Collarbone-length hair is just long enough to twist into a low chignon and just short enough that the ends slip out of the pins, so prep matters. These formal hairstyles for medium length hair start with a smoothing cream or texture spray, a one inch iron, and U pins, and most hold through a full evening.
1. Low Chignon With a Smooth Front
The low chignon is the first of the formal hairstyles for medium length hair I suggest because collarbone length is exactly enough to twist. I blow-dry with a paddle brush and a smoothing cream, gather a low ponytail at the nape, twist it into a knot and pin with U pins. It suits oval and long faces and medium density. A long layered cut holds it best. Set with a firm spray; it lasts twelve hours.
2. Textured Low Bun With Pulled Out Face Pieces
A textured low bun works on hairstyles for medium length hair updo requests when the client wants soft, not sleek. I curl the hair first with a one inch iron, spray a dry texture spray, gather a loose bun at the nape and pin it in sections, then pull out two chin length pieces at the face. It suits round and square faces and medium to thick density. It holds for a full evening with a flexible spray.
3. Half Up Twist With Curled Ends
The half up twist keeps length showing while lifting the crown. I curl the hair with a one and a quarter inch iron, take two sections at the temples, twist each back and pin them together at the occipital bone, then tease the crown lightly. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and fine to medium density. Collarbone length with long layers is ideal. It holds eight hours with a light spray.
4. Sleek Low Ponytail With Wrapped Base
A sleek low ponytail is the fastest formal style on shoulder length hair. I flat iron the hair, brush it back with a boar bristle brush and a smoothing cream, secure at the nape, then wrap a half inch section around the elastic and pin it under. It suits oval and long faces and straight hair of any density. A blunt cut keeps the ends looking full. Finish with a shine spray.
5. French Twist on Medium Hair
A French twist on medium length hair needs a textured base, so I tease the crown and spray a dry texture spray before starting. I gather the hair to one side of the back, twist it upward and pin along the seam with bobby pins, tucking the ends inside. It suits oval and long faces and medium density. A one length cut holds it best. It lasts all evening with a firm spray.
6. Braided Crown Updo
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The braided crown works on collarbone length hair with the back tucked. I part the hair in the center, Dutch braid each side from the hairline to the nape, cross the two braids at the back and pin, then tuck the loose ends under. It suits round and oval faces and medium to thick density. Layers no shorter than the chin keep pieces from escaping. Set with a flexible spray.
7. Soft Curled Blowout for Formal Events
Not every formal look is an updo. A soft curled blowout on a long layered medium cut is the most requested down style. I blow-dry with a large round brush, curl one and a half inch sections away from the face with a wand, let them cool, then brush through with a boar bristle brush. It suits any face shape and medium density. Finish with a shine spray; it holds six hours.
8. Twisted Low Updo With Side Part
A twisted low updo with a deep side part gives asymmetry to shoulder length hair. I set the part on the heavy side, smooth it with a cream, take two inch sections across the back and twist each toward the nape, pinning as I go until a low roll forms. It suits round and square faces and fine to medium density. A soft layered cut gives the twists grip. It holds ten hours.
9. Messy Bun With Loose Curls
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The messy bun on medium hair is a controlled mess. I curl with a one inch iron, spray texture, gather a high ponytail, wrap the length loosely around the base and pin pieces at random so the curls poke out. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and medium to thick density. Long layers help because the short pieces fall out on purpose. Set with a flexible spray and leave two face pieces.
10. Classic Chignon for Women Over 50
Women over 50 with shoulder length hair do well with a classic chignon that sits at the nape. I blow-dry smooth, tease the crown slightly for height, gather at the nape, roll the length under and pin it flat. It suits oval and round faces and fine to medium density. A one length cut with soft layers holds the roll. Finish with a firm spray; it looks the same at midnight as at six.
11. Half Up Bouffant With Straight Ends
A half up bouffant lifts the crown on shoulder length hair and leaves the ends straight. I flat iron the hair, tease the crown section in three layers, smooth the top with a boar bristle brush, then pin the crown section at the back under the lift. It suits round and long faces and fine to medium density. A blunt perimeter keeps the ends clean. It holds with a firm spray.
12. Loose Braided Side Bun
A loose braided side bun pulls everything to one side on medium hair. I curl the hair, loose braid it over one shoulder, pull the braid apart for width, then coil it into a bun behind the ear and pin. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and medium to thick density. Layers at the chin or longer stay in the braid. Set with a flexible spray; it holds six to eight hours.
13. Sleek Center Part Low Bun
The sleek center part low bun is the most polished of the medium length updo options. I flat iron the hair, part it dead center, brush back with a smoothing cream and a gel at the hairline, secure a low ponytail and wrap it into a tight bun. It suits oval and long faces and straight hair of any density. A blunt cut leaves no flyaways. Finish with a shine spray.
