The Ultimate Guide to Medium-Length Hairstyles for Women

Medium or shoulder-length hair strikes the perfect balance between short and long styles, offering versatility and manageability. Whether you’re looking for a sleek bob, textured layers, or playful braids, medium-length hairstyles provide endless possibilities. Below, we explore some of the best medium hairstyles, complete with step-by-step guides, tips, and styling advice to help you find your next signature look.

Before You Get Started

For those with busy lifestyles, medium-length hair is a godsend. It’s easy to maintain, dries quickly, and can be styled in countless ways. If you’re over 40 and struggling with thinning or coarse hair, a shoulder-length trim can make you look younger while remaining low-maintenance. To keep your style fresh, trim your hair every 6–8 weeks—or every 12 weeks if you’re planning a new cut.

For added polish, use a round brush while blow-drying to smooth coarse textures, and roll the ends inward for a neat finish that frames your face beautifully.

Top Medium-Length Hairstyles to Try

1. Deep Side-Part Wavy Lob

This effortlessly chic hairstyle combines the elegance of a lob (long bob) with soft, wavy ends. Perfect for air-dried hair, this look gets an extra boost from a small-barreled curling iron. Add dimension with highlights and lowlights for a bold variation.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Apply mousse to damp hair for added volume and texture.
2. Use a small-barreled curling iron to create loose waves.
3. Part your hair deeply to one side for a dramatic effect.
4. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to set the style.

Key Takeaways:

• Ideal for medium-length hair with natural texture.
• Works well for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
• Adds movement and dimension, making it perfect for casual and formal settings.

2. Wet Look

The wet look is a sleek, modern hairstyle that’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home. With minimal heat required, this style exudes sophistication and works well for both casual and formal occasions.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Part your hair deeply to one side.
2. Backcomb the deeper side for added volume.
3. Smooth the top layer with a fine-tooth comb.
4. Apply gel to both the top and bottom sections, then comb it down for a slick finish.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Quick and easy to achieve.
• Perfect for straight or slightly wavy hair.
• Adds an edgy, high-fashion vibe to your look.

3. Sleek Bob

Inspired by model Natalia Vodianova, this no-fuss bob is timeless and versatile. Its polished finish pairs seamlessly with both formal attire and casual wear.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Blow-dry your hair straight using a flat brush.
2. Apply a smoothing serum to tame flyaways.
3. Tuck the ends slightly inward for a refined finish.

Pro Tip: Pair this style with dewy skin and minimal makeup for a chic, understated look.

4. Jagged Bob

Scarlett Johansson’s jagged bob is a stunning example of how layered cuts can accentuate facial features. This style works particularly well for diamond-shaped faces.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Ask your stylist for a jagged cut with choppy layers.
2. Style with a middle part to frame your face.
3. Use a texturizing spray for added volume and edge.

Did You Know?
A jagged bob can be tailored to suit any face shape by adjusting the length and layering.

5. Half Updo

Kate Mara’s half updo is the epitome of effortless glamour. This style combines texture, volume, and a touch of playfulness.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create an off-center part.
2. Gather the top section of your hair and secure it into a small ponytail.
3. Curl the loose ends for added texture.
4. Finish with a light-hold hairspray.

Perfect For:

• Layered medium-length hair.
• Casual outings or formal events.

6. Messy Fishtail Braid

Erin Richards’ messy fishtail braid is perfect for music festivals, weddings, or parties. The caramel blonde shade adds an extra touch of allure.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Part your hair down the middle.
2. Divide your hair into two equal sections.
3. Cross small strands from each section over to the opposite side to create a fishtail braid.
4. Loosen the braid slightly for a carefree look.

Quick Tip:
Add highlights or lowlights to enhance the texture and dimension of your braid.

7. Braids and Bangs

Amy Okuda’s combination of braids, bangs, and a medium-length bob is both stylish and versatile. This look is perfect for a night out.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create soft bangs that frame your face.
2. Add thin braids along the crown for a trendy twist.
3. Finish with a glossy serum for shine.

Why It Works:

• Accentuates facial features.
• Adds texture and edge to your hairstyle.

8. Braided Bun

Vanessa Hudgens’ sleek low bun with a braided twist is a timeless updo that’s both elegant and functional.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Plait your hair into a simple braid.
2. Wrap the braid around the base to form a bun.
3. Secure with bobby pins and finish with hairspray.

Fun Fact:
There are over 50 variations of braided buns, including box braids, Dutch braids, and crown braids.

9. Swooped Side Braid

Christine Teigen’s ombre wavy bob with a swooped side braid is the perfect blend of class and edge.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create a deep side part.
2. Sweep one side of your hair back and secure it with a braid.
3. Finish with a volumizing spray for added lift.

Best Suited For:

• Oval and heart-shaped faces.
• Formal and semi-formal events.

10. High Ponytail

Kate Beckinsale’s retro-inspired high ponytail combines volume and texture for a chic, undone look.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Apply a volumizing serum to damp hair.
2. Backcomb the top section for added height.
3. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, leaving a few flyaways for a relaxed finish.

Pro Tip:
Accessorize with eye-catching clips, such as rose or crystal embellishments.

11. Wavy Side Bun

Amy Adams’ wavy side bun is the epitome of ladylike elegance. This style is perfect for formal events like galas or award shows.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Curl your hair into loose waves.
2. Gather your hair to one side and twist it into a bun.
3. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray.

Why It Shines:

• Complements strapless gowns and statement earrings.
• Adds sophistication and grace to your overall look.

12. Messy High Bun

Marion Cotillard’s messy high bun proves that undone styles can still look polished and chic.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Gather your hair into a high ponytail.
2. Twist and wrap the ponytail into a bun.
3. Secure with an elastic band and let a few strands fall loose for a relaxed vibe.

Alternative Option:
Try a messy low bun for a more laid-back look.

13. Feathered Bob

The feathered bob is a timeless classic characterized by soft, wispy layers that add dimension and texture.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Perfect for fine or thin hair.
• Creates the illusion of thicker, fuller locks.

14. Chic Medium Shag

The medium shag is a trendy cut with choppy, unblended layers that add volume and movement.

Who It Suits:

• Those who want a laid-back, cool-girl vibe.
• Ideal for thick or wavy hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hair products for maintaining medium-length hairstyles?

• Leave-in conditioners and light hair oils help retain moisture.
• Volumizing sprays add body and texture.

Should medium-length fine hair be layered?

• Light, feathery layers work well, but avoid overly layered cuts that can make hair appear sparse.

Which haircut is best for thin medium-length hair?

• Layered lob, shag with razored ends, or blunt lob.

What length is considered medium hair?

• Typically ranges from shoulder to armpit length (12–18 inches for straight hair, 24 inches for curly hair).

Conclusion

Medium-length hairstyles offer the perfect blend of versatility, elegance, and ease of maintenance. From sleek bobs to playful braids, there’s a style for every occasion and personality. Experiment with these looks to discover what suits you best and embrace the beauty of medium-length hair!