23 Hairstyles For Medium-Length Hair To Try This Year

Hairstyles For Medium-Length Hair

Quick answer

Unlock your style potential with these 23 stunning hairstyles for medium-length hair. Discover the hairstyle to suit any occasion, from elegant updos to waves.

In this guide 24 sections

Medium-length hair is the ultimate canvas for expressing your style and flair. With countless possibilities for styling, it’s the perfect choice whether you’re preparing for an event or want to switch up your everyday look. Our guide showcases the top 23 hairstyles for medium-length hair, complete with instructions to achieve your desired look.

Medium-length hair strikes the perfect balance between short and long hair. This makes it versatile for all hair types, textures, and face shapes.

So, get ready to transform your hair and exude confidence and glamour for any occasion with our captivating medium-length hairstyles.

1. The Effortless Beach Wave 

Create relaxed, beachy waves by wrapping hair around a curling wand or flat iron. Alternate the direction of the curls for a natural look. Finish with a texturizing spray for that ocean-kissed vibe.

How to Create:

  • Apply heat protectant to your dry hair.
  • Divide your hair into sections.
  • Use a curling wand or flat iron to curl each section away from your face.
  • Gently tousle the curls with your fingers.
  • Finish with a texturizing spray.
The Effortless Beach WaveSave
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2. Sleek Straight Hair 

Achieve a polished, sleek look by straightening your medium-length hair with a flat iron. Apply a heat protectant, then glide the iron through small sections of hair for a glossy finish.

How to Create:

  • Apply heat protectant to dry hair.
  • Divide your hair into sections.
  • Start at the roots and glide the flat iron down each section.
  • Comb through for a smooth finish.
Sleek Straight HairSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @LATESTHAIR

3) The Classic Bob

The classic bob is timeless, framing the face with a chin-length cut that exudes elegance and simplicity.

How to Create:

  • Consult with a hairstylist to determine the ideal bob length for your face shape.
  • Maintain regular trims to keep the shape crisp and fresh.
The Classic BobSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @LATESTHAIR

4. Chic Long Layers

Long layers add movement and dimension to medium-length hair, offering straight and curled styles versatility.

How to Create:

  • Visit a hairstylist to request long layers.
  • Use a curling iron or flat iron to style as desired.
Chic Long LayersSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @LATESTHAIR

5. Messy Bun with a Twist

Elevate the classic messy bun by adding a twist. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it, and wrap it around the base for a chic, undone look.

How to Create:

  • Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a tie.
  • Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base.
  • Secure with bobby pins.
  • Gently pull out a few strands for a relaxed effect.
Messy Bun with a TwistSave
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6. The Boho Braid

Embrace bohemian vibes with a middle-parted boho braid. Secure two loose braids with hair ties, leaving a few strands free for an effortless look.

How to Create:

  • Part your hair in the middle.
  • Create two loose braids on each side.
  • Secure with hair ties.
  • Pull out a few strands for a carefree appearance.
The Boho BraidSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @ISABELLEONEILBEAUTY

7. Textured Shag

The textured shag is a trendy style that adds volume and personality to your medium-length hair with layers and choppy ends.

How to Create:

  • Consult with a hairstylist to achieve the desired shaggy layers.
  • Use texturizing products to enhance the tousled effect.
Textured ShagSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @STYLECRAZE

8. The Romantic Updo

Achieve timeless elegance with a romantic updo. Gather your hair into a low bun or chignon, leaving a few strands to frame your face.

How to Create:

  • Gather your hair into a low ponytail.
  • Twist and wrap the ponytail into a bun.
  • Secure with bobby pins.
  • Pull out a few strands for a soft, romantic look.
The Romantic UpdoSave
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9. Half-Up Half-Down

Strike the perfect balance with a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a decorative clip or tie, leaving the rest to flow gracefully.

How to Create:

  • Part your hair horizontally.
  • Gather the top section and secure it with a clip or tie.
  • Leave the lower half loose.
Half-Up Half-DownSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @FABMOODMAG

10. Textured Lob

The textured lob (long bob) combines the charm of a bob with the versatility of longer hair. It’s stylish for those who want a contemporary yet low-maintenance look.

How to Create:

  • Consult with a hairstylist to achieve the desired length and texture.
  • Use styling products for added texture and hold.
Textured LobSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @HADVISER_COM

11. French Twist

The French twist exudes sophistication. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it upwards, and secure it with bobby pins.

How to Create:

  • Gather your hair at the nape of your neck.
  • Twist it upwards and tuck the ends.
  • Secure with bobby pins.
  • Use hairspray for a polished finish.
French TwistSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @TOP15MOSCOW

12. Slicked-Back Ponytail

Make a bold statement with a slicked-back ponytail. Smooth your hair with gel or pomade and gather it into a high ponytail.

How to Create:

  • Apply gel or pomade to your hair for sleekness.
  • Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a tie.
  • Use a fine-tooth comb for extra smoothness.
Slicked-Back PonytailSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @HARPERSBAZAARGERMANY

13. Classic Hollywood Waves

Channel the glamour of old Hollywood with classic waves. Use a large barrel curling iron to create voluminous, cascading waves.

