22 Easy Hairstyles for Medium Hair to Try This Summer
Summer is the perfect time to switch up your look and have a little fun with your hair. Whether you are heading to the beach, a backyard barbecue, or a rooftop dinner, the right style can make all the difference. These easy hairstyles for medium hair are designed to save you time without sacrificing style. From braided crowns to breezy buns, every look on this list is simple enough for everyday wear and beautiful enough for any summer occasion.
1. Beachy Waves with a Middle Part
Summer is the perfect season to embrace natural texture, and beachy waves are one of the most effortless looks you can pull off with medium length locks. This style works beautifully on both straight and naturally wavy hair, requiring nothing more than a curling wand and a good sea salt spray to get that lived-in finish everyone loves.
What makes this look so appealing is how low maintenance it truly is. You can refresh it the next morning with a quick scrunch and a little dry shampoo, and it still looks intentional and chic. Whether you are heading to a rooftop brunch or a casual afternoon at the farmers market, beachy waves never feel out of place during the warmer months.
2. Sleek Low Ponytail with a Wrap
A sleek low ponytail is one of those timeless styles that never goes out of fashion, especially when temperatures rise and you need your hair off your neck. The wrapped detail around the base elevates what could be a simple updo into something that looks intentional and polished, without requiring much effort or skill to recreate at home.
This look is particularly great for medium hair because the length sits perfectly at the nape of the neck, giving the ponytail just the right amount of weight and movement. Pair it with a flowy sundress or tailored linen outfit, and you have a put together summer look from head to toe that took you less than ten minutes to achieve.
3. Half Up Twist with Loose Ends
The half up twist is one of the sweetest warm weather styles for anyone with medium length hair. It keeps the front sections and face framing pieces neatly out of your eyes while still allowing the rest of your hair to flow freely and show off its natural texture. It strikes that ideal balance between styled and casual that so many people are looking for on busy summer days.
You do not need any heat tools to pull this one off, which makes it even more appealing when humidity is high and you want to protect your strands. Simply twist two sections from each side of your head, secure them together at the back with a small clip or elastic, and you are ready to go. It works on straight, wavy, and even lightly curled textures with equal charm.
4. Braided Crown with Flowing Hair
A braided crown instantly transforms medium hair into something that looks like it belongs at a summer wedding or a boho outdoor festival. The technique involves braiding two sections from either side of the head and pinning them across the crown, creating a floral wreath effect without any actual flowers required. It is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of the pinning.
The best part about this style is how versatile it is. You can keep it neat and refined for a formal summer event, or loosen the braid slightly and pull out a few pieces for a more relaxed, undone aesthetic. Adding small wildflowers or decorative pins along the braid makes it feel even more special and personalized for the occasion.
5. Textured Bob with Side Swept Bangs
A textured bob with side swept bangs is a fresh and flattering option for anyone with medium length hair who wants something that requires minimal daily styling. The layers built into the cut do most of the heavy lifting, creating natural movement and volume without needing much product. A quick blowout or even air drying gives this cut a consistently great finish.
Side swept bangs have a way of softening facial features and adding a touch of old Hollywood glamour to an otherwise simple cut. They are also incredibly practical during summer since they stay out of your eyes while still framing your face beautifully. A light hold spray is all you need to keep them in place even on the windiest beach days.
6. Space Buns with Wavy Texture
Space buns have made a serious comeback and they are particularly fun to wear when you have medium length hair. The length gives you enough to work with to create full, satisfying buns at the top while still leaving some wavy texture flowing below, which adds dimension and keeps the overall look from feeling too severe or structured.
This is a great style for hot days when you want your hair completely off your neck but still want something more interesting than a standard ponytail. The wavy texture underneath softens the buns and gives the whole look a beachy, festival ready energy. Try pairing this style with hooped earrings and a colorful summer outfit for maximum impact.
7. Classic French Braid
The French braid is one of those foundational styles that every person with medium hair should have in their rotation, especially during summer. It keeps every strand secured and off the face and neck, making it ideal for active days at the beach, hiking trails, or outdoor events where you need a style that genuinely holds up against wind and humidity.
Learning the French braid technique does take a little practice, but once mastered it becomes one of the quickest styles you can do each morning. The tighter you braid, the longer it lasts, and you can always loosen it slightly at the end for a softer, more romantic finish. Finish with a clear elastic and a light hold hairspray to keep flyaways in check all day.
8. Soft Curtain Bangs with Open Hair
Curtain bangs have become one of the defining hair trends of recent years, and for good reason. They work beautifully on medium length hair by adding a soft, face framing element that makes even the simplest blowout look intentional and styled. The parted, feathered shape flatters almost every face type, which is a big part of their enduring appeal.
