Shoulder-length hair is long enough to twist into a low knot but short enough that layers slip out of a ponytail by mid-afternoon, so technique matters more than product. These simple hairstyles for medium hair mostly need a claw clip, a few U-pins or a flat iron, and five to ten minutes on a work morning.
1. The Low Twisted Bun
Of the simple hairstyles for medium hair, a low twisted bun covers both the office and the evening. Twist the hair at the nape, coil it into a small knot and hold it with three or four U-pins. If the cut has long internal layers, the bun sits flatter. It works on shoulder-length hair of any density. Leave two face-framing pieces loose. Count on about five minutes.
2. The Claw Clip Twist
Among hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough for any morning, the claw clip twist is one of the fastest. Twist the hair up the back of the head, fold the ends over and lock it in with a medium claw clip. It works best on hair at least shoulder length with a few layers. Pull a few face-framing pieces free. On second-day hair with a little dry shampoo, it holds better.
3. Clipped Half-Up Half-Down
A half-up half-down keeps the top section away from your face and leaves the rest down. Section from the temples back, give it one twist and hold it with a small claw clip or barrette. A 1.25-inch iron on the ends finishes it. It works on medium hair of any density and texture. Among simple hairstyles for medium hair, it is one that holds up on day two or three.
4. The Half-Up Top Knot
A half-up top knot pulls the top section into a small knot at the crown, which adds height and keeps hair out of your eyes. Section from the temples, twist into a knot and hold it with an elastic. The rest can stay straight or waved. It works on medium hair of medium to thick density. Three minutes is all it takes, and it works on second-day hair.
5. The Messy Bun
On medium hair, a messy bun looks best when layers let pieces drop out on their own. Mist dry texture spray through the lengths, gather a high or mid ponytail, wrap it loosely and pin with U-pins. Tug out pieces at the temples and nape. It works on fine to thick hair. Of the hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough to do without a mirror, this is one of the most worn.
6. Wrapped-Base Low Ponytail
A low ponytail with a wrapped base reads polished in under five minutes. Brush the hair back with a smoothing cream, secure it at the nape, and wind a small section around the elastic, pinning it underneath. It works on straight or wavy medium hair of any density. For work, it is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair I recommend most. A light gel tames flyaways.
7. The High Ponytail
On medium hair, a high ponytail comes out short and bouncy rather than long. Brush the hair up to the crown, secure with a spiral elastic, and tease the ponytail a little at the base for fullness. It works on medium to thick hair. Layers in the cut make the ends of the ponytail look fuller. A touch of hairspray on the hairline finishes it, and it lasts all day.
8. The Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail places small clear elastics every two inches down a ponytail, with each section loosened into a bubble. Medium hair gives you three or four bubbles. It works on medium to thick hair. Start from a high or low ponytail and pull each section out with your fingers. Among easy hairstyles for medium hair, it is one that survives a workout.
9. Double Dutch Braids
Two Dutch braids are possible on hair as short as the shoulders. Part down the center and braid underhand from the hairline to the ends, feeding in hair as you go. Finish with small elastics. It works on medium to thick hair. A light gel smooths flyaways. Sleep in them and you wake up to heatless waves. For the gym, it is one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair I suggest.
10. The Single French Braid
One French braid down the back holds medium hair in place all day. Begin at the crown and braid overhand down to the nape, then carry on in a three-strand braid. Long layers tend to poke out, so run a light gel over each section as you braid. It works on medium to thick hair. Pancake the edges for more fullness. About five minutes does it.
11. The Side Braid
A loose side braid brings medium hair over one shoulder. Gather everything to one side, braid loosely, and pull the edges out. Leave a few face-framing pieces loose. It works on medium to thick hair that reaches at least the shoulders. On second-day waves it looks especially good, which makes it one of the simple hairstyles for medium hair worth knowing. Finish with a small clear elastic.
12. The Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid divides the hair in two and crosses small pieces from the outside of each section. On medium hair it finishes just below the shoulder. It works on medium to thick hair of any texture. Braid it over one shoulder, secure, and loosen the edges. It takes roughly five minutes and lasts all day. Long layers give the braid more fullness.
13. The Braided Half-Up
For a braided half-up, take a small section from each temple, braid each one, and pin them together at the back of the head while the rest stays down. It works on medium hair of any density. A 1.25-inch iron through the length finishes it. Among hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough for weddings and events, this is a reliable one.
