15 Glam Hairstyles For Medium Hair With Hollywood Waves

Hollywood waves offer a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. This aesthetic transforms medium-length hair into a red-carpet masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Medium hair provides the perfect canvas for structured ripples. It offers enough length to showcase the iconic S-shape without the weight of long hair pulling the curls down.

Whether attending a gala or a formal dinner, these styles ensure a polished look. Discover how to elevate your mid-length locks with these sophisticated, wave-focused inspirations.

1. Classic Side-Parted Waves

The classic side-parted look is the gold standard for Hollywood glamour. By creating a deep parting on one side, you create a dramatic sweep of hair that highlights the cheekbones and jawline perfectly.

To achieve this, use a one-inch curling iron and wrap all sections in the same direction. This consistency is what allows the hair to “nest” together into those signature, uniform ripples once brushed out.

Finish the look with a high-shine pomade or serum to smooth down any flyaways. This ensures the waves look intentional and expensive, reflecting light with every movement you make during the evening.

2. The Deep S-Wave Lob

The long bob, or lob, is the ideal length for a structured S-wave. This style focuses on creating deep indentations in the hair that align perfectly from the front to the back of the head.

Using flat clamps or wave clips while the hair cools is the secret to this architectural finish. It reinforces the “dip” in the wave, making the silhouette much more pronounced and vintage-inspired.

This style works best on hair that has been prepped with a volumizing mousse. The added grit helps the waves hold their shape without falling flat, maintaining that bouncy, medium-length volume all night.

3. Waves with a Sparkly Slide

Adding an accessory is the quickest way to transition from everyday hair to high-glam. A jeweled slide or a vintage-inspired clip placed just above the ear adds an instant focal point to your waves.

The accessory serves a functional purpose by pinning back one side of the hair. This creates an asymmetrical balance that allows your facial features and jewelry to take center stage.

Choose a clip that complements your outfit’s hardware or stones for a cohesive look. When the light hits the crystals alongside the glossy waves, the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

4. Half-Up Hollywood Waves

For those who want the elegance of waves with the security of a pinned-back style, the half-up version is ideal. It pulls hair away from the face while letting the glamorous texture flow behind.

The key is to keep the top section smooth and sleek to contrast with the voluminous waves below. Secure the top half with invisible pins or a decorative barrette at the crown for a lifted effect.

This hairstyle provides great longevity as it keeps the hair out of your eyes during dinner or dancing. It maintains the classic “S” pattern in the lower lengths for that unmistakable Hollywood vibe.

5. Tucked-Behind-The-Ear Glam

This variation is understated yet incredibly chic for medium hair. By tucking one side firmly behind the ear, you create a sleek profile that contrasts beautifully with the voluminous waves on the opposite side.

Use a firm-hold gel or hairspray on the tucked side to ensure it stays flat and smooth against the scalp. This creates a “faux-undercut” feel that looks modern while remaining rooted in vintage aesthetics.

It is an excellent choice for showing off statement earrings or an intricate neckline. The waves on the loose side should be brushed out into a soft, cloud-like texture for maximum romantic appeal.

6. Waves with a Velvet Bow

Velvet ribbons add a touch of “old-money” sophistication to medium-length waves. A bow tied at the back of a half-up style creates a soft, feminine finish that feels very high-fashion.

Ensure your waves are brushed out thoroughly before adding the bow to avoid a “pageant” look. The goal is a seamless flow of hair that looks soft to the touch and effortlessly glamorous.

This style is particularly effective for winter events or holiday parties. The contrast between the matte velvet and the shiny, polished hair creates a rich visual texture that photographs beautifully.

7. Voluminous Retro Blowout

Sometimes the most glamorous waves are those that look full of air and movement. A retro blowout uses large rollers to create soft, undulating waves rather than tight, structured coils.

The focus here is on root lift and rounded ends. By using a large round brush and setting the hair in velcro rollers, you achieve a bouncy, medium-length style that screams 1950s cinema star.

Spray a light-hold hairspray while the rollers are still in to lock in the volume. Once removed, a quick finger-comb is all you need to settle the hair into a lush, red-carpet-ready shape.

8. Hollywood Waves with Face-Framing Pins

Decorative pins placed symmetrically on both sides of a center part offer a modern twist on the trend. This look frames the face while keeping the signature wave pattern intact throughout the lengths.

This style works exceptionally well for medium hair that has layers. The pins help control shorter front pieces, incorporating them into the overall flow of the waves rather than letting them hang loose.

Opt for minimalist gold or silver pins for a contemporary feel, or pearls for a more traditional look. It’s a sophisticated way to keep your hair polished and under control in breezy environments.

9. Brushed-Out Soft Glam

The “brushed-out” technique is what separates modern waves from dated ringlets. By using a boar bristle brush, you break up the individual curls and encourage them to merge into a singular, fluid wave.

This creates a soft, hazy texture that is incredibly flattering on medium-length hair. It softens the features and provides a romantic, ethereal glow that is perfect for weddings or formal portraits.

