Wavy Hairstyles Medium: 17 Trending Ideas to Inspire Your Next Salon Visit
If you’ve been scrolling Pinterest in search of the perfect wavy hairstyles medium before booking your next appointment, you’ve landed in exactly the right place. Medium length wavy hair sits in a wonderfully versatile sweet spot long enough to show off movement and texture, short enough to stay manageable on even the busiest mornings. Whether your waves are natural or enhanced with a curling wand, this length flatters virtually every face shape and works across countless occasions.
Stunning Wavy Hairstyles Medium
This guide goes far beyond a simple image list, offering detailed descriptions, styling advice, and color suggestions so you walk into the salon knowing precisely what to ask for.
1. Beachy Textured Waves Medium Hairstyles
Beachy textured waves capture that effortlessly sun kissed, windswept aesthetic that never goes out of fashion. This look works by creating loose, irregular waves throughout medium length hair, mimicking the natural movement salt water leaves behind. It suits women with naturally wavy or fine to medium hair who want low maintenance volume without stiffness. Oval, round, and heart shaped faces all benefit from the soft, diffused framing this style delivers. To achieve it, scrunch damp hair with a sea salt spray and either air dry or diffuse on low heat. Finish with a light hold texturizing cream for definition without crunch.
2. Romantic Soft Waves Medium HairstylesÂ
Romantic soft waves offer a polished yet relaxed elegance that works equally well at a wedding reception or a Sunday brunch. Unlike tight curls, this style features gentle, flowing undulations that begin mid shaft and cascade toward the ends. It complements women with oval or long face shapes and suits medium density hair that holds a curl without excessive product. A one inch curling wand wrapped loosely around sections, then brushed out with a soft bristle brush, creates that perfectly undone finish. Honey blonde, warm caramel, or rose gold highlights woven through the lengths add luminous depth to each wave.
3. Layered Wavy Lob Medium Hairstyles
The layered wavy lob a long bob landing between the chin and collarbone is one of the most universally flattering cuts available for medium wavy hair. Strategic layers remove bulk and allow each wave to fall cleanly without the ends flipping outward unpredictably. This cut particularly suits square and round face shapes, as the length elongates the face while layers add softness around the jaw. Women with thick, coarse, or frizz prone hair benefit most from the thinning effect internal layers provide. Ask your stylist for face framing pieces that are slightly shorter than the rest to enhance your natural wave pattern beautifully.
4. Half Up Wavy Knot Medium Hairstyles
The half up wavy knot combines the ease of a loose updo with the visual richness of flowing waves below. Gathering the top section into a casual twisted knot while leaving the lower half loose creates an intentional, fashion forward look without requiring hours of preparation. This style suits active women who want their hair off their face during work or outdoor activities without sacrificing style. It works best on medium thick hair with defined natural or styled waves, and oval or heart shaped faces look especially striking with this silhouette. Pulling out a few wispy strands around the temples adds the softness that elevates this from casual to polished.
Learn More About Long Wavy Hairstyles.
5. Curtain Bangs With Waves Medium Hairstyles
Curtain bangs paired with medium wavy hair have become one of the most searched and saved combinations across every major social platform, and for excellent reason. The feathered, centre parted fringe frames the eyes and cheekbones in a way that softens strong jaw lines and broadens narrow foreheads simultaneously. This pairing suits oval, heart, and oblong face shapes particularly well, and works beautifully on fine to medium hair textures. Blow dry the bangs outward with a round brush to create the signature curved shape, then scrunch your waves underneath with a diffuser. Rich brunette shades or warm blonde balayage enhance the seamless blending between the fringe and the rest.
6. Wavy Side Swept Style Medium Hairstyles
A side swept wavy style directs all of the hair’s movement toward one shoulder, creating a classic, romantic silhouette with timeless appeal. This look suits women preparing for formal occasions, job interviews, date nights, galas but can be worn loosely for everyday sophistication as well. It particularly flatters round and square face shapes by drawing the eye diagonally and creating the illusion of a more angular, elongated structure. Medium hair with natural waves falls into this position with minimal effort; simply apply a smoothing serum, part deeply on one side, and allow the waves to cascade over the opposite shoulder. A decorative clip or pin at the parting adds an elegant finishing touch.
7. Messy Wavy Bun Medium Hairstyles
The messy wavy bun takes full advantage of medium hair’s length and texture to create an artfully undone updo that looks effortful without requiring much effort at all. Gather wavy hair loosely at the nape or mid crown, twist it into a soft coil, and secure it with bobby pins rather than a tight elastic to preserve the relaxed feel. This style suits casual Fridays, weekend errands, or creative workplaces where strict polished looks aren’t required. Women with naturally wavy, thick, or frizzy hair find this style particularly liberating since imperfect texture becomes an asset rather than a challenge. A few face framing tendrils pulled loose complete the look beautifully.
8. Wave Mid Length Hairstyles
The S wave style creates deliberate, structured undulations that flow in alternating directions down the length of medium hair, producing a sophisticated, editorial worthy result. Unlike beachy waves, S waves are more defined and symmetrical, referencing vintage glamour while remaining thoroughly contemporary. This look suits women with fine or medium density hair that holds a set well, and works best on oval or long face shapes where the structured movement draws the eye downward attractively. Use a flat iron in a gentle rocking motion from root to mid shaft to sculpt each wave. A shine enhancing serum applied over the finished style makes every curve catch the light dramatically.
