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10 Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair Curly Ideas

Let’s get real for a second. Curly hair is a full-time job. I spent the better part of my twenties fighting my natural texture with a flat iron until my hair basically begged for mercy. I thought “straight” equaled “manageable.” Boy, I was wrong. Once I reached that sweet spot of medium length—you know, the “Goldilocks” length where it isn’t too heavy but actually has some swing—I finally learned to love the chaos.

Finding the right hairstyles for medium length hair curly ideas can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in the dark. One day you look like a beach goddess, and the next day you look like you survived an electrical surge. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. I’ve tested every gel, cream, and diffuser on the market to bring you styles that actually work for real life. Let’s transform that frizz into a masterpiece with these ten styles that celebrate every ringlet.

Loose Beachy Curls

I think everyone wants that “I just spent four hours at the shore” look without actually dealing with the sand in uncomfortable places. Loose beachy curls represent the ultimate relaxed vibe for medium length hair. They offer enough structure to look intentional but enough messiness to keep things low-maintenance.

How to Get the Texture

You don’t need an actual ocean to achieve this. I start by washing my hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to keep the moisture locked in. While my hair is still damp, I scrunch in a generous amount of sea salt spray. I prefer the ones with added coconut oil so my hair doesn’t feel like straw by noon.

Use a microfiber towel to squeeze out excess water.
Apply a light-hold mousse from roots to ends.
Air dry for 80% of the time.
Finish with a diffuser on low heat for volume.

Essential Products for Beachy Vibes

If you have naturally tight curls, you might need to “stretch” them a bit. I use a wide-barrel curling wand to touch up any pieces that look too springy. Just wrap the middle section of the hair around the wand and leave the ends straight. This creates that specific, effortless silhouette that defines the style.

Half-Up Twisted Crown

When I need to look like I put in effort (even when I overslept), I reach for the half-up twisted crown. This style works wonders for medium length curls because it keeps the hair out of your face while letting the volume shine at the back. It basically screams “boho royalty” without requiring a crown.

The Twist Technique

I suggest you start by parting your hair down the middle or slightly to the side. Take a two-inch section of hair from above your left ear. Twist it toward the back of your head, adding small sections of hair as you go, almost like a French braid but much easier.

Secure the first twist with a clear elastic or a bobby pin.
Repeat on the right side until the two twists meet in the middle.
Join them with a small decorative clip.
Fluff the curls at the bottom for extra drama.

Why This Style Wins

Medium length hair often gets in the way during work or meals. This style solves that problem instantly. I love how the natural curl pattern creates a built-in “nest” at the back that looks incredibly intricate. FYI, if a few tendrils fall out around your face, just leave them. It adds to the romantic, soft aesthetic 🙂

Voluminous Layered Waves

If your hair feels heavy or looks like a triangle, you need layers. I struggled with the “pyramid head” for years until my stylist introduced me to voluminous layered waves. This isn’t just a hairstyle; it’s a strategic architectural plan for your head.

The Secret of the Cut

You must find a stylist who understands the “curl by curl” cutting method. When you add layers to medium length curly hair, you remove the weight that pulls the curls down. I noticed my hair literally bounced up two inches once we cut in some short and medium layers.

Ask for “shag-inspired” layers for maximum movement.
Avoid blunt ends at all costs.
Request thinning only if you have extremely high density.
Maintain a face-framing fringe to highlight your eyes.

Styling for Height

I use a root-lifting spray while my hair is upside down. I then diffuse my hair in the same position. This defies gravity and gives me that “80s rockstar” volume that still feels modern. IMO, bigger is always better when it comes to curly hair layers.

Curly Ponytail with Bangs

Who says ponytails are boring? A curly ponytail with bangs is my favorite way to bridge the gap between “gym hair” and “date night hair.” Medium length is actually the perfect length for this because the ponytail doesn’t become too heavy and sag.

Nailing the Curly Bang

If you are nervous about cutting bangs into curly hair, join the club. I spent six months staring at photos before I took the plunge. The key is to cut them while they are dry. If you cut them wet, they will shrink up into tiny ringlets that sit on your forehead like a nervous caterpillar.

Gather the main body of hair into a high or mid-height ponytail.
Use a silk scrunchie to prevent breakage.
Separate your bangs and let them fall naturally.
Apply a drop of hair oil to the bangs for shine.

The Face-Framing Effect

Bangs frame the face and draw attention to your cheekbones. When the rest of the hair is pulled back, the focus stays on your features. I love this style for days when my curls at the back look a bit flat, but my front sections still have life. It’s the ultimate cheat code for a “bad hair day.”

