50 Best Medium Wavy Hairstyle Ideas of 2024

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief
Photos
Medium-length golden blonde wavy hair for thick hair
Instagram @yukistylist

#1: Wavy Golden Locs for Thick Hair

Long and lean alternating waves are a great look for thick hair. This look is suitable for square, round, or oval face shapes. This style works best on thick hair. Add a few accent braids to dress up this look.

Wavy red asymmetrical hair with highlights

#2 Asymmetrical Cranberry

Add some French-inspired pizzazz with luscious waves. This look is suitable for diamond or oval-shaped face shapes. Tip: brush curls out using a paddle brush for a soft French wave style.

relaxed s wave for medium-length hair

#3 Relaxed S-Wave

Opt for a one-length lob styled into a relaxed S-wave. It has the coveted “lived-in” feel while still being unique. The mismatched waves catch your eye, creating an original feel to the style. For ladies with thicker tresses, ask your stylist to remove some internal bulk to soften the look. For those with fine or thin hair, keep the layers out of the equation, as it allows your hair to look nice and full through the bottom.

Medium Brunette Wavy Hair with French Curtain Bangs
Instagram @jacobrozenberg

#4: Medium Brunette with French Curtain Bangs

For a soft touch to medium-length hair, add texture throughout the ends. I also suggest a curtain bang with textured mini bangs that blend into the framing pieces on the side. This style suits those with a wide forehead and narrow jaw. The fullness a style can bring is what helps to balance a narrow jawline.

Red Mid-Length Wavy Hair with Choppy Ends and Wispy Bangs
Instagram @thebangsbabe

#5: Red Wavy Hair with Choppy Ends

A medium-length cut adds texture and movement to hair that otherwise may seem lifeless. Framing the face with soft, wispy bangs and textured mid-length layers really brings this style into a soft, feminine wave. Add copper-red highlights to your dark hair for a bold but subtle difference.

Soft Wavy Shoulder-Length Hair with Face Frame
Instagram @stylette_jobs

#6: Shoulder-Length Hair with Face Frame

A good style is a shoulder-length hairstyle with face-framing strands. For women with medium-length hair and a longer face shape, I recommend a long curtain bang that hugs the cheekbones. Adding waves, or letting natural waves show, can give the hair body and movement. The waves create a balance without dragging down the face shape, which should be avoided. I also suggest maintaining hair length around the face.

#7: Shaggy Wavy Long Bob

Medium-length hair of fine texture can immensely benefit from razor-cut shaggy layers. These shaggy layers can enhance your hair’s natural wave and volume at the crown. Face-framing layers will accentuate your cheekbones. Depending on your mood and face shape, you can wear this style with a middle or side part. I suggest styling with Hairstory Undressed and Powder for a full beachy look.

#8: Messy Wavy Textured Cut

Messy makes me think of a natural wavy style showcasing beautiful natural frizz. People often think they need to tame the frizz, but as a hair professional working with real-world clients, I see frizz as part of hair’s beauty. I see it as a complete style, a disheveled yet gentle feminine wave. A little balm can enhance the curls and reduce some frizz, highlighting the hair’s natural body that we may enjoy.

Wavy Angled Lob Style
Instagram @cutnj

#9: Wavy Angled Lob Style

A lob style with a wavy angle can represent modernity, sophistication, softness, femininity, and edginess. With its many shapes, sizes, and styles, a lob displays versatility in length, texture, and density.

#10: Vibrant & Elegant Copper Red Waves

This look is vibrant and elegant. My favorite thing about this look is how it is still natural looking, even with the vibrancy of the copper. Copper is a perfect color for fair to medium skin tones. For darker skin tones, go for a deeper and richer copper hue. I recommend Olaplex No.3 to keep the color vibrant, healthy, and glossy.

A-line medium-length wavy haircut with side bangs

#11 A-Line Cut with Side-Swept Bangs

Edgy, deconstructed waves add that rock ‘n roll vibe to an A-line cut. This look is suitable for most face shapes. This style works best on fine to thick hair.

