4 Ways to Style Medium Length Hair - wikiHow (2024)

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1Wearing Your Hair Down

2Wearing Your Hair Up

3Braiding Your Hair

4Experimenting with Men's Medium Length Styles

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Co-authored byMichael Van den Abbeel

Last Updated: January 11, 2024References

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Medium length hair is great – it's easy to maintain, long enough to style, but short enough that you won't spend all day drying it. Sometimes it feels like all the really fun hairstyles are reserved for long hair, but if your hair currently reaches your shoulders, you have lots of cool options for styling it. So whether you're running late, having a bad hair day, or just plain uninspired, there's a style for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Wearing Your Hair Down

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  1. 4 Ways to Style Medium Length Hair - wikiHow (4)

    1

    Create loose waves. On days where you want to look like you just rolled out of bed, try adding natural waves to your hair. You can do this by twisting big sections of your hair around a large curling iron.[1]

    • Let the hair slide out of the curling iron almost immediately. This will add waves to your hair, instead of ringlets.
    • Spray some hairspray into your hair to keep your waves in place.
    • Straighten the ends of the waves to make the style a little more current looking.

    EXPERT TIP

    4 Ways to Style Medium Length Hair - wikiHow (5)

    Michael Van den Abbeel

    Professional Hair Stylist

    Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon.

    4 Ways to Style Medium Length Hair - wikiHow (6)

    Michael Van den Abbeel
    Professional Hair Stylist

    Try setting your curls for a long-lasting style. Michael Van den Abbeel, the owner of Mosaic Hair Studio, says: "For a modern way to set your hair in loose waves, heat up a section of hair with a flat iron, then roll it into a curl and pin it into place. The longer you let it cool in that shape, the longer the curl will last, especially on straight hair."

  2. 2

    Braid your bangs. If your side swept bangs need a trim, but you don't have time to get to the salon, try braiding them across the crown of your head and securing the bang braid with a bobby pin.[2]

    • Pin the braid just over your ear.
    • Leave the rest of your hair down, or put it up in a ponytail for when you work out.

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  3. 4 Ways to Style Medium Length Hair - wikiHow (8)

    3

    Try a side-sweep look. Blow your hair dry using a large barrel brush. Divide your hair into four sections, then curl each one, alternating between curling one section clockwise and curling the next section counter-clockwise.

    • Once each section is curled, pin it to keep it out of the way.
    • After all the hair is curled, remove the pins and lightly comb through the hair using your fingers.
    • Use the paddle brush to comb the hair on the crown of your head toward the left side of your face.
    • Don't brush the waved portion of your hair. Brush this portion of hair towards the left side of your face using your fingers.
    • Spray your hair with hairspray and allow it to settle for an hour and a half before going out.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Wearing Your Hair Up

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  1. 1

    Try a half-up, half-down top knot. On days where you're crunched for time, put your hair half up and half down. Grab the chunk of hair near the crown of your head and section it off, away from the rest of your hair.[3]

    • Use a paddle brush to tease the hair you just sectioned off.
    • Scrunch the hair into a bun and use an elastic to secure the hair in a tiny top knot on top of your head.
    • Tug at the roots of your hair to create some additional volume.
  2. 2

    Do an easy updo. Put the top half of your hair up and tie it up with an elastic on the top of your head. Do the same with the bottom half of your hair, but secure the bottom half a little lower than the top half of your hair.[4]

    • Take one of the ponytails and pull out a small section of hair. Roll the hair so it forms a small loop, then pin that loop to your head using a bobby pin.
    • Do this around the entire circumference of your first ponytail before repeating the same thing on the second ponytail.
    • Spray the back of your head with a flexible hairspray to secure the hairstyle.
  3. 3

    Use a headband to create an updo. To create this updo, you will need a headband that wraps around the entirety of your head. Slide your headband around your neck, but don't pull it up over your head.[5]

    • Roll the hair in the back of your head around the back of the headband.
    • Pull the headband up into place. The back of your head should look like a rolled bun.
    • Tuck any loose pieces back into the headband to secure them.
  4. 4

