shoulder length hair updo

23 Shoulder Length Hair Updos You Can Do in 10 Minutes or Less

Shoulder length hair is perfect for quick and stylish updos. Whether you’re heading to work, going out with friends, or just want your hair out of your face, there’s always a fast and cute option. All of these styles take 10 minutes or less and work great with medium-length hair.

1. Twisted Low Bun

Woman with shoulder length hair styled in a low bun created by twisting two side sections and wrapping them together at the nape of the neck.

This low bun looks fancy but only takes a few minutes. Start by splitting your hair into two sections. Twist each side and wrap them together into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Use a few bobby pins to hold it in place. It’s perfect for a chill day or a casual dinner.

2. Half-Up Messy Top Knot

Woman with shoulder length hair in a messy half-up top knot, with the top section tied loosely and the rest left down and textured.

Gather the top half of your hair and twist it into a quick top knot. Leave the rest of your hair down to keep it relaxed. You don’t have to make it neat—messier is better for this look. Add a little dry shampoo or texture spray to boost volume if needed.

3. Braided Crown Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair styled into two thin braids pinned across the back of the head to form a braided crown.

This shoulder length hair updo looks like you spent a lot of time on it, but it’s actually simple. Braid two small sections from each side of your head, then pin them across the back like a crown. You can leave some face-framing pieces loose for a softer feel.

4. Classic French Twist for Shoulder Length Hair

Woman with shoulder length hair styled into a classic French twist tucked and pinned vertically at the back of the head.

Don’t think your hair is too short for a French twist—it works! Gather your hair at the back like a low ponytail, twist it upward, and tuck the ends inside. Secure it with bobby pins or a small comb clip. It looks clean and pulled-together.

5. The Lazy Girl’s Shoulder Length Hair Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair twisted into a quick low bun secured with a claw clip, with a few strands framing the face.

This one’s all about keeping things super quick. Just twist your hair loosely into a low bun, secure it with a claw clip, and pull a few strands out to soften the look. You can do this in under 2 minutes flat.

6. Low Rolled Chignon

Woman with shoulder length hair styled into a rolled chignon created by flipping a low ponytail and tucking the ends upward.

This elegant style works great for special events or just a polished day look. Tie a low ponytail, make a small gap above the hair tie, and flip the ponytail through it. Roll the rest of the hair upward and tuck it into the space. Pin it in place, and you’re done.

7. Quick Bubble Pony Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair in a low ponytail with multiple elastics down the length, creating a bubble effect in each section.

Make a low ponytail, then add a few more elastics down the length of the ponytail, spaced a couple of inches apart. Gently tug at each section to puff it out and create a “bubble” look. It’s playful and easy with zero braiding needed.

8. Half-Up Braided Bun

Woman with shoulder length hair styled with the top half in a loose braid wrapped into a bun, leaving the rest down.

This shoulder length hair updo starts by taking the top half of your hair and braiding it into a loose braid. Then wrap the braid into a small bun at the crown of your head. Leave the rest of your hair down for a cute, effortless vibe.

9. The Tucked-In Shoulder Length Hair Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair rolled and tucked into a headband all around the back and sides.

Grab a stretchy headband and place it around your head like a crown. Take small sections of your hair and roll them up and over the band, tucking them in. Keep going until all your hair is rolled in. It gives a soft vintage feel with barely any effort.

10. Side Braided Low Bun

Woman with shoulder length hair featuring a braid starting from one temple, wrapping into a low side bun at the nape.

Create a side braid starting from your temple and stop when you reach your neck. Gather all your hair into a low bun and pin it at the side. This style works great for both casual and dressy outfits.

11. Quick Pin-Up Victory Roll Look

Woman with shoulder length hair styled with two sculpted victory rolls in front and the rest gathered into a soft bun.

This retro-inspired style takes less time than it seems. Take two front sections of your hair, roll them backward toward your scalp, and pin them down like little rolls. Leave the rest of your hair down or pin it into a small bun. It’s bold and fun with a vintage twist.

12. Sleek and Easy Shoulder Length Hair Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair slicked back smoothly into a low bun with a wrapped strand covering the elastic.

