Shoulder-length hair is long enough to braid, pin into space buns or twist up in a claw clip, but short enough to blow-dry with a round brush in under 20 minutes. That middle ground is why cute hairstyles for medium hair can range from a choppy shag to a three-minute half-up on second-day hair.
1. Butterfly Cut With Flipped Ends
A medium butterfly cut stacks short layers at the cheekbones over longer layers through the back. I cut the top layers by pulling hair forward, then blend them into the collarbone length. It suits medium to thick hair and oval or heart faces. Blow-dry with a large round brush and flip the ends out. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that holds volume for two days. Trim every 8 weeks.
2. Curtain Bangs With Shoulder-Length Layers
Curtain bangs with shoulder-length layers frame the face from the brow to the cheekbones. I cut the bangs center-parted and longest at the outer edges, then point cut the layers to match. It suits oval, oblong and square faces and fine to thick hair. Blow-dry the bangs with a small round brush. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair I cut most. Trim bangs every 4 weeks.
3. Medium Shag With Bangs
A medium shag uses choppy layers at the crown and around the face with a razor, plus a full fringe. The length sits at the collarbone. It suits wavy and curly hair of medium density and works on oval and long faces. Air-dry with a sea salt spray or curl cream. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that looks better on day two. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
4. Medium Wolf Cut
A medium wolf cut combines shaggy crown volume with a tapered, wispy length at the shoulders. I razor cut the top short and leave the back longer. It suits thick, wavy hair best, and oval or heart faces. Style with texture spray and a diffuser, then scrunch. Skip heavy oils. It works for clients who want a cute cut that needs no blow-dry. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
5. 90s Flipped Ends
Flipped ends take a shoulder-length cut with long layers and turn the last two inches outward. I keep the perimeter slightly blunt so the flip holds. It suits straight and slightly wavy hair of medium to thick density and works on round and oval faces. Blow-dry with a round brush rolled out at the ends, then set with hairspray. Trim every 8 weeks so the ends stay crisp.
6. Collarbone Lob With Soft Waves
A collarbone lob is cut with a slight forward angle and light internal layers. Soft waves from a 1.25-inch iron make it one of the most requested cute medium length hairstyles. It suits fine to medium hair and oval, round and square faces. Leave the ends straight for a modern finish and use a light texture spray. Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
7. Wispy Bangs With Medium Layers
Wispy bangs are point cut and thinned so the forehead shows through. They pair with layers starting at the chin on shoulder-length hair. It suits fine to medium hair and oval or long faces, and softens a high forehead. Blow-dry the bangs flat with a small brush. A little dry shampoo keeps them separated. Trim the bangs every 3 to 4 weeks.
8. Bottleneck Bangs
Bottleneck bangs are short and narrow at the center, then widen and lengthen past the cheekbones. I cut them with point cutting so they blend into face-framing layers. It suits oval, heart and long faces and medium to thick straight or wavy hair. Blow-dry the bangs with a small round brush, center out. They are one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that grows out well. Trim every 4 to 5 weeks.
9. Ribbon Half-Up
A ribbon half-up ties a satin ribbon over a small ponytail at the crown. Section from the temples back, secure with a clear elastic and tie the ribbon in a bow. It suits all densities and works best with face-framing layers. Curl the length loosely with a 1-inch iron. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that takes under three minutes.
10. Low Ponytail With a Big Bow
A low ponytail with a big bow clips a fabric or velvet bow over the elastic at the nape. Brush the hair back with a smoothing cream and secure the ponytail first. It suits straight or wavy medium hair of any density. Curl the ponytail ends with a round brush. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that works for work and holidays. Pull out two face-framing pieces.
11. Low Pigtail Braids
Low pigtail braids split the hair down the center and braid each side behind the ears. On medium hair, the braids reach just past the shoulders. It suits medium to thick hair of any texture. Pancake the braids for width and secure with small elastics or ribbons. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles for weekends. Sleep in them for waves the next day.
12. Bubble Pigtails
Bubble pigtails make two low ponytails and add clear elastics every two inches down each. Pull each section out into a bubble. On medium hair, you get two or three bubbles per side. It suits medium to thick hair. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair for festivals and the gym. Use a light gel at the part to keep it clean.
13. Space Buns
Space buns are two high buns on either side of a center part. Make two high ponytails, twist each into a bun and secure with an elastic. On medium hair, the buns are small and tight. It suits medium to thick hair. Pull out face-framing pieces for a softer look. Use a light hold spray to tame flyaways. It takes about five minutes.
14. Half-Up Space Buns
Half-up space buns gather only the top half into two small buns and leave the rest down. Part at the center, section from the temples back, and twist each side into a mini bun. It suits fine to thick hair. Curl the length loosely. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that works on second-day hair with dry shampoo.
