10 Easy Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair
Medium-length hair is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. These 10 easy hairstyles are not only stylish but also require minimal effort and time. Each look is broken down with tips on how to achieve it, what it works best with, and how you can personalize it to suit your hair texture and lifestyle.
1. Low Twisted Bun
The low twisted bun is an elegant go-to hairstyle that works for both casual and formal settings. To create it, start by parting your hair in the middle or on one side, depending on your preference. Then divide the hair into two sections at the nape of your neck. Twist each section individually, and then wrap them around each other to form a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins or a discreet hair tie.
This hairstyle is ideal for medium-length hair because the hair isn’t too short to twist or too long to weigh down the style. It’s especially flattering for women with oval or heart-shaped faces, as it draws attention to the neckline and shoulders. To make it more polished, you can slick down the front with a bit of gel or pomade. For a romantic, undone version, pull out a few tendrils around the face.
A low twisted bun is great for second-day hair and can be dressed up with accessories like pearl pins or a decorative clip. It also keeps hair off your neck in warm weather, making it a practical yet stylish choice. It pairs well with both office attire and evening dresses. Spray a light mist of hairspray for hold, and you’re good to go.
2. Half-Up Messy Knot
This hairstyle is as effortless as it looks. Begin by sectioning off the top half of your hair, from temple to temple. Twist this section loosely into a bun and secure it with a small hair tie or a few pins. The idea is to keep it slightly undone and casual—don’t aim for perfection here.
The bottom half of your hair can be left in its natural texture or enhanced with some waves for extra body. This style is great for adding height at the crown without committing to a full updo. It works well with slightly dirty hair because natural oils give better grip and volume.
For added flair, you can braid the top section before twisting it into a bun. Alternatively, use a scrunchie or a statement clip to give it a fashionable twist. This look is perfect for casual dates, brunch with friends, or even lounging at home when you still want to look put-together.
Use a volumizing spray at the roots if your hair tends to fall flat, and consider misting some texturizing spray all over for a beachy, boho feel. The half-up messy knot is fast, forgiving, and completely customizable to your vibe.
3. Sleek Low Ponytail
A sleek low ponytail is the epitome of sophistication and simplicity. To achieve this look, start by straightening your hair with a flat iron to eliminate any frizz or waves. Part your hair down the middle or slightly off-center. Gather the hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a thin elastic.
For a polished appearance, take a small strand of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie, securing the end underneath with a bobby pin. Finish with a shine serum or spray to keep flyaways in check and give a glossy finish.
This look is especially great for work, formal events, or even paired with athleisure wear. It’s sleek enough to complement a suit or evening dress and simple enough for everyday errands. It works best on medium-length hair that’s relatively straight or can be smoothed out easily.
To adapt this look for curly or textured hair, you can slick the hair back with styling gel and define your curls in the ponytail with a curl cream. Add hoop earrings or a bold lip to elevate the minimalism. The sleek low ponytail proves that sometimes, less really is more.
4. Textured Beach Waves
Beach waves are a go-to style for effortless glam and work especially well with medium-length hair. To achieve this look, start with dry hair and apply a heat protectant. Use a curling wand or flat iron to create loose, alternating curls, making sure to curl away from your face for a more natural flow. Once all sections are curled, allow them to cool completely, then gently rake through the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Next, spray a sea salt or texturizing spray all over to enhance volume and hold. Scrunch your hair lightly to bring out the texture and create that beachy, tousled effect. If your hair lacks volume, flip your head upside down while spraying for extra lift at the roots.
This style works well with all hair types but looks especially stunning on naturally wavy or slightly layered cuts. It’s the perfect everyday look that can be dressed up or down depending on your outfit and makeup. Add a few well-placed hair clips or a headband to make it more polished for evening events.
Beach waves are forgiving and don’t require perfection, making them ideal for beginners. They bring out dimension in colored or highlighted hair and are great for showing off balayage or ombré.
5. Braided Crown Half-Up
The braided crown half-up hairstyle adds a romantic and whimsical touch to your everyday look. Start by parting your hair in the middle and taking a small section from each side near the temples. Braid each section down to the ends and secure with small elastics. Then bring each braid around the back of your head, crisscrossing them and securing with bobby pins.
