30 Easy Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair That Actually Work

Look, I get it. You’re standing in front of the mirror, and your hair’s doing that weird thing where it’s not quite short enough for a pixie vibe but not long enough for that Instagram-worthy braid. Welcome to the medium length club – where we’ve got just enough hair to work with and, honestly, all the best styling options.

I’ve been rocking medium length hair for years now, and here’s what I’ve learned: this length is basically the sweet spot. You can throw it up when you’re running late, style it sleek for work, or add some texture for weekend vibes. It’s versatile without being high-maintenance.

In my experience, easy hairstyles for medium length hair don’t need to be complicated. Most of these looks take less time than your morning coffee routine. Ready to find your new go-to style?

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What Counts as Medium Length Hair Anyway?

Before we dive in, let’s clear this up. Medium length hair typically falls somewhere between your shoulders and collarbone – we’re talking about 6 to 12 inches of hair to play with. Not exactly short, definitely not long, just right in that perfectly manageable middle zone.

Now here’s where it gets interesting: this length works differently depending on your hair type. If you’ve got thick, curly hair, shoulder-length might feel fuller than the same length on fine, straight hair. But generally speaking, if your hair grazes your shoulders or sits just below them, you’re in the medium length category.

Why Medium Length Is Actually Perfect

What I love about this length is how it transitions through your day. Morning meeting? Sleek and polished. Lunch with friends? Add some texture. Evening plans? Switch it up completely without needing extensions or bobby pins for days.

You might be wondering if medium hair limits your styling options. Trust me, it’s the opposite. This length gives you enough hair to create volume and movement but not so much that you’re spending 45 minutes with a blow dryer.

30 Easy Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair

1. The Sleek Low Bun

This one’s my go-to when I’m running late but still need to look put-together. Just smooth your hair back with a bit of gel or styling cream, twist it into a low bun at the nape of your neck, and secure with a hair tie. The key here is keeping those flyaways in check – a light hairspray does the trick.

It works for literally everything: work presentations, dinner dates, or even the gym. Plus, you don’t need perfect hair to start with, which is honestly a lifesaver on third-day hair.

2. Textured Beach Waves

Beach waves on medium length hair are ridiculously easy. I usually spray some sea salt texturizing spray on damp hair, scrunch it with my hands, and let it air dry. If you’ve got straight hair that doesn’t hold texture well, wrap random sections around a curling wand for 5 seconds each – no need to be precise.

The imperfect, lived-in look is what makes this style work. Don’t overthink it.

3. Half-Up Top Knot

Take the top section of your hair (from about temple to temple), twist it into a small bun on top of your head, and you’re done. This easy hairstyle literally takes 30 seconds and keeps hair out of your face while still looking intentional.

I love this one for casual days or when my hair’s got some texture but I want it contained. Pair it with hoop earrings and you’ve got that effortless cool-girl vibe.

4. Sleek Center Part

Sometimes the simplest styles hit hardest. Part your hair straight down the middle, blow-dry it smooth, and finish with a shine serum. That’s it.

This works best when your hair is freshly washed, but in my experience, a quick pass with a flat iron on second-day hair brings it right back. The sleek hairstyle shows off your bone structure and feels very minimal-chic.

5. Messy Side Braid

Pull all your hair to one side and loosely braid it. The messier, the better – I actually pull apart the braid a bit after securing it to make it look fuller and more relaxed.

What I love about this is how it works with literally any texture. Straight, wavy, curly – they all look good in a loose side braid.

6. Voluminous Blowout

Here’s where a round brush becomes your best friend. Section your hair, wrap each piece around the brush while blow-drying, and you’ll get that bouncy, salon-fresh volume.

Now, I’m not saying this is a 5-minute style, but it’s worth the effort for special occasions. The volume you get at the roots makes medium length hair look thick and healthy.

7. Low Ponytail With Face-Framing Pieces

Pull your hair into a low ponytail but leave out the front sections around your face. This softens the whole look and makes it less severe than a slicked-back pony.

I wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie to hide it, which adds a polished touch. It’s one of those easy hairstyles that looks more complicated than it actually is.

8. Tousled Layers

If you’ve got layers cut into your medium hair, this style is basically built-in. Just rough-dry your hair with your fingers, maybe add some texturizing spray, and let those layers do their thing.

