35 Best Hairstyles for Black Women with Medium Length Hair

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What Are The Best Hairstyles for Black Women with Medium Length Hair?

The versatility of ethnic hair is so envious. If you are blessed with these natural tresses, I’m sure you can agree that they are a super fun head of locks to experiment with. Its texture allows for creative and imaginative styles that can be changed regularly, whether it be length or texture, casual or elegant. Medium-length hair is classified as hair that sits beyond the chin, loved for not being too long and not too short, and is so on-trend at the moment.

Black women around the world are beginning to embrace their gorgeous, natural hair, and there is an array of amazing products and protective hairstyle options to make this hair journey more manageable and enjoyable. The texture of ethnic hair is perfect for achieving some stunning hairstyles, short or long, curly, or straight, the possibilities for ethnic hair seem almost endless, that’s why we have fine-tuned the search for the perfect hairstyle for you, read on to have a look!

1. Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs add elegance to any hairstyle. They are worn in a center parting, cut shorter in the middle, gradually getting longer on the sides, and softly frame the face. The best part is that curtain bangs are great for any face shape!

2. Puff Buns

Why wear your hair in one puff when you can have fun with two! This is a great option for ladies who are blessed with an abundance of hair, it can be downsized and more manageable when divided in two.

3. Mid Length Layered Bob

It’s cute and it’s sophisticated. Suitable for that ‘girl next door’ kind of girl, but with a little bit of sass. It’s a classic haircut, that never seems to be worn out. The soft layers on mid-length hair create fullness and movement, especially on finer hair.

4. Beachy Waves

For the waves you crave! Beautifully messy and tousled waves are easy to achieve using a large barrel curling tong or waving iron. So versatile, this hairstyle can rock an evening out or accompany a cute swimsuit while relaxing by the pool with your girlfriends.

5. Casual Updo

A pleasingly ruffled updo is another on-the-go, go-to hairstyle of choice. Effortlessly pulled back, leaving some loose, softer pieces to adorn the face, or to show off some bangs, this sweet and fun way of styling hair will have you turning heads.

6. Cornrows

Cornrows have been worn for years and undoubtedly will be worn for more years to come. They can look so great on medium-length too, making these an even more epic protective hairstyle choice.

7. Curly Shag

The beauty of the 1970’s shag haircut is back ladies! And better yet, it rocks on ethnic hair. Aesthetics as great as this hairstyle simply cannot remain in the past. A well-cut shag haircut allows black women to flaunt their natural texture and love their locks. Plump up those curls and enhance those layers by styling your hair with a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.

8. Fulani Braids

This artsy and stylish way of braiding hair originated from the Fulani people of Western Africa and is presently one of the most popular braided styles. Characterized by having a cornrow down the middle of the hair, a few cornrows braided in the opposite direction toward the temples and can be finished off with or without beads. A hairstyle that is hard not to love!

9. Loose Curls

When you swipe right and lock in that tinder date, loose curls are the go too hairstyle! They work so well on medium length hair as the length is not too long to weigh them down and not too short to bounce back resembling Annie.

10. Mid-Length Asymmetrical Haircut

Asymmetrical haircuts are always so flattering and can take a straightforward haircut to something a little bit different and exciting. They accentuate the jawline in a flattering way by creating length in the chin and cheekbones and adds a dash of elegance to the style. A perfect haircut choice if you don’t want to commit to short but don’t want to hang onto the length.

11. Steep Angled Bob

Although this hairstyle choice may seem a bit on the shorter side of the spectrum, if you are happy to lose a bit of your length then a bob with a steep angle is perfect. The severe angle leaves a lot more length in the front, which puts this hairstyle in the medium-length category. Two hairstyles in one, how much fun is that!

12. Wavy Lob

Enhance an ordinary lob by adding some graceful waves. Smoothly blow out your hair first to eliminate frizz, then use a waving tool to create movement with a perfect wave. This texture looks amazing on glossy black hair, but can also be more dimensional with some scattered caramel babylights. Flaunt this look in a side or middle parting, perfect for a night out with your girlfriends.

