Shoulder-length hair is long enough to twist into a low bun with four U-pins, but short enough that freshly washed hair slips out of a claw clip by mid-afternoon. Most of these simple hairstyles for medium hair take about five minutes, and the updos tend to hold better on second-day hair with a little dry shampoo or texture spray.
1. Low Twisted Bun
A low twisted bun is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that works for the office and evenings. Twist the hair at the nape, wrap it into a small knot and pin with three or four U-pins. Long internal layers in the cut make the bun sit flatter. It suits shoulder-length hair of any density. Leave two face-framing pieces out. It takes about five minutes.
2. Claw Clip Twist
A claw clip twist is one of the fastest hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough for any morning. Twist the hair up the back of the head, fold the ends over and secure with a medium claw clip. It works best on hair at least shoulder length with some layers. Pull out a few face-framing pieces. It holds better on second-day hair with a little dry shampoo.
3. Half-Up Half-Down With a Clip
A half-up half-down style keeps the top section off your face and leaves the length down. Section from the temples back, twist once and secure with a small claw clip or barrette. Curl the ends with a 1.25-inch iron for a finished look. It suits medium hair of any density and texture. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that works on day two or three.
4. Half-Up Top Knot
A half-up top knot gathers the top section into a small knot at the crown. It adds height and keeps hair out of your eyes. Section from the temples, twist into a knot and secure with an elastic. Leave the rest straight or waved. It suits medium hair of medium to thick density. It takes three minutes and works on second-day hair.
5. Messy Bun
A messy bun on medium hair works best with layers that let pieces fall out naturally. Spray dry texture spray through the lengths, gather a high or mid ponytail, wrap loosely and pin with U-pins. Pull out pieces at the temples and nape. It suits fine to thick hair. It is one of the most worn hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough to do without a mirror.
6. Low Ponytail With a Wrapped Base
A low ponytail with a wrapped base looks polished in under five minutes. Brush the hair back with a smoothing cream, secure at the nape, and wrap a small section around the elastic. Pin it underneath. It suits straight or wavy medium hair of any density. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that I recommend for work. Smooth flyaways with a light gel.
7. High Ponytail
A high ponytail on medium hair is short and bouncy rather than long. Brush the hair to the crown, secure with a spiral elastic, and tease the ponytail slightly at the base for fullness. It suits medium to thick hair. Layers in the cut make the ponytail look fuller at the ends. Finish with a little hairspray on the hairline. It holds all day.
8. Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail uses small clear elastics every two inches down a ponytail, with each section pulled out into a bubble. On medium hair, you get three or four bubbles. It suits medium to thick hair. Start with a high or low ponytail and loosen each section with your fingers. It is one of the easy hairstyles for medium hair that holds through a workout.
9. Two Dutch Braids
Two Dutch braids work on hair as short as the shoulders. Part down the middle and braid underhand from the hairline to the ends, adding hair as you go. Secure with small elastics. It suits medium to thick hair. Smooth flyaways with a light gel. Sleep in them for heatless waves the next day. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair for the gym.
10. Single French Braid
A single French braid down the back keeps medium hair secure all day. Start at the crown and braid overhand down to the nape, then finish in a three-strand braid. Long layers can poke out, so use a light gel on the sections as you braid. It suits medium to thick hair. Pancake the edges for a fuller look. It takes about five minutes.
11. Side Braid
A loose side braid moves medium hair over one shoulder. Gather the hair to one side, braid loosely, and pull the edges out. Leave a few face-framing pieces down. It suits medium to thick hair at least to the shoulders. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that looks good on second-day waves. Secure with a small clear elastic.
12. Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid splits the hair into two sections and crosses small pieces from the outside of each. On medium hair, it ends just below the shoulder. It suits medium to thick hair of any texture. Braid over one shoulder, secure, and loosen the edges. It takes about five minutes and holds all day. Long layers make the braid look fuller.
13. Braided Half-Up
A braided half-up takes a small section from each temple, braids them, and pins them together at the back of the head. The rest of the hair stays down. It suits medium hair of any density. Curl the length with a 1.25-inch iron for a finished look. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough for weddings and events.
14. Twisted Half-Up
A twisted half-up uses two twists instead of braids. Take a section from each temple, twist it back away from the face, and pin both at the back with a small clip. It suits fine to medium hair that is too slippery for braids. It takes two minutes. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that keeps the front out of your face.
15. Low Chignon
A low chignon gathers medium hair into a smooth roll at the nape. Twist the hair upward, tuck the ends in, and pin with U-pins. It suits medium to thick hair at least to the shoulders. Leave a few face-framing pieces out and curl them. Finish with flexible hairspray. Long internal layers in the cut keep the roll from looking bulky. It works for weddings, work and events.