14. Vintage Pin Curl Set
A vintage pin curl set on shoulder length hair gives structured waves that hold all night. I set the hair in one inch pin curls on damp hair with a setting lotion, dry under a hood or with a diffuser, release, then brush into waves with a boar bristle brush and pin one side behind the ear. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and fine to medium density. A one length cut keeps the waves even.
15. Twisted Half Up With Pearl Pins
The twisted half up with pearl pins is a bridesmaid standard on medium hair. I curl with a one inch iron, take a section above each ear, twist it back and pin the two together, then add three pearl pins along the twist. It suits oval and round faces and fine to medium density. Long layers give the twist softness. Set with a light spray so the curls stay soft.
16. Low Rolled Updo With Volume at the Crown
A low rolled updo with crown volume balances a round face. I tease the crown in sections, smooth the top, gather the length at the nape, roll it under over two fingers and pin the roll flat against the head. It suits round and square faces and medium density. A soft layered cut holds the roll better than a blunt one. Set with a firm spray; it lasts a full evening.
17. Boho Half Up With Mini Braids
The boho half up uses two mini braids on medium length hair. I curl the hair with a wand, braid a thin three strand braid at each temple, pull them back and pin them together, then pull the braids apart slightly. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and medium density. Long layers blend into the curls. Finish with a dry texture spray rather than a firm hold.
18. Elegant Low Bun With Side Swept Bangs
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An elegant low bun with side swept bangs keeps a fringe in a formal style. I blow-dry the bangs to the side with a flat brush, gather the rest into a low ponytail behind one ear, twist it into a bun and pin. It suits round and square faces because the bangs cut a diagonal. Fine to medium density suits it. Set the bangs with a light spray and the bun with a firm one.
19. Curled Ponytail With Teased Crown
A curled ponytail with a teased crown is the formal style for thick medium hair. I curl with a one inch iron, tease the crown, gather a mid height ponytail, wrap the base with a section of hair and pin, then separate the curls. It suits oval and long faces and medium to thick density. A long layered cut keeps the ponytail full. Set with a flexible spray.
20. Smooth Side Swept Waves
Side swept waves are the formal down style for a one length medium cut. I curl one inch sections away from the face with an iron, let them cool, brush through, then sweep everything over one shoulder and pin behind the opposite ear. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and fine to medium density. Blunt ends keep the waves looking full. Finish with a shine spray.
21. Knotted Updo for Fine Hair
Fine medium hair holds a knotted updo better than a bun because the knots grip. I spray a dry texture spray, divide the back into three sections, tie each into a loose knot against the head and pin, then tuck the ends under. It suits oval and round faces and low density. A soft layered cut gives the knots texture. Set with a firm spray; it lasts all evening.
22. Dutch Braid Into a Low Bun
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A Dutch braid into a low bun is the wedding guest pick among hairstyles for medium length hair updo styles because it survives dancing. I Dutch braid from the hairline down the center to the nape, gather the braid and remaining hair into a ponytail, coil it into a bun and pin. It suits oval and long faces and medium to thick density. Layers at the chin or longer stay in the braid. Finish with a flexible spray.
23. Hollywood Waves on Medium Hair
Hollywood waves need a deep side part and a one length cut. I set one inch sections with an iron all in the same direction, clip each curl to cool, release, brush with a boar bristle brush, and clip the waves at the ridges for five minutes. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and medium density. Finish with a shine spray and a firm hold; the ridges last through the night.
24. Low Twisted Bun With Face Framing Curls
A low twisted bun with face framing curls is the soft updo for a long layered medium cut. I curl the hair, gather the length at the nape, twist it into a bun and pin, then release the chin length face frame and curl it again. It suits round and square faces because the front pieces frame the jaw. Medium density suits it. Set with a flexible spray.
25. Half Up Top Knot With Waves
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A half up top knot on medium hair gives crown height and loose waves. I curl with a wand, section the top from temple to temple, twist it into a small knot at the crown and pin, then shake the waves. It suits oval and long faces and medium density. Long layers keep the lower waves soft. Finish with a dry texture spray rather than a firm hold.
26. Polished Bob Updo With Hidden Pins
A chin length bob can still go up. I flat iron the hair, tease the crown lightly, roll the back under in a faux bob tuck and pin it to a hidden elastic band at the nape, then smooth the sides. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and fine to medium density. A blunt bob holds the tuck best. Set with a firm spray; it looks like a shorter, rounder bob.
27. Romantic Updo With Soft Tendrils
The romantic updo uses loose pinned curls on medium hair. I curl with a one inch iron, gather a loose ponytail at the nape, pin each curl separately around the base so it looks layered, then pull out tendrils at the temples. It suits oval and round faces and medium to thick density. Long layers give the tendrils length. Finish with a flexible spray.