13. Angled Lob

An angled lob is not only super chic, you can enjoy the benefits of having medium-length hair, as the shorter hair at the back means less bulk. This cut is low maintenance and suits most hair textures. Any girl can wear this hairstyle and rock it while doing so.

14. Blunt Lob

A precise and blunt-cut lob is always so pleasing on the eye and stunning on the face. This cut highlights the angle from ear to chin, creating an admirable angle that is flawless, slimming, and classy. This is a perfect hairstyle choice for medium-length hair and is currently very popular and fashionable. Use a flat iron for styling and to achieve that sleek, shiny finish.

15. Bouncy Blowout

Heading on a lunch date or have an important work conference? Take your locks up a level with a smooth but bouncy blowout. Find a stylist with the experience and arm strength to get your tresses looking silky while adding movement and volume. Finish off with an oil-based product to keep those ends polished and on point.

16. Braids

Braids have been popular for many years in a variety of cultures all around the world, and today they are even popular on Caucasian hair. Usually referred to as box braids, where small sections are squared off and then braided, this look is always trendy, fun, protective, and practical. They can be adorned with some groovy beads to secure the ends and make those braids look that bit extra.

17. Colour on Fleek

You can really add some flair and boldness by adding some brighter tones to your hair. Smart and creative coloring can level up a hairstyle and give you an extra dose of confidence.

18. Curly Ponytail

Ponytails have now found their place for everyday looks, they were once far-flung into the dark corners of the gym, but are now a staple in the world of hair. Try it with a curly and bouncy tail, especially fitting for medium-length hair as the puff of curls is not lost down the middle of the back.

19. Full Bangs

Let’s be blunt, bangs can be too! Bluntly cut bangs create a severe and close to perfect straight line, varying in length from the brow to pretty far up the forehead. They are dramatic and edgy and attract attention to gorgeously groomed eyebrows. Thicker hair is perfect to rock full, blunt bangs.

20. Half Updo

A half updo can be a good transition from a day out shopping to dancing the night away with your girlfriends, by simply pulling half the amount of hair back into a bun, a ponytail, or an effortless curly detail. Add some braids if you want to upgrade this style to look a little bit extra.

21. Perm Rod Set

Achieve perfectly defined curls with a perm rod set. These shiny ringlets are making a comeback in the natural hair community. They are versatile and can be defined to perfection by using a deep conditioner, followed up with rich hair oil and foaming mousse for hold and bounce.

22. Tight Curls

One of the many positives of ethnic hair is its ability to hold a curl and all its bounce!  Tight curls are simply gorgeous. The volume and bounce alone can add at least two Kardashian sisters’ worth of confidence! If you are lucky enough to have been born with this texture, define your curls with extra moisture and a gel or mousse, or add some smoothness using a curling wand with a small amount of medium-hold hairspray.

23. Top Knot

Top knots can be enjoyed perfectly swirled or pleasingly messy and undone. Ideal for the boss ladies on the go and perfect for keeping your hair looking classy the day before shampoo day, the top knot has your back!

24. Afro

If you are blessed with a mane as fierce as a lioness, then no doubt these natural tresses need to be flaunted! Moisture is key to an epic afro. Make sure during cleansing that the water temperature is on the cooler side and don’t be shy with your conditioner. Try to keep your number of shampoos per week to a minimum and finish off your hair routine with a deep moisturizing oil or cream.

25. Bantu Knots

Bantu Knots are achieved by twisting the hair around on itself until a spiraled knot is formed. This unique style originated in Southern Africa by the Zulu people. These knots can be rocked all day, into the evening, and kept in overnight to enjoy a head of glorious curls the following day.

26. Cute in Caramel

Lighter tones that keep with the warmer hues can do wonders for darker skin. By adding some soft, blended caramel tones to the hair, it gives medium-length hair a bit more dimension. These tones bounce off the skin tone beautifully, making it a gorgeous head of locks ready for summer.

27. Dreadlocks

Embracing natural hair to its fullest! Opting for dreadlocks requires some commitment and patience. They require maintenance and take some time to mature. Most of the time dreadlocks have some spiritual or cultural significance, so be sure to contemplate a bit deeper before making dreadlocks your hairstyle of choice.

