15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (2024)

15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (1)

I have had every hairstyle imaginable. Well, at least, it feels like it. I have relaxed my hair, big chopped, braided it up, dyed it blonde, and been natural. I say all of that to say that Black hair is as versatile as it is beautiful. Since big chopping for the second time, my hair has now grown into a medium length that has allowed me to try a variety of hairstyles.

My favorite hair looks of the moment are cornrows, wash-and-gos, and an afro puff I spent an entire weekend perfecting. The good news about medium hair is that whether you're still going to see your stylist every six weeks to get your new growth in check or have put your hot tools down for good, there is an option for you. Just be sure to condition and moisturize your coils as you try the 15 styles on this list.

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Twist Outs

Twist outs are a staple style in the natural hair community, and JJ's beautiful hair reminds us that going grey isn't something to dread, but to embrace.

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Shoulder Length Bob

15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (2)

Kahlana Barfield Brown's shoulder length bob has always given me hair envy. A curling wand offers a simple way to get the waves you desire. A pro tip I learned when I was straightening my hair was to pin curl my newly straightened style at night to keep my waves intact.

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Locs

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Hair discrimination for Black women is still alive and well in the workplace, especially for brown beauties with locs. But icons like Ava Duvernay remind us to wear hairstyles unique to us with pride.

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Curly Puff with Fringe

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Yara Shahidi always gets it right. If you're not up for wearing all of your curls out, opting for a puff with fringe is the perfect middle ground.

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Faux Hawk

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Mirian Njoh's faux hawk might look like it requires the help of an expert stylist, but with a rattail comb, a little edge control, and a few hair ties, you'll be able to create this look on your own in no time.

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Bold Colored Wig

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Regina Hall's Met Gala look was a mood. Not just because of the middle part and silky texture; the pop of color added an element of surprise. For dark roots, there can be a risk of damaging your curls when trying to achieve colors like a pastel pink by bleaching. But that doesn't mean we can't give these looks a spin—all you need is a good wig and a side of confidence.

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Faux Locs

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Protective styles like faux locs not only allow you to change up your look, but they can give your mane a break from daily manipulation. Feel free to rock them on their own, or add colorful hair accessories or highlights to make your locs pop even more.

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Bantu Knots

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Bantu knots have a dual function, as they can serve both as a protective style and to stretch coily hair. Putting wet hair into bantu knots and then taking them down when dry can also create a beautiful, beach-wave look.

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Hair Wraps

15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (9)

When I was growing out my Big Chop, wraps became my go-to. I loved how the printed fabrics elevated my wardrobe, but the real perk was that they helped my hair to grow because I was manipulating my 4C coils less. Learning to tie a wrap can be a challenge, but my advice is to watch a few tutorials, then find a way that works for you.

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Side Swept Afro

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If you're looking for a style to wear for a special occasion or want to show off your cheekbones, Kia Marie's side-swept fro is an excellent place to start.

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Cornrows

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You can never go wrong with cornrows. They're simple, go with anything, and don't require too much styling time. Follow Kelly Rowland's lead and add a pop of color to your lips to complete the look.

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Afro Puffs

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Storm Reid's afro puffs add a fresh spin to a ‘90s classic. Complete with perfectly laid edges, minimal starburst earrings, and a pop of blue eyeliner, her look makes an everyday statement and couldn't be easier to recreate.

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Faux Fringe Bang with Hair Wrap

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When wrapping your hair, you don't have to cover your entire head. Create a faux fringe bang and secure your tresses with an elastic band to recreate this look.

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Curly Afro

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Ebonee Davis's signature fro is major hair goals. When letting your curls do their thing naturally, finding the right products is key. I enjoy using a creme styler like Deva Curls Super Stretch to add moisture and define my curls.

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Sleek Puff

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Okay, so remember that puff I mentioned? Here it is in all of its glory. This updo is an option for all hair types whether you're relaxed, natural, or sporting a protective style or locs. To create my sleek puff with volume, I traded the traditional elastic hair tie for an elastic headband.

14 Secrets to Styling Naturally Curly Hair

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Expert Introduction: As an enthusiast and expert in public speaking and communication, I have a deep understanding of the principles and techniques involved in delivering effective speeches. I have extensively studied various aspects of public speaking, including speech organization, delivery methods, and audience engagement. My expertise is demonstrated through practical experience in delivering speeches, conducting workshops, and providing guidance on effective communication strategies. Additionally, I have closely followed the latest research and developments in the field of public speaking to stay updated with the most effective practices.

Hair Styling Concepts:

Public Speaking Introduction

The introduction to a speech is a critical component that sets the stage for the entire presentation. It serves to orient the audience, establish goodwill, and clearly state the main claim or idea of the speech. Effective introductions also aim to make connections between the audience's existing knowledge or interests and the speech topic. It is essential to motivate the audience to listen and provide a brief list of reasons why they should pay attention to the speech .

Speech Organization

Organizing a speech is crucial for improving clarity of thought and increasing the likelihood of the speech being effective. It helps the audience understand the content and perceive the speaker as reliable and credible. The introduction should clearly state the main claim or idea, orient the audience, and establish goodwill and credibility. The conclusion should summarize the main ideas and give the speech a sense of closure .

Methods of Speech Delivery

Different methods of speech delivery, such as impromptu, extemporaneous, manuscript, and memorized, offer various approaches to presenting information effectively. An introduction to a speech should include an attention getter, introduction of the topic, speaker credibility, and forecasting of main points. It is important to create a basic speech that follows the formula of an introduction, body, and conclusion, even under pressure .

Conclusion in Public Speaking

The conclusion of a speech wraps up the presentation by providing a summary of what the audience was supposed to have learned or been persuaded to do. It is the last opportunity to motivate the listeners and should end strongly with an impact statement. For a persuasive speech, a strong ending often includes a call to action, where the audience is told what they should do with the information they have learned .

In summary, effective public speaking involves skillfully crafting introductions, organizing speeches for clarity and impact, choosing appropriate delivery methods, and delivering strong conclusions to leave a lasting impression on the audience.