These 20 Medium-Length Hairstyles Are Easy and Super Flattering

Here's the thing about medium-length haircuts—they're incredibly versatile. It's not too short and not too long, which means you get the best of both worlds as far as styling is concerned. Do you want to straighten your hair into a sleek, center-parted lob? Great. How about showing off your natural texture in a curly topknot? Or do you want to replicate the wet-look hairstyle that celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian have made famous? With medium-length hair, you have all of these options and more.

The best part is that you don't have to be a professional hairstylist to achieve A-list results. There are countless examples of medium-length hairstyles that are both easy and flattering. (Trust us—those two things can coexist.) But you might need some proof to believe it. That's where we come in. Keep scrolling to see 20 of our favorite easy hairstyles for medium-length hair. These are sure to broaden your hair horizons.

1. Flipped Ends

Flipped ends have been trending for a while now, and they show no signs of stopping. That's probably because they're so flattering and so easy to achieve. Learn how to modernize this retro hairstyle with recommendations from expert stylists. Hint: A flat iron is involved.

2. Slicked-Back Style

There are a few things that will never change. One of them is that we will always love a slicked-back hairstyle. To re-create Kourtney Kardashian's version of the look, we'll use a styling product, a strong-hold hair spray, and our hands—no damaging heat tools necessary.

3. Curly Topknot 

Here it is—the selfie liked around the world. Not only is Zendaya's makeup utterly flawless in this picture, but so is her curly topknot. Before tossing your hair up with an elastic, enhance your natural texture with a moisture-boosting, curl-defining styling cream.

4. Old Hollywood Waves

Okay, Old Hollywood Waves are probably the most difficult of all the hairstyles on this list but don't despair. If you have a curling iron, hair clips, and a brush, this style is totally doable. (We also recommend applying classic red lipstick with it, but that's just us.)

5. Y2K-Inspired Updo

Dua Lipa is known for her love of Y2K-inspired style, and this updo fits the bill. The key to achieving this look is to leave a large portion of hair out of the bun to frame the face. Straighten the pieces so they look sharp and structural, and don't forget to use heat protectant.

6. Center Part With Piecey Waves

This foolproof style is exceptionally easy to replicate. Just be sure to use a texture spray to give definition and piecey-ness to the hair so your strands can look like Laura Harrier's do.

7. Braided Front Pieces

Hailey Bieber's braided front pieces are an opportunity to embrace your natural hair texture, whatever it is. Simply section off two small pieces of hair on either side of your face using a comb, braid them down, and secure them with a clear elastic. Voilà, style complete.

8. '60s-Inspired Ponytail

If the flipped-ends hairstyle morphed with a classic ponytail, this would be the result. We love the volume and lift this look has as well as the high-shine finish. Do as Kim did and secure the ponytail with multiple elastics for a dramatic shape.

9. The Wet Look

Nothing makes a simple hairstyle look more elevated and red-carpet-ready than styling it to have a wet look. Simply run a product that has a glossy, high-shine finish from root to tip.

10. Half-Up, Half-Down

No matter your hair type, whether straight, wavy, or curly, a half-up, half-down hairstyle will always work. For proof, look to Eva Longoria and her casual weekend-esque style.

11. Ballet Bun

Selena Gomez proves a ballet bun is (and always will be) classic. We think the secret is in the sectioning. Making sure your hair is parted down the center makes it feel polished and elegant.

12. Slick Low Pony

When in doubt, go for a low, slicked-back ponytail. It works with any aesthetic—pairing perfectly with natural makeup and athleisure as well as dramatic makeup and formalwear. Just make sure you seal in the style with a non-crunchy hair spray. Bonus points if you use one that offers long-lasting hold, a boost of shine, and UV protection.

13. Effortless Claw-Clip Style

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is the queen of minimalism, and that goes for her hair, too. All you need to replicate this look is a claw clip and a few tendrils of hair left out at the front to frame your face. It only takes seconds to achieve, and the less perfect it is, the better.

14. Sleek, Center-Parted Lob

We're loving Kourtney's short haircut. Seeing as it falls somewhere between her chin and her shoulder, it definitely qualifies as medium length. Take heed from her and dust off your flat iron for a sleek, center-parted lob. Finish with a healthy amount of shine serum.

15. Bubble Ponytail

A bubble ponytail is so flattering and so easy. Just look to Gabrielle Union for proof. Simply tie your hair back and place elastics evenly down the length of it. It will take all of five minutes. Be sure to use snag-free hair elastics to prevent tangles and (what's worse) breakage.

16. French Braid

There's something about a French braid that looks so effortless yet so put together. To elevate the look, tie the base with your favorite bow tie. Trust that it'll become your favorite on-the-go look.

17. The Shag

The shag never goes out of style and can be worn on all hair lengths. To create volume, consider using a texture spray like this one below from CHI. It adds body and texture for the ultimate cool-girl look.

18. Side Bang

Side bangs are very much back, and honestly, I'm here for it. When done right, it gives off old money vibes that can be paired with a bold lip or eye. Just grab your go-to heat tool and style away.

19. Beaded Braids

Adding beads to braids can be a unique way to customize your look. You can stick to the same kinds of colors or mix it up and really have fun with different patterns.

20. Curly Bangs

If you've been debating getting bangs, take this as your sign. It might seem intimidating at first, but investing in the right curl cream like this one from Bumble and bumble can make all the difference.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.