There’s something magical about summer — sunshine, weddings, beach parties, and spontaneous outings that demand quick, easy, and cute hairstyles. For women with medium length hair, striking the perfect balance between comfort and style can be a daily challenge, especially when the temperature rises. That’s where summer updos come in. Whether you’re heading to a casual brunch, a fun evening out, or prepping for a dreamy wedding, an updo can pull your look together while keeping your hair off your neck.
In this guide, we’re diving into six standout styles you’ll love recreating in 2025. These aren’t just your average ponytails—each updo is thoughtfully chosen from real-life looks to inspire your warm-weather style, complete with tutorials and insider tips. Let’s explore!
Tousled Textured Bun with Breezy Waves
This soft, curly updo starts with loose, wavy texture that gives movement and dimension before being pulled into a low, relaxed bun at the nape. The hair is gathered effortlessly, leaving tendrils to frame the face for a romantic finish. This style is the epitome of a fun and simple look that feels both bohemian and chic.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing spray and curl-enhancing mousse to achieve that airy wave. It’s ideal for summer weddings or an evening wine night. Want to add flair? Incorporate subtle braids into the sides before pinning the bun.
Sleek and Elegant Back-Twist
This updo screams modern sophistication. A quick and polished solution for formal events, the hair is sectioned neatly and twisted toward the center back, secured discreetly with pins. The clean lines and straightened texture give it a refined finish.
Best For: This is your go-to wedding or office party hairstyle when paired with a bold lip and tailored outfit. It’s also a fabulous base for accessorizing with a sparkly hairpin or minimalist clip.
Wind-Kissed Volume and Flip Layers
While not a traditional updo, this voluminous, layered style gives the illusion of lift and movement. It’s perfect for the woman who wants to keep her hair mostly down but add easy, breezy charm. The ends are flipped out and layered in soft tiers that mimic the laid-back feel of a faux updo.
Who It’s For: Women looking for a casual, simple summer look that plays well on windy beach days or relaxed date nights. If you’re experimenting with bangs, this cut pairs beautifully without being high-maintenance.
Effortless Knot Half-Up Style
There’s nothing more cute and quick than a half-up top knot. This version elevates the classic by wrapping a portion of the hair into a relaxed twist while letting the rest fall in soft waves. The finish is lived-in, making it the ultimate lazy-girl go-to with plenty of charm.
Pro Tip: It’s a great canvas for trying mini braids or colorful summer clips. This style works with both naturally wavy hair and those adding texture with a wand.
Airy Twists with Natural Finish
This understated updo is for the minimalist at heart. The hair is loosely pulled back with subtle twisting on the sides that create soft texture without looking overly styled. The crown has a little lift, offering an effortless vibe.
Perfect For: Hot summer days where you still want to look put together. Ideal for tutorials and DIY styling, this look proves that updos don’t need to be complicated to look amazing.
Casual Polished Wave with Subtle Layers
Sleek yet full of body, this shoulder-grazing cut is styled in a soft wave that looks easy and sun-kissed. While technically not pinned up, the visual lift at the crown and side tuck gives it that same relaxed updo energy — perfect for length hair that’s hard to tie up completely.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a dream look for weddings on the beach or garden ceremonies. Add pearl pins or small florals for an extra romantic touch.
Glossy Center-Parted Volume Bob
This sleek, center-parted bob makes a serious statement. Although it’s not tied up, it mimics the polish of a structured updo. The straightened strands and perfectly even ends offer a simple, quick fix for women who want zero fuss but maximum effect during the hotter months.
Why It Works: Pair it with bold lipstick or statement earrings for an elevated casual summer dinner look. It’s also the perfect base if you want to experiment with braided crown sections or sleek clips on each side.
Relaxed Beach Texture with Curtain Layers
For those looking to embrace that easy, lived-in beach wave, this undone medium cut is your summer soulmate. Featuring blended bangs and soft, natural movement, this style can quickly be pinned into a low chignon or half twist on humid days.
Pro Insight: Perfect for layering dry shampoo or texturizing spray, this cut transitions beautifully into messy buns or twist-up styles when the sun calls for a cooler neckline. Tutorials are everywhere online to re-create these light, breezy textures at home.
Soft Glam Waves with Dimensional Highlights
Radiating healthy shine and warm tones, this style gives off total summer goddess energy. The soft wave pattern and luminous balayage offer the illusion of volume — an excellent base for half-up braided crowns or a twist-over ponytail.
Best For: Weddings, rooftop brunches, or anywhere you want to look effortlessly styled. The lightness of the ends is key for keeping it fun and summer-ready while allowing for playful styling options with bangs or accessories.
Bouncy Curly Bob with Natural Volume
A showstopper for natural curls, this round-cut bob is everything curly girls need in the summer. The fullness frames the face beautifully and can be styled into mini space buns, pineapple updos, or pinned-back sides depending on the mood.
Why It’s a Must: It celebrates texture rather than hiding it, making it perfect for weddings, fun parties, or even quick styles that need no heat. Use curl-defining cream and a diffuser to make the most of this glorious volume.
