22 Medium Length Messy Updos for Shoulder to Collarbone Hair

Medium-length hair sits in the easiest messy updo zone of any length. Long enough to wrap, twist, and pin into nearly any shape, short enough to avoid the bulk problems that long hair runs into when piled high. The catch is that some traditional updos need workarounds on medium hair: a true French twist needs significant length to roll fully, a large coiled chignon needs hair past the bust to create visible bun size. The messy versions of these techniques solve the problem by embracing visible imperfection. Pieces pulled loose, deliberate undone texture, and asymmetric shaping all read intentional rather than failed. Here are twenty-two messy updo variations specifically suited to medium hair.

Classic Low Messy Bun

A loose bun gathered at the nape on shoulder or collarbone-length hair, with pieces deliberately pulled out at the temples and around the face. The classic version is the foundational messy updo, suitable for everyday wear and casual events. Pre-spray with texture spray before gathering for grip. Secure with a small elastic underneath, then layer bobby pins through the bun base. Pull face-framing pieces loose at the temples.

Twisted Messy Chignon

A messy chignon built by twisting the gathered ponytail at the nape before wrapping it into a coiled shape. The twist creates visible texture in the finished chignon. Works on collarbone-length and slightly longer hair. Gather into a low ponytail, twist the entire length in one direction, then wrap around the base. Pull pieces loose after securing for the messy finish that defines the styling choice.

Half-Up Messy Bun

The top section of medium hair gathered into a small messy bun at the crown, with the bottom half hanging loose at the shoulders or collarbone. The half-up version provides the bun's styling interest without committing to a full updo on shorter medium lengths. Pull pieces loose at the temples around the bun base. Works on every length from shoulder-grazing through collarbone-length.

Knotted Low Updo

A messy updo built by knotting the hair like shoelaces at the nape, then tucking the ends underneath. Divide medium-length hair into two sections, tie in a knot, then knot again and pin the ends. The knotted technique creates visible texture without requiring complex twisting. Works on collarbone-length hair where the two sections have enough length to knot.

High Messy Bun with Tendrils

A loose bun gathered at the top of the crown on collarbone-length hair, with deliberately curled face-framing tendrils left out at the temples. Pre-curl the tendrils with a small-barrel iron before gathering the rest into the bun. The combination of high placement and soft tendrils reads romantic. Pull additional pieces loose at the nape for the messy finish that completes the styling.

Messy Side Twist

All the medium-length hair twisted to one side and pinned at the nape on the opposite side. The asymmetric placement creates visual interest. Works on shoulder-length and longer cuts. Loosen the twist by pulling sections outward before pinning for fuller, softer effect. Pair with a deep side part on the heavier side. Pull face-framing pieces loose at the temple for the messy finish.

Faux Messy Chignon with Sock Bun

A messy chignon built around a sock bun donut for shape and volume on medium-length hair. The donut creates fuller bun shape than gathering alone produces on shorter lengths. Wrap the hair around the donut, securing with pins, then pull pieces loose for the messy finish. Works particularly well on collarbone-length hair where natural bun size would otherwise look skimpy.

Claw Clip Messy Updo

Medium-length hair gathered, twisted once or twice, and secured with a large claw clip rather than elastics and bobby pins. The claw clip becomes a visible styling element. Pull pieces loose for the messy finish after securing. Works on every medium length. The claw clip technique is fast and has become a major styling shortcut across 2026 styling trends, suitable for both casual and slightly dressier occasions.

Messy Half-Up French Braid

A small French braid running from the crown back, securing the half-up portion on medium hair, with the bottom half hanging loose. Works on shoulder-grazing and longer cuts. Loosen the braid loops by pulling sections outward after braiding for a fuller messy effect. Pair with face-framing pieces left loose at the temples. The half-up French braid adds visible texture across the back of the head.

Twisted Side Updo

Medium hair twisted from one side of the front, brought across the back of the head, and pinned at the opposite ear. The diagonal twist crosses the back of the head, adding visual interest. The remaining length below the twist gets pinned underneath. Works on collarbone-length hair. Finish with face-framing pieces pulled loose for the messy finish.

