Curled hairstyles for medium hair offer a versatile way to express personal style through texture and movement. This length provides the perfect canvas for various techniques ranging from tight ringlets to loose waves.
Medium hair is often easier to manage than long locks while offering more styling options than shorter cuts. Adding curls creates immediate volume and a sophisticated silhouette that works for any occasion.
Whether you prefer a polished finish or a relaxed, lived-in look, there is a curled option that fits your aesthetic. Explore these ideas to find your next signature medium-length transformation.
1. Beachy Curled Hairstyles for Medium Hair
Beachy curls offer a relaxed and effortless aesthetic that works exceptionally well on medium-length tresses. This style focuses on creating soft, irregular waves that mimic the natural texture of hair dried by the sun and sea air.
To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling wand and leave the ends of the hair straight. This technique prevents the curls from looking too formal and maintains the contemporary, undone vibe that defines the beachy aesthetic.
Finish the style with a light mist of sea salt spray or texturizing spray to add grit and hold. These products help define the curls without making them feel stiff or crunchy, allowing for natural movement throughout the day.
2. Hollywood Wave Curled Medium Hairstyle
The Hollywood wave brings a sense of timeless glamour to medium hair by using structured, uniform curls. This style is characterized by a deep side part and sleek, synchronized waves that flow together seamlessly.
Setting the hair in one direction with a curling iron is essential for achieving the signature S-shape. Once the curls have cooled, they are brushed through gently to merge individual sections into a singular, fluid pattern of waves.
A high-shine serum or glossing spray provides the finishing touch for this polished look. It smooths down flyaways and enhances the light reflection on the curves of the waves, creating a sophisticated and high-end finish.
3. Messy Curled Hairstyles for Medium Hair
Messy curls focus on volume and intentional imperfection to create a modern, edgy appearance. This style thrives on variety, mixing different curl sizes and directions to build a multi-dimensional look with plenty of body.
To style this, alternate the direction of the curls toward and away from the face to prevent them from clumping together. Using a flat iron to create “S” waves can also add a different type of texture that contributes to the “woke up like this” feel.
Finger-combing the hair after styling is the best way to break up the curls and add volume. Avoid using a fine-tooth comb, as the goal is to keep the texture chunky and distinct rather than smooth and uniform.
4. Medium Hair Curled With Bangs
Integrating bangs into curled hairstyles for medium hair adds a face-framing element that changes the entire dynamic of the look. Whether the bangs are blunt, wispy, or curtain-style, they provide a striking contrast to the textured length.
When curling the rest of the hair, ensure the transition between the fringe and the side sections is seamless. Softly curling the longer pieces of a curtain bang helps them blend into the main body of the curls for a cohesive appearance.
The bangs themselves often look best with a slight bend or left straight to highlight the texture of the curls behind them. This balance prevents the hair from looking overly styled while still maintaining a clear, intentional shape.
5. Side Part Curled Medium Hair
A side part can dramatically shift the volume of curled hairstyles for medium hair, directing the weight to one side for a flattering silhouette. This simple adjustment creates a natural lift at the roots that enhances the overall bounce of the curls.
By parting the hair when it is damp and then curling away from the part, you create a sweeping effect that highlights the cheekbones. This placement is particularly effective for medium lengths as it prevents the hair from appearing too heavy around the face.
Tucking the smaller side of the part behind the ear can add a touch of modern sophistication. This highlights the jawline and creates a beautiful asymmetry that makes the textured curls on the opposite side stand out even more.
6. Voluminous Curled Hairstyles Medium Hair
Maximized volume is the hallmark of this style, turning medium-length hair into a bold statement. This look relies on creating curls from the root to the tip to ensure there is plenty of lift and “air” within the style.
Using a volumizing mousse before blow-drying provides the necessary foundation for these curls to stay lifted. When curling, focus on smaller sections of hair to create more individual curls, which naturally takes up more space and looks fuller.
Teasing the hair slightly at the crown can further enhance the height and drama of the style. This technique ensures that the curls don’t fall flat under their own weight, maintaining a full and bouncy appearance for hours.
