When it comes to styling medium-length curly hair, versatility is the name of the game. Whether your curls are loose, tight, or somewhere in between, there’s a world of possibilities to explore. From effortless beachy waves to glamorous Old Hollywood-inspired updos, the key lies in understanding your texture and embracing styles that enhance your natural beauty.

Layering your curls can add movement, volume, and dimension, making your hairstyle feel fresh and dynamic. And while letting your curls roam free is always an option, sometimes a bit of creativity can elevate your look for special occasions—or just because you’re feeling bold. To inspire your next curly adventure, we’ve curated 45 stunning hairstyles tailored for medium-length curly hair. Complete with tips from hairstyling experts and product recommendations, this guide will help you make the most of your gorgeous locks.

Understanding Your Curls: The Foundation of Styling

Before diving into specific styles, it’s essential to understand your curl type and how it behaves. Curly hair comes in many forms—loose waves, tight coils, spiral curls, and everything in between. Each texture has unique needs, so finding the right products and techniques is crucial for achieving your desired look.

• For Loose Waves: Lightweight mousses and sea salt sprays can enhance texture without weighing down your strands.
• For Tight Curls: Rich creams and leave-in conditioners provide moisture and definition, ensuring your curls stay bouncy and frizz-free.
• For Natural Textures: Embrace your natural pattern by using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer and applying curl-defining gels or custards.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to experiment with styles that celebrate your curls. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most inspiring looks for medium-length curly hair, complete with step-by-step guidance to recreate them at home.

45 Ideas for Layered Wavy Medium-Length Curly Hair

1. Blunt and Wavy

Charlize Theron’s tightly coiled waves are the epitome of red-carpet glamour. Achieve this look by using a one-inch curling wand, like Remington’s Shine Therapy Wand, to create defined curls. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to lock in the shine.

2. Asymmetric and Natural

Nathalie Emmanuel’s tousled curls add dimension and drama to her overall look. Sweep your curls to one side and secure them with bobby pins for an effortlessly chic style.

3. Wavy and Textured

Rihanna’s golden blonde curls and bangs frame her face beautifully. Whether you’re working with natural curls or heat-styled waves, finish the look with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray for a strong yet flexible hold.

4. Updo With Tight Curls

Channel Old Hollywood elegance with Taylor Swift’s classic updo. Use Goody spin pins to secure your curls in place, creating a timeless and sophisticated look.

5. Asymmetric Updo

Kristen Stewart’s voluminous waves exude edgy glamour. Rough up your curls with a pomade like SexyHair Pomade, then tuck one side behind your ear for added structure.

6. Side-Parted Retro Waves

Jessica Alba’s big, bouncy curls are perfect for adding movement and body to shoulder-length hair. Use Drybar’s self-grip velcro rollers to shape your curls, then set the look with a light-hold hairspray.

7. Natural With Headband

Amandla Stenberg’s silver headband adds a regal touch to their natural curls. Experiment with standout accessories to elevate your everyday look.

8. Space Buns

Janelle Monáe’s double buns are playful and practical. Secure your buns with elastic hair ties for a no-fuss style that’s both fun and functional.

9. Center-Parted Blunt Waves

Ariel Winter’s vintage-inspired waves are sleek and shiny. Duplicate the look by spritzing Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum through your strands for a glossy finish.

10. Natural and Loose

Solange’s free-flowing curls are a testament to the beauty of embracing your natural texture. Use a diffuser attachment like DevaCurl’s DevaFuser to dry your curls without disrupting their pattern.

11. Voluminous and Natural

Jourdan Dunn’s half-up, half-down style gets an upgrade with braids. Use a rattail comb to create precise parts, then weave small braids into your look for added interest.

12. Volume With Textured Bangs

Zendaya’s voluminous curls and coppery highlights are a masterclass in dimension. Ask your stylist to add chunky highlights for extra depth, or try an at-home kit like Revlon Color Effects Frost & Glow.

13. 1970s-Style Ringlets

Jaime King’s defined spiral curls paired with sleek bangs are a nod to retro glamour. Use a flat iron like Babyliss Pro Nano to perfect the look, focusing on creating tight, polished curls.