During summer, curtain bangs are manageable and relatively low maintenance compared to blunt bangs that require frequent trims to stay sharp. They grow out gracefully and can be pinned back on humid days when you just want your face clear. A round brush and a blow dryer are all you need to style them fresh each morning, and they tend to fall back into place naturally throughout the day.
9. Messy Bun with Face Framing Pieces
The messy bun is arguably one of the most beloved quick styles for medium length hair, and summer is its prime season. Getting all that hair up and off your shoulders in under five minutes while still looking stylish is a genuine gift on hot mornings. The key is not over perfecting it since the slightly undone look is exactly what gives it its charm.
Leaving out a few face framing pieces around the front makes a significant difference in how polished the final look feels. These loose strands soften the overall effect and draw attention to the face rather than letting the bun look too severe or hasty. A little texturizing spray or dry shampoo worked through the bun before pulling it up adds grip and that effortlessly tousled finish.
10. Sleek Straight Hair with Center Part
Sleek straight hair with a center part is a minimalist style that never feels boring when done well. For medium length hair, this look hits beautifully because the ends sit right around collarbone or shoulder level, giving the straightened hair a sharp and deliberate finish. A flat iron and a smoothing serum are your two best tools for achieving that glass like shine.
This style pairs effortlessly with bold accessories since the simplicity of the hair lets statement earrings, necklaces, or a chic headband take center stage. It is also a wonderful base for other styles throughout the day. You can start with sleek straight hair in the morning and twist it into a low bun or half up style by afternoon without any additional heat required.
11. Boho Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid looks incredibly intricate but is actually much more approachable than it appears once you understand the basic technique. For medium hair, a side fishtail braid draped over one shoulder creates a beautifully romantic silhouette that feels right at home at summer weddings, garden parties, or even a relaxed evening out with friends.
The boho version of this braid is deliberately imperfect, which removes a lot of the pressure to get every section perfectly even. Once you finish braiding, spend a moment gently pulling on the outer edges of each section to widen the braid and give it that lush, full appearance. The more you loosen it, the more effortless and carefree the final style looks.
12. Low Bun with a Silk Scarf
A low bun on its own is already a beautiful and practical summer style, but wrapping a silk scarf around the base instantly transforms it into something that feels genuinely special and fashion forward. The scarf introduces color, pattern, and personality to a simple updo without requiring any additional heat styling or complicated technique.
Medium length hair is ideal for this look because the bun sits at just the right size and weight at the nape to hold the scarf securely. Choose a lightweight silk or satin scarf in a bold print or a complementary solid color and wrap it around the elastic before tying it in a loose knot or bow at the front of the bun. It takes seconds and makes a lasting impression.
13. Waterfall Braid with Loose Curls
The waterfall braid is one of the most visually stunning styles you can create with medium length hair, and it pairs especially beautifully with loose curls or waves flowing underneath. The technique involves releasing a section of hair with each stitch rather than incorporating it back into the braid, allowing those strands to cascade down like a waterfall through the woven sections.
This style works best on hair that already has some wave or texture to it, as straight hair can make the flowing sections look a little flat. If your hair is naturally straight, add some soft curls with a large barrel wand before braiding. The result is a fairy tale worthy look that is genuinely achievable at home with a little practice and patience.
14. Pineapple Updo with Curly Texture
The pineapple updo is a celebrated technique within the curly hair community, and summer is truly its season. By gathering all the hair at the very crown of the head rather than pulling it all the way down into a tight ponytail, the curls are allowed to retain their shape and spring without being stretched or flattened by the weight of the hair below.
This technique is also one of the gentlest ways to protect curls overnight or on high humidity days. Using a satin scrunchie instead of a regular elastic prevents breakage and keeps the curl definition crisp and intact. For a more polished daytime look, define the curls around your face and edges with a little curl cream before gathering the rest upward.
15. Twisted Rope Braid Ponytail
The twisted rope braid ponytail is a brilliant alternative to a regular ponytail when you want something that looks more intentional and polished without requiring significantly more time or effort. The technique is simple: split the ponytail into two sections, twist each one in the same direction individually, then wrap them around each other in the opposite direction and secure the end.
This style holds up exceptionally well throughout a full day of summer activities because the tension of the opposing twists keeps everything locked in place naturally. It works on straight, wavy, and lightly textured hair alike, and looks particularly striking when done on hair with highlights or balayage coloring that shows off the dimensional twist pattern beautifully.