7. Soft Curled Medium Length Hairstyle
Soft curls are all about subtlety and gentle movement, making them a great choice for a daily look. These curls are typically larger and less defined, creating a romantic and airy feel that complements the medium hair length perfectly.
A large-barrel iron or hot rollers are ideal tools for creating these wide, gentle loops. The heat should be kept moderate to ensure the hair retains its natural softness and elasticity without becoming stiff or overly structured.
Run a wide-tooth comb through the hair once the curls have cooled to relax them into soft waves. This creates a natural-looking finish that feels touchable and light, rather than a style that feels weighed down by heavy products.
8. Balayage Curled Hairstyles Medium Hair
Curls are the best way to showcase the transition of colors in a balayage dye job. The twisting motion of the hair brings the lighter highlights to the surface, creating a beautiful interplay of shadows and light throughout the medium length.
When styling balayage hair, focusing the curls on the mid-lengths and ends helps emphasize the color melt. The movement of the curls prevents the color from looking static and gives the overall hairstyle a more three-dimensional and vibrant look.
Using a heat protectant is crucial for maintaining the health of color-treated hair during curling. A light shine spray can also help the different tones of the balayage pop, making the curls look even more defined and professional.
9. Half-Up Curled Medium Hairstyles
The half-up curled style offers the best of both worlds by keeping hair out of the face while displaying the texture of the curls. This approach is highly effective for medium hair as it manages the bulk while maintaining a feminine, flowing look.
Secure the top half of the hair with a clip, elastic, or small bun, and let the remaining curls cascade over the shoulders. This creates a layered effect where the curls at the bottom provide volume and the top section provides a clean, styled structure.
Pulling out a few face-framing tendrils and curling them lightly can soften the transition from the pulled-back section. This adds a relaxed element to the style, making it suitable for both casual outings and more formal events.
10. Textured Curled Hairstyles Medium Hair
Textured curls focus on a gritty, lived-in feel that is very popular in modern hair styling. This look avoids the “perfect” curl in favor of varied shapes and a slightly matte finish that gives medium hair a contemporary edge.
To get this look, use a wand and alternate between wrapping the hair flat and twisting it before wrapping. This creates different types of tension and curl patterns, which results in a rich, complex texture that looks effortlessly cool.
A dry shampoo or texturizing paste can be worked through the ends to define the layers and add separation. This keeps the curls from merging into one big wave and helps maintain the “piecey” look that is central to this style.
11. Loose Curled Hairstyles Medium Hair
Loose curls provide a gentle, flowing movement that is sophisticated yet understated. This style is characterized by wide bends in the hair rather than tight coils, making it a very comfortable and easy-to-wear option for medium lengths.
Creating these curls often involves using a large curling iron and holding the hair for a shorter amount of time. The goal is to apply just enough heat to change the shape of the hair without setting a firm, bouncy curl.
Gravity will naturally pull these curls down over time, which often makes the style look even better as the day goes on. A flexible-hold hairspray is all that is needed to keep the shape without compromising the natural bounce and sway.
12. Polished Curled Medium Hair Style
The polished curled style is about precision and shine, resulting in a look that is exceptionally neat and tidy. Every curl is defined and placed intentionally, making this a favorite for professional settings or formal celebrations.
To achieve this level of polish, start with a smooth blow-dry to eliminate frizz before using the curling iron. Each section should be combed through before being curled to ensure the hair wraps smoothly and the heat is distributed evenly.
A finishing cream or light pomade can be used to smooth down any stray hairs and define individual curls. This step ensures the hair looks sleek and intentional, providing a high-quality finish that lasts throughout the day or evening.
13. Shaggy Curled Hairstyles Medium Hair
The shag haircut is elevated by curls, which emphasize the choppy layers and movement inherent in the cut. For medium hair, this combination creates a rock-and-roll vibe that is full of character and visual interest.
Focus the curls on the different layers of the shag to highlight the tiered structure of the haircut. Curling the shorter layers at the top creates height and volume, while the longer curls at the bottom provide length and flow.