#12: Blonde Relaxed Textured Waves

This relaxed textured look is great for the girl on the go. This look is suitable for oval and diamond-shaped faces. This style works best on fine hair. Refresh this style by adding twists or a face-framing braid and pin away from the face.

#13: Soft Wavy Curls

This look features soft, wavy curls that are great for most hair types. It works well for fine hair because it gives some movement and volume. Hair with dimension and curl has that wow factor that people love. It makes them feel beautiful. This look is also easily created on almost any length. Curls are here to stay, especially for those who need more time to wash and style daily.

#14: Barbie Blonde Beach Waves

If you already possess natural waves or seek to give your straight hair some texture, a Barbie blonde hairstyle with beach waves could be the perfect style for you. A flatiron could be a useful tool to help add these waves. By using this method, you can achieve smooth curls with loose ends. Remember to finish with a working spray!

Medium Waves with See-Through Fringe
Instagram @salsalhair

#15: Medium Waves with See-Through Fringe

Medium waves with see-through fringe is a hairstyle that fits wavy or curly hair well. This style embraces a modern yet elegant vibe.

#16: Shoulder-Length Jet Black Waves

Shoulder-length jet black waves offer volume and texture. Dark hair has the potential to look flat. Medium hairstyles with added beach waves or even a small bend can give your locks movement. Hair at the collarbone length is long enough to be worn up and not too lengthy to weigh you down. I suggest using a good shine spray to accentuate your texture.

#17: Tousled Medium Cut with Choppy Layers

A tousled medium cut with choppy layers is a great choice for ladies with thick, medium-length hair seeking a modern, soft, wavy style. You can reduce the heaviness of your natural wave with a layered cut using a razor or shears for texture, adding movement to enhance your waves or compliment a wavy curled style. If you want to highlight your eyes or make your face appear smaller, consider a lightly brushed bang that blends smoothly into a soft face frame.

#18: Loose and Messy Curly Waves

Loose and messy curly waves are all the rage. This hairstyle adds volume and movement while maintaining a relaxed and casual vibe. It works best for those with naturally curly or wavy hair, as the texture adds to the overall appeal of the look. Ask for advice on curl products you can use at home to show off your natural curls!

#19: Waves with Balayage

This shoulder-length wavy hair blends with balayage highlights to create depth and dimension. A deep side part adds glamour and gives versatility to the style. Use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner to maintain the health and shine of your hair. Use a heat protectant spray before using any hot styling tools.

#20: Middle-Parted Curled Waves

A curled, wavy style with a middle part is very trendy. If you have dimensional blonde hair color, curl your hair to show off all the colors mixed throughout. Adding widths to your style will balance longer face shapes and always curl away from the face.

#21: Retro Waves

Bring your inner screen siren out with this very classic ‘S’ wave style. This look is suitable for most face shapes. This style works best on medium to thick hair. Try Davines Defining Glam Power Hair Spray. This unique and versatile finishing spray shape defines and sets any style.

#22: Soft Golden Blonde Balayage

I suggest a soft golden blonde balayage if you’re craving blonde bombshell hair. For that salon-styled feel, you can style your long, lightened locks with a 1 1/4-inch curling iron at home. Remember your heat protectant!

Medium-Length Wavy Hair with Sweeping Bangs
Instagram @icedmary

#23: Sweeping Bangs

Let your hair down when the work week ends with fun waves that will prepare you for the weekend. This is suitable for oblong and square faces. This style works best on medium to thick hair.

Medium Wavy Vintage Bob
Instagram @bellamel.hairandmakeup

#24: Vintage Bob

Classic merges with modern in this retro bob and wavy accents. This bob is suitable for most face shapes. This style works best on medium to thick hair—accent this style with a sparkly barrette.

Beige Deep Side Part for Medium Wavy Hair
Instagram @salon_diva_as

#25: Beige Deep Side Part

Gentle waves add movement to this mid-length hairstyle. Try Kevin Murphy UNDRESSED to create a loose, undone, natural look. This look is suitable for square, oval, and heart-shaped faces. This style works best on fine to medium hair. Gather ends up and twists into a simple chignon.

