Medium hair is the unsung hero of summer styling. Long hair sticks to your neck in humidity, short hair leaves you with no styling options when sweat ruins your blowout, but medium length, anywhere from shoulder to just past the collarbone, can be worn down, up, half-up, braided, twisted, or pulled back depending on the day's weather and plans. The 25 styles below all work for summer specifically, with options for pool days, garden parties, weddings, and the in-between days where you just need your hair off your neck.
Jump to:
- Soft Beach Waves
- Half-Up Half-Down with Curls
- Low Sleek Bun
- High Ponytail with Texture
- Messy Bun
- Boho Braids
- Loose Side Braid
- Sleek Low Ponytail
- Heatless Overnight Waves
- French Twist
- Curtain Bangs with Loose Waves
- Pulled-Back Headband Style
- Loose Curls with Side Part
- Halo Braid
- Tousled Half-Up
- Slicked-Back Wet Look
- Bubble Ponytail
- Side-Swept Style
- Double Dutch Braids
- Twisted Updo
- Wavy Lob Worn Down
- Hair Wrap with Scarf
- Top Knot
- Romantic Loose Updo
- Pulled-Back Wet Hair Style
Soft Beach Waves
Beach waves are the foundation summer style for medium hair. Use a 1-inch curling wand and alternate the direction of each section, leaving the last inch of each strand straight to avoid a dated curl pattern. Apply a sea salt spray for that lived-in texture. Best for women who want effortless summer style that photographs as casual and chic. The waves loosen throughout the day into even more lived-in texture.
Half-Up Half-Down with Curls
Pull the top half of your hair back from your temples while leaving the bottom half flowing in soft curls. The combination keeps hair off your face while showcasing your length. Use a 1-inch curling iron to add waves before pulling back. Secure the top section with a decorative clip or pearl pins for polish. Best for garden parties, weddings, and dressy summer occasions.
Low Sleek Bun
The low sleek bun sits at the nape of your neck, completely out of the way of summer heat. Smooth your hair back with a brush and a small amount of gel, then twist into a tight bun and secure with pins. Apply a smoothing serum throughout for shine. Best for women who want polished sophistication that handles humidity beautifully. Works on most face shapes and stays in place all day.
High Ponytail with Texture
Pull all your hair into a high ponytail at the crown for maximum heat relief. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it. Apply a sea salt spray before pulling up for textured movement throughout the ponytail. Best for women who want hair completely off their neck while still looking polished. Add hair extensions for dramatic length if desired.
Messy Bun
The messy bun is the easiest summer style available. Gather your hair at the crown or back of your head, twist loosely, and secure with a claw clip or elastic. Pull face-framing pieces free for softness. Apply a texture spray for hold without stiffness. Best for casual summer days, beach mornings, and any time you need your hair up in under a minute. Effortless and forgiving.
Boho Braids
Boho braids combine structured braiding with loose, undone pieces left out around the face. The braids handle the structure while loose hair softens the overall look. Try Dutch braids, French braids, or simple three-strand braids paired with face-framing pieces left out. Best for festivals, beach days, and bohemian summer occasions. The braided sections protect hair from wind and humidity.
Loose Side Braid
A loose, romantic side braid pulled over one shoulder creates effortless summer styling. Braid all your hair into a fishtail or three-strand braid, then loosen sections gently with your fingers. Secure with a small elastic. Apply sea salt spray before braiding for textured volume. Best for casual to dressy summer occasions and works especially well for travel since it stays in place all day.
Sleek Low Ponytail
A sleek low ponytail at the nape sits cleanly out of the way while looking polished. Smooth your hair back with a brush and apply a shine serum throughout. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it. Best for office days, dinners, and dressy summer occasions where you want hair off your neck without going casual. Photographs as effortlessly sophisticated.
Heatless Overnight Waves
Heatless overnight waves preserve your hair from summer heat damage while delivering polished texture. Apply a leave-in conditioner and braid damp hair before bed, or use silk hair rods or socks for tighter curls. Untwist in the morning for soft, lived-in waves. Best for women who want texture without daily heat styling. The technique works on most medium hair textures.
French Twist
A French twist gathers your hair vertically up the back of your head, tucking the ends under. The classic shape works for both casual and dressy summer occasions. Apply a smoothing serum throughout for polish, then twist and pin. Best for medium hair with enough length to twist fully. The vertical placement keeps your neck cool while looking sophisticated.
Curtain Bangs with Loose Waves
If you have curtain bangs, summer is when they shine. Style the bangs forward with a small round brush, then add loose waves through the lengths using a 1.25-inch curling iron. The combination frames the face while keeping length flowing. Best for women who want face-framing softness with summer texture. Photographs beautifully and works for casual to dressy occasions.
