15 Medium Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Wavy Hair

1. The Modern Shag

The shag cut has made a triumphant return, and it’s a match made in heaven for wavy hair. This cut is all about layered texture, with pieces framing the face and throughout the lengths. The layers help to remove weight, allowing your waves to spring to life with incredible volume and definition. It’s a perfectly imperfect, low-maintenance style that looks better the more you let your natural texture do its thing.

2. The Textured Lob (Long Bob)

The lob, or long bob, is a timeless classic that works exceptionally well on wavy hair. Hitting anywhere between the chin and the collarbone, this length provides enough hair to form a beautiful wave without being overwhelming. Ask for a textured lob with soft, feathered layers to encourage movement. You can wear it sleek and smooth for a polished look, or embrace the waves for a casual, beachy vibe.

3. Curtain Bangs with Beach Waves

Elevate your medium wavy hair with the addition of face-framing curtain bangs. These bangs are parted in the middle and blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair, creating a flattering, retro-inspired frame for your face. When paired with loose, beachy waves, the result is a soft, romantic look that’s incredibly on-trend. The waves help the bangs blend naturally, avoiding any harsh lines.

4. The Blunt Cut with Body Wave

Don’t think waves are only for layered cuts! A blunt, one-length medium cut can create a stunning, modern look for wavy hair. The weight of the one-length cut can actually help tame frizz and create a more uniform, cohesive wave pattern. Use a curling wand to enhance a consistent, soft body wave from mid-lengths to ends for a sleek yet textured finish that makes a bold statement.

5. Layered Waves with Face-Framing Pieces

This is a quintessential style for enhancing natural wave patterns. Strategic layers are cut around the face and throughout to maximize volume at the crown and define the wave structure. Shorter pieces around the face draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones. This cut works with your hair’s natural movement, making styling simpler and giving you a lively, voluminous look every day.

6. The Half-Up, Half-Down Twist

Sometimes the best hairstyle is one that manages your waves beautifully while looking elegant. A half-up, half-down style is perfect for medium wavy hair. Gently pull back the top section, twist it, and secure it loosely at the back of your crown. This lifts the roots for volume while letting your waves flow freely. It’s an ideal style for second-day hair or when you want a quick, put-together look.

7. The Wavy Pixie-Bob

For those wanting to venture a bit shorter while keeping some length, the pixie-bob is a daring and chic option. This cut is shorter in the back and longer in the front, often with lots of texture. On wavy hair, the texture creates incredible volume and piece-y definition. It’s a bold, fashion-forward cut that highlights your facial features and makes the most of your hair’s natural body.

8. Braided Crown with Wavy Ends

Transform your medium wavy hair into a bohemian masterpiece with a braided crown. French braid or twist a section of hair from each side, meeting at the back, and pin it in place. Let the rest of your waves fall loosely. This style keeps hair off your face elegantly and showcases the beautiful texture of your loose waves, making it perfect for special events or a festive daytime look.

9. The Tousled Midi Cut

The “midi” cut refers to a length that sits squarely on the shoulders. When cut with long, disconnected layers and styled with a tousled, piece-y texture, it’s pure magic for wavy hair. The goal is a “lived-in” look that appears effortlessly cool. Use a texturizing spray on damp hair, scrunch, and air dry or diffuse for a look that’s full of personality and requires minimal effort.

10. Deep Side-Part Waves

Sometimes a simple change in your part can completely transform your waves. Switching to a deep side-part instantly adds volume at the roots and creates an asymmetrical, glamorous wave pattern. The hair on the heavier side will have a longer, sweeping wave, while the lighter side can be tucked behind the ear for a sophisticated look. It’s a zero-commitment way to refresh your style.

11. The Wavy Bob with Textured Ends

A bob that grazes the jawline or just below it can look incredible with wave texture. Ask your stylist for a bob with heavily textured or razored ends. This technique prevents the ends from looking too blunt or heavy, allowing your waves to curl and flip naturally. It’s a playful, youthful cut that brings out the bounce in your wavy hair.

12. Low Messy Bun with Wavy Tendrils

Don’t relegate your waves to only down-dos. A low, messy bun is a fantastic updo for medium wavy hair. The texture gives the bun a full, soft appearance that looks elegant yet relaxed. The key is to pull out a few wavy tendrils around the face and neck to soften the look. It’s a quick, beautiful style that works for the office, a workout, or a dinner date.

13. The Wolf Cut

A hybrid of the shag and the mullet, the wolf cut is a daring, voluminous style made for textured hair. It features dramatic, shaggy layers throughout, with shorter layers on top for immense volume and longer pieces in the back. On wavy hair, this cut creates a wild, beautiful silhouette that’s full of movement and attitude. It’s the ultimate statement cut for embracing your natural texture.

14. Sleek with Wavy Ends

For a look of beautiful contrast, style the top section of your hair sleek and smooth, while letting the ends break out into soft waves. You can achieve this by blow-drying the roots straight with a round brush and then using a large-barrel curling iron just on the bottom half of your hair. This style is polished, modern, and highlights the versatility of your wavy texture.

15. The Classic, All-Over Body Wave

Never underestimate the power of a classic. Using hot tools or even heatless methods, create consistent, loose body waves throughout your medium-length hair. This style is timeless, flattering on almost everyone, and gives a uniform, glamorous finish. It’s perfect for when you want a more polished version of your natural wave, ideal for photos, interviews, or any event where you want to feel your best.

Embrace Your Waves

Your wavy hair is not a challenge to be solved; it’s a gift to be styled. The key to loving your medium wavy hairstyle is finding a cut that works with your natural pattern and using products designed for texture—think mousses, sea salt sprays, and lightweight curl creams. Remember, the most beautiful hair often has a mind of its own. So, experiment with these styles, talk to a stylist who understands texture, and most importantly, have fun showcasing the beautiful, unique wave pattern that is yours alone.