As anyone who has grown out their hair would know, the shoulder-length stage can sometimes feel like that awkward or in-between phase that seems like it doesn’t lend itself to any cute styling options.
Needless to say, we’ve taken this cut for granted over the years, neglecting the countless chic up-dos suited to shoulder-length hair. When I consider how I wore my collarbone-grazing mane the last time I had it short, I remember feeling so envious when I saw my friends twist their long locks into braided hairstyles, plaits and high ponytails. I could only toss mine into a low bun or simply leave it down and looking pretty frizzy.
This just points to my total ignorance towards the amount of sophisticated up-dos that work for shoulder-length hair. I’ve since landed on a layered look that falls just above my waist, but ever since I’ve swapped big chops for regular trims, I can’t help but notice how elegant up-dos for shoulder-length hair have become. From Kendall Jenner wearing a messy bun with a bronze Jean Paul Gaultier dress to Zendaya’s honey-blonde soft French twist, there’s no shortage of styles particularly flattering for those with shoulder-length hair.
"Shoulder-length hair is key for versatility," explains celebrity hairstylist Pete Burkill. As the creator of some of Hollywood’s most memorable hair looks, Burkill agrees that classy up-dos are on the rise—especially for mid-lengths. "You have enough length to play with, but it’s not so long that styles become heavy or unmanageable," he says.
So, what up-dos work best for shoulder-length hair? From the stars parading more glamorous takes to the expert-approved looks to try, keep scrolling for everything you need to know about how to style your shoulder-length hair into an up-do, including inspiration to take your next salon appointment and the tools you need to replicate the styles at home.
Which Up-Dos Suit Shoulder-Length Hair?
"The updo that suits shoulder-length hair best is a mid-bun," says celebrity hairstylist and owner of eponymous haircare brand Jay Birmingham. "Your look should not be too high, as you will get hairs falling down from the nape of your neck," he explains. This is also something that Burkill has observed throughout time with his A-list clientele, which includes Kim Kardashian, Millie Bobby Brown and Anna Kendrick.
"For an effortlessly chic look, a textured chignon or low, undone bun works beautifully, especially when paired with face-framing pieces for a soft, romantic feel," Burkill notes. "If you’re after something more structured, a sleek twisted bun or French twist feels more red-carpet-ready," he adds. "We also never forget about a half-up do—perfect for the cool, effortless aesthetic."
Why Does Hair Length Impact the Kind of Up-Do You Can Create?
Ultimately, your hair length will impact how far you can bring the updo up your head, as those with shorter cuts will only be able to wear it closer to the bottom of their neck.
"If you desire a high pony or high updo, you may struggle with shoulder-length hair due to your strands at the nape of the neck falling down" explains Birmingham.
On the flip side, if you have hair that sits around the middle of your back, you'll also struggle to style it into an updo due to the sheer amount of hair you have to work with. "Extremely long hair is hard to put up into a bun as you have so much hair to hide," the Jay B Haircare owner adds. "Getting the right updo for your length is very important for the final look."
What Specific Events Do Updos for Shoulder-Length Hair Look Best At?
Whilst celebrities have gravitated towards up-dos for shoulder-length hair of late, that's not to exclude wearing this style on more mundane occasions. Still, the expensive-looking nature of the up-do does lend itself to specific special moments. "Up-dos on shoulder-length hair are a go-to for anything from weddings and black-tie events," notes Burkill.
"A polished, more sculpted bun is a perfect fit for something elegant, and for a more [relaxed] occasion, a messy bun or soft waves pinned up is perfect. Even a power ponytail, sleek or tousled, works wonders for a night out."
What Is the Best Way to Style Shoulder-Length Hair?
Numerous sleek up-dos look great on shoulder-length hair, but it all comes down to the desired texture when deciding which looks best, as Burkill explains. "If you want a sleek, glossy finish, prep the hair with a lightweight smoothing serum, blow-dry with a round brush, and finish with straighteners for a glass-like shine," he recommends.
"For a more tousled look, work with your natural texture—use a sea-salt mist or a dry texturising spray and give your hair a quick shake out with your fingers. Creating loose waves with a curling wand and then brushing out gives an effortless effect."
Whilst you might not feel compelled to cut your hair to get this look, those of us with shoulder-length hair can revel in the range of chic up-dos available. Ahead of your next event, date night or even if you just want to feel cute for work, take note of these sophisticated up-dos for shoulder-length hair.