Pulled-Back Headband Style
Add a fabric, jeweled, or pearl headband across the top of your head while leaving the lengths flowing. The headband adds accessory polish while pulling hair off your face. Choose materials that complement your outfit. Best for women who want effortless polish without committing to elaborate styling. The accessory does the heavy lifting while you focus on the day.
Loose Curls with Side Part
Soft loose curls combined with a deep side part create classic summer styling. Use a 1.25-inch curling iron and alternate the direction of each section. Position the part well above your highest brow arch for asymmetric drama. Best for women who want romantic styling that works from morning to evening. The deep side part adds intentional asymmetry while the curls add summer softness.
Halo Braid
A halo braid wraps a single braid around the crown of your head like a crown. Section a strip of hair around your hairline, braid it continuously while incorporating new sections, and pin the end where it meets the start. Best for weddings, garden parties, and dressy summer occasions. Works best on medium to long hair with enough length to wrap fully around the head.
Tousled Half-Up
Pull just the top section of your hair back from your face, twist loosely, and secure with a claw clip. Apply a texture spray to the loose lengths for tousled summer texture. Best for casual summer days where you want polish without commitment. The technique works on every hair texture and takes thirty seconds to execute. One of the most adaptable summer styles available.
Slicked-Back Wet Look
Apply a generous amount of gel or smoothing cream to wet or damp hair, then comb everything straight back from your forehead. Gather at the nape and secure with a claw clip or elastic. The wet, slicked finish is high-fashion and editorial. Best for hot summer days, post-pool styling, or occasions where you want bold polish. Modern and unexpected.
Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail divides a basic ponytail into multiple sections secured by small elastics, creating bubble-shaped pieces along the length. Apply a texture spray for hold. Best for festivals, parties, and casual summer occasions where you want playful styling that handles activity. The structure keeps the look intentional throughout the day.
Side-Swept Style
Brush all your hair to one side and secure behind one ear with a decorative clip or pins. The cascading hair flows over one shoulder. Best for casual to dressy summer occasions where you want asymmetric polish. Apply a smoothing serum to the swept side to keep it sleek throughout the day. Old Hollywood-inspired and unmistakably special.
Double Dutch Braids
Two Dutch braids running parallel down your head create playful sporty styling perfect for active summer days. Apply edge control along the part for cleanest finish. Best for beach days, festivals, gym mornings, and any summer activity where you want hair secured without compromising style. The braids stay in place through swimming, sweating, and movement.
Twisted Updo
Twist sections of your hair and pin them into a sculpted updo at the back of your head. The texture creates visual interest that smooth updos lack. Position the bulk of the updo low for cap or hat compatibility. Apply a strong-hold hairspray to lock the twists. Best for weddings, garden parties, and elevated summer occasions where you want intentional styling.
Wavy Lob Worn Down
Style your medium hair into soft, lived-in waves and wear it loose. Use a 1.25-inch curling iron and alternate wave direction throughout. Apply a sea salt spray for that beachy texture. Best for women who want their summer hair to feel effortlessly current. The wavy lob photographs as casual chic and works for almost every occasion from morning coffee to evening dinners.
Hair Wrap with Scarf
Wrap a silk scarf around your head or weave it through your hair to create a fashion-forward summer style. The scarf can be tied at the top of your head, wrapped around a ponytail, or used as a headband. Best for women who want to combine sun protection with style. The accessory adds personality while protecting your hair from summer damage.
Top Knot
Pull all your hair into a high topknot at the very top of your head for maximum heat relief and casual cool. Twist loosely and secure with an elastic or claw clip. Pull face-framing pieces free for softness. Best for casual summer days, errands, and any time you need your hair completely off your neck quickly. Effortless and forgiving of imperfect styling.
Romantic Loose Updo
Pile your hair loosely on top of your head, securing with minimal pins for an effortless, undone finish. Pull pieces free around your face and neck for soft tendrils. Apply a curl cream for definition. Best for garden weddings, evening dinners, and romantic summer occasions where you want elegance without rigidity. The undone quality suits soft, dreamy settings.
Pulled-Back Wet Hair Style
Apply a leave-in conditioner and styling gel to wet hair, then comb everything back into a sleek low ponytail or twisted style. The wet finish keeps you cool while looking polished. Best for post-pool days, beach evenings, or any humid summer day where styled hair won't last anyway. The wet aesthetic embraces summer conditions rather than fighting them.
