9 Summer Hairstyles For Medium Length Hair Looks That Will Seriously Inspire You

9 Summer Hairstyles For Medium Length Hair Looks That Will Seriously Inspire You

Medium length hair might be the most underrated length out there. It’s long enough to braid, curl, and pile into a half-up style, but short enough that it dries fast and doesn’t weigh you down on a hot afternoon. If you’ve been scrolling for inspiration, here are nine summer hairstyles for medium length hair that actually work with the heat, humidity, and everything else summer throws at your hair.

Effortless Beach Waves

This is the one style everyone asks for the moment temperatures rise. Loose, tousled waves with a slightly undone finish give off that just-back-from-the-ocean vibe without needing an actual ocean.

It suits pretty much every face shape and works best on medium to thick hair with a bit of natural texture already. Fine hair can still pull it off, just expect the waves to loosen up faster over the day.

Grab a curling wand or a flat iron, wrap sections away from your face, then run your fingers through once everything cools. A texturizing spray with sea salt keeps the wave pattern going without stiffness. Maintenance is low, which is exactly why this look never goes out of style.

Half-Up Braided Crown

There’s something about a braided half-up style that feels put together even when you rushed out the door. Two small braids pulled back and pinned at the crown keep hair off your neck while leaving the rest loose and flowing.

Wavy or straight medium hair both work well here, and it’s especially flattering on round or heart-shaped faces since it adds height without hiding your face. Thinner hair benefits from a little dry shampoo at the roots first for extra grip.

Style it with a middle or slightly off-center part, then loosely braid two front sections and cross them at the back. Maintenance is minimal, and it holds up surprisingly well through a full beach day.

Low Sleek Ponytail

When it’s too hot to deal with loose hair, a low sleek ponytail is the answer. Smooth, close to the head, and gathered low at the nape, this style is polished enough for dinner out but simple enough for a Tuesday morning.

It works especially well on straight or slightly wavy medium hair and flatters oval and square face shapes the most since it draws attention to your jawline and cheekbones. Thicker hair may need a strong-hold gel to keep flyaways in check.

Smooth hair back with a boar bristle brush, secure with a thin elastic, then wrap a small section around the base to hide it. A shine serum on the ends keeps things glossy instead of flat.

Curtain Bangs With Loose Layers

Curtain bangs have stuck around for a reason, and paired with soft layers through medium length hair, they frame the face in a way that feels custom-fit no matter your features. The wispy, face-framing pieces soften angular jawlines and add movement to straighter cuts.

This works on nearly any texture, though wavy hair tends to blend the bangs into the rest of the style more naturally. Fine hair especially benefits since the layers create the illusion of volume.

A round brush and blow dryer will get the bangs to curve outward, or you can rough dry and finish with a flat iron for soft bends. Expect a trim every six to eight weeks to keep the shape from growing out awkwardly.

Textured Lob With Balayage

The textured lob, short for long bob, sits right around the collarbone and pairs beautifully with hand-painted balayage. The choppy, slightly undone ends give it a lived-in feel, while the color adds dimension that catches the light on sunny days.

This cut suits medium to thick hair with some natural wave, and it’s a favorite for anyone wanting lower maintenance color since balayage grows out softly without harsh regrowth lines.

Style with a texturizing spray and scrunch while damp, or use a flat iron for loose S-waves. Salon upkeep is fairly minimal, usually every three to four months for a color refresh.

Top Knot Bun

Some days call for hair completely off your neck, and a top knot bun handles that without looking sloppy. Piled high on the crown, this one is a summer staple for hikes, pool days, or just surviving a heatwave.

It works on any texture, though slightly dirty or second-day hair actually holds the shape better than freshly washed strands. Round and oval faces tend to like the height it adds.

Gather hair into a high ponytail, twist it around itself, and pin in place. A texturizing spray beforehand helps it stay put through sweat and humidity, and it takes about two minutes once you get the hang of it.

Braided Ponytail With Wrap

Take a regular ponytail and dress it up by wrapping a section of hair around the elastic, then braiding the tail loosely. It’s a small detail that makes the whole look feel more intentional, and it’s a great option for medium hair that isn’t quite long enough for a full fishtail.

This style flatters most face shapes and works particularly well on wavy or straight hair that holds a braid without frizzing out too quickly. Thicker hair gives the braid more visual weight.

After securing the ponytail, wrap a thin strand around the base and pin it underneath. Braid the remaining length loosely and tug at the edges for a slightly undone finish. It holds through humidity better than a fully sleek style.

Deep Side Part Waves

A deep side part changes the whole feel of a hairstyle, and paired with loose waves, it leans slightly more glamorous than a middle part version. This one works especially well for oval and heart-shaped faces since it creates asymmetry that balances wider foreheads.

Medium to thick hair holds the wave pattern longest, though fine hair can use a volumizing mousse first to help the curls last through the day.

Part hair deeply to one side, curl in alternating directions for a natural look, then brush through gently once cooled. A light-hold hairspray keeps the wave without stiffening it, which matters a lot in summer humidity.

Face-Framing Shag With Bangs

The shag has made a real comeback, and on medium length hair, it brings a rock-and-roll, slightly undone energy that’s perfect for summer. Heavy layering throughout, combined with wispy bangs, gives the whole style a shaggy, textured silhouette that looks great whether it’s styled or left to air dry.

This cut works best on wavy or curly hair since the natural texture does a lot of the styling work, though straight hair can still get the look with a texturizing spray and some strategic tousling.

Scrunch in a curl cream while damp and let it air dry, or use a diffuser for extra volume. Expect more frequent trims than a simpler cut since the layers need upkeep to maintain their shape, but the payoff is a style that always looks a little effortless, even on your laziest hair days.

Whichever one of these catches your eye, remember that the best summer hairstyle for medium length hair is the one that fits how you actually spend your days, whether that’s poolside, at the office, or somewhere in between. Bring a photo to your stylist, mention your hair texture and how much time you’re willing to spend on it each morning, and you’ll walk out with something that feels like it was made for your hair specifically.