20 Easy Hairstyles For Medium Hair Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Try

Medium hair gets a bad rap sometimes. People act like it’s the “in-between” length, not long enough for braids down to your waist, not short enough for an edgy pixie. But let me tell you, medium hair is the sweet spot.

It’s versatile, stylish, and you can pull off way more looks than you think. The trick is knowing which hairstyles are quick, cute, and won’t leave you crying in front of your bathroom mirror at 7 AM.

I’ve been there—scrolling through Pinterest, saving “easy” hairstyles only to realize they require three sets of hands and a background in architecture.

No thanks. That’s why I put together this list of 20 easy hairstyles for medium hair that actually work in real life. Ready to shake up your routine? Let’s get into it.

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1. The Messy Bun (a.k.a. The Savior)

Medium hair makes messy buns a total breeze. You don’t have the weight of long hair pulling it down, and you don’t have the awkward “too short” problem either. Twist, pin, pull out a few strands in the front, and boom—you look effortlessly chic. Or at least, like you didn’t just roll out of bed.

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2. Half-Up, Half-Down

This one is my go-to when I want my hair out of my face but still want to look like I tried. Just grab the top section, secure it with a clip or elastic, and leave the rest down. You can curl the bottom if you’re feeling fancy, but honestly, even straight works.

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3. Loose Waves with a Curling Wand

If you own a curling wand, this is your best friend. Wrap random pieces of hair for loose, beachy waves that scream “I woke up like this” (even though you definitely didn’t). Spray some texturizer, scrunch it up, and you’re good to go.

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4. Low Ponytail with a Twist

Take your basic ponytail and level it up. Secure your hair at the nape of your neck, split the section above the elastic, and flip the pony through the gap. It takes two seconds but looks way more polished than your gym ponytail.

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5. Braided Crown

This one looks fancier than it is. Braid two small sections from each side of your head and pin them across the top like a headband. It’s like instant festival vibes without needing glitter everywhere.

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6. Sleek Straight Hair

Sometimes the easiest hairstyle is just whipping out your flat iron and calling it a day. Medium-length hair straightened looks classy and modern. Add a middle part, and suddenly you’re giving off model-off-duty energy.

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7. Space Buns

Yes, they’re playful, but hear me out: space buns look amazing on medium hair. Part your hair down the middle, twist each side into a bun, and secure. You can keep them sleek or make them messy—both work.

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8. French Braid Pigtails

Not just for kids anymore. French braids are practical, keep your hair in place, and look way cuter than a plain ponytail. Plus, medium hair is the perfect length because you won’t be braiding for hours.

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9. Low Chignon

A chignon sounds intimidating, but it’s basically a fancy bun at the nape of your neck. Twist your hair, pin it in place, and leave a few wispy strands out for softness. Great for weddings or when you need to look like an adult.

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10. The Classic Blowout

Ever notice how a blowout makes you feel like you’ve got your life together? Medium hair dries faster than long hair, so getting that salon-worthy bounce at home is easier. Invest in a round brush and a little patience—you’ll thank me later.

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11. Dutch Braid Headband

Instead of braiding across the crown, braid along your hairline. Secure behind your ear and leave the rest of your hair loose. It’s cute, it keeps hair out of your face, and it’s perfect for days when your bangs are being rude.

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12. High Ponytail

Medium hair makes the high pony look sharp and perky without weighing down your head. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic to hide it, and you’ll instantly look more polished. Think Ariana Grande, but less hair extensions.

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13. Messy Side Braid

This one’s lazy-girl approved. Sweep your hair to one side, braid loosely, and pull it apart with your fingers for volume. It’s meant to look imperfect, which is always a win in my book.

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14. Half-Up Top Knot

Take the top half of your hair and throw it into a bun, leaving the bottom down. It’s a fun twist on the messy bun and works for everything from brunch to binge-watching Netflix.

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15. Retro Flipped Ends

Grab your straightener, flip the ends outward, and you’ve got instant retro vibes. Medium hair nails this look because the length makes the flip noticeable but not dramatic. Pair it with a middle part, and you’re basically channeling a ’90s rom-com star.

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16. Loose Low Braid

Not in the mood for a full-on hairstyle? Go for a loose low braid. Secure it at the bottom with a clear elastic, and pull out a few face-framing strands. It looks soft, romantic, and requires almost zero effort.

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17. Sleek Low Ponytail

This one is all about attitude. Slick back your hair with a little gel, secure it low, and you instantly look like a boss. It works great for both work meetings and nights out. IMO, it’s one of the most underrated medium hair looks.

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18. Bubble Ponytail

If you want something fun and easy, try this. Tie your ponytail as usual, then add elastics every few inches down the length. Pull each section slightly to “bubble” it out. It looks trendy, but it’s ridiculously simple.

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19. Side-Swept Curls

Curls + side part = drama. Curl your hair, sweep it all over one shoulder, and pin it discreetly. Perfect for date night, parties, or when you just want to pretend you’re on a red carpet.

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20. Headband or Scarf Look

Sometimes accessories do the heavy lifting. Pop on a headband or tie a scarf around your head, and you’ve got instant style. It’s especially handy on bad hair days when nothing else is cooperating.

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Tips to Nail Medium Hair Styling

Before you start playing with these looks, here are a few quick tips to make styling easier:

• Dry shampoo is life: It adds grip and volume, especially if your hair is too clean and slippery.
• Invest in good bobby pins: Cheap ones bend and don’t hold.
• Use texture spray: It gives medium hair that lived-in look and makes it easier to style.
• Don’t overthink it: Most hairstyles look better when they’re a little undone.

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Why Medium Hair Rocks

People love to argue that long hair gives you more options, but I disagree. Medium hair balances versatility and manageability. It doesn’t take forever to style, it holds curls without weighing them down, and it still gives you enough length for braids and buns. Plus, hair grows—so why not enjoy this “in-between” phase instead of wishing it away?

Honestly, some of my best hair days happened when I had medium-length cuts. I could straighten it, curl it, throw it up, and it never felt boring. If you’ve got medium hair, trust me, you’ve hit the jackpot.

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Final Thoughts

There you have it—20 easy hairstyles for medium hair that actually work without driving you insane. From quick messy buns to polished ponytails and fun braids, medium hair gives you endless possibilities without the high maintenance of long locks.

My advice? Pick a couple of these styles to master, then rotate them into your routine so you never get stuck in a “just ponytail” rut again. And remember—your hair doesn’t need to be perfect to look good. Sometimes the slightly messy, effortless vibe is what makes a hairstyle even better.

So, next time you catch yourself complaining about your “in-between” length, stop. Medium hair isn’t a compromise—it’s your secret weapon.