Here’s the thing about medium-length hair—it’s incredibly versatile. It’s not too short and it’s not too long, which means you get the best of both worlds as far as styling is concerned. Do you want to straighten your hair into a sleek, center-parted lob? Great. How about showing off your natural texture in a curly topknot? Or, do you want to replicate the wet-look hairstyle that celebrities like J.Lo and Kim Kardashian have made famous? With medium-length hair, you have all of these options and more (many more).
The best part is that you don’t have to be a professional hairstylist to achieve A-list results. There are countless examples of medium-length hairstyles that are both easy and flattering (trust us, those two things can coexist). You might just need some proof to believe it. That’s where we come in. Keep scrolling to see 15 of our favorite easy hairstyles for medium-length hair. These are sure to broaden your hair horizons.
1. Flipped Ends
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Flipped ends have been trending for a while now, and they show no signs of stopping. That’s probably because they’re so flattering and so easy to achieve. Simply run a flat iron down your strands before flipping your wrist up at the end to angle the hair out. It’s that easy.
2. Slicked-Back Style
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There are a few things that will never change. One of them is that we will always love a slicked-back hairstyle. To recreate Taylor Hill’s version of the look, we’ll use a styling product, a strong-hold hairspray, and our hands—no (damaging) heat tools necessary.
3. Curly Topknot
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Here it is—the selfie liked around the world. Not only is Zendaya’s makeup utterly flawless in this picture, but her curly topknot is, too. Before tossing your hair up into an elastic, enhance your natural texture with a moisture-boosting, curl-defining styling cream.
4. Old-Hollywood Waves
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Okay, so old Hollywood waves are probably the most difficult of all the hairstyles on this list, but don’t despair. If you have a curling iron, hair clips, and a brush, this style is totally doable. (We also recommend applying a classic red lipstick with it, but that’s just us).
5. Y2K-Inspired Up-Do
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Dua Lipa is known for her love of Y2K-inspired style, and this up-do fits the bill. The key to achieving this look is to leave a large portion of hair out of the bun to frame the face. Straighten the pieces so they look sharp and structural (but don’t forget to use heat protectant).
6. Center Part with Piecey Waves
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This fool-proof style is exceptionally easy to replicate. Just be sure to use a texture spray to give definition and piecey-ness to the hair, so your strands can look like Laura Harrier’s do.
7. Braided Front Pieces
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Hailey Bieber’s braided front pieces are an opportunity to embrace your natural hair texture, whatever it is. Simply section off two small pieces of hair on either side of your face using a comb, braid them down and secure them with a clear elastic. Voilà, style complete.
8. ’60s-Inspired Ponytail
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If the flipped ends hairstyle morphed with a classic ponytail, this would be the result. We love the volume and lift this look has, as well as the high-shine finish. Do as Kim did (or should we say as her hairstylist did?) and secure the ponytail with multiple elastics for a dramatic shape.
9. The Wet-Look
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Nothing mades a simple hairstyle look more elevated and red carpet-ready than styling it to have a wet look. Simply run a product that has a glossy, high-shine finish from root to tip.
10. Half-Up Half-Down
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No matter your hair type, whether straight, wavy, or curly, a half-up half-down hairstyle will always work. For proof, look to Eva Longoria and her casual weekend-esque style.
11. Ballet Bun
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Selena Gomez proves a ballet bun is (and always will be) classic. We think the secret is in the sectioning. Making sure your hair is parted on center makes it feel polished and elegant.
12. Slick Low Pony
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When in doubt, go for a low, slicked-back ponytail. It works with any aesthetic—pairing perfectly with natural makeup as well as dramatic makeup and from athleisure all the way to formal wear. Just make sure you seal in the style with a non-crunchy hairspray. Bonus points if you use one that offers long-lasting hold, a boost of shine, and UV protection.
13. Effortless Claw Clip Style
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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is the queen of minimalism, and that goes for her hair, too. All you need to replicate this look is a claw clip and a few tendrils of hair left out at the front to frame your face. It only takes seconds to acheive, and the less perfect it is, the better.
14. Sleek, Center-Parted Lob
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We’re loving Kourtney Kardashian’s short haircut, which was a fairly recent change from her previously waist-grazing length. Seeing as it falls somewhere between her chin and her shoulder, it definitely qualifies as medium length. Take heed from her and dust off your flat iron for a sleek, center-parted lob. Finish with a healthy amount of shine serum.
15. Bubble Ponytail
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A bubble ponytail is so flattering and so easy. Just look to Gabrielle Union for proof. Simply tie your hair back and place elastics evenly down the length of it. It will take all of five minutes.
Be sure to use snag-free hair elastics to prevent tangles and (what’s worse) breakage.
Next, from J.Lo to Dua Lipa, these are the best ponytails to copy right now.