5-Minute Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair

There are styles catered, especially toward girls with long hair and girls with short hair, but what about good old medium-length? You’re smack dab between the cool-girl short chop and the sultry, bohemian look of a VS model. To us, that’s the best of both worlds. You can seamlessly channel ’90s-era Kate Moss on one day and ’60s-era Lauren Hutton on another.

With that being said, there are so many ways to style your medium-length cut that it can be overwhelming. So, like all of us do, you default to your usual ponytail or topknot. Although we love these classic hairstyles, wearing them all the time can feel… well, boring. Whether your medium-length hair is a transitional stage in growing it out, easing into a shorter style, or just the cut you prefer, it’s easy to get stuck in a medium-length rut. Keep scrolling to see gorgeous hairstyles guaranteed to make you fall in love with your hair all over again!

French Braid Updo

This look is reminiscent of a beautiful Dutch royal. You’d never know it takes five minutes to complete. Start by spraying a texturizing spray throughout for added grip. We love Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray ($26). Then part your hair into two sections. French braid down each side until you get to the nape of your neck, and then continue with a normal braid. Once you have two french braid pigtails, wrap them around your head, pinning them securely. So beautiful and so easy. 

Retro-Inspired Updo

For this retro updo, work some moisturizing conditioner through your strands. We love Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream ($6). Then start at your hairline with two pieces of hair. Twirl them around one another, then add more hair from below. Essentially, you’re doing an easy, twisted version of the french braid. Swoop the twist braid all the way around the nape of your neck, and pin. Set with hair spray, and you’re done! 

Half-Up, Half-Down With Curls

This one is a piece of cake. If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, define it by adding a touch of Living Proof Curl Defining Styling Cream ($28) to your strands. Then take two sections of hair from the front and wrap towards the back in a classic half-up hairdo. Secure with bobby pins set in a geometric shape for a decorative yet minimal flare.

Half-Up With Your Favorite Clip

Grab your favorite barrette, scrunchie, or clip, and pull back the very front section of your hair off your face and secure it. Don't keep it right up front, or you'll risk looking like Pebbles from The Flintstones.

Elegant Updo

This hairstyle is effortlessly elegant and perfect for those who want to highlight their natural hair's beauty. Divide your hair into four sections, side, top, back, and opposite side. Then, take the hair at the bottom and roll under towards the nape of your neck, and pin. Do the same with the section of hair at the top. Finally, choose one side and divide the hair that was previously in one section into two. Wrap them, individually, over the bottom and top sections. Finish by wrapping the opposite side over to hide the bobby pins. And there you have it—gorgeous heart-shaped hair. See the full tutorial here. 

Ballerina Bun

In our opinion, the easiest way to get this perfect ballerina bun is to use a hair doughnut (we know, very professional, industry-insider term). Try the Mia Bun Ease ($6). Put your hair in a high ponytail, then starting at the ends, roll it through the ring, twisting up and up until you feel it’s sitting secure (and disguised) at the crown of your head. Pull out a few face-framing pieces, and you’ll be ready for rehearsal.  

Sleek Low Bun

If you want to keep things a little rock-n-roll, try this easy style that Zendaya wears here. Slick the sides and back of your hair into a low bun, then work your fingers into the front and wiggle to create volume.

Bedhead Waves

These bedhead waves are too good. Braid your hair into two braids (Pippy Longstocking–style). Then take your flatiron and press down along each braid. Once you take the braids out, your hair will be perfectly lived-in. Be sure to add some hair spray for an all-day hold. We like Joico Power Spray Fast-Dry Finishing Spray ($17). 

Braided Half-Up, Half-Down

First, part your hair, as you would, to create a classic half-up, half-down hairstyle. On one side, take the section of hair you’ll be pinning back and braid all the way down. Secure with a bobby pin in the back. Do the same with the other side, except when you go to pin, pull open the first braid and thread the new one through. That’s it—five minutes to an ultra-pretty infinity braid. 

Need a little more hair inspo in your life? Next, see eight times low buns were way cooler than topknots.