There comes a moment in every hair journey where you find yourself staring at your reflection, scissors in one hand, heatless curlers in the other, wondering: do I cut it all off and embrace the bob, or do I soldier on and attempt to grow it out? It’s the eternal mid-length dilemma – it's grown past the long bob phase, but is still too short to be considered long. And yet, the in-between length is where the magic happens.
Mid-length hair (typically defined as anything sitting between your collarbone and chest) is arguably the most versatile of all hair lengths. Long enough to experiment with updos and waves, short enough to stay low-maintenance, and – crucially – flattering for all face shapes and hair types. But if you’ve been in the mid-length club for a while and feel like you’re in a bit of a rut, a styling refresh might be exactly what you need.
Wavy styles, in particular, are a great way to add volume, movement, and a little extra personality to your look – whether you have naturally curly hair that you want to enhance or straighter strands that need a bit of oomph.
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The key to nailing these styles? Issey Cook, Global Education Ambassador for Larry King explains; 'The best hair styles for mid length wavy hair would be adding a fringe or layering. Layers can also help remove bulk within wavy hair to create a softer look.'
She adds, 'when creating layers in wavy hair sometimes it's best to go slightly heavier on the shape depending on the thickness of the hair. A shaggier haircut would work to enhance each curl wave.'
With that in mind, we round up the best medium-length wavy hairstyles to try now.
Best medium-length wavy hairstyles
1. The Soft Shag
Think tousled layers, lived-in texture, and a relaxed, effortless vibe. The soft shag is ideal for adding volume to fine hair or making thick hair feel weightless. Layers are cut to enhance your natural waves, with face-framing pieces keeping it fresh. For added definition, work a curl cream through damp hair and air-dry for that true 'woke up like this' finish.
Best for:
- Fine to thick hair
- Wavy to curly textures
- Those who want movement without sacrificing length
2. The Layered Lob
If you're torn between keeping your length and committing to a chop, the layered lob (long bob) is the answer. This cut skims just on the shoulders or sits slightly longer, with subtle layers to encourage waves to form naturally. The beauty of the lob? It works with or without styling – scrunch in a little sea salt spray and let it air dry, or add loose bends with a wide-barrel tong for a more polished look.
Best for:
- Straight to wavy hair
- Medium to thick density
- Those who want something chic yet low-maintenance
3. The Curly Cut
If you have naturally curly or coily hair, a mid-length cut with curl-friendly layers can enhance your texture while maintaining shape and definition. The key? Ask your stylist for weightless layering to prevent a triangular effect. Hydration is everything – use a curl-defining cream or mousse to keep your curls bouncy and frizz-free.
Best for:
- Wavy to coily hair
- Medium to thick density
- Those wanting to embrace their natural curl pattern
4. The ’90s Blowout Waves
Channelling Cindy Crawford and supermodel-esque volume, the ’90s blowout is all about big, bouncy waves with a high-gloss finish. Best achieved with a round brush and a hairdryer (or oversized rollers, if you’re really committed), this style instantly lifts the face and adds that expensive-looking fullness.
Best for:
- All hair types
- Medium to thick density
- Those who love a polished, glamorous finish
5. The French-Girl Waves
If your hair naturally sits somewhere between straight and wavy, this effortless, undone style is perfect. Cut just below the collarbone with minimal layering, the trick to achieving this look is all in the styling – think soft, loose bends rather than structured curls. Use a large curling wand and wrap random sections away from the face for that effortless energy.
Best for:
- Straight to wavy hair
- Fine to medium density
- Those who love an unfussy, effortlessly cool look
6. The Wolf Cut
A modern evolution of the shag, the wolf cut has choppy layers, a tousled finish, and a slightly grungy vibe. It's a great option if you’re looking to add texture and volume without too much styling effort. If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, this cut will work with your texture for an easy, air-dried finish.
Best for:
- Wavy to curly hair
- Medium to thick density
- Those wanting an edgy, textured style
7. The Face-Framing Waves
If you’re not ready for a full chop but want to freshen things up, face-framing layers can make all the difference. By adding soft, feathered layers around the face, this style gives a little extra shape to mid-length hair without losing too much weight. Blow-dry with a round brush for maximum impact or scrunch-dry for a more relaxed finish.
Best for:
- All hair types
- Any density
- Those who want a subtle refresh without too much change
More hair stories this way:
- Your foolproof guide of how to curl hair with hair straighteners
- Does red light therapy for hair growth really work? Experts weigh in
- Almond oil for hair: what are the benefits of this haircare superhero?
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