16. Space Buns
Space buns are two small buns on each side of the crown. Part down the middle, make two high ponytails, twist each into a bun and pin. On medium hair, the buns come out small and neat. It suits medium to thick hair. Pull out a few pieces at the hairline. It is one of the more playful easy hairstyles for medium hair for concerts and festivals.
17. Low Pigtails
Low pigtails split medium hair into two ponytails behind each ear. Part down the middle and secure each side with an elastic. Wrap a small section around each elastic for a cleaner look. It suits straight or wavy hair of any density. Curl the ends with a 1-inch iron for a softer finish. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that works on day three.
18. Scarf Ponytail
A silk scarf tied around a low ponytail covers the elastic and adds color. Secure a low ponytail, fold a small scarf into a strip, and tie it around the base with the ends hanging down. It suits medium hair of any density. It is one of the easiest hairstyles for medium length hair easy to dress up for brunch or work.
19. Headband Style
A wide padded headband pushes medium hair back and adds height at the crown. Place it an inch behind the hairline and pull the hair behind it forward slightly. It suits medium hair of any density and texture. It hides second-day roots and frizz at the hairline. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that takes ten seconds.
20. Tucked-Behind-the-Ears Lob
Tucking a collarbone lob behind the ears is the simplest way to wear medium hair. I cut the lob blunt with a slight bend at the ends so it falls forward neatly. It suits fine to medium straight hair and oval or heart-shaped faces. Blow-dry smooth or air-dry with a smoothing cream. Tuck one side only for a deeper side part look. Trim every 8 weeks.
21. Flat Iron Beach Waves
Flat iron beach waves are one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that look like you spent more time than you did. Take one-inch sections, twist the flat iron half a turn and glide down, leaving the last inch straight. Alternate directions. It suits fine to medium straight hair. Finish with dry texture spray and shake the waves out. It lasts two days.
22. Heatless Braid Waves
Heatless braid waves skip hot tools completely. Braid slightly damp medium hair into two braids before bed and take them out in the morning. Break the waves up with your fingers and a light oil. It suits fine to thick straight hair. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough to do the night before. The waves last two days.
23. Bent Waves
Bent waves are flatter than curls, with a single bend in each section. Clamp a flat iron at mid-length, bend the hair over it, and release. It suits medium straight hair of any density. Finish with a light texture spray. It is one of the most worn simple hairstyles for medium hair right now, and it takes about ten minutes.
24. Sleek Straight Blowout
A sleek straight blowout suits a blunt medium cut. Blow-dry with a paddle brush, then flat-iron in one-inch sections. Finish with a shine serum. It suits fine to thick straight or wavy hair. I cut the perimeter blunt so the ends look full. The blowout lasts two to three days with dry shampoo. Pair it with a center part for a cleaner line. Trim every 8 weeks.
25. Bouncy Round-Brush Blowout
A bouncy round-brush blowout gives medium hair volume at the crown and curl at the ends. I cut layers from the chin down so the blowout holds. Blow-dry each section with a large round brush and set with velcro rollers while it cools. It suits medium to thick straight hair. It lasts three to four days. Trim every 8 weeks.
26. Air-Dried Waves
Air-dried waves are the easiest of all hairstyles for medium length hair. I cut long internal layers so natural waves form without bunching at ear level. It suits 2A to 2C waves. Scrunch mousse into wet hair and leave it alone until dry. Refresh with water and a light cream on day two. Use a microfiber towel to keep the waves from frizzing. Trim every 10 weeks.
27. Slicked-Back Low Ponytail
A slicked-back low ponytail is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair for humid days. Brush a strong-hold gel through damp hair, comb it back with a fine-tooth comb and secure at the nape. Wrap a section around the elastic. It suits any texture and density. Long layers in the cut can poke out, so use a little extra gel on the ends. It holds without touch-ups all day.
28. Side-Pinned Style
Pinning one side back behind the ear with two crossed bobby pins makes medium hair look styled in one minute. Deep side part the hair, smooth the light side back and pin above the ear. Curl the heavy side with a 1.25-inch iron. It suits fine to medium hair. It is one of the easiest hairstyles for medium length hair for events.
29. Barrette With a Side Part
A single barrette on the light side of a deep side part keeps medium hair off the face. Choose a pearl or metal barrette and clip it just above the temple. It suits straight to wavy hair of any density. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that works with air-dried texture. Swap the barrette for a small claw clip on day two. It takes thirty seconds.
30. Twisted Front Pieces
Twisting the two front pieces back and pinning them at the crown keeps them out of your face without a full updo. Take a one-inch section at each temple, twist it back and cross-pin with bobby pins. It suits medium hair with face-framing layers. It suits women of any age who want the front off the face. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough for school drop-off.
31. Rope Twist Ponytail
A rope twist ponytail splits a ponytail in two, twists each section the same direction, then twists them together the opposite way. It holds without a braid. It suits medium to thick hair. Secure with a small elastic at the end. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that looks more detailed than it is. It takes four minutes.