Messy Half-Up Top Knot

A small messy top knot at the crown of medium-length hair, with the bottom half hanging loose. The top knot adds vertical interest while the bottom half maintains the medium length below. Pre-tease the crown for volume before gathering. Secure with a small elastic and crossed bobby pins underneath. Pull face-framing pieces loose for the messy finish that completes the look.

Messy Wrapped Bun

A messy bun built by wrapping the hair around itself rather than twisting or knotting. Gather medium-length hair at the nape into a small ponytail, then wrap the ponytail length loosely around the base. Secure with bobby pins through the wrapped sections. Pull pieces loose for the messy finish. Works on collarbone-length and slightly longer hair where the wrapped sections create visible bun shape.

Bohemian Half-Up with Braids

A half-up messy style with small braids incorporated at the sides, running from the temples back to meet the gathered section. The braid detail adds visible texture across the front. Works on shoulder-grazing and longer medium hair. The braids can be tight or loose depending on preference. Pull face-framing pieces loose around the temples for the boho messy finish.

Messy Low Pony-Bun

A hybrid style where medium hair is pulled into a low ponytail at the nape, then the ponytail itself is loosely wrapped into a messy bun without secure pinning. The pony-bun reads playful and quick-styled. Works on collarbone-length hair where the ponytail has enough length to wrap once. Pull pieces loose at the temples around the bun for the messy finish.

Messy Crown Twist with Loose Length

A single twist gathering the crown section of medium hair, pinned at the back, with the bottom half styled with visible texture using a curling iron or wand. The structured twist contrasts with the textured loose section below. Works on shoulder-length and longer medium hair. Curl the bottom half before creating the twist for the cleanest result.

Messy Updo with Hair Vine

A simple messy low bun on medium hair decorated with a delicate hair vine winding through the structure. The vine catches light through the day, adding subtle styling interest. Works on collarbone-length hair. Place the hair vine after the bun is secured to keep it positioned correctly. Pair with pieces pulled loose at the temples for the messy finish that contrasts with the decorative element.

Bouffant Messy Updo

A messy updo with deliberate teased volume at the crown before gathering, smoothed over with the top layer and pinned into a clean structure at the back. The bouffant adds significant height that lifts the whole shape. Pre-treat with dry shampoo for grip before teasing. Works on collarbone-length hair where the bouffant volume contrasts with the bottom gathered structure.

Messy Updo with Headband

A messy low bun or low chignon paired with a fabric, knit, or jeweled headband worn across the crown. The headband adds visible interest at the front while the updo sits messy at the back. Works on every medium length. Position the headband first, then gather the hair into a low updo. The combination reads polished-yet-casual, suitable for both everyday and dressier occasions.

Messy Updo with Scarf Wrap

A messy low bun on medium hair wrapped with a small fabric scarf around the base, with the scarf ends either tied into a bow or left flowing. The scarf adds visible color and texture interest. Works on collarbone-length hair. Choose a scarf based on the occasion: silk for evening, cotton or linen for daytime, patterned for casual or boho styling.

Soft Pinned Messy Updo

Multiple small sections of medium hair gathered and pinned at the nape in a deliberately undone arrangement. Each section is pinned separately rather than gathered into a single bun. The technique creates visible texture and architectural shape without requiring traditional bun building. Works on collarbone-length hair where each pinned section has enough length to secure properly.

Messy Updo with Curls

A low messy bun on pre-curled medium hair, where the entire length is curled with a curling iron before being gathered. The curls create significant visible texture in the gathered structure. Works on shoulder-length and longer medium hair. Curl the length first, then gather loosely at the nape. Pull pieces loose at the temples. The curls add visible body that straight-haired messy updos lack.

Messy Faux Chignon with Twisted Sections

A messy chignon built from multiple small twisted sections rather than a single bun, pinned together at the nape on medium-length hair. The twisted sections create visible architectural texture. Works on collarbone-length hair where each twisted section has enough length to secure independently. Pull face-framing pieces loose for the messy finish that softens the structured twisted shape.