This shoulder length hair updo is perfect for a neat, pulled-back look. Use a smoothing serum to slick back your hair into a low bun or twist. Wrap a thin strand of hair around the base to hide the elastic and pin it underneath for a clean finish.

13. Low Space Buns

Woman with shoulder length hair styled into two low buns placed behind each ear with a center part.

Split your hair into two equal sections. Twist each side into a bun just behind your ears and secure with elastics or pins. Keep it messy or sleek depending on your mood. It’s playful and works well with casual looks.

14. Rope Twist Crown

Woman with shoulder length hair styled with two rope twists pulled back from the front and pinned across the back of the head.

Separate the front sections of your hair on both sides. Twist each one tightly and wrap them across the back like a headband. Secure with pins, and you’ve got a quick style that keeps your hair off your face but still looks cute.

15. Flipped-In Pony Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair pulled into a low ponytail flipped upward through a gap above the elastic.

Start with a mid or low ponytail. Create a gap above the elastic, then flip the ponytail up and through it. Tighten it gently and fluff the hair a bit for volume. This one gives off an elegant feel without any stress.

16. The 3-Minute Claw Clip Shoulder Length Hair Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair twisted and clipped with a claw clip, with ends sticking up and loose strands around the face.

If you’ve got a claw clip and a few seconds, this one’s a no-brainer. Twist your hair upward from the nape and clip it with the ends sticking out at the top. Pull a few face-framing pieces loose. That’s it—done in under 3 minutes and always looks cute.

17. Double Twist Low Bun

Woman with shoulder length hair parted in the middle and twisted on each side into a low bun at the back.

Part your hair down the middle. Twist each side toward the back and combine both into a low bun. Pin it in place and pull slightly at the twists for a fuller look. This one’s tidy but with just enough texture to keep it interesting.

18. Braided Bangs Into Bun

Woman with shoulder length hair where the bangs are braided back into a messy low bun, keeping the front off the face.

If you have bangs or short front layers, braid just those sections and pull them back into a small bun or low ponytail. This shoulder length hair updo works especially well when you want to keep your bangs out of your face but still look styled.

19. Simple Scarf Shoulder Length Hair Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair in a low bun wrapped with a patterned scarf tied around the base.

Wrap your hair into a low bun and tie a scarf around it. Let the scarf ends hang for extra flair. This one is perfect for warmer days or when your hair feels flat and you need a boost.

20. Mini Bun Mohawk

Woman with shoulder length hair sectioned horizontally into three small twisted buns aligned down the center of the head.

Split your hair horizontally into three sections—top, middle, and bottom. Twist each one into a small bun going down the center of your head. It gives a cool mohawk effect and keeps your hair totally off your neck.

21. Double Braided Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair styled into two side braids pinned over a low bun for added texture and detail.

Create two small braids from either side of your head, then pull them toward the back and pin them over a low bun. You get texture and structure without too much effort. This one’s great for a slightly dressier moment without needing a lot of time.

22. Quick Updo With Decorative Pins

Woman with shoulder length hair twisted into a casual updo accented by decorative pins placed on one side.

Pull your hair into a loose twist or bun, then dress it up with decorative pins, clips, or combs. Even a basic style feels fresh with the right accessories. It’s perfect for adding personality to your everyday look.

23. The No-Hair-Tie Shoulder Length Hair Updo

Woman with shoulder length hair twisted into a loose bun secured with a claw clip or pencil, ends sticking out naturally.

This shoulder length hair updo is all about using what you’ve got. Twist your hair into a loose bun and secure it with a claw clip or even a pencil if you’re in a pinch. It’s casual, creative, and fast.

Easy Styles With a Shoulder Length Hair Updo

You don’t need long hair or lots of time to look put together. Each shoulder length hair updo on this list takes 10 minutes or less, making it perfect for mornings, last-minute invites, or when you’re just tired of leaving your hair down. Try mixing them up through the week so your hair always feels fresh without the fuss.

Want more ideas that are stylish, simple, and age-proof? Check out 37 Chic Mom Cuts That Work for Any Age for more looks that fit your lifestyle.

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