active days or when you want something else.
Soft Twisted High Messy Bun
This effortless style combines the elegance of turns with the chance of a messy bun. Twist parts of the hair loosely when you collect them high on the head. Don't make the turns too tight-you want them to look soft and natural.
Attach everything to a messy bun so that some pieces can loosen for the perfectly specified summer mood.
Loose Braided Low Bun Updo
Relaxed and romantic, this style is perfect for summer evenings. Make a very loose, thick braid with all your hair and squeeze it into a low bun by the neck.
Carefully pull apart the braid to make it look fuller and more structured. This style looks complicated but only takes minutes to make and stays set all day.
Casual Messy Bun with Face-Framing Strands
The ultimate in effortless elegance, this style looks like you just turned your hair up. Collect the hair loosely at the top of the head and twist it into a bun, and attach it with bobby pins. Pull out some threads around your face and let them fall naturally.
Trendy Double Buns with Braids
Channel your inner festival goddess with this fun, youthful style! Divide your hair down the middle and make a small braid on each side near the crown. Collect the remaining hair into two high buns.
This playful style is perfect for concerts, festivals, or when you want to show off your creative side while staying cool.
Voluminous Updo with Curtain Bangs
If you have bangs in the middle, this one is for you! Tease the hair at the crown for volume, and then collect it in a messy updo.
Let the curtains frame your face naturally. This style is trendy and keeps you cool while showing off your sweet bangs.