13 Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair to Try Now

Maybe you grew out a chin-length bob, and now your hair sits right on your shoulders and flips outward no matter what you do. Or maybe you’ve had shoulder-length hair for years and you’re simply bored of it. Either way, the morning routine probably looks something like this: try two things, give up, and twist it into the same claw clip again.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the good news. Medium hair isn’t an awkward in-between length. It’s one of the most flexible lengths there is. It’s long enough to braid, twist, and pin, but short enough to dry quickly and style without a huge time commitment. What most people need is just a handful of go-to ideas that don’t feel like a chore.

That’s what this list is for. These hairstyles for medium length hair work for regular weekdays, not just for perfectly lit photos. Some take two minutes. A few take fifteen. They’re sorted by how much time you have, so you can pick one based on your morning rather than scrolling through ideas you won’t realistically try.

Before we get to the styles, a few quick tips can make every one of them easier.

A Few Things That Make Styling Easier

Many hairstyles for medium length hair look better with a little grip. Freshly washed, silky hair tends to slide out of pins and elastics. If your hair is very soft, try styling it on second-day hair, or mist a light texturizing spray at the roots and mid-lengths first.

A few other small habits help too:

Keep clear elastics and bobby pins in one spot. Half the struggle is hunting for supplies.
Brush in the direction you want the style to go. It keeps things neater without extra effort.
Go easy on product. Medium hair can get weighed down quickly, so start small and add more only if needed.
Leave a few face-framing pieces out. This softens most updos and keeps them from looking too severe.

Nothing fancy. Now for the fun part.

When You Have Five Minutes or Less

These are the styles to reach for on rushed mornings. They’re simple, forgiving, and still look intentional.

The Half-Up Claw Clip

Starting with the claw clip might seem obvious, but it works even better when used a little differently.

Gather the top section of your hair, from your temples back, and give it a single twist. Then clip it at the crown with a medium-sized claw clip. The rest of your hair stays down, which keeps the look soft while pulling hair away from your face.

This is one of the easiest hairstyles for medium length hair because it hides second-day frizz and works whether your ends are straight or wavy. It pairs just as nicely with a chunky knit sweater as it does with a tailored blazer.

The Sleek Low Ponytail

A low ponytail at the nape of your neck often looks more polished than a high one. Brush your hair back smoothly, secure it with an elastic, then wrap a thin piece of hair around the band and pin it underneath.

That little wrap makes all the difference. It turns a basic ponytail into something that looks planned. On medium hair, the ponytail ends up short and neat, which suits office days especially well.

The Messy Top Knot

Flip your head upside down, gather your hair at the top of your head, and twist it around itself into a loose knot. Secure it with an elastic or a couple of pins. Then gently pull at the knot to loosen it.

If your layers are short and keep falling out, don’t fight them. Those loose pieces are part of the charm. Among quick medium length hairstyles, this is a weekend favorite for a reason.

The Tucked Faux Bob

Curious about short hair but not ready to cut? You can fake it. Braid or twist your hair loosely at the nape, then fold the ends up and pin them underneath so the length disappears. From the front, it reads as a soft, voluminous bob.

It’s a fun way to preview a shorter look. It also comes in handy on days when your ends feel dry and you’d rather keep them out of sight.

When You’ve Got Ten or Fifteen Minutes

These hairstyles for medium length hair take a bit more effort, but the payoff is bigger. They’re great for dinners, meetings, and days you want to feel put together.

Easy Loose Waves

Soft waves are one of those styles that look more complicated than they really are. Make sure your hair is completely dry first. Then take one-inch sections and twist each one around a flat iron or wrap it around a curling wand, alternating directions as you go. Leave the last inch of each section straight.

Once the waves cool, run your fingers through them instead of a brush. That breaks the curls into relaxed, lived-in waves. If you want hairstyles for medium length hair that suit almost any occasion, this is a great one to learn first.

The Twisted Half-Up

Take a small section from each side of your head, just above the ears. Twist each section back toward the center, then pin them together at the back.

It looks delicate and a little romantic, but it’s practical too, since it keeps hair out of your eyes. Pair it with the loose waves above for something slightly dressier.

Two French Braids

Split your hair down the middle and French braid each side, adding hair as you go. On medium hair, the braids usually end just below the ears or at the shoulders, which gives them a sporty, fresh look.

This style is handy for travel days and long errands because braids tend to hold well. There’s also a bonus: take them out the next morning and you’ll have soft, crimped waves. That makes this one of those hairstyles for medium length hair that gives you two looks for the effort of one.

The Bubble Ponytail

Make a regular ponytail, then add small elastics every couple of inches down its length. Gently pull the hair between each elastic outward to create little “bubbles.”

It’s playful and fun, and it can make a short ponytail look fuller and longer than it really is. If your hair is on the thinner side, this is a simple trick for adding visible volume.

The Ribbon Low Pony

Take the sleek low ponytail from earlier and tie a satin ribbon or a folded silk scarf over the elastic. Let the ends hang down with your hair.

Hair ribbons have been popping up everywhere lately, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a two-minute upgrade that makes a simple ponytail feel special. A dark velvet ribbon suits fall and winter, while soft pastels feel right for spring.