15. Mini Claw Clip Half-Up
A mini claw clip half-up twists two front sections back and holds them with small claw clips. It keeps hair off the face and leaves the length down. It suits fine to medium hair and clients with face-framing layers. Use clips that match your hair color for a softer look, or bright colors for a playful one. It takes under two minutes.
16. Twisted Half-Up With a Pearl Clip
A twisted half-up takes a section from each temple, twists it back and joins the two with a pearl barrette at the crown. It suits fine to thick hair and oval or heart faces. Curl the length with a 1-inch iron. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair for weddings and dinners. Use small bobby pins under the clip for hold.
17. Silk Scarf Headband
A silk scarf headband folds a square scarf into a thin band and ties it at the nape under the hair. It keeps medium hair off the face and covers second-day roots. It suits any hair type and density. Wear the length down with loose waves or in a low ponytail. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles for travel and hot days.
18. Knotted Headband With Bangs
A knotted headband pushed back two inches from the hairline lets curtain or wispy bangs fall forward. It adds height without width, so it suits oval and oblong faces. Style the length with loose waves or a smooth blowout. It suits fine to thick hair. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that hides an overdue blow-dry.
19. Milkmaid Braids
Milkmaid braids braid two sections and pin them across the top of the head. On medium hair, the braids meet at the crown. It suits medium to thick hair at least to the shoulders. Pancake the braids for width and pin with U-pins in a matching color. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles for summer weddings. Mist with hairspray to hold flyaways.
20. Dutch Braids Into Low Buns
Dutch braids into low buns braid underhand from the hairline to the nape on each side, then twist the ends into two small buns. It suits medium to thick hair. Use a light gel for clean parts. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that lasts all day and through workouts. It takes about ten minutes. Take them out at night for loose waves.
21. Braided Headband
A braided headband takes a section behind one ear and braids it across the top of the head, pinned behind the other ear. It keeps the face clear and leaves the length down. It suits medium to thick hair and works well while growing out bangs. Pancake the braid for width. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that takes about five minutes.
22. Braided Bangs Pinned Back
Braided bangs pinned back braid the fringe sideways along the hairline and pin it above the ear. It works on bangs at least cheekbone length. It suits round and heart faces, since it opens the forehead. Use a light gel on the bangs before braiding. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair for clients growing out a fringe.
23. Messy Low Bun With Face-Framing Pieces
A messy low bun on medium hair works best with layers, which fall out at the temples and nape. Spray a dry texture spray through the lengths, gather a low ponytail, wrap loosely and pin. Pull out face-framing pieces. It suits fine to thick hair. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles for second-day hair. Finish with a light hold spray so the bun keeps its shape.
24. High Ponytail With Curtain Bangs
A high ponytail with curtain bangs leaves the bangs out to frame the face. Brush the length to the crown and secure with a spiral elastic. On medium hair, the ponytail is short and bouncy. It suits medium to thick hair and oval or long faces. Curl the ponytail ends. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair for the gym and errands.
25. Half-Up Top Knot
A half-up top knot gathers the top section into a small knot at the crown. It adds height and suits round faces. Section from the temples back, twist into a knot and secure. It suits medium to thick hair. Leave the length straight or waved. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that takes three minutes and works on day two or three.
26. Low Pigtails With Scrunchies
Low pigtails with scrunchies make two loose ponytails behind the ears and secure them with silk or velvet scrunchies. It suits fine to thick hair of any texture. Curl the ends with a 1-inch iron for a finished look. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that causes less breakage, since scrunchies grip gently. It takes two minutes.
27. Stacked Barrettes on One Side
Stacked barrettes push one side behind the ear and hold it with three or four small clips in a row. It shows off face-framing layers on the opposite side. It suits straight and wavy hair of fine to medium density. Use a deep side part. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that takes one minute. Mix gold and pearl clips.
28. 90s Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips twist small front sections back and pin each with a mini butterfly clip. Use six to eight clips along the part. It suits fine to medium straight hair. Leave the length sleek or slightly waved. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair for concerts and parties. Small twists keep the clips from sliding out. Remove them before bed.
29. Heatless Robe Curls
Heatless robe curls wrap damp hair around a robe belt or foam rod overnight. Take it out in the morning and separate with your fingers. It suits fine to medium straight or wavy hair. Apply a light mousse before wrapping. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that avoids heat damage between trims. Curls last about two days.
30. Beach Waves on Medium Hair
Beach waves on medium hair wrap two-inch sections around a 1-inch flat iron and leave the last inch straight. Long layers cut with point cutting help the waves separate. It suits fine to thick straight or wavy hair. Finish with a texture spray. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that lasts two to three days with dry shampoo.
31. Bouncy Round-Brush Blowout
A bouncy blowout on medium hair adds lift at the roots and curl at the ends. Blow-dry with a large round brush, then set in Velcro rollers for 10 minutes. Face-framing layers starting at the chin help the bounce. It suits medium to thick hair and oval or square faces. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that lasts three days. Trim every 8 weeks.