The key is embracing the natural movement instead of fighting it. Your hair already wants to fall a certain way – work with it.

9. Sleek High Ponytail

Brush all your hair up to the crown of your head and secure it tightly. Use a bit of gel or pomade at the roots to keep everything smooth and in place.

This hairstyle makes your hair look longer than it is, which is a nice bonus. Plus, it’s practical – nothing’s getting in your face with this one.

10. Soft Curls With Middle Part

Use a 1-inch curling iron to create loose curls throughout your hair, then run your fingers through them to soften. Part it down the middle and you’ve got a romantic, feminine look.

In my experience, this works better on second-day hair because it holds the curl longer. Fresh, clean hair is sometimes too slippery.

11. Dutch Braids

Part your hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids (the kind that sit on top of your head rather than underneath). This easy hairstyle for medium length hair keeps everything secure and looks athletic-chic.

You might be wondering if medium hair is long enough for braids – it absolutely is. Just secure the ends with clear elastics.

12. Pushed-Back With Clips

Sweep your hair back from your face and secure it with decorative clips or bobby pins. This works with any texture and takes maybe two minutes.

What I love about this is how you can dress it up or down depending on the clips you choose. Pearl clips for fancy, simple gold for everyday.

13. Natural Air-Dried Texture

Sometimes the best style is letting your hair do its own thing. Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair and just let it air dry.

This works especially well if you’ve got naturally wavy or curly hair. The medium length keeps it from getting too heavy or frizzy.

14. Ribbon Half-Up

Pull the top half of your hair back and secure it with a ribbon instead of a hair tie. It adds a soft, feminine touch that feels special without being over-the-top.

I’ve been seeing this everywhere lately, and honestly, it’s such an easy way to elevate a basic style.

15. Side Part With Loose Waves

Create a deep side part and add loose waves throughout. The asymmetry makes it more interesting than a center part, and the waves add movement.

This is one of my favorite easy hairstyles because it flatters most face shapes and doesn’t require perfect technique.

16. Low Twisted Bun

Instead of a regular bun, twist your hair as you wrap it around. It creates this textured, slightly undone look that feels more interesting than a basic bun.

Secure it with bobby pins and pull out a few face-framing pieces. Done.

17. Crimped Texture

Okay, hear me out – crimping is back, but in a subtle way. Use a crimping iron on just the mid-lengths of your hair to add volume and texture.

This hairstyle for medium hair gives you that ’90s vibe without going full throwback. Just don’t crimp all the way to the roots unless you’re fully committing to the retro look.

18. Slicked-Back Wet Look

Apply gel to damp hair and comb it straight back. Let it air dry for that slicked-back, intentionally wet look.

Now here’s where it gets interesting: this works best on shorter medium lengths (think bob to shoulder). Any longer and the weight pulls it down too much.

19. Braided Crown

Take small sections from each side of your head, braid them, and pin them across the top like a crown. Leave the rest of your hair down.

This is perfect for when you want something special but don’t want to commit to a full updo. Plus, it keeps hair off your face.

20. Zigzag Part

Create a zigzag part instead of a straight one using the end of a comb. It’s a small detail that makes any hairstyle more interesting.

I usually pair this with loose waves or straight hair. The zigzag adds just enough edge.

21. Fishtail Braid

A fishtail braid looks complicated but it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Split your hair into two sections and take small pieces from the outside of each section, crossing them over to the other side.

It works beautifully on medium length hair because you get the full braid effect without it being too heavy. Plus, when you pull it apart slightly, it looks even fuller.

22. Tucked-In Ends

Blow-dry your hair smooth, then use a flat iron to curl just the ends under. This creates that polished, finished look that works for professional settings.

What I love about this is how clean and intentional it looks. It’s like the grown-up version of a blowout.

23. Space Buns

Part your hair down the middle and create two high buns, one on each side. Yes, it’s a playful look, but that’s kind of the point.

This easy hairstyle works for festivals, casual weekends, or whenever you’re feeling a bit fun. Medium length is perfect because the buns aren’t so big they look ridiculous.

24. Pinned-Back Waves

Create loose waves throughout your hair, then pin back one or both sides with decorative clips or bobby pins. This gives you the best of both worlds – texture and face-framing.

