Introduction
Tired of the same boring hairstyle every summer? Struggling to find fresh, stylish looks that work with your medium-length hair? You’re not alone. Medium hair can feel limiting – too short for elaborate updos, too long for pixie cuts, and often lacking the drama of longer styles.
But here’s the good news: medium hair is actually the perfect canvas for stunning summer hairstyles that are both chic and manageable. These 21 carefully curated looks will transform your medium-length hair into your favorite summer accessory, keeping you cool, confident, and effortlessly stylish all season long.
As a professional hairstylist with over 8 years of experience helping clients navigate the unique challenges of medium hair, I’ve discovered the secrets to making this versatile length work for every face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with humidity, heat, or just want to refresh your look, these styles deliver.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover why medium hair is perfect for summer, how to choose the right style for your unique features, essential styling tips and products, and 21 stunning hairstyles complete with styling instructions. Plus, I’ll share pro tips for maintaining your look in the heat and answer the most common questions about summer hair care.
Table of Contents
Why Summer Hairstyles for Medium Hair Are Perfect
Summer and medium hair are a match made in heaven. This length offers the perfect balance of versatility and manageability that longer and shorter styles simply can’t match. Here’s why medium hair shines during the warmer months:
Effortless Heat Management: Medium hair provides natural cooling without the weight and thickness of long hair that can make you feel overheated. You get the benefits of having hair off your neck when styled up, while still maintaining enough length for beautiful flowing styles when you want to wear it down.
Quick Styling for Busy Summer Days: Most medium hairstyles can be achieved in 10-15 minutes or less, perfect for those spontaneous beach trips, barbecues, or vacation adventures. You spend less time styling and more time enjoying your summer activities.
Versatility for Every Occasion: From professional poolside events to casual backyard gatherings, medium hair adapts to any summer scenario. The same cut can look polished for work meetings or relaxed for weekend getaways with just a few simple styling adjustments.
Weather-Resistant Styling: Medium hair handles humidity and heat better than longer styles that can become heavy and unmanageable. These lengths also bounce back more easily from swimming, sweating, and other summer activities.
Choosing the Right Summer Hairstyle for Medium Hair
Selecting the perfect summer hairstyle isn’t just about what looks trendy – it’s about finding a style that complements your unique features and lifestyle. Here’s how to make the right choice for your medium hair.
Best Cuts for Your Face Shape
Oval Face Shape: You’re the lucky one who can pull off almost any medium hairstyle. Consider layered cuts that add movement, or try a classic lob (long bob) that hits right at the collarbone. Avoid styles that add too much volume at the sides, which can make your face appear wider.
Round Face Shape: Look for styles that add height and create vertical lines. Side-swept bangs, long layers that start below the chin, and textured cuts work beautifully. The key is avoiding blunt cuts that end at your jawline, which can emphasize roundness.
Square Face Shape: Soften your strong jawline with layers and waves. Styles with movement around the face, like beachy waves or soft curls, work wonderfully. Avoid sharp, geometric cuts that can emphasize your natural angles.
Heart-Shaped Face: Balance your wider forehead with styles that add volume at the jawline. Chin-length layers, textured ends, and side-swept bangs help create harmony. Avoid styles that add volume at the crown.
Hair Type Considerations
Fine Hair: Choose cuts with layers to create the illusion of thickness. Blunt cuts at medium length can make fine hair look fuller, while subtle layers add movement without removing valuable bulk. Avoid over-layering, which can make fine hair appear thinner.
Thick Hair: Embrace your natural volume with styles that work with your texture rather than against it. Longer layers help distribute weight and prevent the dreaded triangle shape. Consider thinning techniques to remove bulk while maintaining style.
Curly Hair: Work with your natural texture by choosing cuts that enhance your curl pattern. Layers cut specifically for curly hair can help define your curls and prevent awkward lengths that disrupt your natural shape.
21 Summer Hairstyles for Medium Hair You’ll Love
Now for the main event – 21 stunning summer hairstyles that will make your medium hair the star of the season. Each style includes step-by-step instructions and pro tips for best results.
