51 Medium-Length Hairstyles That Are Easy and Effortless (2024)

• Joseph Maine is a celebrity stylist and Color Wow Artistic Director.
• Jonathan Colombini is a celebrity hairstylist and L'Oreal ambassador.
• Michelle O’Connoris a professional hairstylist and the Artistic Director at Matrix.
  

Low Chignon

Medium hair doesn't offer a ton of room to play around with updos, but a low chignon doesn't require much length to look great. This one leaves just a couple of strands out to flutter in the breeze for an undone and romantic feel.

To replicate, brush the hair back with a boar and nylon bristle brush, moving at a slight angle from the temples to create a bit of lift. Create a low ponytail with a small elastic. Apply more hair oil and shine spray to the ponytail with the hands, then brush through. Attach another elastic to the bottom of the ponytail, then twist the ponytail and spiral it into a bun. Secure with a bobby pin tucked into the base and finish with hairspray.

S-Shaped Waves

Loose, S-shaped waves are easy to achieve with a flat iron, says celebrity hairstylist and L'Oreal ambassador Jonathan Colombini, and work well on shoulder-length strands since there's less weight to drag them down. "I’m all about natural textures or lived-in textures," says Colombini. "Try putting just a small bend either with a curling iron or flat iron wave and avoiding a traditional curl. It’s the best way to get at least a couple of days out of your style."

Curly Topknot

Ciara's overflowing curly topknot brings an ethereal quality to an otherwise formal updo. It's also a great option for those growing out their hair or for cuts with lots of choppy angles and layers.

Blunt Bangs

Beyonce's super blunt micro-bangs are balanced out with a bit of length and easy texture. If your hair is already textured, take a small flat iron to the bangs, which will ensure that they lie flat on the forehead. "Medium-length hair generally requires a moderate level of maintenance," adds Maine. "Regular trims every 6-8 weeks are necessary to keep ends healthy and to maintain length."

Half-Up Beach Waves

"You may experience at this length that not all the hair is long enough to be gathered into a top knot," says Colombini. "Instead, try a half up half down top knot." The coif requires little extra effort, styled normally and swept into the placement of choice. A spritz of texturizing spray will create the soft, beachy wave seen here on Kiernan Shipka.

Messy Side Braid

Elizabeth Olsen's side braid is all about volume. And the loose pieces– courtesy of Olsen's layered strands– work in favor of the trendy boho look. Start by parting your hair deep on one side before loosely plaiting and securing it with an elastic. Don't forget to add a little volumizing mousse along the way. We like Bumbleand bumble'sThickening Full Form Soft Mousse ($32) since it's lightweight and non-sticky.

Spiraled Curls

ModelImaan Hammam proves that sometimes all you need is proper curly hair care to level up your look. To style medium-length curls: "Set it and forget it!" says Colombini. "Using either a moisture cream like L'OrealElvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Leave-In Cream ($7)with a slight hold or a curl-enhancing gel (whichever you prefer) more focused on taming and preventing frizz. Once you’re completely dry, feel free to break up the twist in the palms of your hands."

Curly Ponytail

A slicked-back, high ponytail is a great look for super curly hair that hangs towards the shoulders. First, "gather in a pony and let your curls fly free," instructs Colombini. You can brush some gel through to tame down flyaways and comb down baby hairs along the scalp if needed.

True Ballerina Bun

A true ballerina bun looks exceptionally elegant and takes any outfit to the next level. It works especially well for thicker, slightly longer hair that can really fill out the bun silhouette (think just below the shoulders to collarbone length).

Center-Parted Volume

A center part and a lot of volume work beautifully for curls. "Be pretty liberal with the amount of product you apply," advises Colombini. "After you have an even saturation, take small subsections of your hair and twist; this will create a direction for your hair to fall into rather than letting it fly away."

Thick Dutch Braid

One thick braid down the back (or brushing the shoulders!) is classic and cool for any length. "Braids can be fun but more challenging on short hair," says Maine. "If looking to incorporate a braid, just create a small three-strand braid. Once you have tied it with an elastic, start at the top of the braid and move your way down the length, pulling it outwards for more fullness."