17 Sophisticated Up-dos That Suit Shoulder-Length Hair
1. Slicked-Back Bun
Style Notes: Rochelle Humes' up-do is the perfect example of a slicked-back bun, and the one glossy tendril makes it feel all the more expensive.
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The Dyson AirWrap is heaven-sent for achieving multiple hairstyles with one tool.
2. Undone Top Knot
Style Notes: Don't be afraid to pile up your strands and pin back haphazardly for that classic '90s up-do pioneered by the likes of Pamela Anderson.
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Smooth out strands with a hot brush.
3. Messy Twist-Up
Style Notes: Case in point: Kendall Jenner's hairstyle from the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
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"A high-performance hair dryer like the Shark SpeedStyle is a game-changer for creating the perfect base," explains Burkill, on how to achieve the ultimate canvas for creating an up-do on shoulder-length hair. "It is quick, smooth drying and with minimal heat damage."
4. Parisienne Low Pony
Style Notes: For shoulder-length hair or shorter, don't be afraid of styling a pony. Just place it slightly above the nape of your neck.
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This is one of the best-rated hairbrushes for a reason. The soft bristles maintain the integrity and health of your strands whilst taming flyaways and smoothing locks.
5. Bantu Knots
Style Notes: You don't need a lot of hair to wear Bantu knots, making it a great up-do option for shoulder-length textured hair.
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To protect and strengthen hair, Burkill always recommends Olaplex's No.7 hair oil. "It adds shine and tames flyaways without weighing hair down," he says.
6. Slick Middle Part
Style Notes: Sofia Richie Grainge is the queen of nonchalant luxury, and this centre part is the hair equivalent.
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As the final finishing touch to your up-do, gently press Split Seal Serum by Jay B Haircare into your crown. "This will treat flyaways and leave a high shine on a sleek up-do," Birmingham says.
7. Eclectic Wrap-Arounds
Style Notes: You can always rely on London Fashion Week street style for inspiration. We love these industrial hair clips pinning a twisted up-do that we spotted on day two.
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This Prada clip is sure to make a statement.
8. Soft Side Bangs
Style Notes: An up-do can also be defined by the way you style the front section of your hair. Such is the case with this fuss-free bun and soft face-framing side fringe.
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I love this travel-sized hairspray for on-the-go styling.
9. Effortless Low Bun
Style Notes: Other times, the best up-dos for shoulder-length hair are the most simple, like this effortless low bun.
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Always reach for a silk hair elastic when tying up your hair. The fabric is much softer than other materials, meaning you won't get that hard kink that sometimes appears after you take it out, and you'll always prevent breakage.
10. Sweeping Pull-Back
Style Notes: This look proves exactly why up-dos for shoulder-length hair look as classy for everyday errands as they do for evenings out.
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The slender tapered end has a fine tip which is ideal for sectioning hair.
11. Divided Up-Do
Style Notes: Take a more sculptural route to your up-do with a look featuring multiple parts and divided sections.
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According to both Burkill and Birmingham, Living Proof's Full Dry Volume Texture Spray is the ultimate styling product to add a long-lasting lift and dimension to any up-dos on shoulder-length hair.
12. No-Part Bun
Style Notes: Or, just sweep everything back for that throw-on-and-go finish.
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Use a large brush with soft bristles to lightly style your hair back into a low bun.
13. Voluminous Chignon
Style Notes: A chignon is a look that's fallen out of fashion recently, but who better than Eva Longoria to bring it back?
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A curling tong is a must to achieve defined curls.
14. Gentle Coils
Style Notes: For those with textured hair, a bun placed around the crown of your head will be substantial enough to make an impact without the need for further volume.
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This nourishing hair oil is perfect to run through the ends of your hair on days when you're not using hot tools. This one is made with three softening oils: argan, camelia and sunflower seed.
15. Romantic Hair Clips
Style Notes: Swap out your hair elastics and bands for some organic-shaped and gilded claw clips.
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Made from 14ct gold, no less.
16. Choppy Layers
Style Notes: Bring some dimension to your cut with choppy layers à la Millie Bobby Brown.
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Add some texture to your roots with this protein-rich dry shampoo.
17. Elegant Twist
Style Notes: Take note of Rochelle Humes' swooping up-do for your next wedding guest look.
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For the ultimate hold and set-and-forget result, trust this affordable favourite.
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