Blonde Layered Wavy Bob
Instagram @bladesstyling

#26: Blonde Layered Wavy Bob

This is a layered long bob with movement and texture. If you have very thick hair, this look works best with the blended layers beginning in the mids and continuing through your ends. The layers are what keep the shape of the haircut flattering.

splendid layered medium wavy hair
Instagram @garageacibadem

#27: Splendid Layered Hair

These waves and layers suit tan and warm skin beautifully. Absolutely a high fashion and cool appearance for those looking for a fresh new look.

#28: Gorgeous Loose Waves

Wavy hair is gorgeous. Many people think you can wake up and go if you have wavy hair, but that generally is not the case. Keeping your hair hydrated and healthy takes a lot of products and time. One of the things I suggest to my clients is to do a hydrating mask once a week. The mask will help you maintain your gorgeous wave pattern.

#29: Slightly Wavy Medium-Length Hair

Having blunt ends will make your locks look fuller. Adding a wave with a curling iron or using your natural wave will give a beachy vibe that looks easy-breezy. If your curls look too tight, use your fingers or a wide toothcomb to loosen them up.

#30: Side-Parted Long Bob with Blonde Balayage Waves

A transformation can be subtle or statement-worthy. So you can decide before you visit the salon. A search for inspiration can help. A side part is an option. Or, if you need to do a blonde balayage or a long bob with waves to add the wow factor, the options are vast.

#31: Lovable Wavy Hair

What better way to show off that bright blonde hair than by creating these gorgeous beachy waves? Notice how the texture starts at eye level and goes smoothly until the ends, a medium-length style that would suit oval faces perfectly.

#32: Fun Beach Waves with Choppy Bangs

The best part about a medium shag is the texture of the fringe, which is cut into the desired shape, allowing the client to have an edgy look with minimal effort. A medium-length haircut works well for a heart-shaped or round-shaped face as it directs your attention to the eyes and away from the chin and cheeks.

#33: Blunt Shoulder-Length Layers

This is a blunt, shoulder-length haircut with long, piecey layers. You get the feeling of density at the ends with the blunt line, and the layers help keep the shape from looking like a “Christmas tree” (i.e., too wide at the bottom of the cut). I love how this cut looks great with natural waves or straight hair. It’s very versatile.

Medium-Length Light Mocha Waves
Instagram @muratalimese

#34: Silver Grey Waves

This semi-long wavy hair would be best for clients with healthy virgin hair, time, and commitment. Maintenance is relatively easy as color conditioners can be used to refresh colors.

effortless textured lob hairstyle
Instagram @romeufelipe

#35: Effortless Textured Lob

Opt for an effortless textured lob. It’s easy to wear, natural or wavy. This style and look complement almost every face shape because of the longer lines in the front that frame the face. This layered cut also works with almost every hair type, whether thick or fine. The texture on the ends will give it a lot of movement.

Middle Part Waves
Instagram @yukistylist

#36: Middle Part Waves

Go for waves with a middle part! For anyone considering this, style your hair with a smaller tong and divide it into sections about an inch wide. Hold the curl for a couple of seconds before letting go. Going a little tighter with the hair on the tong and going for a wider barrel allows the wave to last longer.

Textured Lob for Thick Hair
Instagram @shmoakin_hair

#37: Dark Brown Textured Lob for Thick Hair

This is a textured lob, as it is popularly called these days! I love this cut because it has the best of both worlds. It is blunt enough to look thick and full, and the long layers soften the overall look and enhance the waves. This is a great cut for nearly any face shape because the layering around the face can be customized to complement individual features. It’s an ideal choice for someone who likes a mid-length low-maintenance style that can easily be worn up or down.

#38: Beachy Angled Lob

This medium-length hairstyle features shorter layers in the back and longer, smoother ones in the front. It’s perfect for women with dull hair who want a change without going too short. The style works best for people with a strong jawline or defined cheekbones and a normal to medium face and body shape. This low-maintenance hairstyle is perfect for those who don’t have much time for daily prep and is versatile enough to be worn casually and formally while still looking stylish.

