4. The Loose Romantic Updo

The Vibe: Soft, dreamy, occasion-ready, and quietly spectacular.

The loose romantic updo for medium hair is the summer hairstyle for every occasion that calls for something more considered than a bun but less formal than a structured updo. It is created by gathering medium hair into a loose, organic arrangement at the back of the head — half-twisted, half-pinned — with tendrils left loose at the face and nape. The result looks like something between a bun, a chignon, and a soft updo, and it hits a perfect balance of elegant and effortless.

What Makes It Perfect for Summer Medium Hair:

Medium hair is actually at an advantage for this style compared to long hair — the shorter length means the loose, organic gathering at the back stays more compact and manageable throughout the day, while still creating a beautiful, full updo appearance. Long hair tends to create an unwieldy, overloaded loose updo; medium hair creates a perfectly proportioned one.

How to Create It:

Apply a light-hold mousse to medium hair and allow it to dry with gentle waves or its natural texture. Do not over-smooth. Take the main body of the hair and loosely twist it toward the back of the head. Fold the twist loosely back on itself and pin it against the back of the head using five to seven bobby pins, placed strategically rather than uniformly. The goal is to create an organic, slightly asymmetric arrangement rather than a mathematically perfect structure. Leave two to three tendrils loose at the face — near the temples and hairline — and one or two loose at the nape.

Pro Tips:

  • The loose tendrils are not an accident — they are the most important element of this style. Curl them slightly with a small wand before creating the updo for a more romantic, intentional quality
  • Gold pins placed visibly within the updo serve a dual purpose — they secure the style and act as decorative jewelry within the hair
  • Medium hair creates a particularly beautiful loose updo at the nape of the neck — try positioning the gathered section low rather than mid-head for a classically elegant result
  • Apply a light flexible hairspray over the finished updo to hold the shape without making it stiff — the style should move slightly and look alive

Best For: Medium wavy and lightly curly hair. Works on straight medium hair with added texture product.

Face Shape: The soft tendrils at the face soften and flatter all face shapes. The loose, asymmetric quality of the updo is particularly flattering on square and angular features.

How Long It Lasts in Summer: 4–6 hours with light-hold spray. Refresh by smoothing tendrils and reapplying spray.

Occasion: Outdoor weddings, summer garden parties, romantic dinner dates, graduation events, formal brunches.