Finding the perfect way to pull your hair back can feel like a challenge when you have medium length locks. You want something practical yet stylish that holds securely without needing extremely long strands. Whether you are heading to the office, working out, or getting ready for a special event, there are countless gorgeous options available. We have gathered 25 pulled back hairstyles for medium length hair to give you endless inspiration. From sleek and sophisticated updos to relaxed and messy braided looks, there is a perfect style for every occasion and hair texture. Say goodbye to boring hair days and hello to versatile, beautiful looks that keep your hair out of your face while looking effortlessly chic. Let us explore these stunning options.
1. Low Sleek Ponytail For Medium Hair
Nothing beats the elegance of a perfectly smoothed low ponytail for a polished daily look. This style works wonderfully for medium length hair because it does not require excessive length to achieve a chic endpoint. Simply brush your hair back, eliminating any bumps, and secure it at the nape of your neck with a strong elastic. Take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to hide the band. Secure the wrapped piece with a bobby pin underneath. This creates a seamless, sophisticated finish that pairs beautifully with a tailored blazer or a sleek evening dress.
2. Messy Bun With Face Framing Pieces
Who says pulled back hair has to be perfectly neat? A messy bun offers a relaxed, effortless vibe that is perfect for weekend brunches or casual Friday outings. Gather your medium length hair into a high or mid-level ponytail, twist it loosely around the base, and pin it into place. Allow a few shorter layers to escape naturally. The true magic of this look lies in the face framing pieces. Pull out a few tendrils around your forehead and cheekbones to soften your features and add a romantic touch. This style embraces natural texture, making it ideal for second day hair.
3. Half Up Half Down Twist
Have you ever wanted the best of both worlds? The half up half down twist gives you the elegance of an updo while letting your length shine. Separate the top section of your hair from ear to ear. Divide this top section into two equal parts and gently twist them around each other, moving toward the back of your head. Secure the twisted section with a clear elastic or decorative clip. Let the rest of your medium length hair flow freely over your shoulders. This look is incredibly flattering for adding volume at the crown while keeping the hair out of your eyes.
4. French Braid Pulled Back Hairstyle
A classic French braid is a timeless way to keep your hair completely secured while looking intricately styled. Starting at the front hairline, begin weaving the braid by adding small sections of hair from both sides as you move down the center of your head. Continue this technique until you reach the nape of your neck, then secure the remaining length with an elastic. This full look is fantastic for medium hair because it keeps all your layers neatly tucked in place. It works exceptionally well for outdoor activities or busy workdays when you need a reliable, beautiful style.
5. Claw Clip French Twist
Looking for a quick yet incredibly chic updo? The claw clip French twist is a modern update to a vintage classic that takes only seconds to achieve. Gather your medium length hair at the nape of your neck and twist it upwards against the back of your head. Fold the ends of your hair down over the twist and clamp a stylish claw clip over the entire roll to secure it firmly. The clip acts as both a functional anchor and a decorative accessory. This pulled back look is perfect for transitioning seamlessly from a professional office environment to an evening dinner.
6. Braided Crown For Medium Length Hair
Channel your inner royalty with a beautiful braided crown that perfectly showcases medium length hair. Start by creating two standard pigtail braids on either side of your head. Take the right braid, lift it over the top of your head like a headband, and pin it securely. Repeat this process with the left braid, crossing it over the first one to create a double crown effect. Tuck the ends under each other and hide any loose pieces with bobby pins. This creates a stunning, intricate halo effect that keeps all your hair pulled back and off your neck for a romantic, ethereal appearance.
7. High Voluminous Ponytail
Ready to make a bold statement? A high voluminous ponytail adds instant drama and youthful energy to any outfit. To get that coveted height, flip your head upside down and gather all your medium length hair at the very top of your crown. Before tying it, gently tease the hair at the roots to create substantial lift. Secure the ponytail tightly with a sturdy elastic. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the base to elevate the overall look. This dynamic pulled back style bounces beautifully as you walk and draws attention to your facial features.
8. Space Buns For Medium Hair
Why settle for one bun when you can have two? Space buns are a playful, energetic pulled back style that adds a touch of fun to your everyday look. Part your hair directly down the middle to create two equal high pigtails. Twist each pigtail around its base to form two separate, cute buns on top of your head. Pin them securely and pull out a few strands to loosen the look slightly. This eccentric style is fantastic for festivals, concerts, or simply adding a bit of whimsy to a casual weekend outfit while keeping your hair entirely out of your face.