Bejeweled Mermaid Waves

For fancy occasions, consider adding some rhinestones or pearls to subtle waves for a mermaid-inspired vibe. This jeweled look can be overwhelming on longer hair but feels right at home on a lob like Aimee Song's. Play up your natural beachy texture by drying with a diffuser and slightly scrunching the strands. Finish off the mermaid look by dotting on hair gems for an ethereal glow.

Funky Highlights

Want to play with color but don't want to commit to the maintenance of a full dye job? Copy Charli D'Amelio's fun and playful look by contrasting your natural shade with a few hidden peeps of color. Ask your stylist for highlights that are only visible when the hair is tucked behind your ears or, for something more temporary, use L'Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup 1-Day Hair Color ($5).

Chunky Lowlights

Chunky highlights have made quite the comeback but Miley Cyrus's grungy, rock'n'roll lowlights make the case for a darker contrast. A deeper blend adds dimensional depth that can create the illusion of fullness and density to thinner strands. You can also apply the color to a "money piece" or one single strand in front.

Milkmaid Braid

Another braid style that doesn't require a whole lot of length, this milkmaid plait worn by Lucy Boynton is perfectly red carpet-appropriate while remaining unfussy. Bonus: The style is easy and doesn't require any French braiding. Just divide your hair into two sections and braid the ends of each side using a regular three-strand braid technique. Pull the first braid up and over, secure with bobby pins, and repeat on the other side paying attention to adjust the braids so there isn't a seam where they overlap.

Sleek and Straight

Sleek and straight is Maine's go-to way to style medium-length hair. "My favorite way to achieve this is with a blow dryer/brush two-in-one likeTrademark Beauty's Easy Blo ($49), which simultaneously detangles and smoothes," says Maine. "Prep hair first with Dream Coat ($26.50) by Color Wow, and you’ll block out humidity, and the hair will be extra shiny."

Smooth Waves

"Medium-length is a chic style in itself, so don’t overthink it with styling. Simple waves or nice and sleek can be super stylish," says Maine. Glossy, structured waves give Zoey Deutch a sophisticated, Old Hollywood vibe. If the hair is on the fine side, professional hairstylist and Artistic Director at Matrix, Michelle O'Connor, suggests adding layers and angles around the face for extra detail and undergoing "regular trims to support the cut that it is in."

Full Curls With Bangs

Tracee Ellis Ross's full, shoulder-length curls have a whole lot of definition and shine. This is absolute proof that curly bangs can look fabulous. Curls are prone to dryness, so we recommend moisturizing curl enhancers like Oribe Styling Butter ($37) and Oribe Curl Gloss ($42) to hydrate thirsty strands.

Grown-Out Shag

The shag is a classic medium-length hairstyle. "These cuts are all about texture," says Maine. "Use a texturizing spray and scrunch for a messy, lived-in look. My personal favorite isColor Wow Style on Steroids ($28). It's an epic texturizer that gives ample volume and thermal protection if used with hot tools." Choppy layers and grown-out bangs make this look effortless to maintain.

Bow Pony

Stylist Kristin Ess takes a low ponytail to more fantastical heights with a lush black velvet bow and dramatic curls. To recreate, pull your hair back into a ponytail and secure with a hair tie. Allow some loose tendrils out around your face and finish off by hooking a larger-than-life bow onto your hair tie.

Balanced Curls

When it comes to getting the medium-length curly hair of your dreams, you need to start with the foundations. "Invest in a great haircut," says Maine. "Medium length curly shapes can vary from triangular to boxy to round or oval. It’s important to find one that fits your face shape." This is a great example of a curly, mid-length style that is balanced.

Accessorized Updo

Accessories like clips and jewels can elevate any simple style. Take Saoirse Ronan's elegant look as proof: French fringe and a glittery barrette (not to mention statement earrings) do all the work here.

Relaxed Center Part

Sleek or relaxed, a center-parted look is always a good idea on mid-length hair. To copy Selena Gomez's tousled style, we recommend using a round brush to blow-dry your hair for volume. Follow with a curling wand to add some lived-in texture to the ends and finish with your favorite texture spray for added grit.