14. Glamorous Side Part

Hailey Bieber’s effortless waves are the epitome of modern chic. Mimic this style with a large-barrel curling wand like Conair’s Infinity Ceramic Iron, then finish with a light-hold hairspray.

15. Classic Waves With Side Part

Sailor Brinkley-Cook’s soft waves and side part are simple yet sophisticated. Hold the look in place with Bumble and Bumble Does It All Light Hold Hairspray for a natural finish.

16. Natural Topknot

Yara Shahidi’s topknot is effortless and elegant, with her coils peeking out for added charm. Define your curls with As I Am Curling Gel for a smooth, polished look.

17. Updo With Texture

Issa Rae’s textured updos are a celebration of natural beauty. Before styling, cleanse and nourish your curls with a deep-conditioning treatment to keep them healthy and hydrated.

18. Wavy Updo

Jasmine Sanders proves that messy buns belong on the red carpet. Embrace the undone aesthetic by loosely gathering your waves into a bun, then securing with pins for a chic, effortless vibe.

19. Beach Waves

Jennifer Lawrence’s imperfect waves are proof that messy hair can be just as glamorous. Scrunch your curls with a sea salt spray for a lived-in, carefree look.

20. Half-Up and Natural

Kerry Washington’s half-up style is both practical and stylish. Use a small claw clip to secure the top portion of your hair, keeping the rest of your curls free and flowing.

21. Glossy Blowout

Oprah Winfrey’s sleek blowout demonstrates how to add sheen and volume to natural curls. While a blowout smooths the hair, your natural waves can still shine through with the right technique.

22. Voluminous Waves With Side Part

Lucy Hale’s bouncy waves strike the perfect balance between chic and casual. Add volume through the mid-lengths and keep the ends blunt for a modern twist on beachy waves.

23. Wavy Bob With Deep Side Part

Jada Pinkett Smith’s sleek and retro look oozes glamour. Create tendrils near the ends of your hair and finish with a shine spray for extra gloss.

24. Pinned-Back Textured Waves

Freida Pinto’s textured waves are pulled back with a clip on one side, showcasing her style and accessories. This look is perfect for formal events or evening outings.

25. Low Bun With Wavy Tendrils

Gemma Chan’s low bun with wavy tendrils is elegant and easy to achieve. Use a texture spray for added grit, then pull your hair into a low bun for a polished finish.

26. Sleek Low Waves

Aja Naomi King’s glossy waves are the epitome of polished elegance. The key to this style is focusing the waves at the ends while keeping the top half sleek and smooth. “This look is all about contrast,” says hairstylist Sky Kim. Use a product like OUAI Finishing Crème to add shine and shape to your strands without weighing them down.

27. Angle-Parted Waves

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini’s side-parted shoulder-length hair is a masterclass in asymmetry. By angling the part and pinning the waves to one side, she creates a sophisticated yet playful vibe. Finish with a shine spray to lock in the glossy finish.

28. Easy and Natural

Parisa Fitz-Henley’s naturally curly hair is a testament to the beauty of embracing your texture. To keep curls hydrated and defined, use a deep conditioning mask like Pureology Hydrate Superfood Deep Treatment Mask. When styling, dry your hair with a diffuser and apply a curl cream to enhance your natural pattern.

29. Crimped Waves

Karen Fukuhara’s crimped waves offer a modern twist on a ’90s classic. Recreate this look by applying a lightweight mousse to damp hair before blow-drying. Use a Beachwaver or crimping iron to achieve the textured effect, ensuring the style holds throughout the day.

30. Subtle Side-Parted Waves

Tessa Thompson’s sleek, shoulder-length waves are perfect for those who want to tone down their curls while still adding movement. Apply a generous amount of mousse to damp hair and blow-dry for subtle waves. A deep side part adds a touch of retro glamour.

