18 Loose Waves Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair

Medium length hair is the ultimate canvas for versatility. It offers enough length for stunning movement without the high maintenance of long locks.

Finding the perfect balance between casual and polished can be tricky. You want a look that feels effortless yet put together for your busy lifestyle.

Loose waves are the answer to your styling dilemmas. They provide volume, texture, and a modern edge that suits every face shape perfectly.

This guide explores the best ways to style your mid-length hair. Get ready to transform your look with these gorgeous, wavy inspirations.

1. The Classic Beach Wave

Beach waves are the gold standard for medium-length hair. They provide a relaxed vibe that transitions perfectly from the office to a dinner date.

To achieve this look, use a medium-barrel curling iron. Leave the ends straight to ensure the style looks modern and lived-in rather than overly “done.”

Finish with a light mist of sea salt spray. This adds the necessary grit and texture to keep your waves looking perfectly tousled all day long.

2. Textured Lob with Loose Curls

The long bob, or “lob,” is incredibly popular for a reason. Adding loose curls gives this structured cut a softer, more feminine appeal.

Focus on curling the mid-sections of your hair. This technique maintains the length of your lob while adding essential volume to the sides.

Use a wide-tooth comb to break up the curls. This creates a seamless, flowing texture that enhances the natural movement of your haircut.

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3. Face-Framing Money Piece Waves

Highlight your best features with waves that focus on the front. This style uses loose curls to draw attention directly to your eyes and cheekbones.

Direct the waves away from your face on both sides. This opens up your expression and creates a bright, welcoming appearance for any occasion.

Keep the waves in the back more subtle and relaxed. This contrast ensures the focus remains on the beautiful framing around your face.

4. Sultry Side-Swept Waves

For an instant touch of glamour, try sweeping your waves to one side. It is a simple adjustment that dramatically changes your overall silhouette.

Secure one side behind your ear with a decorative pin or simple bobby pins. This creates a beautiful asymmetrical look that feels very sophisticated.

Allow the waves on the opposite side to cascade over your shoulder. This style is perfect for showing off statement earrings or a beautiful neckline.

5. The Polished Blowout Wave

If you prefer a cleaner look, the blowout wave is ideal. It combines the smoothness of a professional blowout with the bounce of loose curls.

Use a large round brush while blow-drying to create soft bends. This method results in waves that look incredibly healthy, shiny, and full of life.

Apply a smoothing serum to the ends to prevent frizz. This keeps your medium-length hair looking sleek and expensive from morning until night.

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6. Messy Bedhead Waves

Embrace the “I woke up like this” aesthetic with messy waves. This style is perfect for active individuals who want a low-effort, high-impact look.

Alternate the direction of your curls for a more natural effect. Mixing inward and outward curls prevents the hair from clumping together too uniformly.

Use a dry shampoo at the roots for instant lift. This adds a matte texture that defines the messy, cool-girl vibe of the hairstyle.

7. Shoulder-Length Hollywood Waves

Bring vintage charm to your medium hair with structured Hollywood waves. This look is more uniform and elegant than your standard beachy style.

Curl all sections in the same direction and let them cool completely. Brushing them out gently will create a continuous, glossy “S” pattern.

A high-shine hairspray is essential for this particular look. It holds the shape while giving your hair a red-carpet-ready glow that lasts.

8. Wispy Bangs and Loose Waves

Bangs and waves are a match made in heaven. Wispy fringes add a soft, bohemian touch to loose, medium-length curls.

Ensure your bangs are kept straight or very lightly bumped. This prevents the top of your head from looking too busy or overwhelmed by texture.

Blend the edges of your bangs into the side waves. This creates a cohesive look that beautifully frames the forehead and softens the jawline.

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9. The Half-Up Top Knot Wave

This style is functional for those with an active lifestyle. It keeps hair out of your face while showcasing your beautiful loose waves.

Gather the top section of your hair into a loose bun. Leave the rest of your wavy hair to hang freely around your shoulders.

This look works best with second-day hair. The natural oils provide the grip needed to keep the top knot secure without using too many products.

10. Subtle Ombre Waves

Loose waves are the best way to showcase a color transition. The bends in the hair catch the light, highlighting the gradient of your ombre.

