how to keep volume in hair all day

15 TRENDIEST UPDOS FOR MEDIUM-LENGTH HAIR

Medium-length hair offers a versatile canvas for creating stunning updos. Whether you’re looking for an elegant style for a special occasion or a quick and easy everyday look, there’s an updo to suit your needs. This collection showcases 15 of the trendiest updos that are perfect for medium-length hair, from classic chignons and romantic braids to playful twists and effortless knots.

Bun with Face-Framing Strands

If you love romantic hairstyles, this dreamy updo inspired by Jane Austen’s films will captivate you. Elevate your look with sparkling accessories, while allowing a few soft tendrils to gently frame your face and enhance the elegance of a high bun.

Low Updo with Loose Waves

A messy updo is timeless. The highlighted waves add texture and effortless detail to chic styles like this one. Complete the look with statement earrings or a necklace, and you’re all set! Loose, wavy strands are essential for achieving that perfectly tousled vibe.

Messy Wrapped Chignon

The messy chignon, a favorite of fashion icons like Lauren Conrad, remains a classic trend. Start by sectioning off a chunky piece on each side, then create a low looped ponytail with the rest of the hair. Wrap the side sections around the chignon, tucking the ends under the elastic or securing them with bobby pins.

Messy Wavy Updo

Attending a more casual, relaxed event? This boho-chic updo with a wavy low bun combines color and texture for an effortlessly stylish look. The highlighted waves take center stage, ensuring you feel like the star of the show.

Buns and Chignons

Minimalism is a major fashion trend, and it effortlessly translates into the beauty industry. The simple yet elegant hairstyles pictured here would make the perfect complement to a polished shift dress or a cashmere sweater paired with a midi skirt.

Deconstructed Roll

Texture is the secret to a cool style. Whether your hair is tied up or flowing down your back, the piecey layered look paired with waves will always draw compliments. The perfect finishing touch? A balayage to enhance the depth and dimension.

Loopy Updo with Bangs


This loopy style with bangs is perfect for medium-length hair. Whether your bangs are cut straight across the forehead or swept to the side, they add a touch of girly delicacy to complete the look.

Messy Bun with Loose Strands


Who doesn’t love a simple, messy bun? No one would ever guess you were rushing to work or class when you gathered your bedhead hair into a low bun. The secret to this style is keeping it deliberately undone, with loose strands adding a flirty, feminine touch.

Low Bejeweled Bun

For the perfect low bun, grab some hair texture powder, bobby pins, a teasing comb, and padding. If you’re not up for a DIY hair adventure, simply bring this as an inspirational photo to your hairstylist. Messy updos never go out of style, but to add a touch of sophistication, accessorize with shiny, elegant details.

Weaved and Looped Style

Intricate details make formal updos truly stand out. The looping and weaving create a visually captivating and refined look. Finish off the style with a couple of soft tendrils around the face for a romantic and endearing touch.

High Tuck-In

If the back sections of your hair are shorter and you’re aiming for a high updo, try tucking and pinning each section at different heights to achieve the desired lift. Loosen a few strands around the face to add softness and balance to the look.

Loopy Twisted Updo

This lovely twisted style adds incredible thickness and volume to fine hair! The next time you have a wedding to attend, let this be your go-to hairstyle. For an extra touch, you can add a small flower or jeweled barrette to enhance the look.

Looped ‘Do with Highlights

If you’re going for a relaxed look like this messy looped style, chunky highlights can really enhance the texture. They’re especially flattering when twisted together, creating a beautiful swirl of caramel and coffee hues.

Bouffant Hairstyle


Fine hair can sometimes appear flat in updo hairstyles, as the strands lack volume and width. In cases of dark hair, the scalp may even peek through. To counter this, add height at the crown with a bold bouffant to create a fuller, more voluminous look.

Chunky Braid Updo

Updos don’t always have to be formal. Take this French braid, for example. The exaggerated weaving adds a cool, effortless vibe. While it’s a more laid-back look, it’s versatile enough for everything from brunch with friends to date night. Add some accessories to dress it up for a formal event.

CONCLUSION

With a little creativity and the right techniques, medium-length hair can be transformed into a stunning array of updos. These 15 styles demonstrate the versatility of this hair length, proving that you don’t need long locks to achieve elegant and sophisticated looks for any occasion.

CURLY HAIR ROUTINE FOR BEGINNERS 

Curly hair is beautiful and unique, but it can also be challenging to manage. If you’re new to embracing your curls, don’t worry! This beginner’s guide will walk you through a simple yet effective routine to help you achieve defined, bouncy, and frizz-free curls. Let’s embark on this curly hair journey together!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO

The “right” shampoo is one that’s gentle and designed to enhance your curls. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming, but starting with a sulfate-free shampoo is a great choice—these are increasingly common as more brands release sulfate-free ranges.

