Medium-length hair looks flattering on most face shapes and allows you to keep some feminine length while requiring less maintenance than ultra-long locks. Keeping hair shoulder length or slightly longer gives you the option of putting your hair up when you need to get it off your face. Whether your hair is poker-straight, wavy or you have bouncy curls, there are plenty of elegant and stylish ways to wear medium hair up or down.

Gibson Roll

The Gibson roll originated in Edwardian Britain but enjoyed a revival during the 1940s as an elegant and practical way for women to get their hair off their faces while working during wartime. This retro style is ideal for medium-length hair. Start by twisting the hair on the sides of your head back on itself until you reach the nape of your neck. Secure in a low ponytail with a hair elastic and roll it up on itself. Tuck the hair under and secure it in place with bobby pins.

Long Bob

The long bob, or ‘lob,’ is more versatile than a traditional, shorter bob as it retains enough length for you to tie your hair up. This style is great for making even fine hair look thick and healthy. This style is usually cut longer around the front, framing the face. This makes it flattering for all face shapes.

Low Bun

A stylish low bun looks elegant for work but can be relaxed enough for the weekend too. This look is easier to achieve than a high bun for medium-length hair as it won’t leave any straggling hair at the nape of your neck. To create a low bun, gather your hair into a low ponytail and tie it with a hair elastic. Twist the ponytail and then wrap it around the hair elastic, tucking the ends under and fixing it in place with bobby pins.

Low Pony Tail

A low ponytail is a classic style and a quick way to get your hair up in a hurry while still looking stylish. Prepare your hair beforehand by straightening with a flat iron or curling the ends, depending on the look you want to achieve. When you’ve tied your ponytail in place, create a polished finish by wrapping a strand of hair around to disguise the elastic and secure it with a bobby pin.

Messy Waves

Messy waves add some edge and texture to a medium-length haircut. This style is easiest to achieve on hair that hasn’t been washed for a day or so, as very clean hair won’t hold a wave as easily. Tong sections of your hair using a curling iron, curling each section in a different direction to create a more natural, unstructured look. Add some hair wax to create a messy texture.

Blunt Bangs

Bluntly cut bangs give a cool, sixties vibe to medium-length hair and help to frame your face. This style is especially flattering if your face is heart-shaped. If you’re not quite ready to commit to blunt bangs, ask your stylist to cut in feathered side-swept bangs for a softer take on this classic look.

Braided Headband

This hairstyle is more suitable for medium-length hair than a braided crown, which requires more length. It’s a great way to frame your face and works well on curly hair. To achieve this style, section off the front of your hair, leaving the back loose. Starting behind your ear, French braid the front section tightly above your forehead until you get to the other ear. Finish the braid a little lower than the ear so you can secure it with an elastic and hide the loose end under the rest of your hair.

Boxer Braids

Boxer braids are a fashionable way to get your hair off your face for a casual look or while you’re working out. Part your hair in a straight parting down the middle of your head and French braid each side, securing at the ends with elastics. For a twist on this look, try Dutch braiding your boxer braids. Instead of weaving the sections over each other, weave them underneath instead. This gives your braids more volume.

Braided Updo

This braided up-do looks elaborate but is actually easy to achieve. Its relaxed style makes it ideal for medium-length hair as a few flyaways won’t matter. Start by braiding your hair into two pigtails. Wrap them around the back of your head, one above the other, and pin them in place. Tuck the ends into your hair to hide them and secure them with bobby pins.

Deep Side Part

A deep side part is a great way to dramatically but temporarily change up your medium haircut without committing to a whole new style. This look works well with all hair types and textures. One of the major advantages of a deep side part is its ability to slim the face. It works with loose hair or with an updo or ponytail.