Modern Medium Wavy Hair
Instagram @hairbyelvisp

#39: Modern Medium Haircut

Long bobs can be styled extensively. Most innovations start with this simple ombre fringe fit for all hair types.

Cappuccino Waves
Instagram @bethanyschair

#40: Cute Cappuccino Waves

Offset, alternating waves enhance both volume and length with straighter ends. This look is suitable for square, oval, or round face shapes.

Naturally Wavy Hair with Deep Side Part
Instagram @mercedes_tl

#41: Naturally Wavy Hair with Deep Side Part

There’s no other option but to show off those dazzling dark locks, especially when they are natural. Soft waves heavily parted to one side create a flattering effect and complement that shoulder-length wonderfully.

#42: Medium Espresso Coils with Short Layers

Perfect, springy coils are fashion-forward any way you wear them.

#43: Boho Chic

Add some bohemian flair with loose curly waves that work wonders on light layers. This look is suitable for oval or long face shapes. This style works best on fine to thick hair. Work some Aquage Illuminating Gelade through the ends for added shine and definition. Try Aquage Working Spray for a firm hold.  This workable hairspray allows you to style and texturize with fingers or brush as you build hold. Locks in style give a radiant shine and work great for thermal styling.

Medium Wavy Brunette Glam Hair
Instagram @romeufelipe

#44: Brunette Glam on Thick Wavy Hair

Simple loose waves add a voluminous body to finely textured locks. This look is most suitable for heart-shaped faces. This style works best on fine hair. Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to add instant body. Try Redken Body Full Instant Bodifier Volumizing Foam.  This foam works great on fine baby hair for lasting anti-gravity volume, conditioning, and shine.

#45: Vintage Allure with Thick Bangs

Add a touch of class to this beautiful brunette shade with gorgeous Old Hollywood waves. This look is most suitable for round-shaped faces. This style works best on medium hair. Pin sides up into victory rolls for more of a retro look.

Related: Best Hollywood waves hairstyle ideas.

#46: Versatile Lob

I love this look more and more, and it mostly comes down to the versatility of the length and style. This style is versatile. I prefer the wavy look because I love its texture and the light and flowy feel, but that’s not to say that straight won’t work either. Nothing says classy like sleek, sassy, and straight one-length hair.

Chestnut Brown with Textured Layers
Instagram @rogue.regal

#47: Chestnut Brown with Textured Layers

Wavy, medium-length hair is the most requested look right now. This particular look is a long bob with long textured layers. It can be customized for all face shapes. For example, add face-framing if you have a long, narrow face. If you have a round face, don’t frame the face. This look is perfect for the young girl who wants to be trendy but still wants her hair up for sports. It’s also ideal for the mom chasing her kids around daily but still wants to look cute when she gets a night out.

golden sandy blonde waves for medium-length hair
Instagram @nat_doeshair

#48: Golden Sandy Blonde Waves with Bangs

Opt for a golden sandy blonde wavy hairstyle. The best thing is the warm tone of this blonde, as well as the natural soft finish. If you love warm colors, this blonde should be one of your favorites.

#49: Spectacular Wavy Hair with Bangs

Spectacular wavy hair with bangs is so in style! The fringe gives a youthful touch, which makes this hairstyle suitable for women of all ages. Add sun-kissed pieces for added elegance if you have a warmer skin tone.

#50: Curled Waves

Curled waves on mid-length hair are a beautiful way to style your hair for many occasions. Curled waves offer versatility. With minor changes, you can modify the entire look. Brushing out the curls produces a more elegant wave, while shaking them creates a casual beachy feel. Make sure to use a product that suits your unique hair texture. If you have fine hair, consider using a lighter product.

Medium wavy hairstyles are the perfect way to perk up your look. Many wavy hairstyles can be adapted for medium-length hair. Some of these relaxed hairdos can be easily achieved without using hot tools, using a few braids and rubber bands instead. Whatever your style, you’re certain to make a statement with one of these medium-length wavy hairstyles!