Warm Dimensional Layers with Tousled Finish
This gorgeous medium-length wave is a versatile dream. With dark roots and caramel highlights, the hair falls in soft tousled pieces that could easily be styled into a loose twist or side-bun. The middle part allows options for framing bangs or volume up top.
Try This: For a day-to-night transition, leave it down in waves by day and pin the front into a side-swept twist for the evening. It’s a cute, casual look that works with floral dresses and sun-kissed skin.
Sleek Shoulder-Length Classic
This smooth, one-length cut is the poster child for understated elegance. While not styled into an updo, its blunt edges and silky finish make it incredibly adaptable. Think slicked-back buns, sleek side parts, or twisted halo styles for instant glam.
Perfect For: Minimalists who prefer a polished base for versatile summer looks. Whether for work or wedding events, this cut provides the flexibility to go from simple to statement in seconds.
Ice Blonde Soft Waves with Hidden Volume
This airy, shoulder-length cut is summer-ready with its light curly texture and icy blonde tones. The layers fall softly, providing a delicate bounce that works wonders when styled into a low twist or loose clip-up style. It’s casual glam done right.
Try It For: Brunches with friends or gallery openings — when you want that “I woke up like this” vibe. If you’re into quick styles, this is the perfect texture for mini braids along the sides or a half-up bun with personality.
Rich Mocha Waves with Natural Flow
Subtle, sunlit highlights give this dark mocha wave a dimensional look that feels effortless. This style screams easy, casual summer days but can be elevated with a soft side pin or delicate flower tuck for something more special.
Styling Note: For women with length hair who want a minimal updo, twist the front strands back and secure them with a clip, allowing the rest to flow freely. It gives the impression of an updo without full commitment.
Romantic Wedding Chignon with Loose Strands
This is the ultimate wedding updo. A classic chignon sits low and slightly to the side, styled with gentle volume at the crown and softly curled pieces framing the face. It’s elegant and eternally romantic — ideal for brides or guests.
Insider Tip: Add pearl pins or a delicate headband to level up the romance. This look takes just a few steps, especially if you’re familiar with tutorials for bridal updos.
Glossy Jet-Black Power Bob
Sharp, blunt, and striking — this look is all about structure. The sleek bob, parted cleanly down the middle, becomes a canvas for versatile summer styling. While it’s not a traditional updo, it can easily be swept back into a sleek low bun or twisted under at the nape.
Why It Works: It’s a bold yet simple look for work or weddings, giving strong editorial vibes. Add a deep side part or tuck one side for subtle drama.
Wispy Korean-Inspired Layers with Bangs
Soft, layered ends paired with long, feathered bangs give this cut a dreamy and ethereal feel. Perfect for lightweight summer styles like mini ponytails or low side twists. The hair is long enough for variety but light enough to feel breezy.
Who Will Love It: Anyone obsessed with cute K-beauty style. These wispy bangs are flattering and make any casual updo feel like a moment — especially when styled into a low bubble braid or twisted pin-up.
Volumized Face-Framing Layers
This cut has movement and bounce thanks to face-framing layers and a gently flipped-out shape. It’s a solid base for fun, voluminous updos, especially half-up ponytails or butterfly clips placed along the sides for a playful Y2K-inspired twist.
Styling Idea: For a quick daytime style, twist each front section toward the back and pin just above the ear — this simple detail transforms the look into something photo-worthy without much effort.
Golden Honey Waves with Beachy Texture
These golden-toned waves hit just above the shoulders and are layered to perfection for a sunlit, casual summer feel. The effortless, tousled vibe mimics the look of saltwater texture — ideal for turning into a twisted crown updo or a tucked-back low roll.
Styling Tip: Add a spritz of sea salt spray and scrunch for a natural curly finish. This look is easy to style into a faux updo using a few hidden pins.
Elegant High Half Pony with Loose Curls
If you love volume and a little glam, this half-up ponytail is your summer hero. The top section is slicked back and tied high, while the bottom cascades in full-bodied waves. It’s flirty, youthful, and totally fun.
Why It Shines: Works beautifully on length hair and requires minimal effort. Try adding a ribbon or wrap a strand around the elastic for a polished finish. Great for daytime weddings or cocktail hour.
Twisted Low Bun with Soft Highlights
Sophisticated and slightly undone, this twisted low bun is a dream for modern brides or evening elegance. The volume at the crown and the loose front tendrils frame the face without feeling too structured.
Occasion Ready: It’s a stunning option for weddings — whether you’re the bride, a guest, or simply want a chic evening look. Follow tutorials online to recreate the twist technique at home.
Sleek and Glossy A-Line Bob
This blunt, glossy A-line bob is proof that sometimes the sharpest styles are also the most flexible. It frames the face with precision and has enough length to pin the front into subtle twists or a sleek side tuck.
How to Rock It: For a quick updo illusion, tuck both sides behind the ears and add a sleek clip or barrette. It’s bold, simple, and completely modern.