Always apply a drop of shine oil to your brush before you start. This prevents frizz and ensures that as the curls blend together, they maintain a mirror-like finish across the entire surface.

10. Waves with a High-Shine Finish

Hollywood waves are nothing without shine, and this style takes that concept to the extreme. This look involves using heavy-duty glossing sprays to create a “glass hair” effect on the waves.

The light should bounce off the peaks of each wave, creating a rhythmic pattern of highlights and shadows. It is a high-impact look that requires healthy, well-hydrated hair to truly pull off.

Avoid over-handling the hair once the shine spray is applied. Let the product set for a minute so the waves remain crisp and the “wet-look” shine stays locked in place for the duration of your event.

11. Asymmetrical Hollywood Waves

Asymmetry adds an edge to the traditional wave. By concentrating the volume and the wave pattern on one side while keeping the other side very flat, you create a striking, editorial silhouette.

This is often achieved by sweeping all the hair over one shoulder. For medium hair, you may need a few strategically placed bobby pins at the nape of the neck to keep the hair from sliding back.

The result is a look that feels both powerful and feminine. It’s the perfect choice for a bold outfit where you want your hair to make a statement without being overly symmetrical or “perfect.”

12. Waves with a Braided Crown Accent

Mixing textures can enhance the glam factor. A small, delicate braid acting as a crown or headband keeps the hair off the face while allowing the Hollywood waves to flow underneath.

The braid adds an element of detail that makes the hairstyle look more intricate and professional. It works particularly well for those who want a romantic, “boho-glam” hybrid style for an outdoor event.

Keep the braid loose and pancake the edges slightly to ensure it doesn’t look too tight. The softness of the braid should match the fluidity of the waves for a harmonious overall appearance.

13. Old Hollywood Mid-Length Finger Waves

Finger waves are the ultimate nod to the 1920s and 30s. On medium hair, these waves can be styled around the face to create a dramatic, sculpted frame that looks like a piece of art.

This style requires a strong-hold gel and a fine-tooth comb to mold the hair into “ridges.” It is a more labor-intensive look but offers the highest level of formality and vintage authenticity.

Once the ridges are set and dried, they are nearly indestructible. This makes it an ideal choice for long events where you won’t have time for touch-ups or worry about your hair losing its shape.

14. Waves with a Pearl Embellishment

Pearls are currently having a major fashion moment. Scattering tiny, stick-on pearls throughout your waves adds a whimsical and luxurious touch that feels incredibly fresh and updated.

The pearls catch the light differently than crystals, offering a soft, milky glow that complements the smoothness of the waves. It’s a subtle way to add “extra” flair to a standard wave set.

Place the pearls mainly on the “peaks” of the waves to emphasize the texture. This draws the eye across the pattern of the hair, making the medium-length style look more voluminous and detailed.

15. Messy Glam Undone Waves

For a more relaxed take on Hollywood glamour, the “undone” wave is the way to go. It maintains the S-shape but allows for a bit more texture and “lived-in” feel throughout the ends.

Instead of a perfectly smooth finish, use a sea salt spray or texturizing mist to give the waves some grit. This prevents the hair from looking too stiff while still maintaining that expensive-looking shape.

This is the perfect “cool-girl” version of Hollywood waves. It bridges the gap between casual and formal, making it a versatile choice for everything from a cocktail party to a high-end fashion event.

Can I do Hollywood waves on thin hair?

Yes, Hollywood waves are actually great for thin hair because the uniform “nesting” of the waves creates the illusion of a thicker, more solid mass of hair. Using a volumizing mousse before styling and brushing the waves together will help the hair look much fuller than it actually is.

How do I make the waves last all night?

The secret to longevity is the “set.” After curling each section, pin it to your head while it is still hot and let it cool completely in that shape. This locks the cuticle into the wave pattern, ensuring it doesn’t fall out as soon as you step outside.

What’s the difference between beach waves and Hollywood waves?

Beach waves are typically “messy,” with straight ends and curls going in alternating directions for a relaxed look. Hollywood waves are uniform, with all curls going in the same direction so they can be brushed into a single, cohesive S-pattern with polished ends.

Do I need a specific curling iron size?

For medium-length hair, a 1-inch (25mm) curling iron or wand is usually the best choice. Anything larger may not create a strong enough “dent” in the hair for the wave to be visible, while anything smaller might result in tight ringlets rather than glam waves.

Should I brush the curls out?

Absolutely. Brushing out the curls is the most important step in achieving the Hollywood wave look. If you don’t brush them, you just have a head of standard curls; brushing them with a boar bristle brush allows the sections to join together into that iconic, fluid wave.

Is medium hair long enough for this look?

Medium hair is arguably the best length for Hollywood waves. It is long enough to show several “turns” of the S-wave but short enough that the weight of the hair won’t pull the style flat, allowing for more volume at the roots and a more bounce.

15 Glam Hairstyles for Medium Hair with Hollywood Waves