Side-Parted Loose Waves

Super loose waves on mid-length hair give a sexy, yet effortless vibe that you can achieve in many ways. You can use a curling rod to create S-shaped curls and brush them out with a paddle brush for a tousled look. Or you can go the heat-free route by using flexi-rods on blow-dried hair for a wavy effect. Either way, it's wise to top off your style with shine or texture spray for an undone finish.

Fluffy Spiral Curls

Spiral curls on mid-length hair are fun when dressed up or down—case in point: Angela Bassett's shoulder-grazing, fluffy ringlets. Apply a setting mousse to your strands before styling to mimic the same definition.

Mid Clip

A mid-clipped style looks good on any length, but we love it on Keke Palmer's shoulder-sweeping curls. On a fresh roller set or blowout, section out a small middle section at the top of your head and secure it with a decorative hair clip. Easy-peasy.

Voluminous High Ponytail

Looking for an instant facelift? Skip the surgery and take that ponytail to unprecedented heights instead. O'Connor suggests "using a good mousse likeMatrix’s Setter Mousse ($23)to keep the hair bouncy and finish off with a lightweight spray likeMatrix’s Fixer Spray ($24)to keep hold yet still be flexible."

Side Parted-Coils

Whether you have naturally curly hair or are rocking extensions, you can try a deep side part like Gabrielle Union's. "Play up natural volume that you would get from that texture using MatrixA Curl Can Dream Light Hold Gel ($23)to add control but be lightweight and still have great movement," says O'Connor.

Braided Ponytail

Braids are another great option for those transitioning between lengths or choppy layers. Yara Shahidi's curls may be braided back, but they don't conceal any of that hard-won length.

Soft and Subtle Waves

"Unlike long hair which can get weighed down, mid-length hair can provide more volume and body, especially with the right cut," notes Maine. Lucy Hale's lived-in waves create the illusion of increased density. "Add volume with a round brush and hairdryer," instructs Maine. "Use a volumizing product likeColor Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer ($26)for added body. It will pump the hair up with fullness without getting sticky or feeling like there is product in the hair."

Slicked-Back Ponytail

To us, there's no easier way to update a tired, high ponytail than by slicking it back as Jasmine Tookes does here. On those days you don't have time to wash your hair, lean into the extra grease, and turn it into a polished style. Level up by taking a piece of hair from the bottom and twisting it around the elastic for a seamless finish.

Ponytail Locs

Shoulder-grazing hair like Halle Bailey's still gives ample opportunity to play with locs and texture. Bailey styles her locs up into an ultra-high ponytail that cascades around her shoulders for a flirty look. Use products that are designed to keep your scalp healthy and your hair moisturized, such as the Dr. Locs Yasin Shampoo ($15).

Playful High Bun

Like most updos, this bun starts as a center-parted ponytail secured high on the head. Use a fine-tooth comb to brush the hair back and apply some pomade, such as Ouai's Matte Pomade ($26), to give you the slicked-back look sans flyaways. Braid the ends and spiral into a ballerina bun. Now the fun part: Once secure, pull and tug to expand the knot and give it a bit of disheveled elegance.

Textured Topknot

To switch up an updo, play with volume versus sleekness. By leaving texture at the crown of the head, this iteration has a much softer appeal. We love how this look incorporates natural curls and flyaways for a textured appearance.

90's Minimalist Updo

Claw clips are back, people! And, like Sofia Richie Grainge, we're totally here for it. If you've forgotten the "how to" (or, maybe this is your first time around) follow our lead: Part the front of your hair down the center, brushing the rest back so that it sits nicely into the ponytail shape. Keeping the base at the nape of the neck, pull the rest of the ponytail up and secure in place with the clip. Allow any ends or too-short front pieces to fall around the clip/face.

Retro Half-Up

"Half-up styles like topknots, space buns, and half ponies all look great on mid-length hair," notes Maine. Actress Ella Balinska makes a serious case for retro sweetness with a glossy half-up style that descends into bouncy ends. "You want to keep the mids and ends of the hair moisturized to prevent split ends and dryness," adds O'Connor. And don't forget to reach for products that will keep hair hydrated and bouncy.

