Here's the thing about medium-length hair—it's incredibly versatile. It's not too short and it's not too long, which means you get the best of both worlds as far as styling is concerned. Do you want to straighten your hair into a sleek, centre-parted lob? Great. How about showing off your natural texture in a curly topknot? Or, do you want to replicate the wet-look hairstyle that celebrities like J.Lo and Kim Kardashian have made famous? With medium-length hair, you have all of these options and more (many more).
The best part is that you don't have to be a professional hairstylist to achieve A-list results. There are countless examples of medium-length hairstyles that are both easy and flattering (trust us, those two things can coexist). You might just need some proof to believe it. That’s where we come in. Keep scrolling to see 17 of the best easy hairstyles for medium-length hair. These are sure to broaden your hair horizons...
1. Flipped Ends
Flipped ends have been trending for a while now, and they show no signs of stopping. "They're the easiest way to instantly update your style if you usually wear your hair straight—whatever your hair length," says Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden. "Simply run a pair of hair straighteners through the lengths and curl the ends under for a bit of '90s nostalgia."
Get the look:
Dyson has built quite the reputation over the past few years for its innovative, sleekly designed hair tools.
2. Slicked-Back Style
"Slicked back styles are a versatile for taking your medium length hair into evening—whether that be with a slick bun or scraping the hair back with a pomade for a wet-look," says Vousden.
To recreate Lily James's version of the look, we'll use a styling product, a strong-hold hairspray, and our hands—no (damaging) heat tools necessary.
Get the look:
Smooth flyaways and achieve a sleek finish with this beeswax and kaolin clay formula.
3. Curly Topknot
Not only is Zendaya's makeup utterly flawless in this picture, but her curly topknot is, too. If you want to keep curls up and out of the way, then a top knot is a great hairstyle to try if you have medium length hair," explains Vousden. "It's ideal if you don't have loads of time to spend on your hairstyle, and the tumbling curls look so pretty too."
Before tossing your hair up into an elastic, enhance your natural texture with a moisture-boosting, curl-defining styling cream.
Get the look:
Say goodbye to dehydrated curls.
4. Old-Hollywood Waves
Okay, so old Hollywood waves are probably the most difficult of all the hairstyles on this list, but don't despair. If you have a curling iron, hair clips, and a brush, this style is totally doable. (We also recommend applying a classic red lipstick with it, but that's just us).
Get the look:
Choose a thick barrel to create soft and voluminous waves.
5. Y2K-Inspired Up-Do
Dua Lipa is known for her love of Y2K-inspired style, and this up-do fits the bill. The key to achieving this look is to leave a large portion of hair out of the bun to frame the face. Straighten the pieces so they look sharp and structural (but don't forget to use heat protectant).
Get the look:
Your hair will thank you for protecting it with this lightweight mist.
6. Piecey Waves
This fool-proof style is exceptionally easy to replicate. 'I'm a huge fan of low-maintenance hair styling, so this gets a 10/10 from me. I love the slightly tousled waves and added texture of Harrier's bob, which gives it such a romantic fee', says Who What Wear UK's Managing Editor, Poppy Nash.
Just be sure to use a texture spray to give definition and piecey-ness to the hair, so your strands can look like Laura Harrier's 'do.
Get the look:
For the perfect effortlessly tousled look, this is a fail-safe product.
7. Plaited Front Pieces
Hailey Bieber's plaited front pieces are an opportunity to embrace your natural hair texture, whatever it is. Simply section off two small pieces of hair on either side of your face using a comb, braid them down and secure them with a clear elastic. Voilà, style complete.
Get the look:
Don't feel like you have to splash out on the basics.
8. '60s-Inspired Ponytail
If the flipped ends hairstyle morphed with a classic ponytail, this would be the result. We love the volume and lift this look has, as well as the high-shine finish. Do as Kim did (or should we say as her hairstylist did?) and secure the ponytail with multiple elastics for a dramatic shape.
Get the look:
You'll need a high-quality shine spray like Amika's to achieve this look.
9. The Wet-Look
Nothing mades a simple hairstyle look more elevated and red carpet-ready than styling it to have a wet finish. "If there was ever a queen of red-carpet hairstyles, it would be Jennifer Lopez. I'll be copying this for my next night out to add a little something special to my go-to jeans and nice top look", says Nash.
Simply run a product that has a glossy, high-shine effect from root to tip.
Get the look:
This product smells divine, too, formulated from nourishing essential oils.
10. Half-Up Half-Down
No matter your hair type, whether straight, wavy, or curly, a half-up half-down hairstyle will always work.
"Ok, now this is a style I actually already replicate and love. I have long hair, and sometimes when it just isn't playing ball I like to throw the front of it up and away from my face. This is especially great in the summer, when you're out for dinner, or when you want to show off some amazing earrings! Plus, it works well if you have bangs or a fringe", explains Nash.
Get the look:
These will come in handy for all sorts of hairstyles.
11. Ballet Bun
"With medium-length hair, you get the best of both worlds by it being long enough to wear down, but to also tie up into a bun," says Vousden. "A ballet bun is such a versatile look that suits everyone."
Selena Gomez proves a ballet bun is (and always will be) classic. We think the secret is in the sectioning. Making sure your hair is parted in the centre makes it feel polished and elegant.
Get the look:
For just £4, this is a safe bet.
12. Slick Low Pony
When in doubt, go for a low, slicked-back ponytail. It works with any aesthetic—pairing perfectly with natural makeup as well as dramatic makeup and from athleisure all the way to formal wear. "I see this hairstyle time and time again backstage at fashion week–it's a testament to how chic the style is," says Vousden. "It really goes with any look and suits medium length hair really well."
Just make sure you seal in the style with a non-crunchy hairspray. Bonus points if you use one that offers long-lasting hold, a boost of shine, and UV protection.
Get the look:
This one gets bonus points for being vegan.
13. Effortless Claw Clip Style
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is the queen of minimalism, and that goes for her hair, too. All you need to replicate this look is a claw clip and a few tendrils of hair left out at the front to frame your face. It only takes seconds to acheive, and the less perfect it is, the better.
Get the look:
Tortoiseshell always looks so classy.
14. Sleek, Centre-Parted Lob
"If I was getting a bob, this would be the image I show my hairdresser. Effortless yet polished, it's just beautiful. And look at the shine! Hair goals", says Nash.
We're loving Charithra Chandran's short haircut which just skims her shoulders. Take heed from her and dust off your flat iron to create a soft bend in the hair. Finish with a healthy amount of shine serum.
Get the look:
With glowing reviews, we're pretty sure you hair will love this lotion.
15. Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail is so flattering and so easy. Just look to Gabrielle Union for proof. Simply tie your hair back and place elastics evenly down the length of it. It will take all of five minutes.
Get the look:
Pick a colour to match your outfit.
16. Curly Ends
If your medium-length hair is starting to verge on the side of long and you want to create the impression that it's shorter, focus your styling on the ends. This helps to lift the length and add more movement—and cuts down on styling time. Simply curl from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair only. It's that easy.
Get the look:
You'll need a good hairspray to keep this style in place— look for one that promises flexibility to ensure movement isn't lost.
17. '70s Waves
There are a few things that will never change. One of them is that we will always love voluminous '70s style waves. That's probably because they're so flattering to all face shapes and help to boost thin and fine hair.
Get the look:
A round brush and plenty of heat are all you need to achieve this iconic hairstyle.
Next Up: From J.Lo to Jennifer Aniston, These Are the '90s Hairstyles We'll Never Forget
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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