I do this when I want my hair down but need it out of my face. It’s practical and pretty.

25. Curtain Bangs Styled Out

If you’ve got curtain bangs with your medium length hair, blow-dry them away from your face using a round brush. Let the rest of your hair air dry or add some waves.

The face-framing effect is incredibly flattering. Even if you don’t have curtain bangs, you can fake it by leaving out front pieces.

26. Bubble Ponytail

Create a regular ponytail, then add hair ties down the length every few inches. Gently pull at the sections between each tie to create “bubbles.”

This turns a basic ponytail into something more interesting. It’s one of those easy hairstyles for medium length hair that looks way more complicated than it is.

27. Twisted Half-Up

Take sections from each side of your head, twist them toward the back, and secure them together. Leave the rest of your hair down.

It’s simple, takes about two minutes, and works with any texture. This is my go-to when I can’t decide between up or down.

28. Pin Curls for Retro Waves

Roll small sections of hair into curls and pin them flat against your head. Let them set (I do this overnight), then brush them out for soft, vintage waves.

In my experience, this technique gives you the longest-lasting curls. Plus, you’re not using heat, which is a bonus.

29. Asymmetrical Tuck

Tuck one side of your hair behind your ear and leave the other side down. That’s it – the simplest hairstyle on this list.

Sometimes you just need something that takes zero effort but still looks intentional. This is that style.

30. Headband Style

Place a headband or scarf across your head and either leave your hair down or tuck the lengths up into the band for a faux-bob look.

This gives you options: wear it down for a bohemian vibe or tuck it up for something more polished. Either way, it’s an easy way to change up your look.

Styling Tips for Medium Length Hair

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make styling medium hair way easier:

Dry shampoo is your friend. It adds texture and volume on days when washing isn’t happening.
Invest in a good heat protectant. You’re going to be styling this length regularly, so protect it.
Don’t underestimate bobby pins. They can save any style that’s falling apart.
Texture spray creates volume. Spray it at the roots before styling for better results.

Quick Comparison: Best Styles for Different Occasions

Occasion	Best Hairstyle	Why It Works
Work/Professional	Sleek Low Bun, Tucked-In Ends	Polished and stays put all day
Casual Weekend	Beach Waves, Messy Side Braid	Effortless and low-maintenance
Date Night	Soft Curls, Pinned-Back Waves	Romantic without trying too hard
Gym/Active	Dutch Braids, High Ponytail	Keeps hair secure and off your face
Special Events	Voluminous Blowout, Braided Crown	Elevated but still manageable

Common Questions About Styling Medium Hair

How do I add volume to medium length hair?

Volume comes down to technique and products. Use a volumizing mousse on damp hair, blow-dry with your head upside down, and finish with texture spray at the roots. Layered cuts also help create natural volume by removing weight.

Can I do updos with medium hair?

Absolutely. You’ve got enough length for most updos – you just might need a few more bobby pins than someone with longer hair. Low buns, twisted updos, and braided styles all work beautifully on medium length hair.

What tools do I actually need?

Honestly, you can get by with a blow dryer, one good brush, and either a curling iron or flat iron. Everything else is nice to have but not essential. I’d also add a few good hair ties and bobby pins to that list.

How often should I trim medium hair?

Every 8-12 weeks keeps it healthy and maintains your shape. If you’ve got layers or specific styling needs, you might want to go every 6-8 weeks. But don’t stress too much about the exact timing.

Final Thoughts on Easy Medium Length Hairstyles

Here’s the thing about easy hairstyles for medium length hair: they don’t have to be complicated to look good. Some of my favorite styles take less than five minutes, and honestly, those are the ones I actually do regularly.

You might be wondering which style to try first. Start with whatever seems least intimidating – maybe that’s just switching up your part or trying a simple half-up style. Once you get comfortable with the basics, the fancier stuff doesn’t seem so scary.

The beauty of medium length is that you’ve got room to experiment without committing to a dramatic change. Don’t like how that braid turned out? Take it down and try something else. Your hair’s long enough to give you options but short enough to restyle quickly.

What I love most about these hairstyles is how they adapt to your life. Same hair, different vibe depending on how you style it. And isn’t that exactly what we need – versatility without the commitment of extensions or the limitations of a pixie cut?

Now go try something new. Your hair’s already the perfect length for it.