    Experiment with a double ponytail. If you are trying to grow out your hair and want your ponytail to look longer, try putting your hair in two ponytails. Tie the first ponytail up at the crown of your head, then position the second ponytail at the nape of your neck.[6]

    • Curl your hair before tying it up to add volume to your ponytails.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Braiding Your Hair

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  1. 1

    Try a crown braid. Use a comb to divide your hair into two sections – one at the crown of your head and one with all the rest of your hair. Take the top section of your hair and French braid it down the center of the crown of your head.[7]

    • Keep braiding until the braid has formed a complete circle.
    • Secure the braid with an elastic and tuck the end underneath the braid. Use bobby pins to secure the braid.
    • Take the other section of your hair and French braid that around the circumference of your head.
    • Use an elastic to secure the braid, then tuck and pin that braid under the braid you made at the top of your head.
    • Add any additional pins you might need to help hold the braid in place.
  2. 2

    Braid your hair into a Mohawk. Use a tail comb to create two hair parts, one over each eyebrow. Separate the two sections of hair and secure them to your head using a clip.[8]

    • Take the center section of your hair and braid it straight back away from your face.
    • Start ½" back from the hairline so the braid will have a little poof at the front.
    • Tightly braid the center piece all the way down the curve of your head, then secure the braid with an elastic.
    • Tuck the braid under the rest of your hair and use pins to secure it.
  3. 3

    Style your hair in a braided bun. Start by parting your hair down the middle. Separate your hair into two loose ponytails and secure them with elastics. Split each ponytail in two and braid each section. By the end, you should have four braids.[9]

    • Use scissors to remove the two elastics holding the two ponytails.
    • Pin the two large ponytails so they crisscross at the nape of your neck.
    • Wrap one of the braids into a bun, then secure the bun with a pin.
    • Wrap all the other braids around that bun, securing each braid with a pin.
    • By the end, you should have one braided bun.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Experimenting with Men's Medium Length Styles

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  1. 1

    Have fun with a comb over. Despite what you think, comb overs aren't just for the older demographic - they can also be modern and fun. Try shaving one half of your head, then combing the remaining hair over to the opposite side so it just barely grazes your chin.[10]

    • Grow out your beard and mustache for a rugged, masculine vibe.
    • If you don't feel confident rocking the razor, ask a friend or hairdresser to shave your head for you.
  2. 2

    Try a top knot for men. If you have medium length hair, your hair is too short for a man bun. However, it's the perfect length to put up in a top knot. Wait till your hair is wet from a shower, then use your hands to run hair cream all over your mane.

    • Use your left hand to grab a fist-full of hair, starting at the top of your head and going back until you reach the crown of your head.
    • Fold the hair in half so it creates a knot on the top of your head, then secure the knot using a hair tie.
  3. 3

    Put your hair up in a short ponytail. If you're growing your hair out and need to keep it out of your face, a short ponytail will be your lifesaver. Gather as much hair as you can in one hand, and use the other to tie an elastic band around the hair, securing it on the back of your head.[11]

    • Whatever hair is not long enough to fit in the ponytail can rest on the back of your neck.
    • This is a great hairstyle to use when working out.
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  • Question

    I have hair near my collarbone and need my hair to be neat and up, any suggestions?

    4 Ways to Style Medium Length Hair - wikiHow (22)

    Community Answer

    You could try a ballerina bun, high ponytail, or you could twist your hair into a ponytail, taking two small strands of hair at the side of your head, winding them and pulling them into the ponytail.

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  • Question

    I have frizzy, wavy, thick hair, and it's only an inch or two past my shoulders. I am unable to make these hairstyles. I also don't want to damage my hair by straightening it and it's extremely hard to brush it. I also don't have anti-frizz spray. What do I do? I want to look nice.

    4 Ways to Style Medium Length Hair - wikiHow (23)

    Community Answer

    Try braiding it! Thick wavy hair is perfect to make a nice, thick braid.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      • Hair is easier to style when it's a little bit greasy, so try not to wash your hair every day.

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      About This Article

      4 Ways to Style Medium Length Hair - wikiHow (33)

      Co-authored by:

      Michael Van den Abbeel

      Professional Hair Stylist

      This article was co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel. Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon. This article has been viewed 58,954 times.