9. Fishtail Braid Pulled Back Style
Ever wondered how to achieve an effortlessly detailed look? The fishtail braid offers a complex, woven appearance that is surprisingly simple to execute. Sweep all your medium length hair to one side and divide it into just two equal sections. Take a tiny piece from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to the right section. Repeat on the other side, alternating all the way down. Secure the end with a clear elastic. Gently pull at the edges of the braid to pancake it, making it look much thicker and more voluminous. This pulled back look exudes a relaxed, bohemian elegance.
10. Low Chignon Updo
For a truly sophisticated and timeless aesthetic, the low chignon is an unmatched choice. This pulled back style gathers your medium length hair into a smooth, elegant knot at the nape of your neck. Start by creating a low ponytail and securing it loosely with an elastic. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base, tucking the ends inward to form a neat bun shape. Pin the chignon securely against your head, ensuring a flat and seamless profile. This classic updo looks incredibly refined and works beautifully for formal events, weddings, or professional business meetings.
11. Pulled Back Bubble Braid
Want a trendy style that takes almost zero effort? The pulled back bubble braid gives the illusion of an intricate hairstyle while requiring minimal braiding skills. Gather your medium length hair into a mid level ponytail and secure it. Then, take small clear elastics and tie them down the length of the ponytail every couple of inches. Once tied, gently tug at the hair between each elastic to puff it out, creating cute, rounded bubbles. This style adds fantastic dimension and bounce to your look, making it a fun, youthful option for casual outings and everyday wear.
12. Double Dutch Braids Pulled Back
Keep your hair super secure and stylish with double Dutch braids, also known as boxer braids. Part your hair down the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Working on one side at a time, begin a Dutch braid at the front hairline, crossing the strands under instead of over, adding hair as you go. Continue braiding until you reach the back of the neck, then tie it off. Repeat on the other side. This pulled back look is incredibly sporty and practical, ensuring your medium length hair stays completely out of your way during high intensity activities.
13. Twisted Low Ponytail
Sometimes the simplest styles offer the most elegance. The twisted low ponytail elevates a basic look with just a few quick maneuvers. Create a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, but leave out a small section of hair on each side. Twist each of these side sections tightly and cross them over the top of the ponytail. Pin them together underneath the base of the ponytail. This creates a beautiful, wrapped effect that conceals the hair tie and adds a touch of structural interest to an otherwise ordinary style. It is perfect for a polished, professional appearance.
14. Half Up Top Knot
Combine the ease of a half up style with the modern edge of a top knot. This pulled back look is incredibly popular for medium length hair because it shows off your length while keeping the top section completely out of your face. Gather the hair from your temples up to your crown and tie it into a small, high ponytail. Twist that ponytail around its base to form a messy or neat top knot, securing it with pins or a small elastic. The result is a trendy, stylish look that works great for running errands or casual coffee dates.
15. Slicked Back Wet Look Hairstyle
Craving a high fashion, runway inspired aesthetic? The slicked back wet look is a bold, daring choice that commands attention. Apply a generous amount of strong hold gel or styling cream to damp hair. Using a fine toothed comb, brush your medium length hair straight back away from your face, ensuring every strand is coated and lies flat against your head. Gather the length into a low ponytail or let it hang naturally behind your shoulders. This striking pulled back style highlights your bone structure and creates an edgy, confident vibe that pairs perfectly with minimalist outfits.
16. Celtic Knot Half Updo
Looking for a unique way to pull your hair back? The Celtic knot half updo is a mesmerizing style that looks incredibly complex but is just a clever trick. Take two small sections of hair from either side of your face. Instead of tying them normally, use your fingers to loop and weave them into a figure eight, creating a beautiful, intricate knot at the back of your head. Pin the knot securely against your scalp and let the rest of your medium length hair fall softly. This stunning style adds an artistic, handmade touch to your everyday appearance.
17. Voluminous Bouffant Pulled Back Hair
Add a touch of retro glamour to your daily routine with a voluminous bouffant. Start by sectioning off the front portion of your hair. Backcomb the underneath layers at the crown to build major volume and height. Smooth the top layer over the teased hair to hide the tangles, then gently push the section forward to create a slight bump before pinning it at the back of your head. Gather the rest of your medium length hair into a low ponytail or a chic updo. This pulled back style gives you incredible lift and a dramatic, elegant silhouette.