Most products will be clearly labeled as sulfate-free, but if you’re unsure, you can easily check. Just search for the shampoo’s ingredients online, then copy and paste them into CURLSBOT, a tool that instantly tells you if it’s Curly Girl-approved. I keep CURLSBOT saved on my phone—it’s a lifesaver at any stage of the curly journey!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONDITIONER

The “right” conditioner for curly hair means opting for a silicone-free formula. If you’re used to products with silicones, going silicone-free may feel like a big change, but it’s an important step in a curl-friendly routine.

Many commercial conditioners contain silicones, so it’s worth checking labels. Silicone-free conditioners don’t need to be expensive—they simply avoid silicones that can build up on your hair, causing greasiness, weighing curls down, and reducing bounce.

A T-SHIRT FOR DRYING

That’s right—a simple t-shirt is perfect for drying curly hair! Unlike a regular towel, a t-shirt is much softer and won’t roughen the hair cuticle.

You can use it as you would a towel, or you can try “plopping.” To plop, gently lower your hair forward into the t-shirt, then wrap and secure it around your head. Leave it on for 10-40 minutes to absorb moisture while helping curls form into defined clumps.

Alternatively, there’s “micro-plopping,” where you scrunch each curl individually with the t-shirt to remove excess water. Whether plopping or micro-plopping, a t-shirt is gentler than a towel, though a microfiber towel is also a good option for curly hair.

CHOOSING A STYLING PRODUCT – GEL, MOUSSE, OR CREAM

When starting a curly hair routine, it’s common to use a gel, mousse, or cream. Some people even layer all three! For beginners, starting with one product is ideal; you can experiment and build up your routine as you get to know what works for your curls.

It’s a good idea to check product ingredients, avoiding “nasties” like drying alcohols (e.g., Alcohol Denat) and silicones. This extra step helps keep curls healthy and bouncy.

Apply styling products on soaking wet hair to lock in moisture and minimize frizz. Scrunch the product up to the roots, aiming to shape your curls while wet and keep that definition as they dry.

GEL

Gel is great for setting curls in a “cast” as it dries, holding the shape until you’re ready to scrunch out the crunch, leaving soft, defined curls. A favorite gel for many is the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly.

CREAM

Creams reduce frizz and add moisture, giving a softer look and more volume, though they typically don’t define curls as much as gel.

MOUSSE

A lightweight mousse helps define curls and add volume, especially at the roots. It should be light and non-sticky, so curls feel soft once dry. Each product offers unique benefits—try one and see how your curls respond!

A DIFFUSER

While air-drying is a solid option, many people find that a diffuser becomes an essential tool for styling curls. Air-drying can take a long time, especially since curly hair tends to dry in clumps and retains more moisture with the products you’re using.

Using a diffuser can speed up drying while encouraging curl formation by lifting and holding curl clumps closer to the scalp. For best results, use a low heat setting to reduce potential heat damage.

Avoid using a regular dryer without a diffuser, as it can disrupt curl clumps. If you don’t have a diffuser attachment, it’s actually better to air-dry. And as you transition into a new curl routine, try to minimize the use of heated tools like curling wands—your curls will thank you!

A DEEP CONDITIONER

Deep conditioning is key to keeping curls hydrated and healthy. Aim to deep condition at least every two weeks, or even weekly if your hair needs the extra moisture. A quality deep conditioner helps rehydrate naturally dry curls, while also softening and detangling them.

These treatments often contain nourishing oils and butters. Simply apply after shampooing and let it sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Another option is a “pre-poo” treatment, where you apply an oil or conditioning treatment like Olaplex to dry hair before shampooing. Leave it on overnight or for a few hours to give your curls a deep boost before you wash.

FINAL TIP

Keep track of your washday routine to fine-tune your curly hair care and see what works best for you. Here’s what to note down:

  • Which cleansing and conditioning products you used, including any deep conditioners
  • Did you plop or micro-plop?
  • Which styling products you applied, and in what order
  • Did you apply them with your hair hanging forward or back?
  • Did you scrunch the products in?
  • Did you diffuse until your hair was 100% dry or just 80%?

Also, take photos of your results! They’ll be invaluable when you’re figuring out what works best for your curls. I still jot down small changes I make to my routine, as even minor adjustments can lead to major differences in results.

I created a tracker for myself to keep track of my washdays, and I’m sharing it here because I’ve found it super helpful!

CONCLUSION

Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step towards embracing your natural curls! Remember, consistency is key. As you continue to experiment with your routine, you’ll discover what works best for your unique hair type.

Don’t be afraid to seek advice from other curly-haired individuals or consult with a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair. By following these basic steps and tailoring them to your specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy, beautiful, and bouncy curls.