28. Fauxhawk

If you have commitment issues, love your longer-length hair, and enjoy the funky vibes of a mohawk, then a fauxhawk is an excellent choice for you. You can have so much fun living life feeling like a rockstar by simply smoothing down or braiding the sides of your hair towards the center of your head, from forehead to nape. Create the illusion of a mohawk with teasy curls or leave your natural texture to get the height and form a fauxhawk needs.

29. Flawless Ombre

You will be so on trend with a beautifully blended ombre of warm hues. Starting darker on the root and gradually getting lighter on the ends, this color choice is so low maintenance and so flattering on hair the sits shoulder length. It highlights the shape and texture so well and helps finer hair appear thicker.

30. French Braids

A common and popular protective hairstyle choice is French braids. They are delightfully casual and are perfect for ladies who lead an active lifestyle.

31. High Puff

Reign in your afro by pulling your locks tightly into a high puff. This hairstyle opens up the face and gives your hair a beautiful contrast in texture.

32. Side Swept Bangs

If you enjoy your tresses in a side part, then sweeping bangs to the side are perfect to add some shape to a haircut. They are worn longer and are flatteringly face-framing. A huge plus ladies is that they hide any fine lines or imperfections that you may just not be ready to share in your selfies just yet!

33. Sleek Ponytail

Sleek is on fleek! The beauty of ponytails is that they can work on any length of hair, just as long as the hair reaches. This is a stunningly sleek and polished finish, and you got to love the ponytail sway when you strut your stuff!

34. Two Strand Twists

By finger coiling two strands of hair counterclockwise around one another, a mesmerizing twist is created. This is one of the popular methods used to eventually form locks if that’s the journey you are working towards, but this hairstyle is great for keeping the hair protected and locked in neatly.

35. Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs are feathered on the ends and a lot more textured than blunt bangs. They are a bit more playful and softer on the face and are more flattering for long faces. Better suited for fine hair, the texture adds fullness so black women with finer hair can enjoy the fun of bangs too!

Final Thoughts

The hairstyle options for black women are multifaceted and inspiring, and the ability to change lengths and textures overnight is envious! Whether rocking it natural or owning your weave, there is no one way for black women to display their tresses for the admiration of passers-by. When choosing your next head-turning hairstyle, there are a few things to take into consideration, no matter what mane attraction you choose.

  • Try cleansing your hair at the most, once a week. This helps lock in the natural oils from your scalp, which your natural locks will soak up eagerly
  • Always use conditioner, ethnic hair is very thirsty hair and can do with all the extra moisture it can get.
  • Oil your locks on a regular basis, your afro needs that extra hydration.
  • Remember to wrap your mane when going to bed, use a satin scarf to prevent friction between your locks and the pillow.
  • Ethnic hair is very fragile so if heat styling, then a heat protector is your best friend, and leaving her behind will be unforgiving. This goes for weaves and wigs too, they need to be looked after and cared for.
  • When opting for braids, make sure they are not pulled too tight. Protective hairstyles are labeled that for an important reason. you don’t want to end up with broken, frizzy hair and a forehead wider than your face.

Good luck pinning down your next do with all these marvelous and inspiring ideas! Whichever direction you choose to take, don’t forget to slay those edges and keep them on fleek!

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Author - Lauren Holland

Lauren always knew she needed to work in an industry that would nurture her creative and eccentric personality. She has run her own business for 7 years. After 2 years attending college, Lauren found herself an apprenticeship with one of the top salons in her province. This salon was popular for their more alternative and creative hairstyle ideas, taking part in many international competitions, photoshoots and shows where bright colors and Avant Garde styling were always the theme. She fine-tuned her skills throughout her 5 years there, achieving many awards including national finalist of the Goldwell Color Zoom competition. After qualifying, Lauren stayed on and grew in leaps and bounds in her art, training new apprentices and meeting some local fame and influencers. She got to experience various facets of the industry and built up a strong clientele. Lauren eventually found her way to owning her own salon and, in this time, she specialized in bridal and formal hair. Living in the Midlands meant she was in the hub of the wedding industry and was involved with collaborative shoots and bridal shows.