#1 Beachy Waves for Medium Length Hair
The ultimate summer hairstyle that captures that effortless, just-off-the-beach vibe. This look works on all hair types and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Pro Tip: The key to authentic beachy waves is imperfection. Don’t worry about making every wave identical – the slight irregularity is what makes this style so naturally beautiful.
#2 Straight Collarbone Length Cut with Shine
A sleek, polished look that’s perfect for professional settings or when you want to look effortlessly put-together. This style emphasizes healthy, glossy hair.
Pro Tip: For extra shine, do a final cool blast with your blow dryer to seal the hair cuticles. This creates a mirror-like finish that looks salon-professional.
#3 Cute Braided Crown for Medium Hair
Perfect for festivals, weddings, or whenever you desire to feel like a summer goddess, this romantic, bohemian style keeps hair off your face with an intricate, special look.
Pro Tip: Practice this braid on clean, day-old hair – it has more grip and texture, making the braiding process easier and the final result more secure.
#4 Low Bun with Loose Strands for Work
A professional yet approachable style that works for the office, client meetings, or any time you need to look polished while staying cool.
Pro Tip: Use bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless look, and spray them with hairspray before inserting for extra hold.
#5 Classic French Braid for Medium Hair
A timeless style that’s both practical and elegant. Perfect for active days when you need your hair completely out of the way but still want to look put-together.
Pro Tip: If your hair is very smooth or fine, spray with texturizing spray before braiding to help the style hold better throughout the day.
#6 Volumized Layers for Flat Hair
This cut and style combination is specifically designed to give life and movement to hair that tends to fall flat. It’s perfect for fine or straight hair that needs extra body.
Pro Tip: Blow-dry your hair upside down for the first few minutes to create maximum volume at the roots, then finish with the round brush for smoothness.
#7 Messy Shoulder Length Waves with Layers
This effortlessly chic style looks like you just ran your fingers through perfectly imperfect waves. It’s ideal for those who want style without too much effort.
Pro Tip: The messier, the better with this style. Resist the urge to over-style – the natural, tousled look is what makes this hairstyle so appealing.
#8 Side Parted Lob with Soft Bangs
A sophisticated take on the classic lob (long bob) that’s flattering on most face shapes and easy to style for various occasions.
Pro Tip: Use a tail comb to create a perfectly straight part, and consider using a flat iron to smooth the bangs for a more polished look.
#9 Textured Fringe for a Large Forehead
This style uses strategic layering and texturing to balance facial proportions while creating a modern, edgy look.
Pro Tip: Cut the fringe when hair is dry and styled in its natural texture for the most accurate length and shape.
#10 Thick Hair Medium Length with Blunt Ends
This style embraces the natural fullness of thick hair while creating a clean, modern silhouette that’s both stylish and manageable.
Pro Tip: Regular trims every 6-8 weeks are essential for maintaining the sharp, blunt line that makes this style so striking.
#11 Curly Shoulder Length Style for Black Women
This style celebrates natural texture while providing a flattering, manageable length that works for professional and casual settings.
Pro Tip: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and maintain curl definition overnight.
#12 Tapered Medium Style for Women Over 60
This age-appropriate style offers sophistication and ease of maintenance while providing flattering shape and movement.
Pro Tip: This style looks best when freshly cut, so schedule regular appointments every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape.
#13 Feathered Medium Cut for Women Over 50
A classic style updated for modern sensibilities, offering softness and movement that’s flattering for mature women.
Pro Tip: This style works best on hair with some natural body. If your hair is very straight, consider getting a body wave for easier styling.
#14 Light Layers for Fine Hair with Natural Bounce
Strategically placed layers add movement and the illusion of thickness to fine hair without removing too much bulk.
Pro Tip: Avoid heavy styling products that can weigh down fine hair. Instead, use lightweight formulas that add body without residue.
#15 Wavy Medium Hairstyle with Subtle Layers
This style enhances natural waves while adding subtle layering for movement and shape.