This style benefits from a more chaotic approach to curling, where the goal is texture rather than uniformity. Using a salt spray on damp hair before diffusing can also help bring out the natural shaggy texture before adding extra curls with a wand.
14. Vintage Curled Medium Hairstyles
Vintage curls draw inspiration from mid-century aesthetics, featuring tight, controlled coils that sit close to the head. This style is particularly flattering for medium hair as it mimics the classic “midi” length popular in the 1940s and 50s.
Pin curls or small-barrel irons are used to create the tight foundation needed for this look. After the curls have set and cooled, they are often brushed out and sculpted into specific waves or rolls that frame the face elegantly.
Persistence and the right setting products are key to keeping vintage curls in place. A firm-hold spray ensures the sculpted shapes maintain their integrity, allowing the classic silhouette to remain sharp and defined all day long.
15. Spiral Curled Hairstyles Medium Hair
Spiral curls create a springy, high-energy look that adds significant bounce to medium-length hair. Unlike waves that flow horizontally, spirals are vertical coils that give the hair a distinct, corkscrew-like appearance.
Using a thin, cylindrical wand is the most effective way to create uniform spirals from top to bottom. Wrapping the hair tightly and allowing it to cool completely before touching it ensures the spiral shape remains tight and resilient.
Avoid brushing these curls, as that will turn the spirals into a large cloud of frizz. Instead, use your fingers to gently separate the coils if they are too clumped together, maintaining the definition and vertical movement of the style.
16. Layered Curled Hairstyles Medium Hair
Layered hair and curls are a perfect match, as the curls help to showcase the different lengths throughout the hair. On medium hair, this combination prevents the style from looking flat and adds a lot of internal movement.
By curling the layers in different directions, you can create a very full and dynamic look. The shorter layers provide lift and texture around the face, while the longer layers at the back add depth and a sense of luxury to the overall style.
When styling layered hair, it is important to ensure the ends of each layer are curled or tucked in to prevent them from sticking out awkwardly. This creates a cohesive flow that makes the layers look integrated and intentional.
17. Botticelli Curled Medium Hair Style
The Botticelli curl is inspired by Renaissance art, featuring long, elongated waves that look natural and romantic. For medium hair, this translates to curls that start slightly lower down the head, creating a relaxed and ethereal feel.
To achieve this specific wave, use a triple-barrel waver or a flat iron to create soft “kinks” in the hair. The look is meant to appear as if you just took your hair out of braids, resulting in a consistent but very soft texture.
Keeping the roots flat and the curls starting around eye level helps maintain the signature Botticelli silhouette. This style is perfect for those who want texture without the height or volume associated with traditional curling methods.
How do I choose the best curled hairstyles for medium hair?
Selecting the right style depends on your hair’s natural texture and the look you want to achieve. For a relaxed vibe, beachy waves are ideal, while structured Hollywood waves are better suited for formal occasions where you want a polished finish.
What tools are needed for curled hairstyles for medium hair?
Common tools include curling wands, traditional clip irons, and flat irons for “S” waves. The size of the barrel determines the curl size; use a 1-inch barrel for standard curls or a 1.5-inch barrel for loose, voluminous waves.
How can I make curled hairstyles for medium hair last all day?
Preparation is key to longevity. Start with a lightweight mousse on damp hair and always apply a heat protectant. After curling, allow each section to cool completely before touching it, and finish with a hairspray that matches your hair type.
Can I achieve curled hairstyles for medium hair without heat?
Yes, heatless methods like silk ribbons, foam rollers, or overnight braids work very well on medium hair. These methods are gentler on the strands and often result in very soft, natural-looking curls that require minimal styling time in the morning.
Are curled hairstyles for medium hair high maintenance?
While the initial styling can take 15 to 30 minutes, many curled styles for medium hair can last for two or three days with minimal touch-ups. Using dry shampoo at the roots and a little oil on the ends can keep the curls looking fresh between washes.
What products enhance curled hairstyles for medium hair?
Texturizing sprays are excellent for adding grip to “undone” styles, while shine serums help polished curls look healthy and vibrant. If your hair is fine, look for volumizing sprays to ensure the curls don’t weigh down your medium-length hair.
