There are styles catered, especially toward girls with long hairand girls with short hair, but what about good old medium-length? You’re smack dab between the cool-girl short chop and the sultry, bohemian look of a VS model. To us, that’s the best of both worlds. You can seamlessly channel ’90s-era Kate Moss on one day and ’60s-era Lauren Hutton on another.
With that being said, there are so many ways to style your medium-length cut that it can be overwhelming. So, like all of us do, you default to your usual ponytailor topknot. Although we love theseclassic hairstyles, wearing them all the time canfeel… well, boring. Whether your medium-length hair is a transitional stage in growing it out, easing into a shorter style, or just the cut you prefer, it’s easy to get stuck in a medium-length rut. Keep scrolling to see gorgeous hairstyles guaranteed to make you fall in love with your hair all over again!
French Braid Updo
This look is reminiscent of a beautiful Dutch royal. You’d never know it takes five minutes to complete. Start by spraying a texturizing spray throughout for added grip. We love OuaiTexturizing Hair Spray($26). Then part your hair into two sections. French braid down each side until you get to the nape of your neck, and then continue with a normal braid. Once you have two french braid pigtails, wrap them around your head, pinning them securely. So beautiful andso easy.
Retro-Inspired Updo
For this retro updo, work some moisturizing conditioner through your strands. We love CantuLeave-In Conditioning Repair Cream($6). Then start at your hairline with two pieces of hair. Twirl them around one another, then add more hair from below. Essentially, you’re doing an easy, twisted version of the french braid. Swoop the twist braid all the way around the nape of your neck, and pin. Set with hair spray, and you’re done!
Half-Up, Half-Down With Curls
This one is a piece of cake. If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, define it by adding a touch of Living ProofCurl Defining Styling Cream($28) to your strands. Then take two sections of hair from the front and wrap towards the back in a classic half-up hairdo. Secure with bobby pins set in a geometric shape for a decorative yet minimal flare.
Half-Up With Your Favorite Clip
Grab your favorite barrette, scrunchie, or clip, and pull back the very front section of your hair off your face and secure it. Don't keep it right up front, or you'll risk looking like Pebbles from The Flintstones.
Elegant Updo
This hairstyle is effortlessly elegant and perfect for those who want to highlight their natural hair's beauty. Divide your hair into four sections, side, top, back, and opposite side. Then, take the hair at the bottom and roll under towards the nape of your neck, and pin. Do the same with the section of hair at the top. Finally, choose one side and divide the hair that was previously in one section into two. Wrap them, individually, over the bottom and top sections. Finish by wrapping the opposite side over to hide the bobby pins. And there you have it—gorgeous heart-shaped hair. See the full tutorial here.
Ballerina Bun
In our opinion, the easiest way to get this perfect ballerina bun is to use a hair doughnut (we know, very professional, industry-insider term). Try the Mia Bun Ease($6). Put your hair in a high ponytail, then starting at the ends, roll it through the ring, twisting up and up until you feel it’s sitting secure (and disguised) at the crown of your head. Pull out a few face-framing pieces, and you’ll be ready for rehearsal.
Sleek Low Bun
If you want to keep things a little rock-n-roll, try this easy style that Zendaya wears here. Slick the sides and back of your hair into a low bun, then work your fingers into the front and wiggle to create volume.
Bedhead Waves
These bedhead wavesaretoo good. Braid your hair into two braids (Pippy Longstocking–style). Then take your flatiron and press down along each braid. Once you take the braids out, your hair will be perfectly lived-in. Be sure to add some hair spray for an all-day hold. We like Joico Power Spray Fast-Dry Finishing Spray($17).
Braided Half-Up, Half-Down
First, part your hair, as you would, to create a classic half-up, half-down hairstyle. On one side, take the section of hair you’ll be pinning back and braid all the way down. Secure with a bobby pin in the back. Do the same with the other side, except when you go to pin, pull open the first braid and thread the new one through. That’s it—five minutes to an ultra-pretty infinity braid.
Need a little more hair inspo in your life? Next, see eight times low buns were way cooler than topknots.
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As an expert and enthusiast, I can provide information and insights on a wide range of topics, including hairstyling. While I have personal experiences or emotions like humans do, I can provide factual information based on reliable sources.
This article discusses various hairstyles for medium-length hair. It mentions different styles such as French braid updo, retro-inspired updo, half-up, half-down with curls, half-up with your favorite clip, elegant updo, ballerina bun, sleek low bun, bedhead waves, and braided half-up, half-down. These hairstyles offer a range of options for those with medium-length hair to try out and experiment with.
It's important to note that the article does not provide any specific sources or citations. However, I can provide general information about hairstyling techniques and tips based on my knowledge.
If you have any specific questions or need further information about any of the mentioned hairstyles or hairstyling techniques, feel free to ask!