💇♀️ 13 Hair Styles For Medium Hair
Okay, real talk. Medium hair? It’s the unsung hero of the hair world. Not too long to get tangled in your bag strap, not too short to feel like you’re stuck in a ‘can’t do anything with it’ rut. It’s the Goldilocks length – just right! But sometimes, even Goldilocks needs a little inspo beyond “just right.” We get it. You want to look effortlessly chic without spending half your morning wrestling with a curling iron. Good news, buttercup, we’ve got your back. Get ready to ditch the hair-tie-and-go routine and embrace some serious medium-length magic.
1. The Textured Lob
So, you want to look effortlessly cool without, you know, effort? The lob is your spirit animal. This slightly longer bob hits somewhere between your chin and collarbone, making it super versatile.
It works wonders with some subtle layers and a bit of a wave, giving you that “I woke up like this” vibe. Pro tip: Ask your stylist for a blunt cut with internal layering for movement without sacrificing fullness. This cut screams sophistication but still knows how to party.
2. Shaggy Layers
Channel your inner rockstar, but make it modern. Shaggy layers are back, baby, and they are here to stay for anyone craving movement and a little edge.
These choppy layers create incredible volume and texture, making your medium hair look fuller and totally lived-in. Just rough dry it with some mousse, and you’re golden. Pro tip: Pair this with some wispy bangs to really nail that retro-cool aesthetic. It’s the ultimate “I don’t care, but I totally do” hairstyle.
3. Curtain Bangs with Waves
If you’ve been eyeing bangs but fear commitment, curtain bangs are your low-stakes entry ticket. They’re like a soft, face-framing hug for your forehead.
When styled with loose, beachy waves, these bangs open up your face beautifully and add a touch of romantic elegance. They grow out gracefully, so no awkward grow-out phase here. Pro tip: Use a round brush to blow-dry your bangs away from your face for that perfect swoosh. This look is pure main character energy.
4. Half-Up Top Knot
Too lazy for a full updo but want to keep hair out of your face? Enter the half-up top knot, the MVP of quick styling.
This style pulls the top section of your hair into a cute, messy bun, leaving the rest flowing free. It’s perfect for showing off your length while still looking put-together. Pro tip: Don’t make it too perfect; a few flyaways just add to the charm. It’s the ultimate “I tried, but not too hard” vibe.
5. Sleek Low Ponytail
Who said a ponytail can’t be chic? A sleek low ponytail elevates basic to boss-level in mere minutes.
Smooth out your hair, part it sharply (middle or side, your call), and secure it at the nape of your neck. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic for an extra polished touch. Pro tip: A dab of styling cream or a toothbrush with hairspray can tame any rogue flyaways. This look means business, but the good kind of business.
6. Messy Bun
Ah, the messy bun. The universal symbol of “I’m busy but fabulous.” Medium hair is practically made for this iconic, thrown-together style.
Gather your hair, twist it loosely, and secure it with an elastic, letting a few pieces fall out around your face. It’s meant to look imperfect, so don’t overthink it. Pro tip: Backcomb the ponytail slightly before twisting for extra volume and a fuller bun. It’s the ultimate ‘cool girl’ uniform for a reason.
7. Braided Headband
Want to add a little bohemian flair without much fuss? A braided headband is your secret weapon.
Take a small section of hair from one side, braid it, and then pull it across your head, securing it behind your ear on the other side. Repeat on the other side if you want a double braid. Pro tip: Pancake your braid (gently pull apart the loops) to make it look thicker and more lived-in. This style makes you look like you just stepped out of a fairytale, but a cool one.
8. Face-Framing Layers
Sometimes all your medium hair needs is a little love around the face to truly shine. Face-framing layers are like contouring for your hair.
These layers start around your chin or collarbone and gently cascade down, enhancing your features and adding softness. They’re great for adding movement without sacrificing overall length. Pro tip: Ask your stylist to keep the layers long enough to still pull back into a ponytail. They literally frame your gorgeous face, what’s not to love?
9. Beachy Waves
The holy grail of casual cool, beachy waves are achievable even if your nearest beach is a Google search away. Medium hair is the perfect length to nail this vibe.
Use a curling wand or flat iron to create loose, undone waves, leaving the ends relatively straight. Finish with a texturizing spray for that salty, wind-swept look. Pro tip: Alternate the direction of your curls for a more natural, less “prom night” look. It’s the effortless glam you’ve been dreaming of.
10. Retro Flipped Ends
Feeling a little vintage today? Retro flipped ends bring a playful, polished vibe straight from the 60s and 90s (yes, both!).
This style works best with a blunt cut. Use a flat iron or round brush to gently flip the ends of your hair upwards, creating a chic, playful finish. Pro tip: A little hairspray will keep those flips perfectly perky all day long. It’s giving “I just stepped out of a magazine,” and we are here for it.
11. Side Part with Volume
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple shift to totally transform your look. A deep side part instantly adds drama and volume to medium hair.
Flip your hair to a deeper side part than usual, and then tease the roots slightly on the heavier side for a lift. A quick spray of volumizing product will secure the drama. Pro tip: Blow-dry your hair upside down for extra root lift before you even part it. This style says, “I woke up flawless,” even if you totally didn’t.
12. Space Buns
Ready for some playful, out-of-this-world cuteness? Space buns are the ultimate fun hairstyle for medium hair.
Part your hair down the middle and create two high pigtails. Twist each pigtail into a bun and secure. Make them messy or sleek, depending on your mood. Pro tip: Add some glitter spray for an extra cosmic touch, because why not? They’re basically a party on your head.
13. Claw Clip Updo
The claw clip is back, and it’s no longer just for holding your hair back while you wash your face. It’s chic, it’s easy, and it’s perfect for medium hair.
Gather your hair as if you’re making a low ponytail, twist it upwards, and secure it with a stylish claw clip. Let a few wisps fall out around your face for softness. Pro tip: Choose an oversized, trendy clip to really make a statement. This isn’t your grandma’s hair accessory, it’s a fashion statement.
Conclusion
Alright, gorgeous, we just dropped 13 different ways to make your medium hair the star of the show. See? It’s not just a ‘meh’ in-between length; it’s a canvas for creativity, comfort, and serious style. So go ahead, grab your favorite styling tools, and give one (or all!) of these a whirl. Your hair is begging for a glow-up, and honestly, you deserve it. Now go forth and slay those medium-length vibes!
