Finding the right curly hairstyles for medium hair allows you to embrace your natural texture while maintaining a manageable length. This versatile length offers endless styling possibilities for every day.
Medium cuts provide enough weight to prevent excessive frizz without dragging down your natural curl pattern. The balance between length and volume creates a healthy, bouncy appearance.
Explore these curated ideas to find a look that suits your personal aesthetic. Each style highlights the unique beauty of textured hair through various modern cutting and styling techniques.
1. Shoulder Length Curly Shag Haircut
This style utilizes choppy layers to create movement and interest throughout the hair. It is an ideal choice for those who want a lived-in look that emphasizes volume at the crown.
The shag cut works by removing weight from the ends, allowing the curls to spring up naturally. It creates a modern silhouette that feels both effortless and edgy for daily wear.
Maintenance is relatively simple with this specific shape. A light curl cream or sea salt spray can help define the layers and maintain the textured appearance throughout the day.
2. Medium Curly Hair With Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs offer a soft way to frame the face while blending seamlessly into medium length curls. These bangs are typically cut longer to allow the curl to sit at eye level.
This approach breaks up the weight of the hair around the forehead. It adds a touch of retro inspiration to a contemporary cut without requiring high-intensity daily styling.
To keep the bangs looking their best, use a small amount of styling gel on damp hair. Air drying or using a diffuser helps the fringe maintain its shape and direction.
3. Voluminous Curly Lob For Medium Hair
The long bob, or lob, is a classic choice for textured hair that hits just above the shoulders. This version focuses on maximizing height and width for a full-bodied appearance.
Blunt ends help the hair appear thicker, while subtle internal layers prevent the dreaded “triangle” shape. It is a sophisticated look that transitions easily from professional settings to casual outings.
Apply a volumizing mousse to the roots while the hair is wet to achieve this lift. Drying the hair upside down with a diffuser will further enhance the natural body.
4. Side Parted Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
A deep side part instantly changes the silhouette of a medium length curly cut. It creates a dramatic sweep of hair that adds height on one side and a sleek look on the other.
This styling choice is perfect for those who want to vary their look without getting a new haircut. It works well for all curl patterns, from loose waves to tight coils.
Secure the smaller side with a decorative clip or a bit of smoothing pomade for a polished finish. This contrast emphasizes the natural bounce and volume of the curls on the opposite side.
5. Tapered Medium Length Curly Cut
Tapering involves cutting the hair shorter at the nape of the neck and gradually increasing length toward the top. This technique manages the bulk of medium hair effectively.
The result is a structured shape that follows the natural curve of the head. It is particularly helpful for those with very thick hair who want to keep their curls under control.
This cut requires regular trims to maintain the clean lines of the taper. However, the daily styling time is often reduced because the shape is built directly into the haircut.
6. Half Up Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
The half-up style is a functional way to keep curls out of the face while showing off the length in the back. It creates a playful look that works for various occasions.
You can secure the top section with a silk scrunchie, a claw clip, or a small bun. This relieves some of the weight from the sides of the head, creating a different profile.
Leave a few tendrils loose at the front to soften the appearance. This style is an excellent option for “second-day” hair when the curls are still defined but need a quick refresh.
7. Face Framing Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
Face-framing layers are cut specifically to highlight your features. These shorter pieces usually start around the cheekbones or chin and blend back into the rest of the hair.
This technique prevents the hair from looking like a single heavy block. It adds a sense of lightness and airiness to the medium length, making the curls look more dynamic.
When styling, ensure these front pieces are well-hydrated to prevent flyaways. A finger-coiling technique can help these specific curls sit perfectly around the face.
8. Highlighted Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
Adding color through highlights can significantly enhance the visual depth of curly hair. Lighter tones placed strategically help individual curls pop and catch the light.
A balayage or “pintura” technique is often preferred for curls as the color is painted directly onto the coils. This ensures the highlights look natural and move with the hair.
Using color-safe products is essential to keep the hair healthy and the curls intact. Regular deep conditioning treatments will help maintain the moisture balance after the lightening process.
9. Round Layered Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
A round cut focuses on creating an even, circular silhouette around the head. This shape is achieved through consistent layering that removes weight from the perimeter.
This style is particularly popular for those with tight curls or coils who want maximum volume. It celebrates the natural outwards growth of the hair rather than trying to flatten it.
To maintain the round shape, it is important to visit a stylist who understands how curls shrink when dry. This ensures the “halo” effect remains symmetrical and balanced.
10. Messy Bun Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
The messy bun is a go-to style for medium length curls because it utilizes the natural texture to create a full, effortless look. Curls provide the grip needed to hold the bun.
Instead of a perfectly sleek bun, this version allows loops and ends to peek out. It creates a relaxed vibe that is perfect for errands, workouts, or casual gatherings.
Avoid using tight elastic bands that can cause breakage. A loose spiral hair tie or a soft scrunchie will protect the curl pattern while keeping the hair securely in place.
