In my humble opinion, mid-length hair is the most versatile hair length. You can do absolutely any style with no strands left behind, unless, of course, you are leaving out tendrils on purpose. I also happen to think that thick hair is the most versatile texture, but this is without a doubt because I have naturally super-thick hair. So the combo of both is kind of spectacular in my eyes. Don't get me wrong—I have spent years cursing the fact that my hair has broken multiple stylists' combs and takes a long time to straighten, but now, I know it also means that there aren't many problems with any style I attempt.
I do find that I get stuck in a real rut when thinking of styles, though. On lazy weeks, I just rotate two: down and un-styled or tied back in a tight, low bun when it's due a wash. That's it. I reserve trying a new 'do for evening plans every so often. But how boring is that when there are hundreds of styles at my disposal with this hair length and texture? So after scouring the internet, I've found a plethora of styles that look excellent with medium-length thick hair, so I have no excuses to not switch things up every now and again, and now, neither do you.
1. The Scarf Bundle
Tie a slim scarf around your curls for a relaxed easy-to-do style. Make sure you pull a few tendrils out around your hairline to give a laid-back feel.
A silky headscarf is probably one of the most versatile purchases you can make thanks to the multiple ways you can style it.
2. The Highest Pony
This look requires a lot of brush power and a lot of pomade. Wrap the lengths around a tong for a soft curl in your ponytail.
A classic pomade that keeps moisture out and your style locked in.
3. Clawed Up
During this super-hot summer that we're having, the last thing I want is my hair anywhere near my neck when I'm running errands, so this sleek but casual updo is perfect.
Make sure hair is tangle-free before securing in a claw clip to avoid kinks and knots when you take your hair out.
4. Playful Pigtails
A moisturising styling cream is the backbone of this pigtail look. Smooth some through before plaiting to give the style hold and shine.
A little of this styling cream goes a very long way. Just work a little through your lengths and ends as your hair dries, and style.
5. Sleek and Curled
A thick, blunt cut that's looking a little frizzed at the ends is salvageable when you concentrate on sleekness. Keep the lengths and ends conditioned and protected, and use a smoothing brush to curl the ends.
This hot brush is ideal for smoothing hair and creating a gentle curl under that still has lots of movement.
6. Gently Pulled Back
A kind of a half-up, half-down style but also kind of just casually scraped back. The key to this look is not overthinking it.
The oil-absorbing ingredients in this formula are great for making your texture more workable.
7. Bombshell Blow-Out
Go all out with your round brush and hairdryer or The Dyson Airwrap, and embrace your volume. Spritz in a holding spray pre-styling to stop the drop.
Expect big, bouncy volume with this air-styling set. The attachments are perfect for drying, smoothing and creating a faux blow-dry.
8. Sleek and Shiny Bun
This is without a doubt the best way to stay cool and prolong wash day, too. If you have coily hair, a waxier textured pomade will give the hairline hold to keep flyaways at bay.
A hard bristle brush like this from Cantu is perfect for banishing any flyaways or frizz for a slicked-back look.
9. Bantu Knots
A classic way to keep your thick coils out of your face and off our your neck. Plus, you benefit from super-defined coils when you unravel.
This toner goes hand in hand with protective styles. With an anti-microbial and anti-flaking formula, it gives noticeable relief from irritation and keeps flakes at bay.
10. Low-Slung Bun
This chignon is the easiest style to make it look like you spent hours on it when, in reality, you spent a couple of minutes max.
This leave-in's ingredient list includes tamarind seed extract, panthenol and vitamin E to hydrate the hair and reduce the appearance of frizz and dryness.
11. Y2K Tendrils
The Y2K trend will not quit, and we are still living for the beauty trends. Liven up your ponytail with the tendrils trend.
This pomade is like a ramped-up styling cream with a big hit of manketti oil for added nourishment.
12. Au Natural
For straight and lightly wavy hair, air-drying it can leave it looking more voluminous than blow-drying.
This light cream actually gives a little touchable hold, making it the perfect companion to a wavy, air-dried style.
13. Curl Power
Drying curl gel into wet hair will give gorgeous, fluffy and defined curls.
This is an OG curl gel that gives hold and definition without crispiness or flaking.
14. Barrel Waves
S- or Z-bend waves are a night-out vibe.
Create deep, defined waves with this waver. Tip: The smaller the sections you take, the better the hold and volume.
15. Bring the Bounce
How glossy and chic is the curly blow-dry? Lots of conditioner and patience will have you on your way to this healthy look.
This hairspray offers humidity resistance and hold without feeling sticky or building up on hair.
16. Layered Under
Layers add even more volume to straight, thick hair. Curling them under gives fun texture.
This size tong is perfect for curling the very ends of your hair in for this flippy style. Clamp down and twirl once for enough of a bend.
17. Straight and Sleek
Sleek and straight is the simplest option but one that suits all. A baby fringe elevates the look to French-girl chic.
Spritz on this spray after straightening for the extra frizz protection and long-lasting shine.
18. Swept Up
How effortless does Chloe makes this chic yet casual updo look?
Create airy texture and hold, especially at the crown of your hair, with this spray. It brushes out easily so you don't get instant build-up.
Next up, 25 medium-length haircuts that require minimal maintenance.
-
TikTok Can't Stop Talking About CBK's Butter-Blonde Hair—Here's How to Pull It OffShe'll forever be hair goals.
-
Not Just the Wolf Cut—16 Androgynous Hairstyles to Save for Your Next Salon VisitEffortlessly cool.
-
This Celeb Hairstylist Created "the Rachel"—Now, He's Launching an Iconic Haircare LineExclusive details ahead.
-
The Results Are In, and Our Haircuts Are Booked—Discover the 11 Bob Trends Officially Defining 2025So far, so good.
-
Mocha Mousse Waves in L.A., Romantic Updos in Paris: The 6 Hair Trends Fashion People Can't Stop Wearing, Per J.Lo's StylistPrepare to swoon.
-
2025 Is Officially the Year of Flirty, Short Cuts—7 to Consider for Your Next Salon TripThey're everywhere RN.
-
IMO, This Keratin Treatment Dupe Deserves Way More Hype, and It's 47% OffSnag it while you can.
-
This Celeb Stylist Is Known for Making Hair Trends Go Viral (Ahem, Prada Bob), so I Asked Him for InspoGet to know the artist behind the buzziest looks.