Ensure the waves start where your color begins to lighten. This emphasizes the dimension and makes the color blend look much more intentional.

Use a heat protectant to keep your lightened ends healthy. Healthy hair reflects more light, making your waves and color look more vibrant.

11. Tucked-Behind-Ear Waves

This is a subtle yet effective styling trick for medium hair. Tucking one side behind the ear adds an instant air of polished minimalism.

Focus the volume of your waves on the side that remains untucked. This creates a flattering balance that emphasizes your facial structure and hair texture.

Use a tiny bit of hair wax to keep the tucked side flat. This ensures the look stays clean and doesn’t pop out during the day.

12. The Shaggy Layered Wave

Layered cuts and waves go hand-in-hand. The layers provide built-in movement, which makes your loose waves look much more dynamic and full.

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Focus on curling the shorter layers at the top. This creates height and prevents the hair from looking flat or weighed down at the roots.

A texturizing spray is your best friend for this style. It defines the layers and gives the waves a gritty, rock-and-roll finish.

13. Voluminous Root-Lift Waves

If you have fine medium hair, root lift is essential. Combining waves with volume at the crown creates the illusion of much thicker hair.

Blow-dry your hair upside down before adding waves. This sets the roots in an upward direction, providing a foundation for lasting height.

Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair. This provides the “memory” your hair needs to keep those loose waves bouncy and full all day.

14. Soft Blunt Cut Waves

A blunt cut offers a thick, healthy appearance at the ends. Adding waves softens the harshness of the cut for a sophisticated, modern look.

Avoid curling the very bottom inch of your hair. This maintains the bluntness of the cut while allowing the mid-lengths to flow beautifully.

This style looks particularly great with a middle part. It creates a symmetrical, balanced appearance that highlights the precision of your haircut.

15. Braided Crown with Loose Ends

Combine the romance of braids with the ease of loose waves. A small braid acts as a natural headband to keep hair in place.

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Braid a small section from each temple and pin them at the back. Let the rest of your medium hair fall in soft waves.

This style is perfect for outdoor events or windy days. It keeps your hair controlled while still allowing you to enjoy a wavy aesthetic.

16. Asymmetrical Wave Lob

An asymmetrical cut adds an edgy twist to the traditional lob. Waves help to blend the different lengths for a more cohesive, stylish look.

Concentrate the waves on the longer side of the cut. This draws the eye to the unique shape of your hair while adding movement.

Keep the shorter side slightly smoother or with very gentle bends. This contrast highlights the architectural nature of your trendy medium-length haircut.

17. The Flat Iron S-Wave

Using a flat iron creates a flatter, more modern “S” shaped wave. This look is less about volume and more about sleek, chic texture.

Clamp the iron and rotate it back and forth as you move down. This creates a zigzag wave that looks very editorial and cool.

This technique is excellent for those who want waves without the “pouf.” It keeps the silhouette of your medium hair slim and sophisticated.

18. Bohemian Middle-Part Waves

The middle part is a classic way to style loose waves. It creates a relaxed, 70s-inspired vibe that is currently very much in fashion.

Ensure your waves start at eye level rather than the roots. This keeps the top of the head flat and reinforces the bohemian aesthetic.

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Use a light hair oil to finish the look. It adds a healthy sheen and prevents the waves from looking too dry or frizzy.

What is the best tool for loose waves?

A 1.25-inch curling iron or a flat iron are the most versatile tools for medium hair. They create the perfect “S” shape without being too tight.

How do I make waves last all day?

Always start with a heat protectant that has “hold” properties. Allow your curls to cool completely before touching or brushing them out to set the shape.

Can I achieve loose waves without heat?

Yes, you can use robe tie curls or large silk rollers overnight. Braiding damp hair and letting it dry also creates a beautiful, heat-free wavy texture.

Is medium length the best for waves?

Medium length is often considered the ideal length for waves. It is heavy enough to prevent frizz but light enough to maintain bounce and volume easily.

How often should I wash my hair?

For the best waves, try washing every two to three days. “Second-day” hair often holds the shape of a loose wave much better than freshly washed hair.

What product adds the best texture?

A dry texturizing spray is generally the best choice. It provides more lift than a hairspray and more volume than a sea salt spray for medium hair.