      11 votes - 36%

      Co-authors: 13

      Updated: January 11, 2024

      Views:58,954

      Categories: Hair Care

      Article SummaryX

      To style medium-length hair, try curling big sections of your hair with a curling iron for a natural, just-rolled-out-of-bed look. Or, you can braid your bangs across the crown of your head and pin them just above your ear for a cute, easy hairstyle. If you want to wear your hair up, try putting the top half up in a bun and the bottom half in a second bund that's a little bit lower. Alternatively, you can put the top half of your hair up in a bun and leave the rest of your hair down. For tips on how to braid medium-length hair, scroll down!

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      4 Ways to Style Medium Length Hair - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      How can I style my medium long hair? ›

      Space buns look effortless and work especially well on medium-length hair because they won't be too small or too large. This style is quick and easy and suits any texture. Simply part your hair down the middle, section the top part from the bottom, and clip it.

      Is waist-length hair pretty? ›

      There's no denying that waist-length hair is absolutely gorgeous. There's just something about long hairstyles that can make you feel like a character straight out of a fairytale. Of course, getting to such a long length is easier said than done.

      What can I do with awkward medium length hair? ›

      Hats, scarves, headbands, and other accessories can truly become your best friend. You can use barrettes to pin back longer parts and allow them to mesh with the shorter sections, too. Bobby pins can also be lifesavers; just pin sections of hair that are giving you grief and go about your day.

      How do you get messy medium length hair? ›

      Keep It Loose. If you have long or medium-length hair, stay away from any slick or tight buns, braids or ponytails. The key to mastering messy is to stay loose when you sweep your hair up off your shoulders.

      What hair length is slimming? ›

      A good guide to the length is it should be about 1 ½ times longer than the width of your face. Frame the Face. Instead of a blunt cut, make sure your long hair creates a subtle framing of the face. It creates a focal point into the center of your face which is slimming.

      Is longer or shorter hair sexier? ›

      Traditionally, women have preferred short hair on a man. Clean cut men with neatly cropped hairstyles are the oft-cited “ideal”. However, women tend to be less interested in a man's looks and more in his personality. In other words, with a winning personality, a guy can get away with whatever hairstyle he wants.

      What length of hair is most attractive? ›

      Still, there are instances when both sexes agree on their preferences. In the case of long hair, both sexes prefer it because it is allegedly perceived as more attractive. This supposedly means that both males and females find women with long hair more attractive than those with short hair.

      Which hairstyle is best for medium length hair? ›

      Classic Shag

      If you're worried that a medium-length haircut will make it look like you have less hair, the shag haircut is for you. The allover layers create instant texture and volume so you won't even miss the length.

      How do you wear medium length hair to bed? ›

      Style Before Sleep

      "Create a center part and then comb it into a low ponytail," she says. Add a leave-in styling product, then braid the ponytail down. Your hair will be well-protected and, as a bonus, already styled when you wake up.

      How to slick back hair without looking greasy? ›

      To avoid the greasy look, use a fine-toothed comb. Where many men go wrong is using a wide-toothed comb, resulting in deep tramlines. Work the Style—Once you have product in your hair, you can play with the style a bit more. Don't fight the natural part, or it could appear like a comb-over.

      How can I make my medium length hair look fuller? ›

      1. Apply lightweight styling products. Thick hair masks and heavy serums can weigh down thin hair. ...
      2. Air-dry your hair the right way. ...
      3. Blow dry your strands upwards. ...
      4. Try a voluminous blowout for special occasions. ...
      5. Use clip-in extensions for added volume and length. ...
      6. Use the right dry shampoo. ...
      7. Add volume with braids. ...
      8. Try lowlights.
      Jun 28, 2024

      How can I make my medium hair look longer? ›

      Here are 7 expert styling tips on hairstyles that make your hair look longer:
      1. Rock Extensions. ...
      2. Add Layers. ...
      3. Straighten (with caution) ...
      4. Create a Center Part. ...
      5. Don a Double Ponytail. ...
      6. Become a Half-Up Topknot Hero. ...
      7. Go for Va-Va Volume.
      Sep 9, 2021

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