Curtain Bangs

Face-framing bangs and graduated layers instantly take Suki Waterhouse's simple, medium-length cut to the next level. According to Colombini, "If curtain bangs are cut correctly, there is minimal styling involved—this is the point of having them." However, to get that quintessential '70s vibe, he suggests styling with a round brush. "I suggest a round brush no larger than two inches in diameter placed at the top of the bangs and with a blow dryer dry from underneath."

Sculpted Updo

When it comes to glam, Lizzo certainly knows how to serve. With high-shine gloss, sculpted bangs, defined edges, and a gravity-defying ponytail, the masterful coif showcases the full range of a mid-length cut. "For ultra sleek looks, blow dry usingColor Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray ($28) throughout wet hair and then follow with a flat iron," advises Maine. "It's one of my personal favorites as this glass-like style can be dressed up or down."

The Wet-Look Style

Zendaya's effortless wet-look hair is an easy way to style a bob or other medium-length cut. Achieving this glistening, tousled look is easy: Let hair air-dry and brush through with some product. We recommend a flexible hold gel like Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel ($8).

Fringed Messy Bun

Kim Kardashian's fringed updo is a masterclass in effortless glam. To rock your own, leave your fringe looseand gather the rest of the hair into a messy high bun. Add pins as necessary for a secure hold that's still discrete.

Effortless Bun With Defined Edges

No fringe? No problem. Winnie Harlow's effortless bun forgoes the fringe for defined edges. The look is still soft in that coveted I-just-woke-up-like-this way but frames the face in an entirely different manner.

Sleek Topknot

Think of this sleek bun as your formal topknot. Pull hair up in a high ponytail and secure with a hair tie. Divide the ponytail into two sections and twist them together. Wrap the twisted section around your hair tie and secure with bobby pins. (If your hair is curly or wavy, consider using a flat iron to straighten hair for a sleek look.)

French-Pinned Bun

Drop the bun from the top of the head to the crown for timeless sophistication. Forgo the usual hair ties for an elegant French pin to hold the style in place. Spray on a little hairspray to smooth down any flyaways and to hold the style in place.

Double Buns

Space buns look effortless and work especially well on medium-length hair because they won't be too smallortoo large. This style is quick and easy and suits any texture.

Simply part your hair down the middle, section the top part from the bottom, and clip it. Create a ponytail where you envision each bun and secure with a hair tie. Twist the hair and wrap it around the hair tie, making a bun. Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place. Spread or fan out the bun with your hands and repeat on the other side.

Half-Up Curls

Need to give curls a boost? Beyonce's luscious spirals look extra vivacious in a half-up style. The coif adds volume through the addition of height without sacrificing any length. Now that's some real hair magic.

Curly Copper Ringlets

Issa Rae's stunning copper-colored curls are the star of the show. If you have thick ringlets, simply wash, style and diffuse to get the curls of your dreams. But if you have kinky-textured hair, blow dry first, then use a mini curling wand to create voluminous curls.

Tousled Curls

Kylie's tousled waves give "I woke up like this vibes" but with a touch of whimsy. To keep the style as sleek as possible, style your hair with an anti-frizz oil like the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil ($30).

Flipped Middle Part Lob

Most people hate the awkward phase between chin to neck-length hair, but Emma Stone makes the case that a flipped lob is incredibly chic. We especially love the idea of tucking your strands behind the ears—it gives the style an effortless appeal.

Wispy Half-Updo

The beauty of Reese Witherspoon's gorgeous half updo? It's the perfect day and evening look. This style would look best on day-old hair as it needs a bit of grit to keep it from looking like you tried too hard. If you want to get a little playful, you can add in a big bow to the bun.

Slick Side Part

In case you haven't noticed, wet-look hair is having a moment. But there's definitely a fine line between looking greasy and looking like you just got finished with a frolic in the ocean. You'll want to use a mixture of gel and cream, rake through the hair, and diffuse until damp.

Mega-Size 'Fro

Viola Davis's jumbo-sized afro actual goals. And yes, it is achievable with medium-length hair. You can use a wide toothed comb to gentle comb your hair upwards, Or, if you're not opposed to heat, you can gently stretch out your hair and blow dry in sections.