16. Slicked Back Bun with Baby Hairs
The slicked back bun with styled baby hairs is a look that has deep cultural roots and has grown into a widely celebrated mainstream style over recent years. For medium length hair, this updo offers a clean and striking silhouette that keeps everything neat and controlled while the baby hairs along the forehead and temples add artistry and individuality to the overall presentation.
A strong hold gel or edge control product is essential for achieving those smooth, laid edges and defined baby hair curls. Use a soft toothbrush or an edge brush to shape the baby hairs into small swirls, waves, or loops before they set. The rest of the hair can be gathered into a neat bun at whatever height feels most flattering to your face shape.
17. Layered Shag Cut with Curtain Bangs
The layered shag is one of the most exciting haircuts to get if you have medium length hair and want a style that practically does itself. The extensive layering throughout the cut creates so much natural movement and volume that even air drying results in a look that feels intentional and full of personality. It suits almost every hair texture, from straight to wavy to lightly curly.
Pairing the shag cut with curtain bangs amplifies the vintage inspired, cool girl aesthetic significantly. Together they frame the face in a way that feels both flattering and effortlessly stylish. During summer, this cut thrives because the layers actually embrace humidity and natural texture rather than fighting against it, making it one of the most seasonally appropriate cuts you can choose.
18. High Ponytail with Voluminous Root
A high ponytail is one of those styles that looks instantly more elevated when you take the time to tease and volumize the root area before securing the elastic. For medium length hair, this extra step at the crown adds the illusion of length and gives the ponytail a lush, dramatic swing that a flat ponytail simply cannot achieve on its own.
To keep the volume lasting all day in summer heat, apply a volumizing spray at the roots before blow drying upside down, then lightly backcomb the crown section before pulling everything up. Wrapping a section of hair around the elastic to hide it, just as with the low ponytail, adds that finishing touch of polish that takes this everyday style to the next level effortlessly.
19. Pin Straight with Glossy Shine
Achieving pin straight hair with that enviable glossy finish requires a combination of the right tools and the right products working together. Start with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner, apply a heat protectant and a lightweight serum before blow drying, and then use a high quality flat iron in slow, deliberate passes to seal the cuticle flat and reflect light uniformly.
The payoff for that extra product and technique investment is a style that genuinely turns heads. Pin straight hair on medium length allows the cut’s shape to be seen in its purest, most precise form, which is especially striking if you have a sharp blunt cut or precision layers. A finishing gloss spray as the last step amplifies the shine to an almost editorial level.
20. Side Swept Updo with Flower Pins
A side swept updo decorated with flower pins is one of the most romantic and seasonally appropriate styles you can wear during the summer months. The asymmetrical nature of sweeping everything to one side creates a graceful, artistic silhouette that feels fresh and intentional without looking overly formal or stiff. Medium length hair handles this style particularly well because it gives enough volume to fill out the updo beautifully.
Flower pins come in an enormous range of styles, from tiny daisies to larger statement blooms, and mixing a few different sizes throughout the updo creates a naturally gathered, garden inspired effect. You can use fresh flowers on very special occasions or high quality faux ones for everyday wear. Either way, the floral element brings a joyful, summery spirit to the entire look.
21. Braided Headband with Open Hair
The braided headband is one of the cleverest and most charming ways to keep your hair out of your face during summer without resorting to a full updo. By taking a thin section from one side, braiding it across the crown, and pinning it behind the opposite ear, you create what looks like a decorative headband made entirely from your own hair. It is a beautiful and functional detail.
This style works on virtually every hair texture and length within the medium range, and it pairs particularly well with open waves or natural texture flowing below. It gives even the simplest air dried style an intentional, put together finish that makes it look like you spent considerably more time getting ready than you actually did, which is always a wonderful outcome on a busy summer morning.
22. Textured Waves with a Claw Clip
The claw clip has made one of the most triumphant comebacks in recent beauty history, and it has earned every bit of its renewed popularity. For medium length hair, a large claw clip can gather just the right amount of hair to create a soft, full updo that looks intentionally styled while taking less than thirty seconds to execute. It is the ultimate summer time saving technique.
Leaving some wavy texture framing the face before clipping the rest back adds dimension and softness to the overall look, preventing it from appearing too severe or hasty. The key is to clip the hair loosely rather than pulling it tight, allowing natural pieces to fall and frame naturally. Pair this style with minimal jewelry and a clean summer outfit and you have a look that is both effortless and genuinely stylish.
Conclusion:
Finding styles that actually work for your length does not have to feel overwhelming. This collection proves that easy hairstyles for medium hair can be just as stunning as anything that takes hours to achieve. Whether you gravitate toward sleek and polished or relaxed and bohemian, there is something on this list for every mood and every summer moment. Pick your favorites, bookmark this page, and make this your most stylish summer yet.