31. Ear-Tucked Natural Curls

Corinne Bailey Rae’s effortless style proves that sometimes simplicity is key. Tuck your curls behind one ear or secure them with a decorative pin to keep your face-framing layers out of the way. Keep your curls moisturized with a leave-in conditioner to prevent frizz and flyaways.

32. Bouncy Curls

Vanessa Williams’ voluminous curls are pageant-worthy and full of life. For a similar effect, spritz a texturizing dry shampoo through day-old hair to add grit and volume. Curl small sections with your favorite iron and finish with a strong-hold hairspray for long-lasting bounce.

33. Curtain Bang With Sleek Waves

Maya Rudolph’s romantic look pairs long, eyebrow-grazing curtain bangs with sleek waves. Sweep your bangs to one side and focus the waves at the bottom of your hair for a soft, cascading effect. This style strikes the perfect balance between polished and undone.

34. A-Line Waves

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s shoulder-length waves feature an A-line silhouette, with volume concentrated at the ends. To achieve this look, use a light-hold hairspray to ensure the waves remain bouncy and wide without feeling weighed down.

35. Old-School Glamorous Curls

Emma Stone’s retro-inspired curls are timeless and elegant. Use a quality curl cream to define your waves and create loose, bouncy curls. A deep side part keeps the look refined and perfect for formal occasions.

36. Layered Bob

For those with curly hair, a layered bob can add extra volume and dimension. Layers starting below the ears and concentrating on the ends create a fuller appearance while maintaining a polished finish. This style is ideal for those who want a chic yet low-maintenance look.

37. Tousled Texture

Keri Russell’s air-dried curls exude effortless charm. Her tousled look is achieved by letting her hair dry naturally and scrunching it with a diffuser on low heat. This style is perfect for showcasing your natural texture while adding a touch of casual cool.

38. Glossy Waves

Olivia Munn’s sleek waves are all about shine and precision. Use a product like Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Multitasker Perfecting Crème to add gloss and shape to your locks. This look is versatile and works for both casual and formal settings.

39. Choppy Bangs

Rashida Jones’s choppy bangs add edge to her otherwise sleek hairstyle. Ask your stylist to use a razor to trim your bangs for a textured finish. Dry scrunch the rest of your hair with a diffuser for a balanced, modern look.

40. Mermaid Waves

Priyanka Chopra’s luxurious waves are perfect for making a statement. Use a waving iron like Trademark Beauty Babe Waves to create consistent, beachy waves. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock in the style.

41. Voluminous Curls With Bangs

Jourdan Dunn’s voluminous curls are enhanced with a lightweight mousse like Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Full Form Soft Mousse. This product provides hold without stickiness, ensuring your curls remain bouncy and full of life.

42. Curly Bangs

Sandra Oh’s curly bangs frame her face beautifully, blending seamlessly into her shoulder-length curls. Use a moisture-rich leave-in cream like L’Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Leave-In Cream to define your curls and keep them hydrated.

43. Spiraled Waves

Andie MacDowell’s classic curls are a lesson in timeless beauty. Saturate your hair with a light-hold mousse and twist small sections to create natural spirals. This style is perfect for those who want a polished yet effortless look.

44. Feathered Center Part

Emmanuelle Chriqui’s feathered waves are inspired by the ’70s. Blow-dry your hair with a round brush for volume, then add waves with a medium-barrel curling iron. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray like Living Proof’s Flex Hairspray for a soft, bouncy finish.

45. S-Shaped Waves

Rose Byrne’s S-shaped waves are a unique take on traditional curls. Use a flat iron to create directional waves throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Define the waves with a product like Fekkai Shea Butter Gel Crème for added texture and shine.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Curly Journey

Medium-length curly hair offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Whether you’re drawn to sleek waves, voluminous curls, or playful updos, there’s a style that suits your personality and lifestyle.

The key to mastering these looks lies in understanding your hair’s texture and investing in the right products. From lightweight mousses to nourishing curl creams, the right tools can make all the difference in achieving your desired result.

Before your next styling session, take inspiration from these celebrity-approved styles and experiment with what works best for you. Remember, your curls are as unique as you are—so embrace them, celebrate them, and let them shine!