20 Medium-Length Hairstyles For Men
Medium-length hairstyles strike that rare sweet spot—long enough to show personality, but short enough to manage without spending 30 minutes in front of the mirror. Whether you’re looking for a professional, rugged, or relaxed look, there’s a lot of room to personalize your haircut. The best part? You can grow into or out of any of these styles without a dramatic change.
Let’s take a closer look at 20 medium-length hairstyles that help you look sharp, feel confident, and stay true to your personal style.
1. The Textured Quiff
The quiff is one of those timeless hairstyles that has evolved gracefully over the decades. With medium-length hair, you can add more height and volume on top while keeping the sides trimmed or faded for contrast. The textured version adds a laid-back, slightly messy feel that makes the style less formal and more modern. It’s perfect for those who want something stylish but not overly stiff. Use a light matte clay and blow-dry the hair upwards and back for that gravity-defying lift.
2. The Modern Shag
The modern shag is a great choice for men who like a creative, slightly edgy appearance without crossing into overly rebellious territory. It builds on the original rockstar aesthetic of the 1970s, but with cleaner lines and more manageable layers. This style works especially well for wavy or thick hair, as the layers add shape and control to what could otherwise become a bushy mess. Maintenance is minimal—just a bit of curl cream or leave-in conditioner to define the layers and keep frizz under control.
3. Side-Part With Flow
Classy but approachable, the side-part with flow adds movement and sophistication to medium-length hair. It’s a go-to style for men in creative professions or those who appreciate a bit of old-school charm. This cut allows the hair to naturally sweep to one side, creating a soft, flowing effect that flatters most face shapes. Use a wide-tooth comb and a light cream to keep it in place without hardening it too much. It’s polished enough for business meetings and relaxed enough for weekend brunch.
4. The Messy Fringe
Looking for something casual and effortless? The messy fringe is your best friend. It involves allowing the front of the hair to hang over the forehead in an intentionally disheveled way. This style gives off youthful energy and works especially well for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It can be paired with a textured cut to give the overall look more definition. To style, use a small amount of styling paste and run your fingers through your fringe—no comb required.
5. The Bro Flow
The bro flow is all about embracing your natural hair growth and letting it fall where it may. It’s popular with actors, athletes, and men who value a more rugged, carefree look. This hairstyle allows your hair to grow to ear or cheek length and naturally curve backward. It requires little daily maintenance but does benefit from regular trims to avoid split ends. A bit of lightweight conditioner or leave-in treatment helps keep it looking healthy and relaxed without weighing it down.
6. The Medium Pompadour
If you’re into styles that demand attention and give off a high-fashion vibe, the medium pompadour is for you. This hairstyle requires volume at the crown of the head and tapered or faded sides to make the top pop. It looks great on men with thick or straight hair and often requires blow-drying, back-combing, and a strong-hold pomade or wax to lock in the shape. Although it’s a bit higher maintenance, the dramatic silhouette and confident energy make it worthwhile.
7. The Undone Waves
Some of the best hairstyles come from working with your natural texture rather than against it. The undone waves style leans into natural bends and curls, making it a low-effort, high-reward look. Whether your hair is slightly curly or full-on wavy, this cut allows for body and movement without much fuss. A light sea salt spray or curl-enhancing mousse helps bring out the waves without stiffness. The goal is natural volume with a touch of artful chaos.
8. The Curtain Cut
Made famous in the ’90s and now riding a new wave of popularity thanks to K-pop idols and fashion influencers, the curtain cut features a distinct middle part and long, draping fringe on either side. It works best with straight to slightly wavy hair and brings a soft, youthful charm. The cut can be modified with longer or shorter lengths depending on your face shape and styling preferences. You can dress it up with a sharp jacket or keep it casual with a hoodie—it’s adaptable and trendy.
9. Medium Fade With Length on Top
Pairing a clean fade with longer hair on top creates a dynamic contrast that feels both classic and modern. The top can be styled into a variety of shapes—slicked back, side-parted, or textured—depending on your mood or event. This style gives you the versatility of medium hair with the neatness of a short fade. It’s perfect for men who want their hair to look styled but not fussy, and it works well in both casual and professional settings.
10. The Tapered Layers
Tapered layers offer a structured and refined shape to medium-length hair without creating hard lines. This cut involves gradually shortening the hair from the crown to the neckline and around the temples, which adds movement and volume while keeping things under control. It’s especially good for men with thick or coarse hair that needs shaping without looking bulky. Styling is simple—just use a bit of cream or oil and let the natural layers do their thing.
11. The Beachy Surfer Hair
You don’t need to live near the ocean to rock surfer hair. This carefree, sun-kissed style is perfect for men with natural waves or curls who want that relaxed “just got back from the beach” vibe. Let your hair grow to medium length, then use a salt spray and scrunch your hair with your hands to bring out the texture. It’s an excellent warm-weather style and pairs perfectly with a beard or stubble for that extra dose of rugged charm.
12. The Classic Comb Over
While it might sound old-fashioned, the modern comb over is clean, sleek, and adaptable. It involves combing the top of your hair over to one side with a bit of product to hold the shape, often paired with a low or medium fade. This hairstyle gives a very put-together look that works in both corporate and casual environments. It’s a great choice for men with thinning hair as well, since it adds the illusion of density when styled right.
13. The Medium-Length Afro
For men with afro-textured hair, medium length allows for fuller volume while still being easy to manage. This style can be shaped into a rounded silhouette or sculpted for a more angular look. The key to keeping a medium afro looking fresh is moisture—hydrating creams, oils, and regular deep-conditioning treatments are essential. It’s bold, expressive, and deeply personal, giving you the freedom to showcase your natural texture with pride.
FAQs About Medium-Length Hairstyles for Men
How often should I trim my medium-length hair?
Ideally, every 6 to 8 weeks. Even if you’re growing it out, regular trims prevent split ends, keep the shape looking fresh, and promote healthier hair growth.
Is medium-length hair harder to maintain than short hair?
It depends on the style and your hair type. Some looks—like the bro flow or undone waves—require minimal effort, while styles like the pompadour or curtain cut might need more daily styling and product use.
What styling products are best for medium-length hair?
For most styles, a good starting kit includes a lightweight styling cream, matte paste, sea salt spray, and a hydrating leave-in conditioner. Choosing the right product depends on whether you want hold, volume, or texture.
Can men with thin hair pull off medium-length styles?
Yes, with the right cut. Styles that create volume on top, like the textured quiff or a modern comb over, work well for thin hair. Just avoid flat, heavy styles that can draw attention to thinning areas.
Which face shapes work best with medium hairstyles?
Medium-length styles are generally adaptable. For round faces, styles that add height or angular volume (like a quiff) work best. For long or oval faces, layered or fringe-forward styles can add balance.
Conclusion
Medium-length hairstyles offer the perfect mix of form and freedom. They give you enough length to try new things, show off your hair’s natural texture, and still look polished when needed. Whether you lean toward the clean lines of a side part or the relaxed charm of surfer waves, your haircut should match your lifestyle, energy, and personality.
The key is knowing your hair type and choosing a style that feels authentic to you. A good barber and the right products go a long way—but confidence is always your best accessory.