Pro Tip: For more defined waves, try the “plopping” method – wrap wet hair in a microfiber towel for 20 minutes before air-drying.
#16 Volume Boosting Shag for Thin Hair
The modern shag cut is perfect for adding volume and texture to thin hair while creating a trendy, rock-and-roll vibe.
Pro Tip: The shag cut looks best with some natural texture, so embrace a slightly messy, lived-in look rather than trying to make it too perfect.
#17 Textured Lob for a Round Face Shape
This textured long bob is specifically cut and styled to elongate round faces while providing modern, effortless style.
Pro Tip: Keep the texture asymmetrical and avoid too much volume at the sides, which can make round faces appear wider.
#18 Curly Medium Hair with Face Framing Layers
This cut celebrates natural curls while using strategic layering to create a flattering frame around the face.
Pro Tip: Cut curly hair when it’s dry and in its natural state for the most accurate shape and length.
#19 Layered Shoulder Length Cut with Soft Movement
This versatile cut works on most hair types and provides natural movement and flow that’s perfect for summer.
Pro Tip: This style is all about soft, natural movement. Avoid over-styling and let the cut do the work for you.
#20 Breezette Cut
A modern interpretation of classic layered cuts, the Breezette features wispy, face-framing layers that move beautifully in summer breezes.
Pro Tip: This cut looks best when it appears slightly undone, so resist the urge to over-style.
#21 Solglow Hairstyle
This sun-kissed style combines strategic highlighting with a flattering cut that seems to glow from within – perfect for summer.
Pro Tip: This style relies heavily on the color work, so invest in professional highlights that complement your skin tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I achieve these styles on chemically treated hair?
Absolutely! Many of these styles work beautifully on colored, highlighted, or chemically treated hair. However, chemically treated hair requires extra care and moisture, so invest in high-quality conditioning treatments and be gentler with heat styling. Always use heat protectant products and consider using lower temperatures on styling tools.
How do I protect my hairstyle from chlorine damage?
Prevention is key when it comes to chlorine protection. Before swimming, saturate your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to create a protective barrier. After swimming, rinse immediately with fresh water and use a clarifying shampoo followed by a deep conditioning treatment. Consider wearing a swimming cap for extended pool sessions.
What should I do if my hair gets frizzy in humidity?
Frizz is often a sign that your hair needs more moisture or that you’re using the wrong products for your hair type. Try using a heavier leave-in conditioner, switch to sulfate-free shampoos, and incorporate more moisturizing treatments into your routine. On humid days, embrace styles that work with texture rather than against it.
Are these styles suitable for all ages?
Most of these styles can be adapted for different age groups by adjusting the styling technique and overall finish. For example, a younger person might wear beachy waves with more texture and a messier finish, while someone older might prefer a more polished, controlled version of the same basic style.
How can I make my medium hair look thicker?
Choose cuts with strategic layering that creates the illusion of thickness without removing too much bulk. Use volumizing products at the roots, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, and consider subtle highlights that add dimension and the appearance of more hair.
What’s the best way to style medium hair when it’s growing out?
Growing out medium hair can be challenging, but regular trims to maintain shape and strategic styling can help. Focus on styles that work with your current length rather than fighting it, and use accessories like headbands or scarves to add interest during awkward growing phases.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fresh, new hairstyles that celebrate the freedom and fun of the season. Medium hair offers the ideal balance of versatility and manageability, allowing you to create stunning looks that keep you cool, comfortable, and confident all summer long.
From effortless beachy waves to polished professional styles, these 21 summer hairstyles for medium hair prove that you don’t need extremely long or very short hair to make a statement. The key is choosing styles that work with your natural texture, face shape, and lifestyle while embracing the relaxed, carefree spirit of summer.
Remember, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful while being practical for your daily life. Don’t be afraid to experiment, try new techniques, and most importantly, have fun with your hair this summer!
Ready to transform your medium hair into your favorite summer accessory? Choose your top three styles from this list and start experimenting. Your perfect summer look is waiting to be discovered, and with these expert tips and techniques, you’ll be turning heads all season long!
