15 Quick Updos for Medium Hair to Keep You Stylish Even on Busy Days

When your schedule gets busy but you still want to look polished, quick updos are your best option. Medium hair offers versatility, so you can easily switch from casual to chic with minimal effort. There are dozens of styles to choose from, each designed to save time without sacrificing style. Curious about the most effortless and trendy options? Keep scrolling to discover 15 quick updos that keep your look sharp, no matter how packed your day is.

Classic High Ponytail With a Twist

A classic high ponytail is always stylish, but adding a twist can elevate your look instantly.

Try ponytail variations by incorporating unique hair accessories like scrunchies, scarves, or decorative clips. These accessories not only secure your hair but also add a trendy, personalized touch.

To create a sleek, polished appearance, smooth your hair with a brush before gathering it high on your head. For a modern twist, consider teasing the crown for volume or wrapping a strand of hair around the elastic.

These simple modifications make your ponytail more versatile and eye-catching while keeping it quick and easy.

Messy Bun With a Side Part

Creating a messy bun with a side part instantly adds effortless chic to your medium hair look. This style combines casual elegance with quick execution, perfect for busy days.

To achieve it, part your hair to one side, then gather your locks into a loose bun, allowing tendrils to frame your face. The messiness enhances the relaxed vibe, while side styling adds visual interest.

Use bobby pins to secure any flyaways and finish with a light mist of hairspray. This updo is versatile, suitable for casual outings or semi-formal events, making it an ideal quick solution for maintaining a stylish appearance on busy mornings.

Elegant Braided Crown

Elevate your medium hair look with an elegant braided crown that combines sophistication and ease.

This style naturally incorporates braided accessories, like delicate ribbons or beads, adding a touch of sparkle. You can select from crown variations such as a traditional three-strand braid or a more intricate fishtail.

To achieve the look, create two sections from each side of your head, braid them, and wrap them around your head like a crown. Secure with pins, allowing the braids to sit flat and seamless.

The result is a chic, timeless updo perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions without sacrificing comfort or style.

Sleek Low Chignon

For a sleek and polished look, a low chignon offers a stylish yet effortless hairstyle perfect for any occasion.

It embodies sleek elegance while remaining low maintenance, making it ideal for busy days. To create it, gather your medium hair at the nape of your neck, twist it into a bun, and secure with pins.

Keep it smooth and neat for a refined finish. This classic style instantly elevates your appearance without requiring much effort or time.

Its simplicity makes it versatile—suitable for work, events, or everyday wear—allowing you to stay stylish while conserving energy.

Twist and Pin Half-Updo

A twist and pin half-updo is a quick way to add sophistication to your medium hair while keeping it effortlessly stylish.

To achieve this, use twist techniques that involve gathering sections of hair and twisting them toward the back. Secure these twists with practical pinning methods, like discreet bobby pins, inserting them close to the scalp for stability.

For a polished look, alternate the direction of twists on each side, then pin them securely in the center or slightly side-swept.

This style is perfect for busy mornings, offering a trendy, refined appearance with minimal effort and versatile options for any occasion.

Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail is a fun and modern twist on the classic ponytail that instantly adds volume and texture.

To customize your look, try different bubble ponytail variations, such as adding loose or tight bubbles, or incorporating textured sections. Using bubble ponytail accessories like colorful elastic bands or decorative clips can elevate your style effortlessly.

This updo is perfect for busy mornings, offering quick styling with a trendy edge. Whether you keep it sleek or add some messy flair, the bubble ponytail keeps your hair looking stylish and sophisticated with minimal effort.

It’s a versatile choice for any casual or semi-formal occasion.

Fishtail Braid Updo

A fishtail braid updo offers a chic, intricate look that elevates any medium-length hairstyle in minutes.

Using simple fishtail braid techniques, you can create a versatile braid style perfect for busy days or special occasions.

Start by dividing your hair into two sections, then weave thin strands from each side over to the opposite section, mimicking a fishtail.

Once braided, pin it up into a bun or twist for an elegant, polished finish.

This style is quick to master and adapts easily, making it a stylish yet practical choice for those seeking a sophisticated updo without spending hours styling.