32. Flipped Ends
Flipping the ends of medium hair outward is a 90s look that takes five minutes. I cut the hair blunt at the shoulders with a few long layers so the flip holds. Blow-dry with a large round brush, turning the ends out, and finish with light hairspray. It suits straight hair of medium density. Use a heat protectant before the round brush. Trim every 8 weeks.
33. Deep Side Part Waves
A deep side part with soft waves gives medium hair volume on one side. Flip your part to the other side, curl with a 1.25-inch iron, and brush the waves out with a wide-tooth comb. It suits fine to medium hair. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair for evenings out. Use a heat protectant before the curling iron. The waves last two days.
34. Low Knot
A low knot ties the hair itself into a knot at the nape, no elastic needed. Split the hair into two sections, tie them in a simple knot, and pin the ends under. It suits medium hair at least to the shoulders, of medium to thick density. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough to do in the car.
35. Topsy Tail Ponytail
A topsy tail ponytail flips the hair through a gap above the elastic, creating a twisted roll at the base. Make a low ponytail, open a gap above the elastic and pull the ponytail through. It suits medium hair of any density. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that looks polished. Pull a few face-framing pieces out to soften it. It takes one minute.
36. Pull-Through Braid
A pull-through braid looks like a full braid but uses only elastics. Make a ponytail, add a second ponytail below it, split the first and pull the second through, and repeat. Pancake each section. It suits medium hair that is too layered to braid. Use clear elastics so the sections blend in. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair easy for beginners.
37. Bandana Style
A folded bandana tied at the nape keeps medium hair back and covers second-day roots. Fold a square scarf into a strip, place it an inch behind the hairline, and knot it under the hair at the nape. Wear the rest of the hair down or in a low ponytail. It suits any texture. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair for weekends.
38. Medium Wash-and-Go Curls
A medium wash-and-go is one of the simplest routines for curly hair. I cut the shape dry, curl by curl, with layers through the crown. Apply leave-in and gel to soaking-wet hair, then air-dry or diffuse. It suits 3A to 3C curls. Refresh on day two with water. Sleep on a satin pillowcase to keep the curls defined. Plan a dry cut every 10–12 weeks.
39. Medium Twist-Out
A twist-out on shoulder-length coily hair gives defined waves that last three to five days. Twist damp hair with a twisting cream, let it dry fully, and unravel. Fluff the roots with a pick. It suits 4A to 4C hair. It is one of the easy hairstyles for medium hair with natural texture. Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase. Reshape the cut every 8–10 weeks.
40. Medium Silk Press
A silk press on shoulder-length natural hair gives a sleek, swinging finish that lasts one to two weeks. I cut long layers after the press so the shape moves. It suits natural hair of medium to thick density. Wrap it at night with a silk scarf and avoid humidity. A satin pillowcase helps the press last longer. Trim every 8–10 weeks.
41. Mini Claw Clips on the Front Pieces
Two mini claw clips holding back the front pieces keep medium hair out of your face. Take a small section at each temple, twist it back, and clip just behind the hairline. It suits any medium hair texture. It works well while growing out bangs. Choose clips that match your hair color for a softer look. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair that takes thirty seconds.
42. Low-Maintenance Layered Cut
The easiest hairstyles for medium hair start with a cut that needs little styling. I cut long, point-cut layers from the chin down so the hair falls into place air-dried or blow-dried. It suits fine to thick straight or wavy hair and most face shapes. Air-dry with a smoothing cream. Ask for the shortest layer at the chin for the most movement. It grows out well, so trim every 10–12 weeks.
43. Shoulder-Length Blunt Cut
A blunt shoulder-length cut keeps fine and medium hair looking full at the ends. I cut a clean perimeter and add light internal layers only if the hair is thick. It suits fine to medium straight hair. Flat-iron it sleek or bend the ends with a curling iron. It is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair to maintain. Trim every 8–10 weeks.
44. Medium Shag
A medium shag air-dries into shape, which makes it one of the easiest hairstyles for medium length hair. I razor-cut layers from the crown and take weight out around the ears. It suits medium to thick wavy hair. Scrunch in sea salt spray and air-dry, or diffuse with mousse. It is one of the easier cuts to grow out between appointments. Trim every 8–10 weeks.
45. Medium Cut With Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs on a medium cut frame the face and make even a simple ponytail look styled. I cut the bangs to the cheekbones and layer the length from the chin. It suits fine to thick straight or wavy hair. Blow-dry the bangs with a round brush and air-dry the rest. Trim the bangs every 4–6 weeks and the length every 10.
Medium hair is the length I reach for when someone says they are in a rut, because it twists into a low bun or a claw-clip knot without the slipping you get on shorter cuts. For easy hairstyles for medium hair, I keep U-pins and one clip on the nightstand so the five-minute version actually holds through a full day. Washed-or-not both work if you start at the nape. oval face haircuts stay the most requested shape in my chair, and the same length rules apply here.