11. Medium Length DevaCut For Curly Hair
A DevaCut is a specialized technique where the hair is cut dry, curl by curl. This allows the stylist to see exactly how each ringlet will fall in its natural state.
For medium length, this results in a highly customized shape that respects the individual’s unique curl pattern. It eliminates the guesswork often associated with cutting curly hair while wet.
Because each curl is treated individually, the hair grows out more evenly. This technique is excellent for those looking to maximize their natural curl definition and health.
12. Asymmetrical Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
An asymmetrical cut features one side that is significantly longer than the other. This modern take on the medium length look adds a bold, artistic flair to the hair.
The uneven lengths create a sense of movement and visual interest. It is a great way to experiment with different proportions while keeping the overall length manageable.
This style works best when the curls are well-defined and frizz-free. Using a strong-hold gel or foam can help maintain the sharp lines of the asymmetrical silhouette.
13. Braid Out Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
A braid out is a styling technique used to create a specific, uniform curl pattern. It involves braiding damp hair and letting it dry completely before unraveling the braids.
This method provides excellent definition and helps stretch the curls to show off the medium length. It is a heat-free way to achieve a consistent look across the entire head.
To avoid frizz, ensure the hair is completely dry before taking the braids down. Applying a small amount of oil to your fingertips while unraveling will add shine and smoothness.
14. Middle Part Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
A middle part creates a symmetrical look that balances the volume on both sides of the head. This classic styling choice is currently very popular for its clean and modern feel.
This part works exceptionally well with medium length layers that start at the jawline. It draws attention to the center of the face and provides a structured frame.
Use a wide-tooth comb to define the part while the hair is wet. Letting the hair air dry in this position will ensure the part remains crisp and visible throughout the day.
15. Low Ponytail Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
The low ponytail is a sophisticated way to pull back medium curls for a professional or formal look. It gathers the hair at the nape of the neck, showcasing the texture in the tail.
This style is less stressful on the scalp than high ponytails and helps prevent tension breakage. It highlights the length of the hair while keeping it neatly contained.
For a more polished appearance, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic. This small detail elevates the entire look significantly.
16. Medium Curly Wolf Cut Hairstyle
The wolf cut is a hybrid of a shag and a mullet, characterized by heavy layers and volume at the top. On medium curly hair, this results in a wild, textured appearance.
The layers are usually quite short around the face and crown, tapering into longer pieces at the back. It is a high-fashion look that embraces the natural chaotic beauty of curls.
This cut thrives on texture, so avoid using heavy products that might weigh the hair down. A lightweight curl-enhancing spray is usually enough to keep the layers looking defined.
17. Side Swept Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
Side swept curls offer a romantic and soft aesthetic by pinning most of the hair to one shoulder. This creates a cascading effect that looks beautiful with medium length hair.
This style is often used for special events but can be adapted for everyday wear with simpler accessories. It emphasizes the length and volume of the hair in a very focused way.
Bobby pins hidden under the hair at the nape of the neck can help hold the sweep in place. A flexible-hold hairspray will keep the curls from shifting too much as you move.
18. Pineapple Updo Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair
The pineapple is a functional updo where the hair is gathered loosely at the very top of the head. It is often used as a sleep style but has become a popular daytime look.
For medium length, the curls spill over the front and sides, creating a fountain-like effect. It is a fantastic way to protect the curls from friction while showing off their bounce.
Use a soft satin or silk scrunchie to avoid creating a “dent” in the hair. This style is perfect for showing off your natural curl pattern while keeping your neck cool.
How do you maintain curly hairstyles for medium hair?
Maintaining these styles requires a consistent moisture routine including sulfate-free shampoos and deep conditioners. Using a microfiber towel to gently pat hair dry prevents friction and keeps the curl pattern intact.
What is the best cut for curly hairstyles for medium hair?
The best cut often depends on your specific curl type and hair density. However, layered cuts like the shag or long bob are generally favored because they distribute volume evenly and prevent a heavy appearance.
Can you get layers in curly hairstyles for medium hair?
Yes, layers are highly recommended for medium curly hair to add movement and prevent a bottom-heavy shape. Strategic layering allows curls to stack neatly and creates a more flattering, balanced silhouette.
How often should you trim curly hairstyles for medium hair?
To keep the shape of your cut and remove split ends, a trim every 8 to 12 weeks is usually ideal. Regular maintenance ensures that the curls remain bouncy and the overall style stays well-defined.
Are bangs suitable for curly hairstyles for medium hair?
Curly bangs are a great addition to medium length styles when cut correctly for your curl pattern. They should be cut dry to account for shrinkage, ensuring they sit at the desired length once styled.
How do you reduce frizz in curly hairstyles for medium hair?
Reducing frizz starts with applying styling products to soaking wet hair to lock in moisture. Avoid touching your hair while it is drying, and use a diffuser on a low heat setting to set the curls.