Let the rest of your hair hang loose. You can leave it natural or curl it lightly for extra volume. The braids can be loosened or pancaked for a fuller, more boho feel. For an extra touch of flair, tuck a small flower or jeweled pin into the crown.
This style works beautifully with medium-length hair as it provides just enough length to braid without overwhelming your face. It’s perfect for weddings, outdoor events, or even a simple day out when you want to feel a little more put together.
The braided crown keeps hair away from the face while still showing off your texture. It’s versatile enough for both straight and curly hair and adds a youthful, elegant charm to your look.
6. Classic Blowout
A classic blowout gives medium-length hair that salon-fresh finish—smooth, voluminous, and perfectly styled. Begin by washing your hair and applying a volumizing mousse or blow-dry cream. Towel-dry gently, then use a round brush and blow dryer to work through sections of hair, starting at the roots and curling the ends under or outward depending on your preference.
To create volume, lift the roots with your brush and angle the dryer upward. For a longer-lasting style, let each section cool while wrapped around the brush before releasing. Finish with a lightweight serum for shine and a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain the bounce.
This hairstyle suits every face shape and is especially flattering on layered medium hair. It’s a timeless choice for job interviews, formal dinners, or simply when you want to boost your confidence with a polished look.
For added versatility, you can flip the ends out for a retro vibe or keep them tucked under for classic elegance. A blowout also transitions beautifully into second-day hairstyles like soft ponytails or loose waves with minimal effort.
7. Pinned Back Sides
The pinned-back sides style is simplicity at its best. Part your hair as desired—middle or side—and take small sections from each side above your ears. Gently pull them back and secure them with decorative bobby pins, barrettes, or clips behind your head.
This easy style opens up the face, highlights your cheekbones, and keeps hair out of your eyes. It works wonderfully for medium hair, especially when you want to show off a natural texture or soft wave pattern. Whether you’re dressing up or down, this look can be styled in minutes.
Add curls or volume beforehand for a more formal finish, or keep it sleek for minimalist chic. It’s also great for showcasing statement earrings or a bold makeup look. Lightweight and elegant, this hairstyle is as practical as it is pretty.
8. Mini Bubble Ponytail
For a playful and trendy style, try the mini bubble ponytail. Start by pulling the top half of your hair into a half-up ponytail and secure it with an elastic. A couple of inches below, add another elastic and gently tug at the section between them to create a bubble effect. Repeat this process 2–3 times depending on the length of your hair.
This fun and whimsical style adds volume and creativity to medium hair without requiring any heat. It works well on both straight and wavy textures and is great for a casual outing, school, or a creative workday look.
Enhance the style with colorful hair ties or ribbon accents for a festive twist. Pair it with natural makeup and soft waves in the loose hair for a youthful, trendy vibe.
9. French Twist Ponytail
The French twist ponytail is a chic combination of an updo and a ponytail. Start by sectioning off the top part of your hair and gently twisting it backward, pinning it at the crown to create the French twist shape. Let the rest of your hair flow into a low ponytail, securing it with an elastic at the nape of your neck.
This look merges sophistication and ease, making it perfect for workdays that roll into evening plans. It adds lift at the crown while keeping hair controlled and elegant. You can smooth the twist with a comb and hair spray or keep it relaxed for a more casual appearance.
This style is great for all hair types and can be personalized with accessories like pearl pins or a velvet ribbon around the ponytail. The French twist ponytail blends classic and modern, making it a staple in your medium-hair styling routine.
10. Rolled-Up Faux Bob
The rolled-up faux bob lets you try a short-hair look without the commitment of a haircut. To achieve it, start by curling your hair loosely, then tuck the ends inward and pin them along the base of your neck. Use bobby pins to secure the roll and adjust the top layers for volume and symmetry.
This illusion style is perfect for formal events or when you want a temporary transformation. It gives a soft, vintage feel that can be enhanced with a deep side part or a sparkly hair clip.
It’s especially effective on medium-length hair, which has enough length to roll without too much bulk. Finish with hairspray to hold the shape and a shine mist to highlight the texture. The faux bob is a clever, creative way to change your look for a night out or special occasion without scissors involved.
