23 Marvelous Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair in 2025

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Medium-length hair is that sweet spot where you can experiment without the hassle of extreme maintenance. Whether you’re after soft waves, a chic updo, or something in between, there’s a lot you can do with this length. For layers, ask your stylist to add some face-framing pieces to keep your hair light and give it movement. If you prefer a low-maintenance routine, consider blunt ends—they’re sleek and easy to style. Want more dimension? Adding a few highlights or balayage can make your medium-length cut pop. There’s a perfect style for every texture and personality, so don’t be afraid to switch things up. Explore these medium-length hairstyles and find your new go-to look!

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Medium-length layered hairstyle with face-framing layers and soft volume

#1 Trendy Medium Hairstyle for Women

This medium-length cut is perfect if you want effortless movement with a touch of volume. The soft layers throughout help lighten the weight of thick hair while adding texture, making it a great choice for those with medium to thick hair density. The face-framing layers work especially well for heart-shaped and oval faces. The slight inward flip at the ends adds a playful feel, but it could require regular styling to maintain that shape.

Medium-length hairstyle with a deep side part and tousled waves for added texture and volume

#2 Side Part for Medium Hair

A deep side part like this can completely change up your medium-length hairstyle, giving it extra volume and drama. The tousled, textured waves add a bit of edge, making it great for a night out or a more casual, undone look. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this style works especially well for square or round face shapes, as the side part helps soften and elongate the face.

Before and after of long brown hair transformed into a mid-length layered cut with feathered ends and blonde highlights

#3 Layered Mid-Length Cut with Feathered Ends

This dramatic transformation takes ultra-long, one-length brown hair and revives it with a voluminous mid-length layered cut. The feathered ends add softness and movement, while the face-framing layers and side-swept bangs highlight cheekbones beautifully. Ideal for thick, straight, or slightly wavy hair, this cut reduces bulk and makes styling quicker. Subtle blonde highlights enhance dimension and give a sun-kissed finish. Expect to spend some time blow-drying with a round brush to perfect the feathered effect.

Medium-length face-framing haircut with soft layers and curtain bangs

#4 Face-Framing Medium Haircut

This face-framing cut is perfect for medium-length hair. The soft layers around the face create a flattering silhouette, especially for heart and oval face shapes. The curtain bangs add a modern touch, blending seamlessly into the layers. Best suited for medium to thick hair, this cut offers versatility whether you wear it straight or styled with waves.

Medium-length hair styled in loose, soft curls with subtle highlights for added dimension

#5 Soft Curls on Medium Hair

These loose, soft curls create a romantic, effortless look for medium-length hair. The curls add natural volume, making it great for medium to thick hair. The subtle highlights give the curls depth and dimension. This style works well for both formal and casual occasions, but if your hair is fine, you might need to add a bit of texturizing spray to maintain the curls’ shape.

Medium-length hair with soft layers that add movement and volume

#6 Medium Hair with Layers

These soft, cascading layers on medium-length hair add dimension and movement, making it perfect for fine to medium hair types. The subtle layering frames the face, giving a flattering shape for oval and round face shapes. It’s a great choice if you want volume without the need for heavy styling products. This style can easily be worn straight or with loose waves for added texture.

Medium-length naturally curly hairstyle with soft bangs and voluminous, defined curls

#7 Curly Hairstyle for Black Women

This defined curly hairstyle is perfect for medium-length hair. The bouncy, tight curls add incredible volume and texture, making it ideal for those with naturally curly hair. The soft bangs blend effortlessly into the curls, giving a youthful, playful vibe. This style is great for heart or oval face shapes and works best with a good moisturizing routine to keep the curls hydrated and frizz-free.

Medium-length hairstyle with soft layers, ideal for adding volume and movement to thin hair

#8 Medium Hairstyle for Thin Hair

This medium-length cut is perfect for thin hair, as it features soft layers that add movement and prevent the style from falling flat. The length gives you enough versatility to style it with waves or keep it straight. The face-framing layers are flattering for oval or long face shapes. To add fullness, try using a lightweight mousse before styling to keep the volume up without weighing the hair down.

Tousled, messy medium-length hairstyle with loose waves for a laid-back, textured look

#9 Messy Look for Medium Hair

This tousled, messy look is perfect for medium hair if you want something casual but with texture and volume. The slightly undone waves make it low maintenance while still stylish. It works best for those with naturally wavy or straight hair, and it’s a great way to add movement to thick hair without too many layers. A bit of dry shampoo or texturizing spray will help you keep this look in place.

Medium-length hair with curtain bangs, adding softness and face-framing layers

#10 Medium Hair with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are a great option if you’re looking to add softness and shape to your medium-length hair. They blend seamlessly into layers, making it an easy way to refresh your look without too much commitment. This style works best on medium to thick hair, and the long, face-framing pieces can help elongate round or heart-shaped faces. Keep in mind that bangs require more upkeep with trims.

