Medium hair is the ultimate sweet spot for styling. It offers enough length for intricate braids while remaining light enough to hold voluminous waves all day long.
Layers add the necessary movement to prevent medium-length cuts from looking heavy. They provide the texture needed to make casual styles look effortlessly chic and modern.
Combining braids and waves creates a multi-dimensional look. Whether you are heading to a coffee date or a relaxed office setting, these styles offer endless versatility.
1. Messy Layered Lob with Beach Waves
This style focuses on enhancing the natural movement of a long bob. The layers are cut to different lengths to ensure the hair doesn’t look bulky at the bottom.
To achieve this look, use a medium-barrel curling iron and leave the ends straight. This creates a more “undone” and casual aesthetic that works perfectly for daily wear.
The combination of choppy layers and beachy texture makes this a go-to for medium-length hair. It provides a youthful energy without requiring hours of maintenance or precision.
2. Side-Swept Braid with Face-Framing Layers
A side-swept braid is a romantic yet practical way to manage medium-length hair. By pulling the bulk of the hair to one side, you highlight the jawline and neck.
Leave your shorter face-framing layers out of the braid to soften the look. You can add a slight bend to these pieces using a flat iron for a polished finish.
This style is ideal for those days when you want your hair out of your face but still want to show off your length. It’s a classic casual choice.
3. Half-Up Boho Braid with Loose Waves
The half-up boho braid strikes the perfect balance between structured and messy. It keeps the hair away from the eyes while letting the waves flow freely behind.
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18 Up Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair with Buns, Braids and Waves — Read moreStart by creating loose, large waves throughout the hair. Then, take two sections from the temples and create loose three-strand braids that meet and pin at the back.
The layers in your hair will naturally poke out of the braid, adding to the “bohemian” charm. This intentional messiness is what makes the style so approachable.
4. Textured Shag with Soft Bends
The modern shag is defined by heavy layering and fringe. It is a high-texture style that thrives on a “lived-in” feel, making it the definition of casual.
Use a texturizing spray to define the layers and create soft bends rather than tight curls. This emphasizes the haircut’s shape rather than the styling tool’s pattern.
Medium hair is the perfect canvas for a shag because it has enough weight to swing. It’s a low-effort look that looks better as the day goes on.
5. Fishtail Accent Braid on Layered Hair
If you want something more intricate than a standard braid, the fishtail accent is a great choice. It adds a detailed focal point to a head of wavy hair.
Pick a small section of hair near the front and braid it tightly into a fishtail. Allow the rest of your layered hair to fall in natural, sea-salt waves.
The contrast between the tight braid and the loose, layered waves creates a beautiful visual balance. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact.
6. Voluminous Waves with a Hidden Braid
This style is all about volume and a “peek-a-boo” surprise. It uses the layers to create height at the crown while hiding a small braid underneath.
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The hidden braid acts as an anchor for the layers, preventing them from falling flat. It’s a subtle way to incorporate a braid into a wavy style.
7. Double Dutch Braids into Wavy Ends
Double Dutch braids are a fantastic way to keep medium hair secure during active days. Instead of braiding to the very ends, stop at the nape of the neck.
Secure the braids with elastics and let the rest of the hair flow into natural waves. This “half-braided” look is very trendy and keeps the style looking soft.
The layers in the loose portion of the hair will create a flared, voluminous effect. It’s a sporty yet feminine style that works for any casual outing.
8. Wispy Layered Cut with Salt Spray Waves
Wispy layers are designed to remove weight and add a feather-like quality to the hair. This style is best enhanced with a simple sea salt spray for a matte finish.
Mist the spray onto damp hair and scrunch upward with your hands. Let it air dry to allow your natural wave pattern to take center stage.
This is arguably the most effortless style for medium hair. It embraces the natural texture of the layers and requires almost no heat styling.
9. Crown Braid with Layered Flyaways
A crown braid doesn’t have to be perfect to look great. In fact, for a casual look, allowing layered “flyaways” to escape makes it look more modern.
Wrap a braid around the top of your head like a headband. Don’t worry about pinning down every single hair; the shorter layers add a soft, halo-like effect.
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15 Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair with Waves and Updos — Read moreThis style keeps you cool and comfortable while looking put-together. The waves in the back provide a beautiful backdrop for the braided crown.
10. Piecey Beach Waves with Internal Layers
Internal layers are “ghost layers” that add volume without being visible on the surface. They make beach waves look more “piecey” and defined.
Use a light pomade or wax on your fingertips to pinch the ends of your waves. This separates the layers and prevents the hair from looking like one solid mass.
This style is perfect for those who want a “model-off-duty” vibe. It’s casual, cool, and emphasizes the healthy movement of medium-length hair.