Braided Side Sweep

When I want a bit of edge without shaving my head, I go for the braided side sweep. This style creates a sleek silhouette on one side of your head while allowing your curls to explode on the other. It offers a dramatic contrast that I find incredibly stylish.

The Braiding Process

You only need to know a simple cornrow or a tight French braid for this. I part my hair deep on the side. On the “smaller” side of the part, I create two or three tight braids that run from my temple to the nape of my neck.

Braid tightly against the scalp.
Secure with tiny elastics that match your hair color.
Sweep the remaining hair over your shoulder.
Use a strong-hold gel on the braided side to keep flyaways at bay.

Adding Accessories

I often tuck a few gold hair rings into the braids for a bit of sparkle. This style looks phenomenal at weddings or parties. It keeps the hair secure while you dance, but it still looks like a sophisticated hairstyle for medium length hair curly ideas. Does it take a little practice? Yes. Is the result worth the arm cramp? Absolutely.

Messy Curly Bun

The messy curly bun is the holy grail of hairstyles. I probably wear this four days a week. The beauty of curly hair is that our natural texture provides the volume and “mess” that straight-haired people have to fake with salt spray and teasing.

The “Pineapple” Method

I start with the “pineapple” technique that many curly girls use for sleep. I flip my hair forward and gather it right at the top of my head. Instead of pulling the hair all the way through the elastic on the last loop, I leave a large loop of curls.

Secure the base loosely.
Pull random curls out to create a round shape.
Pin the loose ends around the base of the bun.
Tug at the hair on the crown to prevent it from looking too flat.

Making it “Fashion”

To elevate this from “I’m cleaning my bathroom” to “I’m going to brunch,” I add a silk scarf. I wrap the scarf around my head and tie it in a small knot at the front or the side. This hides any frizz at the roots and makes the whole look intentional. It’s functional, cute, and handles humidity like a champ.

Spiral Ringlet Updo

Special occasions demand a bit more structure. The spiral ringlet updo is my go-to for events where I know I’ll be photographed. It looks like it took hours, but it actually relies on the natural shape of your curls to do the heavy lifting.

The “Pin and Go” Strategy

I don’t brush my curls for this style. I want the ringlets to stay as defined as possible. I gather my hair into three vertical sections at the back. I then take individual curls and pin them randomly to the back of my head.

Start at the bottom and work your way up.
Overwork the pins to ensure nothing moves.
Leave two curls hanging near the ears for a soft touch.
Spray with a high-shine hairspray for a polished finish.

Why It Works for Medium Length

Long hair often creates a bun that is too heavy for pins to hold. Medium length hair is light enough to stay put all night. I once wore this to a summer wedding in 90% humidity, and my hair didn’t budge. Ever wondered why some updos look stiff? It’s because people use too much product. Let the curls be the star of the show.

Textured Curly

The textured curly is a classic for a reason. It removes the “shrub” effect that can happen when curly hair gets too long. I love how a bob makes curls look denser and healthier. It’s a bold choice that pays off in style points.

The Shape of the Textured Curly

I recommend an “A-line” bob where the back is slightly shorter than the front. This prevents the hair from rubbing against your coat collar and causing tangles. The front length should hit right at your jawline or slightly below.

Apply a curl-defining cream to wet hair.
Finger coil the sections around your face.
Diffuse until dry.
Shake out the roots for volume.

Maintenance Tips

Medium length bobs require a trim every 6-8 weeks. Curly hair hides unevenness well, but the shape can quickly turn into a circle if you ignore the maintenance. I use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product buildup, which keeps the bob looking bouncy and fresh. FYI, this is probably the most “chic” look on the list.

Low Curly Chignon

For an elegant, sophisticated look, the low curly chignon never fails. It’s the quieter, more refined cousin of the messy bun. I wear this to the office or for business meetings when I want to look professional but still embrace my natural curls.

Creating the Chignon

I gather my hair at the nape of my neck into a low ponytail. I then split the ponytail into two sections and wrap them around each other, pinning them into a round shape.

Keep the tension loose to maintain the curl pattern.
Smooth the top with a boar bristle brush if you want a sleeker look.
Tuck in all the ends for a clean finish.
Use “U-shaped” pins for a more secure hold.

The Professional Edge

This style proves that curly hair can be “neat.” I love pairing this with a pair of statement earrings. The low placement of the hair creates a long line for your neck, which looks very graceful. It’s a timeless hairstyle for medium length hair curly ideas that works for any age.

Curly Hair Headband Style

Sometimes, I just don’t have the energy to style my hair. That is when the curly hair headband style becomes my best friend. It’s the ultimate lazy-day look that still manages to look curated and feminine.

Choosing the Right Headband

I suggest you avoid the thin plastic headbands that dig into your brain. I prefer wide, fabric-covered bands or even “comb” headbands that create a bit of lift at the front.