9. Boho Braided Waves Medium Hairstyles
Boho braided waves combine the relaxed charm of loose plaiting with the organic movement of undulating texture to create a free spirited look ideal for festival seasons, outdoor weddings, and warm weather getaways. Incorporate one or two thin braids along the hairline or crown, then blend them into loose flowing waves throughout the rest of the mid length hair. This style works wonderfully on naturally wavy, coarser hair that holds braids and waves without slipping. Heart and oval face shapes benefit most from the gentle framing a braided crown element provides. Earthy tones terracotta, sandy blonde, or deep auburn make the boho aesthetic feel complete and intentional.
10. Voluminous Blow Out Waves Medium Hairstyles
Voluminous blow out waves deliver maximum body and bounce by combining the smoothness of a professional blow dry with soft, sweeping wave movement throughout medium length hair. This style suits women who want the glamour of salon fresh hair on important occasions, presentations, reunions, or celebrations without committing to a full updo. It works best on fine to medium hair that benefits from the added fullness a round brush blow dry provides. Flip sections upward while drying to build root lift, then wrap larger sections around a wide barrel curling iron for sweeping waves rather than tight ringlets. A lightweight volumizing spray at the roots before styling ensures the lift lasts through the entire event.
11. Natural Curly Wavy Texture Medium Hairstyles
Embracing your natural curly wavy texture that is gorgeous in between patterns many women spend years fighting is one of the most freeing and flattering choices available for medium hair. This approach involves enhancing rather than altering your innate pattern through moisturizing products, diffusing techniques, and the right cut. A layered medium cut with removed weight allows each wave and coil to spring up and define itself properly. This suits women with type 2B to type 3A hair across all face shapes, and particularly benefits those with thick or high porosity hair that tends toward frizz. Curl defining cream applied to soaking wet hair before diffusing produces the most consistent, frizz free finish.
12. Shaggy Wavy Medium Hairstyles
The shaggy wavy cut reimagines the classic 1970s shag for modern medium length hair, featuring heavy internal layers, wispy ends, and deliberate texture throughout every section. The resulting silhouette has movement, attitude, and dimension that flat or blunt cuts simply cannot replicate on wavy hair. This style suits adventurous women who enjoy a slightly undone, rock inspired aesthetic and works particularly well on thick or medium density wavy hair that can support multiple layers without losing shape. Square, oval, and diamond face shapes benefit from the softening effect the curtain like layers create around the perimeter. Pair with lived in color think money piece highlights or a subtle face frame for maximum visual interest.
13. Polished Wavy Ponytail Medium Hairstyles
A polished wavy ponytail elevates the humble everyday ponytail into something genuinely chic by incorporating smoothed waves and thoughtful finishing details. Gather medium wavy hair into a mid level or high ponytail, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it, and allow the remaining waves to spill freely from the base. This style suits busy professionals, students, or active women who need hair completely secured but still want to look intentional and put together. It works across all face shapes and most hair textures, though women with some natural wave will find the ponytail falls with particularly beautiful movement. A shine spray applied before gathering the hair adds a sophisticated, glassy finish.
14. Textured Waves With Highlights Medium Hairstyles
Textured waves paired with dimensional highlights represent one of the most powerful combinations in the medium hair playbook, because color and movement work together to amplify each other’s effect. When light catches a wavy strand that transitions from a deeper root to a brighter mid shaft and tip, the result is three dimensional and visually stunning. Balayage, babylights, or foilayage techniques all complement wavy textures exceptionally well without requiring precise placement. This suits all face shapes and works across fine, medium, and thick hair types. Popular pairings include caramel waves on brunette bases, ash blonde over dark brown, and copper highlights woven through rich chestnut.
15. Loose Wave Updo Medium Hairstyles
The loose wave updo suits formal occasions, graduations, black tie dinners, bridal parties while maintaining the relaxed, effortless spirit that defines modern hair trends. Rather than a tightly pinned French roll or sleek chignon, this style involves gathering medium wavy hair into a soft, imprecise updo that allows pieces to escape naturally around the face and nape. Bobby pins scattered through the interior hold the structure in place while the overall silhouette remains organic and romantic. Women with oval, heart, or long face shapes look particularly stunning with this arrangement, as the lifted crown balances facial proportions elegantly. Fresh or dried floral accessories nestled into the updo complete the look for special events.
16. Low Maintenance Air Dried Waves Medium Hairstyles
Low maintenance air dried waves celebrate the beauty of letting medium wavy hair do exactly what it naturally wants to do, with minimal product intervention. This approach works best on type 2A to 2C hair that has a reliable pattern when left to dry undisturbed. The key is applying the right leave in conditioner and a small amount of curl cream to soaking wet hair, then avoiding touching it until completely dry. Plopping wrapping hair in a cotton T shirt immediately after washing reduces frizz dramatically without disturbing the forming wave pattern. Women with oval or round face shapes whose natural wave falls around the jaw and collarbone find this produces a particularly flattering, effortless framing effect.
