20 Stylish Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair

 

If you have medium-length natural hair, you may find yourself repeating the same hairstyles over and over again because you may think trying a new style will take too much time. However, there are actually plenty of medium-length natural styles to choose from, and the best part is you can easily pull these looks together on your own at home. If you’re ready to transform your strands, here are the 20 best natural hairstyles for medium-length hair.

 

1. Twist Out

This hairstyle is all about installing twists throughout your hair and leaving them in overnight so they’ll reveal a textured pattern when undone in the morning. A foolproof pick for naturals who love the idea of heatless waves, this trend-forward hairstyle is just what you need to bring your desired texture to life.

2. Faux Locs

If you prefer to add some protective styling into the mix, look no further than faux locs. Faux locs consist of braiding your natural hair, then wrapping additional hair around the braid from the root to ends to emulate the look of locs. You can also add colorful hair accessories and clips to your faux locs for a chic twist.

3. Curly Faux Hawk

Try a stylish and curly faux hawk. Simply apply an egg-sized amount of curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let them air dry. Once it’s dry, apply a dab of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel to the sides of your mane, brush your hair toward the middle of your head, and secure it with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side, and your work is done. 

4. Faux Hawk Buns

With three buns going down the center of your head, this style works while accentuating your features for an ultra-flattering ‘do. To get the look, start by parting your hair horizontally into three even sections and clip the last two sections out of the way. With the section that’s left out, secure the hair into a ponytail, then roll and twist it into a bun. Repeat with the other sections.

5. Jumbo Top Knot

Top knots only require a few products to pull the look together: a few bobby pins, a hair brush, a hair elastic, and a hairspray like the L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented to pull the style together.

6. High Puff

Similar to the top knot, the high puff is a great pick for those with mid-length curly or coily strands, as you can count on this look to put your texture on full display. Start by applying a dime-sized amount of hair gel to your edges and brush your hair toward the center of your head. Secure it with a hair elastic and mist some shine spray over your hair for a salon-approved finish.

7. Afro Puffs

Now that you have the high puff on your mind, it’s time to take your look up a notch with afro puffs. This ‘do adds a playful and fresh vibe to your look, and it’s a super cute option for those who can’t resist a stylish updo.

Sart with a part down the middle of your head. Take one section, apply a dime-sized amount of hair gel, brush your hair up to form your first puff, and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat on the other side, making sure that your hair lines up with the first puff. 

8. Bantu Knots

Flaunting a gorgeous set of tiny buns throughout your mane, bantu knots keep your hair out of the way without sacrificing style. It also serves as a protective hairstyle, which is great for those who are in the market for low-manipulation looks. 

Create a one to two-inch section in hair, then start twisting your hair from the root to the ends. Twist the section tightly around itself to form a tiny bun and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat all over your head.

9. Bantu Knot Twist Out

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your Bantu knots, it may be time to give a Bantu knot out a try. This look allows you to rock your mini buns for as long as you’d like, then unravel them to reveal defined, springy curls. Simply undo each knot and gently finger-comb your hair to show off defined heatless curls.

10. Ice Cream Cone Bun Curls

Ice cream cone buns are an updo option that’s similar to bantu knots. for individuals who love to flaunt the best of both worlds, you’ll be able to slay a beautiful updo and show off your length at the same time.

To get the look, apply a touch of hair gel at the roots, brush your hair, and secure it into a ponytail. Take your ponytail and twist your hair around itself, then take the twisted pony and wrap it around the base of your pony.. Secure with bobby pins and mist the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape Leave-In Spray evenly over your hair. 

11. Half-Up Pompadour

Contrary to popular belief, pompadours are not reserved for men. This look helps anyone play with height, texture, and angles for a one-of-a-kind statement. Start by parting your hair into a small section in the middle of your head and secure the rest of your mane with an elastic. With the small section, roll your hair up and under until you create a small bump and pin it in place. Release the rest of your hair, and you’re done.

12. High Bun with Color Spray

This style gives your natural texture  a fun and colorful twist. brush and gather your hair into a high bun, then grab the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in the color of your choice. To apply, shake the can well and hold it about four to six inches away from your strands and spray.  Wait a few minutes for the color to dry completely, as the color will become more vibrant as it dries. You can then spray more color as desired or stop there.

13. Faux Fringe with Head Wrap

You don’t have to head to the salon for a new cut to get bangs. Instead, consider a faux bang with a head wrap. An easy way to switch up your medium-length strands completely, this style works wonders to disguise second-day hair. To get the look, simply pull your strands into a high ponytail, leaving the front section out to act as your bangs. Using a head wrap, place the wrap around the back of your ponytail, pull the ends toward the front of your ponytail, and create a small knot. Not only will this look cute, but it will hold your bangs in place, falling over your forehead in the most flattering way.

14. Braided Mohawk

This style works great for medium-length hair. Brush your hair toward the middle of your head like you’re doing a regular mohawk, but leave some hair out at both sides of your head for the braids. Secure the hair in the middle of your head with bobby pins to create the mohawk, then separate the hair on the side of your head into four sections. Take each section and braid it towards the middle of your head, then pin. Repeat on the other side, and your work is done. 

15. Wash-and-Go

For days when you want to sport a gorgeous look without any extra time to spare, a wash-and-go will come to the rescue. This wet-set style is all about washing and wearing your hair in its natural curl pattern without the use of any styling tools.

16. Faux Mullet

This hairstyle works to highlight your texture. Apply an egg-sized amount of mousse to damp strands, then scrunch and wait for your hair to dry. Then, take some bobby pins and pin the front of your hair close to your head, leaving the rest of your hair to hang in the back.

17. Box Braid Lob

A stunning way to incorporate braids into one of the hottest haircuts, this look checks all of the style boxes. Simply weave your braids slightly past your shoulders at the front of your head and create shorter braids at the back for a head-turning finish. 

18. Afro with Micro Cornrows Crochet Braids

If you can’t decide between flaunting your natural texture or wearing your hair in braids, consider an afro with micro cornrows your happy medium. Wash, brush out, and dry your hair, then take five or six small sections in front of your hair and braid them into small cornrows.

19. Reverse Cornrows with Curled Ends

Start by taking a section of hair at the back of your head and split it into three small segments. To begin forming your first cornrow, use the classic braid technique to anchor it, then pass the right strand under the middle strand before passing the left one under the middle. 

As you continue to braid, keep the cornrow close to the scalp and begin to incorporate additional small pieces of hair into the braid as you go. When you reach the front of your hair, use flexi rods to curl the cornrow to create curly bangs. Repeat until you have a mane full of cornrows.

20. Flat Twists with Curls

A great way to keep your strands away from your face, this style will always come in handy. Start by creating a horizontal part in the center of your head. Pin the back section out of the way. Focusing on the front section, split it into two with a vertical part, and pin one side up.

With the remaining free section, apply hair gel to the roots and twist your hair from the beginning of your hairline until you reach the middle of your head and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat on the other side. Once complete, add the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse.

Next: 17 Hot Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Edited by: Témi Adebowale, Photo Credit: Maeve Nonye, IG/@naturalblackgirliee_ and Oluwadamilola Ipadeola, IG/@damilola.ipadeola