Airy Layers with Long Bangs
This breezy, shoulder-grazing style combines face-framing layers with soft bangs for a flowy look that moves with you. It’s light, cute, and just structured enough to create a pinned-back updo without bulk.
Styling Idea: Pull up the crown for a small top knot, or twist the sides toward the back for a simple everyday updo that still feels styled. Ideal for those who want a balance of form and flexibility with bangs.
French-Inspired Rolled Bun
Minimalist and romantic, this soft bun at the nape screams French-girl elegance. The rolled shape and polished strands make it ideal for both city weddings and rooftop cocktails.
Perfect For: Weddings, summer soirées, or garden parties. Add pearl pins or vintage combs for a nostalgic twist. And yes — you’ll find plenty of tutorials for this timeless roll online.
Hollywood-Inspired Half-Up Wave
Timeless glamour meets modern ease in this half-up, deeply waved look. The thick sculpted strands are pinned back just enough to keep hair off the face, making this an excellent option for evening affairs or weddings.
Why It Works: This style flatters medium to length hair and can be enhanced with jeweled clips or pearl pins. It looks intricate but can actually be achieved using tutorials and a curling wand, making it deceptively easy to recreate.
Butter Blonde Retro Roll Half-Up
With its classic vintage-inspired shape and swooping side pieces, this style evokes a soft, feminine feel. It pairs soft curls with a rolled center twist, making it ideal for wedding guests or date nights.
Styling Insight: It’s polished enough for formality, yet the volume and texture make it feel fun and simple to wear. Add a bit of backcombing at the crown to get that signature lift.
Soft Layered Cut with Korean-Inspired Bangs
Light layering and feathered bangs frame the face with a delicate, romantic vibe. This medium-length cut gives off quiet elegance and works beautifully for quick pin-up styles or casual buns.
Style Tip: Sweep the sides back and pin into a small twist for a minimalist summer updo with bangs. It’s versatile, cute, and incredibly wearable for everyday outings or casual meetups.
Frosted Platinum Chin-Length Bob
Cool-toned, edgy, and bold — this short bob plays with clean lines and cool platinum tones. It doesn’t need much to stand out, but it can easily be styled into a sculpted back tuck or faux twist.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a high-fashion base for creative styling. Think slicked-back mousse looks, micro braids, or even side combs for those daring enough to go minimalist this summer.
Big Bouncy Blonde Layers
Full-bodied, glamorous, and packed with volume — this hairstyle is a statement on its own. The flipped ends and swooping front pieces offer great movement, while still being easy to pull into a low pony or voluminous bun.
Perfect For: High-end wedding looks or even a fun girls’ night out. These layers shine when softly gathered into a side twist or half-up pouf — sleek enough to elevate, loose enough to keep it cool.
Intricate Braided Bun with Romantic Texture
This intricately braided bun is nothing short of breathtaking. A thick, textured braid travels down into a voluminous twist at the nape, blending structure with softness in the best possible way.
Why It’s a Must-Try: It’s perfect for summer weddings, milestone celebrations, or styled photoshoots. It looks complex, but there are now plenty of tutorials to guide you through. It’s truly a show-stopping style for anyone with medium to long hair.
Retro-Chic Layers with Wispy Bangs
This effortlessly cute shoulder-length bob with soft, face-framing bangs brings a playful Parisian energy to summer styling. The light layering adds volume and movement, while the rounded ends give the cut a refined, simple elegance. It’s perfect for those with medium length hair who want a breezy look that’s easy to style yet full of personality. Pair this haircut with round sunglasses for a dose of retro charm—it’s a go-to for weekend brunches or casual strolls downtown.
Wavy Blonde Volume for Sun-Kissed Glam
There’s something undeniably glamorous about tousled blonde waves, especially when paired with darker roots and subtle highlights. This voluminous style brings out the best in medium length hair, enhancing the face with its soft structure and lively bounce. The beachy texture makes it a fun option for summer evenings and a flattering choice for various face shapes. With the right styling cream or sea-salt spray, it becomes a quick, low-maintenance favorite that turns heads.
Power Ponytail with Glamorous Retro Twist
Here’s a wedding-ready masterpiece for medium hair lovers who crave volume and elegance. This sculpted high ponytail, complete with swooped front pieces and polished waves, channels old Hollywood with a modern flair. The look is both braided in feel and sculpted in structure—ideal for formal events, cocktail nights, or weddings where you’re not afraid to shine. Despite its sleek precision, this style can be achieved with a few clever tutorials, making it feel surprisingly easy to recreate at home with the right tools.
With 30+ gorgeous ideas now explored, this guide is your complete resource for summer updos for medium hair in 2025. Whether you’re styling for a spontaneous outing or planning a wedding, these looks prove that beauty and ease can go hand in hand.
Ready to try one of these looks? Let us know in the comments which style you’ll be rocking this season — or better yet, share your results with us on social. Because the only thing better than a cute updo is inspiring someone else to try it too.