11. Waterfall Braid on Shoulder-Length Waves
The waterfall braid is a stunning way to showcase both braids and waves simultaneously. It involves “dropping” strands of hair through the braid to create a cascading effect.
Because the hair is medium length, the “waterfall” strands fall perfectly around the shoulders. Curl these strands specifically to make the effect pop.
This style looks complex but is quite easy once you master the rhythm. It’s a great way to dress up a casual layered cut.
12. Casual Low Bun with Braided Wrap
A low bun is the ultimate casual “updo.” By adding a braided wrap around the base, you elevate it from a gym bun to a stylish daily look.
Leave a small section of hair out of the bun, braid it, and then wrap it around the hair tie. Secure with a bobby pin for a seamless finish.
Let your front layers and waves frame your face to keep the look soft. It’s a practical style that looks sophisticated without being stiff.
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S-waves are created by moving a flat iron in an “S” shape down the hair shaft. This technique works exceptionally well on shaggy, heavily layered medium hair.
The result is a flatter, more modern wave than a traditional curl. It brings out the “step” in the layers, giving the hair a gritty, cool-girl texture.
Finish with a shot of cool air from your dryer to set the waves. This style is perfect for those who prefer a rock-and-roll aesthetic.
14. Half-Up Pull-Through Braid
A pull-through braid isn’t actually a braid at all; it’s a series of small ponytails looped through each other. This makes it much easier for beginners.
It creates a very voluminous, thick-looking “braid” that sits on top of your wavy layers. It’s a great way to add height to the crown of the head.
Because it’s secured with many elastics, it stays in place all day. It’s a durable and stylish option for medium-length hair.
15. Deep Side Part with Hollywood Casual Waves
A deep side part immediately adds drama and volume to layered hair. By brushing all the waves to one side, you create a classic, timeless silhouette.
Keep the waves large and soft rather than tight. This prevents the look from feeling too formal and keeps it in the “casual” category.
The layers will fall at different heights along the face, highlighting your features. It’s a simple change that completely transforms your look.
16. Messy Top Knot with Braided Underside
This is a fun twist on the classic top knot. By braiding the hair from the nape of the neck upwards, you add a surprising detail to the back.
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It’s an excellent way to keep hair off the neck during warmer weather. The combination of the braid and the bun is both functional and stylish.
17. Face-Framing Micro Braids with Beachy Texture
Micro braids are tiny, thin braids that frame the face. They are a throwback to 90s style and work beautifully with medium-length, layered hair.
Braid two small sections at the very front of your hairline. Leave the rest of your hair in touseled, beachy waves to create a relaxed, summery vibe.
This style is effortless and requires no pins or heavy styling products. It’s a “festival-ready” look that works just as well for a casual weekend.
18. Soft Curled Layers with Braided Bangs
If you have longer bangs or short front layers, braiding them back is a great way to change your look. It opens up the face while adding texture.
French braid the bang section along the hairline and tuck it behind the ear. Curl the rest of your layers into soft, bouncy waves for a polished finish.
This is a very clean and pretty look. It’s perfect for those transitioning between hair lengths or those who want to hide their bangs for a day.
19. Effortless Bedhead Waves with Feathered Layers
The “bedhead” look is all about intentional imperfection. Feathered layers are key here, as they provide the light, airy texture needed for this style.
Use a dry shampoo or volume powder at the roots to give the hair a “day-two” feel. Roughly finger-comb your waves to break them up and add frizz in a stylish way.
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How long does it take to style medium-length layers?
Styling medium-length hair usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes. Because the hair isn’t excessively long, it dries faster and requires less time with a curling iron or braiding.
Can I achieve these waves without heat?
Yes, you can achieve beautiful waves by braiding damp hair and letting it air dry overnight. Using silk rollers or heatless curling headbands is also a great way to protect your layers from heat damage.
What products are best for maintaining braids in layered hair?
A light-hold hairspray or a styling pomade is essential for keeping layers from poking out of braids. Applying a small amount of product to your fingertips while braiding helps grip the shorter hairs.
How often should layered medium hair be trimmed?
To keep layers looking sharp and prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, a trim every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended. This ensures your waves and braids always look healthy and vibrant.
Are braids difficult to do on layered hair?
Braiding layered hair can be slightly more challenging because shorter pieces may escape. However, using the “pancake” technique (pulling the edges of the braid) can help hide these ends and make the braid look fuller.
How do I make my waves last all day?
Start with a volumizing mousse on damp hair and always use a heat protectant. Once you finish curling, let the hair cool completely before touching it, and finish with a medium-hold texturizing spray.