9 Half Updos for Medium Length Hair to Instantly Add Volume and Texture

When it comes to styling medium-length hair, selecting the right half updo can instantly boost volume and add texture, elevating your overall look for any occasion. Each style offers distinct techniques, from twisting to braiding, requiring precise execution to achieve the desired effect. Understanding these options allows you to tailor your approach for both everyday wear and special events. Explore these nine options to discover how subtle adjustments can transform your hairstyle with professional finesse, urging you to contemplate which might best suit your personal style.

Classic Half Crown Twist

The Classic Half Crown Twist is a precise, elegant hairstyle that involves sectioning the top half of your hair and twisting it back towards the crown.

To achieve this, divide the crown area into two sections, then create twist variations by crossing strands over each other, securing with pins or elastics.

Incorporate crown braids into the twist for added texture; braid sections before twisting for a more intricate appearance.

Ascertain tension is consistent to maintain smoothness and volume.

This method emphasizes control and symmetry, resulting in a polished, refined look suitable for formal or casual occasions.

Mastering crown braids and twist variations enhances your versatility with half updos.

Messy Half Bun With Volume

Creating a messy half bun with volume involves lifting and pinning sections of your hair to achieve a textured, tousled look that appears effortlessly stylish.

Start by sectioning off the hair above your ears, then gently tease the roots at the crown to increase volume using volume techniques like backcombing.

Gather the teased section into a loose, messy bun, pinning it securely but allowing some strands to fall naturally for an undone aesthetic.

To enhance texture, carefully pull at the bun and surrounding hair to loosen it further, creating a tousled finish.

This method combines precise volume techniques with a relaxed grip for a balanced, voluminous messy bun.

Boho Half Fishtail Braid

A boho half fishtail braid offers an intricate yet relaxed look perfect for medium-length hair. This style involves sectioning the top half of your hair and weaving it using fishtail variations, which differ from traditional three-strand braids by incorporating two smaller sections, creating a thinner, more detailed braid.

To enhance the boho aesthetic, incorporate boho accessories like beads, feathers, or floral pins, strategically placed along the braid or scattered throughout the hair. This technique adds texture and volume, with the fishtail’s intricate pattern providing a dynamic visual appeal.

Mastering these variations guarantees a versatile, stylish half-updo suited for casual or boho-inspired events.

Double Knot Half Updo

To achieve a polished double knot half updo, start by sectioning the top half of your hair from ear to ear. Then divide this section into two equal parts.

Utilize knot techniques such as looping each section over itself to create secure, tight knots. Use styling products like texturizing spray or volumizing mousse beforehand to add grip and lift, which helps maintain the knots’ shape.

Cross and tie the first knot at your desired height, then repeat with the second. Adjust tension to achieve symmetry and fullness.

Secure each knot with bobby pins, concealing them within the knots for a seamless finish.

Braided Half Ponytail

If you want to add texture and interest to your half-up hairstyle, braiding offers a versatile option. Using precise braid techniques, such as fishtail or French braids, you can create intricate patterns that enhance visual complexity.

Incorporate a tight, secure braid to prevent looseness, then gently tug at the edges to increase volume and achieve a more voluminous appearance. Combining this technique with a half ponytail allows you to selectively lift and style your hair, resulting in an immediate volume boost.

This braided half ponytail provides both structure and texture, making it ideal for elevating your everyday look or special occasion hairstyle.

Layered Half Updo With Loose Curls

Enhancing a half updo with layered styling and loose curls creates added dimension and softness, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

To achieve this, start by sectioning your hair and adding layers to create movement and reduce bulk. Curl the hair into loose, textured waves using a curling wand to generate layered curls that enhance natural body.

Gently tease the crown for effortless volume before pinning the top section back, allowing the curls to cascade freely. This technique emphasizes layered curls, providing a balanced, voluminous look that appears polished yet relaxed, perfect for elevating your medium-length hairstyle effortlessly.

Elegant Side Half up With Twist

Creating an elegant side half-up with a twist involves carefully weaving a section of hair from one side, securing it with either a visible or hidden pin, and employing a precise twisting technique to enhance twisted elegance.

You start by selecting a portion above your ear, then gently twist it toward the back, maintaining tension for a smooth appearance.

Incorporate the side twist by pinning the twisted section just above the nape or to the opposite side, ensuring the twist stays secure and sleek.

This method highlights your hair’s texture, adds volume, and achieves an effortlessly sophisticated style perfect for any occasion.

Textured Half Top Knot

To achieve a textured half top knot, start by sectioning off the crown portion of your hair, leaving the bottom layers untouched.

Use a fine-tooth comb to create small, intentional tease sections at the roots, enhancing volume and texture. Gently tousle the teased hair with your fingers to develop a natural, lived-in appearance.

Gather the teased crown into a loose half knot, securing with a mini elastic. For increased texture, selectively pin or curl pieces before wrapping into the knot.

This textured hairstyle delivers both height and dimension, creating an effortless yet polished look perfect for elevating a standard half updo.

Voluminous Half French Bis

A voluminous half French braid begins by sectioning off the top portion of your hair from ear to ear, ensuring the section is wide enough to incorporate multiple small strands.

Start the French braid by crossing the outer sections over the center, adding small sections of hair from each side to create a tight, structured braid.

To boost volume, employ volume techniques such as gently tugging at the braid’s edges once secured, or slightly loosen the braid’s loops. Incorporate teasing at the roots if needed, maintaining control with your hands throughout.

This approach results in a fuller, textured appearance, enhancing your hairstyle with intentional volume and shape.