Buzz
Medium length hair is fantastic – it's effortless to manage, long enough to experiment with styles, yet short enough for quick drying. At times, it may seem like the most exciting hairstyles are exclusive to long locks, but if your hair currently reaches your shoulders, you have plenty of chic options for styling it. So whether you're pressed for time, dealing with a bad hair day, or simply lacking inspiration, there's a perfect style waiting for you.
Easy Steps
Wearing Your Hair Down
Effortlessly Create Loose Waves. On those days when you aim for that effortless, just-rolled-out-of-bed look, try adding natural waves to your hair. Achieve this by wrapping large sections of your hair around a sizable curling iron.
- Allow the hair to slide out of the curling iron almost immediately, creating waves instead of tight curls.
- Apply hairspray to maintain the wave's hold throughout the day.
- Slightly straighten the ends of the waves for a contemporary touch.
PRO TIP
Michael Van den Abbeel
Professional Hair Stylist
Professional Hair Stylist
Enhance your curls' longevity by setting them. Michael Van den Abbeel, the proprietor of Mosaic Hair Studio, suggests: 'For a contemporary method of creating loose waves, heat a hair section with a flat iron, then roll it into a curl and secure it with pins. The longer it cools in that position, the more extended the curl will last, particularly on straight hair.'
Innovatively Braid Your Bangs. If your side-swept bangs require a trim but you're short on time for a salon visit, consider braiding them across the crown of your head and securing the braid with a bobby pin.
- Secure the braid just above your ear.
- Leave the remaining hair down or tie it up in a ponytail for workouts.
Experiment with a Side-Sweep Look. Blow dry your hair using a large barrel brush. Divide your hair into four sections, then curl each section, alternating between clockwise and counter-clockwise curls.
- Pin each section after curling to keep it in place.
- After curling all sections, gently comb through your hair using your fingers.
- Brush the hair on the crown of your head towards the left side of your face using a paddle brush.
- Avoid brushing the waved portion of your hair; instead, use your fingers to guide it towards the left side of your face.
- Apply hairspray and let your hair set for ninety minutes before heading out.
Styling Your Hair Up
Try a Half-Up, Half-Down Top Knot. When time is short, opt for a half-up, half-down style. Gather the hair near your crown and section it off from the rest.
- Tease the sectioned-off hair with a paddle brush.
- Twist the hair into a bun and secure it with an elastic at the top of your head.
- Tug gently at the roots for added volume.
Opt for an Effortless Updo. Tie the top half of your hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head and repeat the process with the bottom half, securing it slightly lower.
- Take a small section of hair from one ponytail, roll it into a loop, and pin it to your head.
- Repeat this process around each ponytail.
- Secure the hairstyle with flexible hairspray.
Create an Updo with a Headband. For this style, you'll need a headband that wraps around your head completely. Place the headband around your neck, leaving it there for now.
- Wrap the hair at the back of your head around the headband.
- Slide the headband into position, creating a rolled bun effect at the back of your head.
- Tuck any loose strands into the headband to secure them.
Experiment with a Double Ponytail. If you're growing out your hair and aiming for longer-looking ponytails, try dividing your hair into two sections. Tie the first ponytail at the crown of your head and position the second at the nape of your neck.
- Add volume to your ponytails by curling your hair before tying it up.
Braiding Your Hair
Try a Crown Braid. Use a comb to separate your hair into two sections – one at the crown and the other containing the rest. French braid the top section down the center of your head.
- Continue braiding until you form a complete circle.
- Secure the braid with an elastic and tuck the end underneath, using bobby pins for extra hold.
- French braid the remaining section around your head.
- Secure it with an elastic and tuck it under the top braid, securing with pins.
- Use additional pins as needed to secure the braid.
Create a Mohawk Braid. Use a tail comb to make two hair parts over each eyebrow. Secure the sections with a clip.
- Braid the center section straight back, starting half an inch back from the hairline.
- Braid tightly down the curve of your head and secure with an elastic.
- Tuck the braid under the rest of your hair and secure with pins.
Fashion a Braided Bun. Begin by parting your hair down the middle. Divide your hair into two loose ponytails and secure with elastics. Braid each section, resulting in four braids.
- Remove the elastics holding the ponytails with scissors.
- Crisscross the large ponytails at the nape of your neck and secure with pins.
- Create a bun with one braid and secure it with a pin.
- Wrap the remaining braids around the bun, securing each with pins to form a single braided bun.
Exploring Men's Medium Length Hairstyles
Embrace the Modern Comb Over. Contrary to stereotypes, comb overs aren't just for older men – they can also exude a contemporary and playful vibe. Consider shaving one side of your head and combing the remaining hair over to the opposite side, grazing your chin.
- Cultivate a rugged, masculine look by growing out your beard and mustache.
- If you're hesitant about using a razor, seek assistance from a friend or barber for a clean shave.
Experiment with a Manly Top Knot. While your medium length hair may not be suitable for a full man bun, it's perfect for a stylish top knot. Apply hair cream to wet hair after showering.
- Gather a handful of hair with your left hand, starting from the top and reaching back to the crown.
- Create a knot at the top of your head by folding the hair in half, then secure it with a hair tie.
Sport a Short Ponytail. As your hair grows, keeping it out of your face becomes essential. Opt for a short ponytail by gathering your hair and securing it with an elastic band at the back of your head.
- Allow any shorter hair to rest on the back of your neck.
- This hairstyle is ideal for workouts.
Handy Tips
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Styling becomes easier when hair has a slight greasiness, so consider avoiding daily hair washing.