Medium-length sleek bob, ideal for fine hair, with subtle inward bend at the ends

#11 Medium Bob for Fine Hair

This sleek, chin-length bob is ideal for fine hair. The blunt cut helps give the appearance of thicker hair, while the slight inward bend at the ends adds structure. This style is low maintenance and perfect for those looking for a polished, everyday look. Just be aware that fine hair can tend to go flat, so using a volumizing mousse or spray is key to keeping that body throughout the day.

Medium-length hair styled in loose beachy waves for a casual, textured look

#12 Beach Waves for Medium Hair

These beachy waves give your medium-length hair a laid-back, effortless texture. The soft waves work best for those with fine to medium hair, adding volume and dimension without looking overdone. It’s perfect for an everyday casual look or a special event. If your hair is straight, a curling wand can help achieve this tousled effect, but it may require some texturizing spray to hold the wave.

Medium-length brunette hair with subtle highlights and soft layers for a dimensional look

#13 Brunette Medium Hair

This medium-length brunette style has subtle highlights blended throughout for added dimension. The soft layers and face-framing pieces make it versatile for both straight and wavy textures. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something low-key but still polished. Works best for those with medium hair density, as the layers help prevent the style from looking too flat.

Medium-length haircut with layers, perfect for thick hair, adding movement and shape

#14 Easy Thick Medium Hairstyle

This style is great for those with thicker hair, as the soft layers add movement without making the hair too heavy. The layers start around the face, creating a natural frame that flatters most face shapes, especially oval and long faces. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance cut that still adds style, this could be a good option. You’ll likely need a bit of styling to keep the ends looking bouncy.

Medium-length shaggy waves with soft layers, adding texture and volume for a casual look

#15 Shaggy Waves for Medium Hair

These shaggy waves give a laid-back, textured look that works well on medium-length hair. The soft layers enhance natural curls or waves, adding body and movement. Perfect for those with fine to medium-density hair. This cut is flattering for square or round face shapes, helping to balance out features while keeping the overall look casual and low-maintenance.

Half-up formal hairstyle with loose waves and a decorative clip for medium-length hair

#16 Formal Medium Hairstyle

This half-up, half-down style is perfect for formal occasions. The loose waves add softness and volume, while the pinned-back top section gives it an elegant finish. It’s ideal for medium-length hair with some natural wave or texture. Pair it with a decorative clip or accessory to elevate the look. Best suited for fine to medium hair, but can work on thicker hair with some texturizing.

Medium-length straight hairstyle with soft layers for a sleek and polished look

#17 Straight Medium Hairstyle

This sleek, straight medium-length style features subtle layers that keep the ends looking soft and fresh. Ideal for those with fine to medium hair, the layers add just enough movement without taking away from the straight, smooth finish. It’s a classic choice for an everyday, polished look. However, if you have thicker hair, you might need some extra thinning or smoothing products to keep frizz at bay.

Medium-length hair styled in a half-up, half-down look, adding volume and texture

#18 Half-Up Style for Medium Hair

This half-up, half-down style is perfect for medium hair, offering the best of both worlds—keeping hair out of your face while still showcasing length. This style is great for adding volume at the crown while leaving some texture in the bottom half. It’s an easy, versatile look for day-to-night wear, but if your hair is fine, a bit of teasing at the roots can help achieve that volume.

Medium-length hair with brow-grazing bangs, creating a face-framing look

#19 Bangs with Medium Hair

If you’re thinking about adding bangs to your medium-length hair, this look shows how soft, brow-grazing bangs can seamlessly blend into a layered cut. The straight-across fringe frames the face beautifully, making it a great option for those with oval or longer face shapes. Keep in mind that bangs will require more frequent trims, especially if you prefer a more polished look.

Medium-length layered hairstyle with soft waves and off-center part, flattering for round face shapes

#20 Medium Cut for Round Faces

This medium-length cut features soft layers, perfect for adding structure to round faces. The loose waves and slightly off-center part elongate the face, making it look slimmer. If you have fine to medium-density hair, this style will help add volume and movement without overwhelming your face shape. It’s also easy to style with just a bit of wave.

Medium-length hair with voluminous natural curls, ideal for adding body and shape

#21 Medium-Length Curly Hair

These voluminous curls are perfect for medium-length hair, especially if you have naturally curly or wavy hair. The curls give plenty of body and shape, making it a great option for those with medium to thick hair density. This style works well with heart and oval face shapes. Just be prepared for some maintenance to keep the curls defined and frizz-free.

Medium-length hair in a side braid leading into a low ponytail, creating a stylish and practical look

#22 Simple Braids for Medium-Length Hair

This side braids into a low ponytail is both chic and practical. It’s perfect for keeping medium-length hair in place while adding a bit of flair. Great for straight or slightly wavy hair, it’s an ideal option for casual or semi-formal occasions. The braid adds texture and interest to otherwise simple hairstyles but may require a bit of practice if you’re not used to braiding.

Medium-length hair styled in loose beachy waves for a soft, textured look

#23 Easy Waves for Medium Hair

These soft, beachy waves are perfect for medium-length hair, giving it texture and volume without too much effort. The waves work beautifully for fine to medium hair density and look great on most face shapes. If your hair is naturally straight, this style will need a curling iron or wand to create those defined, loose curls, but the tousled finish makes it easy to maintain between washes.