17. Face Framing Wave Highlights Medium Hairstyles
Face framing wave highlights concentrate lighter color specifically around the front sections of medium wavy hair, directing attention toward the eyes, cheekbones, and lips in a way that sculpts and brightens the entire face. This targeted technique often called a money piece or face frame requires only a small number of foils or freehand painted sections, making it a faster and more affordable option than full head highlighting. It suits all hair types and wave textures, and works on virtually every face shape by customizing the width and placement of the lighter panels. Warm honey, platinum, caramel, and strawberry blonde are the most universally flattering shades for this framing technique.
How to Choose the Right Wavy Hairstyle for Medium Hair
Selecting the ideal style from this list comes down to three core considerations: your natural texture, your face shape, and how much time you’re willing to invest each morning. Women with fine hair benefit from styles that add volume blow out waves, S waves, and layered lobs all create the illusion of fullness. Those with thick or coarse waves should gravitate toward styles that manage bulk through layering, such as the shaggy cut or the layered wavy lob. Your lifestyle matters equally; if mornings are rushed, the air dried wave or messy bun will serve you far better than the polished blow out requires.
Best Face Shapes and Hair Types for Medium Wavy Styles
Medium wavy hair is genuinely one of the most accommodating combinations across all face shapes. Oval faces can pull off nearly every style on this list without modification. Round faces benefit from longer, side swept waves and styles with height at the crown to elongate the appearance. Square faces soften beautifully with curtain bangs, loose waves, and anything that avoids blunt horizontal lines at the jaw. Heart shaped faces look stunning with volume at the mid lengths and ends, drawing the eye downward to balance a wider forehead. In terms of hair type, this length performs best on type 2 and type 3 curl patterns, though any texture can be styled into waves with the right technique.
Styling and Maintenance Tips for Medium Wavy Hair
Keeping medium wavy hair looking its best requires a consistent care routine built around moisture and frizz control. Shampoo no more than two or three times weekly to preserve your natural oils, and always follow with a hydrating conditioner focused on the mid lengths and ends. A weekly deep conditioning mask prevents the dryness that causes frizz and dulls wave definition over time. When heat styling, always apply a thermal protectant spray before picking up any iron or blow dryer. Refreshing waves between wash days is simple lightly mist hair with water mixed with a small amount of leave in conditioner, scrunch gently, and air dry or briefly diffuse on low.
How to Ask Your Hairstylist for This Look
Walking into a salon with a clear, specific request saves time and ensures you leave with exactly the style you envisioned on Pinterest. Start by showing your stylist two or three reference photos that capture the wave texture, length, and overall shape you’re hoping for; photos of real people tend to communicate more accurately than illustrated examples. Describe your natural texture honestly so your stylist can assess whether your wave pattern will support the style or whether additional techniques are needed. Mention your daily styling routine and how many minutes you’re realistically willing to spend, as some of these looks require more upkeep than others. Ask specifically about whether a dry cut or a wet cut will better suit your wave pattern, and request that your stylist cut your hair in its natural state if you have strong natural waves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best haircut for medium wavy hair?
The layered wavy lob is widely considered the most flattering and versatile haircut for medium wavy hair. The layers remove excess weight, allow waves to form cleanly, and suit nearly every face shape and hair density.
How do I add more definition to my medium wavy hair?
Apply a curl defining cream or mousse to soaking wet hair immediately after washing, then scrunch upward from the ends toward the roots. Diffuse on low heat or air dry completely without touching the hair until it’s fully dry for the clearest wave definition.
Can I get wavy hair if my hair is naturally straight?
Yes. A curling wand, flexi rods, or braiding damp hair overnight all create convincing waves on naturally straight medium hair. Applying a light hold hairspray after styling helps the waves last through the day.
How often should I trim medium wavy hair?
Every eight to twelve weeks is ideal for maintaining the shape and preventing split ends that travel upward and disrupt wave formation. Regular trims keep the style looking intentional rather than grown out.
What products work best for medium wavy hair?
A sulfate free shampoo, a moisturizing conditioner, a lightweight leave in conditioner, and a curl cream or sea salt spray form a solid four product routine. Avoid heavy waxes or thick oils on the mid lengths, as these weigh waves down and reduce bounce.
Does medium wavy hair suit all ages?
Absolutely. Medium wavy hair is one of the most age inclusive styles available. Younger women gravitate toward bolder textures and highlights, while more mature women often prefer polished soft waves or loose updos but there are no rules, and the styles on this list look beautiful at every stage of life.
Conclusion
Medium wavy hair offers a remarkable range of possibilities, from carefree beachy texture to refined formal updos, making it one of the most rewarding lengths to work with at any skill level. Whether you embrace your natural wave pattern or build it with tools and technique, the seventeen styles in this guide give you a complete framework for finding a look that suits your face, your lifestyle, and your personal sense of style. Save your favorites to a Pinterest board, bring your reference photos to your next appointment, and communicate clearly with your stylist about what you love. The perfect wavy style for your medium hair is closer than you think.