14. The Twisted Half-Up
A twisted half-up swaps braids for two twists. Take a section at each temple, twist it back away from the face, and pin the pair at the back with a small clip. It works on fine to medium hair that is too slippery to braid. Two minutes covers it. Among simple hairstyles for medium hair, it is one that keeps the front out of your face.
15. The Low Chignon
A low chignon rolls medium hair into a smooth coil at the nape. Twist the hair upward, tuck the ends under, and pin with U-pins. It works on medium to thick hair at least to the shoulders. Leave a few face-framing pieces out and curl them, then finish with flexible hairspray. Long internal layers in the cut stop the roll from looking bulky. It suits weddings, work and events alike.
16. Double Space Buns
Space buns are a pair of small buns on either side of the crown. Part down the middle, make two high ponytails, twist each into a bun and pin. On medium hair they come out small and tidy. They work on medium to thick hair. Pull a few pieces loose at the hairline. For concerts and festivals, they are one of the more playful easy hairstyles for medium hair.
17. The Low Pigtails
Low pigtails divide medium hair into two ponytails behind the ears. Part down the center and secure each side with an elastic, wrapping a small section around each for a cleaner finish. They work on straight or wavy hair of any density. A 1-inch iron on the ends softens them. Among simple hairstyles for medium hair, they are one that still works on day three.
18. The Scarf Ponytail
A silk scarf tied around a low ponytail hides the elastic and brings in color. Make a low ponytail, fold a small scarf into a strip, and knot it around the base with the ends trailing. It works on medium hair of any density. For brunch or work, it is among the easiest hairstyles for medium length hair easy to dress up.
19. The Headband Look
A wide padded headband pushes medium hair back and lifts the crown. Set it an inch behind the hairline and nudge the hair behind it forward a little. It works on medium hair of any density and texture, and it covers second-day roots and hairline frizz. Of the simple hairstyles for medium hair, this one takes ten seconds.
20. Lob Tucked Behind the Ears
The simplest way to wear medium hair is a collarbone lob tucked behind the ears. I cut the lob blunt with a slight bend at the ends so it falls forward cleanly. It works on fine to medium straight hair and on oval or heart-shaped faces. Blow-dry it smooth or air-dry with a smoothing cream. Tuck just one side for a deeper side-part look. Trim every 8 weeks.
21. Beach Waves With a Flat Iron
Flat iron beach waves are among the simple hairstyles for medium hair that look like more effort than they took. Work in one-inch sections: twist the flat iron half a turn and glide down, leaving the last inch straight, alternating directions as you go. It works on fine to medium straight hair. Finish with dry texture spray and shake the waves loose. They last two days.
22. Braid Waves Without Heat
Heatless braid waves leave the hot tools in the drawer. Put slightly damp medium hair into two braids at bedtime and undo them in the morning, then break the waves up with your fingers and a light oil. It works on fine to thick straight hair. As hairstyles for medium length hair easy enough to set up the night before go, this is the one. The waves hold for two days.
23. The Bent Wave
Bent waves sit flatter than curls, with one bend in each section. Clamp a flat iron at mid-length, fold the hair over it, and let go. They work on medium straight hair of any density. Finish with a light texture spray. Right now they are among the most worn simple hairstyles for medium hair, and they take about ten minutes.
24. Straight Sleek Blowout
A sleek straight blowout pairs well with a blunt medium cut. Paddle-brush it dry, then flat-iron in one-inch sections and finish with a shine serum. It works on fine to thick straight or wavy hair. I cut the perimeter blunt so the ends read full. With dry shampoo the blowout lasts two to three days. A center part gives it a cleaner line. Trim every 8 weeks.
25. Round-Brush Bouncy Blowout
A bouncy round-brush blowout brings volume to the crown and curl to the ends of medium hair. I cut layers from the chin down so the blowout keeps its shape. Dry each section over a large round brush and set in velcro rollers while it cools. It works on medium to thick straight hair and lasts three to four days. Trim every 8 weeks.
Shoulder-length hair twists into a low knot but is short enough that layers still move, which makes it the easiest length to fake a style on. IMO, one clip and a side part is a whole look. For the face-shape side of things, the oval face haircuts guide lays it out.
