23 Cute Hairstyles for Medium Hair Ideas
Medium hair is like that friend who never lets you down—it’s versatile, low-maintenance, and always ready for a little glam-up session.
Not too short, not too long… just the Goldilocks of hair lengths. But let’s be real:
sometimes you wake up, stare in the mirror, and think, “Okay, but what do I actually do with this today?”
If you’ve ever felt personally victimized by your own hair (yep, same), don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
I’ve rounded up 23 cute hairstyles for medium hair that work whether you’re running late for work, heading to brunch, or just need to feel a little extra fabulous on a random Tuesday.
Let’s jump right into it, shall we?
1. Messy Beach Waves 🌊
Ah, the classic. Beach waves make medium hair look effortless but chic. No sand or ocean breeze required—just a curling wand or even overnight braids.
Why it works: The loose waves add volume and texture without looking “too done.” Perfect for when you want the “I woke up like this” vibe, even if it took 20 minutes.
2. Sleek Straight Hair
Sometimes you just can’t beat the power of a good straightener. Pin-straight medium hair screams polished and put-together.
Pro tip: Use a shine serum for that glossy finish. Ever noticed how sleek hair makes any outfit look 10x more expensive? Yeah, it’s basically magic.
3. Half-Up, Half-Down Bun
This one’s the go-to hairstyle for indecisive people (aka me every Monday). Half up says, “I tried,” while half down says, “But not too hard.”
It’s playful, trendy, and works with both curly and straight hair.
4. Low Messy Bun
The ultimate lazy girl hairstyle—but somehow it looks artsy instead of sloppy. Pull out a few face-framing strands, and suddenly you’re Pinterest-worthy.
5. High Ponytail
Medium hair actually nails the high ponytail look because it’s not weighed down by too much length. Think sleek Ariana Grande vibes—without the headache.
6. Braided Crown 👑
Okay, this one’s a little extra, but sometimes we deserve to look like queens. A crown braid wraps around the head, showing off texture and keeping hair off your face. Perfect for weddings, festivals, or just flexing on Instagram.
7. Side Braid
Simple but cute. Toss in a side braid on days you’re feeling casual. Bonus points if you let some loose strands fall for that soft, romantic look.
8. Space Buns
Yes, space buns are still a thing, and yes, medium hair rocks them. They’re quirky, playful, and let’s be honest—they hide dirty hair like a champ.
9. Loose Low Ponytail
Want something that feels both relaxed and chic? A loose low pony with a scrunchie or ribbon gives your medium hair that effortless model-off-duty vibe.
10. Classic French Twist
If you think medium hair can’t pull off an updo, let me prove you wrong. A French twist works beautifully on shoulder-length cuts. Add some bobby pins and hairspray, and you’re good to go.
11. Textured Lob Waves
If you’ve got a lob (long bob), this one’s basically your signature look. Add waves for volume, and suddenly your hair looks fuller, bouncier, and way more interesting.
12. Braided Half-Up
Combine the cuteness of braids with the practicality of half-up styles. Think two small braids pulled back and tied together. It’s boho, casual, and oh-so-pretty.
13. Headband Magic
When in doubt, accessorize. A headband can take your medium hair from “meh” to “main character energy.” Perfect for hiding greasy roots too—just saying.
14. Low Sleek Bun
The opposite of messy buns—sleek buns give you that “I’m a boss” energy. Part your hair down the middle, smooth it out, and tie it low. Suddenly, you’re walking like you own the room.
15. Twisted Half-Up
Instead of braids, try twists. Take two sections of hair, twist them back, and secure with pins. It looks polished but takes like 30 seconds.
16. Mini Claw Clip Style
Claw clips are back in full force, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier. Twist half your hair up, clip it, and boom—you look like you stepped out of a 90s rom-com.
17. Loose Curls with Volume
For days when you feel a little extra glam, go with bouncy curls. Medium hair holds curls super well without weighing them down. Add some hairspray and strut your stuff.
18. Fishtail Braid
Want to look like you actually put in effort? The fishtail braid is perfect. It looks way harder than it actually is. And yes, your coworkers will ask how long it took. (Answer: 5 minutes, but let them believe it was 30 😉).
19. Messy Side Bun
The slightly off-center messy bun is one of those styles that screams, “I’m cute but casual.” Pair it with hoop earrings and suddenly you’ve got date-night hair.
20. Curly Ponytail
Instead of keeping curls down, sweep them into a ponytail. The curls add volume and bounce, making it look fancier than a regular pony.
21. Retro Flipped Ends
Channel your inner 90s sitcom star with flipped ends. A round brush and blow-dryer (or straightener) give you that fun, bouncy finish. IMO, it’s criminally underrated.
22. Scarf Ponytail
Tying a scarf into your ponytail instantly makes you look like you tried harder than you actually did. Bonus: it adds color and personality to your outfit.
23. Half-Up Pony with Volume
Take your ponytail game up a notch. Pull the top half of your hair into a pony, tease it a little for volume, and leave the rest down. It’s perky, stylish, and perfect for medium hair.
Quick Styling Tips for Medium Hair
Let’s be real—knowing the styles is only half the battle. The real question is: how do you make them last?
- Use texturizing spray: Medium hair loves volume, and texturizing spray is your best friend.
- Invest in good hair ties: Because nothing kills the vibe faster than a snapping hair elastic.
- Don’t overheat: Heat tools can fry your hair. Use them smartly (and always with protectant).
- Play with accessories: Headbands, scarves, clips—medium hair looks amazing with them all.
Why Medium Hair is Basically the Best
Ever noticed how medium hair can do literally everything? Too short for braids? Nope. Too long to maintain? Nope again. It’s the happy middle ground that works with almost any hairstyle.
And let’s not forget—medium hair grows out into long hair and trims down into short hair. Talk about versatile.
Final Thoughts
So, there you go—23 cute hairstyles for medium hair that prove this length is anything but boring. From messy buns to chic twists, there’s something for every mood, outfit, and occasion.
The best part? You don’t need to be a pro hairstylist to pull these off. With a few bobby pins, a curling wand, and maybe a little dry shampoo, your medium hair can look runway-ready (or at least Instagram-ready 😉).
So, which one are you trying first? Personally, I’m team messy bun on lazy days and fishtail braid when I want compliments. Trust me, once you play around with these ideas, you’ll never complain about “just medium hair” again.