18. Side Swept Braid For Medium Hair
Sweep your hair into a romantic, asymmetrical style with a side swept braid. Gather all your medium length hair over to one shoulder. Begin a traditional three strand braid or a loose fishtail, incorporating hair primarily from the side you choose. Let the braid rest comfortably over your collarbone. This look keeps the hair pulled back from your neck while allowing you to showcase the length and detail of the braid. It is a gorgeous option for date nights or any occasion where you want a soft, feminine look with a touch of relaxed charm.
19. Pull Through Braid Ponytail
Achieve incredible volume and texture with the pull through braid ponytail. Create a high ponytail and secure it with a small elastic. Take a section of hair from the underside of the ponytail and clip it out of the way. Create a second small elastic tie a couple of inches below the first one. Pull the clipped section of hair up and through the space between the two elastics. Repeat this process down the length of your medium hair. This pulled back style creates a stunning, multi dimensional effect that looks like a complex woven braid but is incredibly easy to do.
20. Rolled Updo For Medium Length Hair
Embrace a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with the elegant rolled updo. Gather your medium length hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, leaving out a small section underneath. Loosen the ponytail elastic slightly and create an opening above it. Flip the entire ponytail up and pull it through the opening, creating a twisted roll. Next, take the remaining loose section, wrap it around the twist, and pin it securely to hide any elastics. This creates a sophisticated, polished look that is perfect for professional settings or upscale events where you want to look flawlessly put together.
21. Low Ponytail With Wrapped Hair
Elevate a basic style by opting for a low ponytail with wrapped hair. This simple detail makes a massive difference in the overall refinement of your look. Brush your medium length hair back into a smooth, low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic. Take a small, one inch section of hair from the underside of the ponytail. Carefully wrap this section around the hair tie until it is completely hidden. Secure the end of the wrapped piece with a bobby pin tucked underneath the ponytail. This creates a clean, expensive looking finish.
22. Waterfall Braid Pulled Back Look
Create a cascading, magical effect with a waterfall braid pulled back look. Begin a French braid at the front of your hairline. As you move along the side of your head, drop the bottom section of the braid each time you cross over, picking up a new piece of hair to replace it. This creates the illusion of strands falling beautifully through the braid like a waterfall. Continue the braid to the back of your head and secure it with a pin. This romantic pulled back style is breathtaking for special occasions and shows off the dimensions of medium length hair.
23. Messy French Twist Updo
Put a modern, relaxed spin on a classic with the messy French twist updo. Gather your medium length hair at the nape of your neck as if creating a low ponytail. Twist the entire length of hair upwards vertically against the back of your head. Instead of smoothing it down, allow pieces to fall naturally and create texture. Tuck the ends inside the twist and secure the style generously with bobby pins, letting a few wispy strands escape. This effortlessly chic style gives you an undone, romantic appearance that looks incredibly stylish without requiring hours of precise styling.
24. Double Twisted Half Up Hairstyle
Add charming detail to your daily look with a double twisted half up hairstyle. Take a small section of hair from the left side of your face and twist it away from your cheek. Pin it at the back of your head. Repeat this process on the right side, crossing the second twist over the first one before pinning it securely. Let the rest of your medium length hair flow freely. This pulled back style is incredibly simple but looks beautifully intentional. It keeps the front sections of your hair secured while adding lovely structural detail to the back of your hair.
25. Braided Low Bun For Medium Hair
Combine the elegance of a bun with the texture of a braid for a stunning braided low bun. Pull your medium length hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Braid the ponytail down to the ends and secure it with a small clear elastic. Take the braided tail and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, forming a spiral bun shape. Tuck the end of the braid under the bun and pin it securely in place. This pulled back look is sophisticated and secure, ensuring your hair stays perfectly in place all day long.
Conclusion:
Finding the right pulled back look can completely transform how you feel about your medium length hair. As you can see, having hair that falls around your shoulders does not limit your styling options. From intricate braided crowns and elegant low chignons to playful space buns and sleek wet looks, there is a perfect option for every mood and event. These 25 pulled back hairstyles for medium length hair prove that you can achieve stunning, versatile updos without needing waist length locks. Try experimenting with different twists, braids, and buns to discover your new favorite way to keep your hair stylishly secured.
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