28. Slicked Back Low Bun for Thick Hair
Thick medium hair looks cleanest slicked back into a low bun. I blow-dry smooth, apply a gel from root to mid-length, brush back with a boar bristle brush, secure a low ponytail and wrap it into a bun, pinning tight. It suits oval and square faces and thick density. A one length cut leaves no stray layers. Finish with a shine spray.
29. Side Braid Over the Shoulder
A loose side braid over the shoulder is the formal style for medium hair with waves. I curl the hair, sweep it to one side, three strand braid loosely from the ear down, pull the braid apart for width, and tuck the opposite side behind the ear. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and medium to thick density. Finish with a texture spray.
30. Teased Half Up With Velvet Bow
A teased half up with a velvet bow is formal without being an updo. I curl the hair, tease the crown in three layers, smooth the top, gather the crown section at the back and tie a velvet ribbon over the elastic. It suits oval and round faces and fine to medium density. Long layers soften the ends. Set with a light spray so the curls move.
31. Low Chignon With a Center Part for Square Faces
Square faces soften with a low chignon parted in the center. I flat iron the hair, part it center, smooth with a cream, gather at the nape and twist into a knot that sits low and slightly rounded. It suits square and oval faces and medium density. A one length cut keeps the sides smooth. Finish with a shine spray and a firm hold.
32. Curly Updo With Pinned Natural Curls
Natural curls on medium hair pin into an updo without an iron. I apply a leave-in and gel, diffuse fully, then gather the curls at the crown and pin each one separately so the shape builds outward. It suits oval and round faces and curly texture of medium to thick density. Long layers keep the curls from clumping. Finish with a light hold spray.
33. Half Up Bubble Ponytail
A half up bubble ponytail is a newer formal style for medium hair. I curl the hair, gather the top half into a ponytail at the crown, add elastics every two inches down the tail and pull each section out to form bubbles. It suits oval and long faces and medium to thick density. Long layers fill the bubbles. Set with a flexible spray.
34. Low Bun With Twisted Sides
A low bun with twisted sides frames the face on medium hair. I smooth the hair, take a section at each temple, twist it back and pin at the nape, then gather everything into a low bun over the pins. It suits round and heart shaped faces and fine to medium density. A soft layered cut gives the twists texture. Finish with a firm spray.
35. Formal Blowout With Flipped Ends
A formal blowout with flipped ends is the polished down style for a one length collarbone cut. I blow-dry with a medium round brush, rolling the ends outward, and set each section in a velcro roller for ten minutes. It suits oval and long faces and fine to medium density. Blunt ends flip cleanly. Finish with a shine spray and a light hold.
36. Twisted Crown With Loose Waves
A twisted crown with loose waves on medium hair keeps the length down. I curl with a wand, take a two inch section at each temple, twist it back along the hairline and pin them together behind the crown, then loosen the twists. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and medium density. Long layers blend into the waves. Finish with a texture spray.
37. Gibson Tuck for Medium Hair
The Gibson tuck is one of the formal hairstyles for medium length hair that needs no teasing, made by rolling the length into a loose ponytail. I gather a low ponytail at the nape, loosen the elastic, make a gap above it, flip the tail through twice, then tuck the ends into the gap and pin. It suits oval and round faces and medium density. A one length cut tucks cleanly. Set with a firm spray; it holds all evening.
38. Pinned Back Waves With Side Part
Pinned back waves on a side part is the formal style for shoulder length hair that will not go up. I curl one inch sections with an iron, set the part deep on one side, brush through, then pin the light side behind the ear with two bobby pins crossed. It suits round and square faces and fine to medium density. Finish with a shine spray.
39. Sleek High Bun on Shoulder Length Hair
A high bun on shoulder length hair needs every inch, so I flat iron the hair first to maximize length. I brush it up with a gel and a boar bristle brush, secure a high ponytail, wrap the tail around the base and pin it flat. It suits oval and long faces and straight hair of medium to thick density. A blunt cut keeps the ends inside. Finish with a shine spray.
40. Soft Low Updo for Thin Hair Over 40
Thin medium hair over 40 goes up best in a soft low updo built on a padded base. I tease the crown, pin a small hair donut at the nape, wrap the hair around it in sections, and pin so the donut is covered. It suits oval and round faces and low density. A soft layered cut with full ends covers the base. Finish with a firm spray.
41. Braided Halo With Loose Ends
A braided halo with loose ends on medium hair braids the front and leaves the back down. I curl the hair, Dutch braid along the hairline from one ear across the top to the other, pin the end behind the ear, and loosen the braid. It suits oval and heart shaped faces and medium density. Long layers blend into the loose waves. Finish with a texture spray.
Collarbone-length hair is just long enough to twist into a low chignon and just short enough that the ends do not slip out by the end of the night. For formal hairstyles for medium length hair I prep with a light mousse so the pins actually grip, then smooth the pieces with a dab of serum. A few face-framing strands left down keep it from reading stiff. oval face haircuts stay the shape I reach for most, and the same length rules apply whether the hair is straight, wavy, layered, or curly.