How to Create:

  • Apply heat protectant to your dry hair.
  • Section your hair and curl it using a large barrel curling iron.
  • Brush through the curls for a soft, wavy look.
  • Finish with hairspray for hold.
Classic Hollywood WavesSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @ILESFORMULA

14. The Messy Chignon

The messy chignon offers a blend of elegance and nonchalance. Gather your hair into a low bun, leaving a few strands loose for a relaxed effect.

How to Create:

  • Gather your hair into a low ponytail.
  • Twist and wrap the ponytail into a bun.
  • Secure with bobby pins.
  • Pull out a few strands for a tousled look.
The Messy ChignonSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @FABMOODMAG

15. Waterfall Braid

Add a touch of whimsy with a waterfall braid. Create a regular braid, but drop a section of hair with each pass, allowing it to cascade like a waterfall.

How to Create:

  • Part your hair and begin a regular three-strand braid.
  • Drop a section of hair with each pass, allowing it to fall.
  • Secure the end with a hair tie.
Waterfall Braid Save
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16. The Fishtail Braid

Dive into the elegance of a fishtail braid. This intricate style involves weaving two sections of hair together, creating a beautiful, textured look.

How to Create:

  • Divide your hair into two equal sections.
  • Take a small strand from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to the right section.
  • Repeat on the right side.
  • Continue crossing small strands from each side until you reach the end.
  • Secure with a hair tie.
The Fishtail BraidSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @STYLECRAZE

17. Twisted Crown

Feel like royalty with a twisted crown hairstyle. Twist two sections of hair from each side of your head and secure them at the back.

How to Create:

  • Part your hair down the middle.
  • Take a small section of hair from one side and twist it towards the back of your head.
  • Secure with bobby pins.
  • Repeat on the other side.
Twisted CrownSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @TOTALBEAUTY

18. Textured High Ponytail

Elevate the classic high ponytail with texture. Tease the crown of your head for volume, then secure your hair into a high ponytail.

How to Create:

  • Tease the crown of your head for volume.
  • Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a tie.
  • Use hairspray for hold.
Textured High PonytailSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @YOURNEXTSHOES

19. The Side-Swept Braid

Add a touch of romance to your medium-length hair with a side-swept braid. Sweep your hair to one side and create a loose braid for an effortlessly beautiful appearance.

How to Create:

  • Sweep your hair to one side.
  • Begin a loose braid, starting slightly above the ear.
  • Secure with a hair tie.
  • Gently pull out a few strands for a soft look.
The Side-Swept BraidSave
PHOTO: WWW.JUSTJARED.COM

20. Vintage Pin Curls

Embrace the retro charm of vintage pin curls. Use a curling iron or hot rollers to create tight curls, then pin them in place for a classic, glamorous look.

How to Create:

  • Divide your hair into small sections.
  • Curl each section with a curling iron or hot rollers.
  • Secure the curls with bobby pins.
  • Let the curls cool before removing the pins.
  • Brush through for a soft, vintage appearance.
Vintage Pin CurlsSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @JACKIEWYERS

21. The Dutch Braid

Go bold with a Dutch braid. This inverted braid style adds dimension to your medium-length hair, making it an excellent choice for athletic activities or casual outings.

How to Create:

  • Divide your hair into three sections at the crown.
  • Cross the right section under the middle section.
  • Cross the left section under the new middle section.
  • Continue braiding, adding hair from each side with each pass.
  • Secure with a hair tie.
The Dutch BraidSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @MISSYSUEBLOG

22. Tousled Layers

Embrace the carefree spirit with tousled layers. Use a styling product to add texture and tousle your hair for a windswept look perfect for a day out with friends.

How to Create:

  • Apply a texturizing product to your hair.
  • Scrunch and tousle your hair with your fingers.
  • Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer for added volume.
Tousled LayersSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @BEAUTYEPIC

23. The Half-Up Bun

Combine the casual and trendy with a half-up bun. Gather the top half of your hair into a bun and leave the rest flowing for a chic look.

How to Create:

  • Part your hair horizontally.
  • Gather the top section and secure it into a bun with a hair tie.
  • Leave the lower half loose.
The Half-Up BunSave
PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/ @RIGHTHAIRSTYLES

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I add volume to my medium-length hair with hairstyles? 

To add volume to medium-length hair, consider teasing at the roots, opting for layered cuts, or styling with loose waves. These methods can create the appearance of fuller, more voluminous hair.

Can you suggest hairstyles for medium-length hair that require no heat styling? 

Certainly, heat-free hairstyles for medium-length hair include braided styles, top knots, and overnight curls created using damp hair and hair ties. These options protect your hair from heat damage.

Bottom Line

With these 23 stunning hairstyles for medium-length hair, you can express your style for a special event, a casual day out, or a spontaneous change. Experiment with these styles to discover your favorites and make every day a fabulous hair day. 

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try different techniques and personalize these hairstyles to suit your unique personality and taste. Your medium-length hair is your canvas—paint it with creativity and confidence!

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