32. Curly Medium Shag
A curly medium shag is cut dry, curl by curl, with short layers at the crown and longer ones at the shoulders. It suits 3A to 3C curls of medium to thick density. Apply a curl cream and gel to soaking-wet hair, then diffuse. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that shows off curl pattern. Trim every 10 to 12 weeks.
33. Curly Half-Up Puff
A curly half-up puff gathers the top section into a loose puff at the crown with a satin scrunchie. The rest of the curls stay down. It suits 3B to 4A curls of medium to thick density. Smooth the front with a soft brush and edge gel. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles for day-three curls. Refresh with water and leave-in.
34. Medium Twist-Out
A twist-out sets two-strand twists on damp, moisturized hair and unravels them when dry. On medium natural hair, it gives defined, stretched curls. It suits 4A to 4C hair of medium to thick density. Separate gently with oiled fingers. Sleep in a satin bonnet. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that lasts four to five days. Trim every 12 weeks.
35. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots section the hair into small squares and coil each into a tight knot at the scalp. It suits 3C to 4C natural hair of medium length and works on most face shapes. Use a styling cream on each section. Wear them as is, or unravel for a knot-out. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that protects the ends. Keep them in up to a week.
36. Shoulder-Length Box Braids Half-Up
Shoulder-length box braids worn half-up gather the top braids into a small bun at the crown. Medium-size braids take about four hours to install. It suits 3C to 4C hair and most face shapes. Keep the scalp moisturized with a light oil. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that lasts six to eight weeks. Do not leave them longer.
37. Money Piece Highlights
Money piece highlights brighten the two front sections of shoulder-length hair. I cut face-framing layers first, then lighten the front pieces from root to tip, two or three shades lighter than the base. It suits warm and neutral skin tones. Style the front pieces with a round brush. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles for brunettes. Touch up the root every 6 to 8 weeks.
38. Strawberry Blonde Waves
Strawberry blonde on shoulder-length hair is a golden copper with a light pink tone. I color it from root to end, then add loose waves to show the depth. It suits fair skin with warm undertones. Wash with cool water and a color-depositing conditioner. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair for spring. Refresh the gloss every 6 weeks.
39. Peekaboo Highlights
Peekaboo highlights place a hidden color under the top layer, so it shows when hair moves or is tucked behind the ears. I paint pink, blue or blonde on the lower sections only. It suits dark brown and black bases. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles for clients who want color without a full commitment. Tone every 6 to 8 weeks.
40. Piecey Choppy Layers
Piecey choppy layers are point cut deeply into the ends so the hair separates. On medium hair, the shortest layer sits at the chin. It suits medium to thick hair, straight or wavy, and square faces. Twist small sections with a texture paste after blow-drying. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair that hides uneven growth. Trim every 8 weeks.
41. Bardot Half-Up
A Bardot half-up teases the crown for height and pins it back, then leaves the rest down. Tease at the root with a fine comb, smooth the surface and pin. It suits fine to medium hair and round faces, since height lengthens the face. Leave curtain bangs out. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles for evenings. Finish with a firm hold spray.
42. Claw Clip Twist
A claw clip twist holds medium hair up with one clip. Twist the hair up the back of the head, fold the ends over and close a medium claw clip across the twist. It suits hair at least shoulder length with some layers. Pull out a few face-framing pieces. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair for hot days. Second-day hair holds best.
43. Pull-Through Ponytail
A pull-through ponytail looks like a large braid but uses only small elastics. Make a ponytail, split it, pull sections through each other and secure every two inches. Pancake each section. It suits fine to medium hair, since it adds width. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that needs no braiding skill. Use clear elastics. It takes five minutes.
44. Braids With Gold Hair Cuffs
Braids with gold hair cuffs add small metal rings to thin braids near the face. Braid two small sections at the temples and slide on the cuffs. It suits any hair type and works on straight, wavy or curly hair. Leave the rest down. It is one of the cute hairstyles for medium hair for festivals and vacations. Cuffs slide off for washing.
45. Soft Layered Lob for Women Over 40
A soft layered lob for women over 40 sits at the collarbone with layers starting at the cheekbones. It lifts the face and hides thinning at the ends. I keep the perimeter blunt. It suits fine to medium hair of any texture. Style with a round-brush blowout. It is one of the cute medium length hairstyles that looks polished. Gloss every 6 weeks and trim every 8.
Cute does not have to mean childish, and medium hair is the easiest place to prove it with space buns or a twisted claw-clip updo that reads playful but tidy. For cute hairstyles for medium hair I pull a few wispy pieces down by the ears so the style softens instead of looking stiff. A wax stick tames the flyaways faster than any spray. oval face haircuts stay the most requested shape in my chair, and the same length rules apply here.