Worth the Extra Effort

These medium hair styles take a little practice, but they’re lovely for weddings, holidays, and events where you want your hair to look finished for hours.

The Braided Crown

Start with a Dutch braid on one side, just behind your ear, and braid it up and over the top of your head like a headband. Repeat on the other side if your hair is long enough, then pin the ends where they meet.

On medium hair, you might not get a full crown, and that’s completely fine. A single braided band across the top still looks pretty. It’s a sweet choice for garden parties, bridal showers, and spring celebrations.

The Low Twisted Bun

Gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist it firmly, and wrap it around the base. Pin it in place with bobby pins, tucking the ends underneath. Loosen a few pieces around your face.

This is one of the most elegant hairstyles for medium length hair. It looks graceful with formal outfits but isn’t so fussy that you feel overdone. With enough pins, it can hold up well through longer events.

Side-Swept Waves With a Pinned Side

Curl your hair into soft waves, then sweep everything over to one shoulder. Pin the opposite side flat with a few bobby pins hidden behind your ear, or use a decorative clip for a little sparkle.

It has a slightly old Hollywood feel in the best way. This is a nice option for evening events and photos, since it frames the face from most angles.

The Voluminous Blowout

A good blowout is a hairstyle in its own right. Use a round brush while drying damp hair, lifting at the roots and turning the ends slightly under or out. Finish with a blast of cool air to help set the shape.

If you have layers, this is where they really show off. Blowouts are some of the most underrated hairstyles for medium length hair because they look salon-fresh and, for many hair types, can last a couple of days with a little dry shampoo.

A Sample Week of Medium Hair Styles

Seeing how these fit into a real routine can make them easier to adopt. Here’s one way a week could look after a single wash:

Monday: Freshly washed hair, so start with a blowout.
Tuesday: Blowout still holding, worn down with a half-up claw clip.
Wednesday: Roots feeling a bit flat, so a sleek low ponytail with a ribbon.
Thursday: Two French braids for a busy day.
Friday: Take the braids out for bonus waves.
Saturday: Messy top knot for errands and relaxing.
Sunday: Low twisted bun for a family lunch.

That’s seven different looks, and none of them take long. Rotating a few hairstyles for medium length hair like this also means you’re not reaching for hot tools every single day, which is kinder to your ends.

Mistakes That Can Make Styles Fall Flat

These are easy to make, so no judgment here.

Using too much product. Heavy creams and oils can make medium hair limp quickly. A small amount usually goes further than you’d expect.

Using a flat iron or curling wand on damp hair. A blow dryer is designed for damp hair, but most flat irons and curling tools are meant for hair that’s completely dry. Check your tool’s instructions, and dry your hair fully before curling or straightening.

Pulling everything too tight. Very tight ponytails and buns can cause discomfort and put stress on your hair over time. Aim for snug but comfortable.

Skipping heat protection. Any time you use a flat iron, curling wand, or blow dryer, a heat protectant spray is a smart first step.

Expecting it to look exactly like the picture. Texture, thickness, and layers all change how a style turns out. Your version doesn’t need to match a photo to look great.

How to Pick the Right Style for Your Hair Type

Not every idea suits every head of hair, and that’s okay. A little matching goes a long way.

If your hair is fine or thin, look at bubble ponytails, blowouts, and messy top knots. They can add visible volume. Light teasing at the crown helps too.

If your hair is thick, low buns and braids are great choices. They help manage bulk and tend to stay secure. You may need a few extra pins.

If your hair is curly or coily, many of these medium length hairstyles adapt beautifully. Top knots, twisted half-ups, and puffs look lovely with natural texture. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to keep your curl pattern intact.

If your hair is straight and slippery, a little texture spray can help pins and elastics hold better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as medium length hair?

Medium hair generally falls somewhere between the chin and a few inches past the shoulders. If your hair touches your collarbone, you’re right in the middle of that range.

What are the easiest hairstyles for medium length hair?

The half-up claw clip, messy top knot, and sleek low ponytail are the quickest. Each takes just a few minutes and needs very few tools.

How can I make medium hair look thicker?

A volumizing blowout, a bubble ponytail, or loose waves can all help. Texture spray at the roots and gently loosening braids or buns also creates the look of fuller hair.

Are these styles good for work?

Yes. The sleek low ponytail, low twisted bun, and twisted half-up all look polished without feeling stiff.

How do I stop my hair from flipping out at the shoulders?

That flip often happens when hair rubs against your collar or shoulders. A blowout that turns the ends slightly under can help, and so can wearing a half-up style or low pony on those days.

Can I do these hairstyles without heat?

Many of them, yes. Buns, braids, ponytails, and the faux bob need no heat at all. For heatless waves, try braiding slightly damp hair before bed and taking it out in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Medium hair often gets labeled as the “growing out” stage, but it has plenty going for it. It’s manageable, dries quickly, and is flexible enough for almost any look you can imagine.

You don’t need to master all 13 at once. Pick two or three that fit your routine, practice them a few times, and add more as you get comfortable. Before long, you’ll have a handful of hairstyles for medium length hair you can do without even thinking about it.

And on the days when nothing seems to cooperate? There’s always the claw clip. No shame in that.