Slide the headband about two inches back from your hairline.
Push it forward slightly to create a “pouf” of volume at the front.
Leave the back curls completely wild.
Use a refresh spray (water and conditioner mix) to wake up the curls at the back.

The Accessory Game

Accessories can change the entire mood of a look. A velvet headband feels expensive, while a floral one feels like springtime. I keep a basket of headbands near my mirror for those mornings when my hair refuses to cooperate. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s honestly a life-saver for curly girls on the go 🙂

The Curly Girl’s Toolkit: Essential Technical Details

You can have the best hairstyles for medium length hair curly ideas in the world, but if your hair isn’t healthy, the style won’t matter. Curly hair is structurally different from straight hair. The cuticle is often more open, which leads to moisture escaping. This is why our hair gets thirsty!

Porosity Matters

I recommend you test your hair’s porosity. Drop a clean strand of hair into a glass of water. If it sinks immediately, you have high porosity (it absorbs and loses moisture fast). If it floats, you have low porosity (it’s hard to get moisture in).

High Porosity: Use heavy creams and oils to “seal” the moisture in.
Low Porosity: Use lightweight, water-based products and a little heat to help the product penetrate.

The Drying Ritual

Never, and I mean never, rub your hair with a regular terry cloth towel. The tiny loops in the fabric catch on your curls and rip them apart, creating instant frizz. I only use old cotton T-shirts or specialized microfiber towels. I “plop” my hair—wrapping it on top of my head in the T-shirt—for 20 minutes before I even think about touching the blow dryer.

Maintaining the Vibe: Night Routine

If you spend an hour styling your curls, you don’t want to wake up with a bird’s nest. My night routine is non-negotiable. I sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. Cotton absorbs the oils from your hair and creates friction. Silk allows your hair to glide, which preserves your curl definition for the next day.

Use a silk bonnet if you move around a lot in your sleep.
Pineapple your hair at the very top of your head with a loose silk scrunchie.
Refresh in the morning with a steam shower or a misting bottle.

Comparative Commentary: Mousse vs. Gel vs. Cream

Choosing the right product is like choosing the right partner—you need someone who supports you without weighing you down. Here is my honest take on the big three curly hair products:

Gel offers the best hold. If you live in a humid climate, you need gel. It creates a “cast” (a hard shell) that you scrunch out once the hair is dry. I love it for definition, but it can feel a bit “crunchy” if you don’t break the cast.

Mousse is the king of volume. It’s mostly air, so it doesn’t weigh the hair down. I use mousse for my beachy curls and my layered waves. However, it doesn’t provide much moisture, so I always layer it over a leave-in conditioner.

Cream is for the girls who want soft, touchable curls. It’s packed with oils and butters. I recommend cream for tighter curls or for the curly bob style. The downside? It can be heavy. If I use too much cream on my medium length hair, my curls turn into sad, limp noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my medium length curly hair?
I recommend washing 1-2 times a week. Over-washing strips your hair of the natural oils it desperately needs. On off-days, just use water or a co-wash (conditioner wash) to refresh.

Can I get a fringe if my hair is very curly?
Yes! But ask your stylist for a “shag” cut. This ensures the bangs blend into the rest of the hair. And remember: always cut them dry!

How do I stop my hair from getting frizzy during the day?
Keep a small bottle of hair oil in your bag. If you notice frizz, warm a drop between your palms and gently smooth it over the surface of your hair. Don’t rake your fingers through!

Personal Anecdote: The Rain Disaster

I want to share a quick story so you feel better about your own hair struggles. Last year, I spent two hours perfecting a spiral ringlet updo for a gala. I stepped out of my car, and the sky opened up. Within thirty seconds, I looked like a wet poodle.

Instead of crying (which I wanted to do), I leaned into it. I pulled out my emergency silk scarf, tied it into a wide headband, and converted the mess into a messy curly bun. People actually thought I had planned the look! The lesson? Curly hair is resilient. If a style fails, there is always another one waiting in the wings.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Bounce

At the end of the day, your hair is an extension of your personality. These 10 hairstyles for medium length hair curly ideas are just a starting point. Experiment, make mistakes, and find the look that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Curly hair isn’t a problem to be solved; it’s a gift to be celebrated. Once you stop fighting your texture and start working with it, you’ll find that your hair is the most versatile accessory you own. So, put down the flat iron, grab your favorite gel, and let those curls roam free.

You deserve to feel confident in your natural beauty. Whether you’re rocking a sleek chignon or a wild beachy mane, remember that your curls tell a story of volume, life, and movement. Now go out there and show the world what those ringlets can do! 🙂

10 Cute Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair Curly Ideas to Try Now