Rolled and Pinched Side Bun

To add a stylish variation to your medium-length hair, try creating a rolled and pinched side bun. This look uses simple rolled bun techniques combined with pinching sections of hair to create a textured, polished appearance.

You can achieve this effortlessly by gathering hair to one side, twisting it into a roll, and pinning it securely. Introduce variety with different side bun variations—tight, loose, or slightly messy—for versatility.

This updo is perfect for busy mornings, offering a chic look that stays put all day. Mastering these techniques allows you to quickly elevate your style while keeping your hair neat and fashionable.

Twist Into a Top Knot

For a quick, chic updo, try twisting your medium hair into a top knot.

Use simple twist techniques—take sections of hair and twist them tightly, then wrap around the crown. Secure with pins or elastics, depending on your style preference.

Emmy-winning top knot variations include a sleek, smooth finish or a textured, messy look for laid-back days. Twists help add volume, prevent flyaways, and keep your hair stylishly out of your face.

Whether you prefer a high or low placement, this versatile hairstyle is perfect for busy mornings, offering a fashionable yet effortless solution for medium hair.

Half-Up Fishtail Twist

Elevate your hairstyle with a Half-Up Fishtail Twist, a stylish twist on a classic half-up look.

To create this, section off the top half of your hair, then braid it into a fishtail with a tight, clean hold. Use styling products like texturizing spray to add grip and volume, making the fishtail easier to work with.

Secure the braid with pretty hair accessories, such as decorative clips or pins, to add a touch of elegance. This updo is quick to achieve, ideal for busy mornings, and keeps hair stylishly in place while showcasing your playful, trend-aware look.

Pin-Tucked French Twist

A Pin-Tucked French Twist instantly adds a sophisticated touch to medium hair without requiring too much effort.

Using the pin tucked technique, you fold sections of your hair neatly inward and secure them with pins, creating a sleek, elegant hairstyle. This method keeps your hair tidy and polished throughout the day, making it perfect for work or events.

The simplicity of this style allows you to achieve an elegant look without extensive fuss or tools. Whether you’re in a rush or want a refined appearance, the Pin-Tucked French Twist offers a chic, modern update on classic hairstyles, ideal for busy mornings.

Boho Side Braid and Bun

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet stylish look, a boho side braid paired with a bun instantly gives your medium hair a free-spirited vibe.

This hairstyle exudes boho chic, perfect for casual or semi-formal occasions. Begin with a deep side part, then create a loose side braid using braided accessories or simple twine for added flair.

Gather the rest of your hair into a relaxed bun, allowing tendrils to fall naturally. This style is quick to achieve, versatile, and effortlessly trendy, making it ideal for busy mornings when you want to stay polished without spending too much time on your hair.

Double Dutch Braids Into a Bun

Double Dutch braids into a bun create a bold, eye-catching style perfect for medium hair on busy days or when you want a statement look.

This hairdo combines the edgy appeal of double Dutch braids with the sophistication of a bun, offering versatile bun variations that suit your mood.

To achieve this look, braid each side into tight, French-style Dutch braids, then secure them into a neat bun at the nape of your neck.

It’s an effortless way to blend trendy braiding techniques with practical updo styling, keeping your hair tidy and stylish while emphasizing your individual fashion sense.

Voluminous Top Knot

Achieving a voluminous top knot is an effortless way to elevate your everyday style with minimal effort.

To create this look, tease your hair at the crown to add voluminous texture, then gather your hair into a high ponytail.

Twist the ponytail around the base, securing it with hair accessories like pins or a decorative scrunchie for added flair.

Avoid flattening the top to maintain fullness; instead, gently loosen the knot for extra volume and a relaxed vibe.

This style works beautifully for busy mornings, offering a chic, trendy appearance without sacrificing comfort or ease.

Bubble Braid With Accents

Create a playful yet polished look with a bubble braid accented by decorative elements. To achieve this style, section your hair into several evenly spaced parts, then secure each segment with a clear elastic.

Gently tug each bubble to create volume, giving your braid a full, rounded appearance. Add accent accessories like decorative pins, beads, or colorful elastics between the bubbles to elevate the look.

This style is quick to assemble, making it perfect for busy mornings, yet trendy enough for casual outings or social gatherings. With a few simple steps, you can effortlessly transform your medium hair into a stylish, attention-grabbing bubble braid with accents.