27 Best Medium Hairstyles for Men: Pro Cuts & Styling

Medium Hairstyles for Men offer the perfect balance between the low-maintenance ease of a short cut and the bold personality of truly long locks. This versatility is precisely what makes medium-length hair the go-to choice for men who want a dynamic look that can be styled differently every day, adapting seamlessly from the office to a weekend adventure. Finding the right style for your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle is the key to unlocking a powerful, signature aesthetic that communicates confidence and modern style without feeling overly stuffy or trying too hard.

The beauty of sporting Medium Hairstyles for Men lies in the endless options for texture and movement that simply aren’t possible with a buzz cut or short crew cut. Whether you prefer the refined look of a classic side part, the rugged appeal of a messy flow, or the sharp contrast of an undercut, medium hair provides the necessary foundation. It’s a length that allows you to play with high-hold pomades for structure, sea salt sprays for texture, or simply a light cream for a natural, flowing look, ensuring your hairstyle is never static or boring.

Overview: Medium Hairstyles for Men

The current landscape of men’s grooming heavily favors the adaptable nature of Medium Hairstyles for Men, moving away from the extreme formality of past decades toward looks that feel effortlessly cool. This sweet spot between the chin and the ear allows for a multitude of fashionable cuts, including the popular textured crop, the flowing quiff, and the ever-reliable slick back. It’s a length that works well across different ethnic hair types and textures, providing a suitable canvas for both bold and subtle hair statements.

Achieving the perfect medium style requires a strong communication with your barber about more than just the length—you must discuss the desired flow, the taper on the sides, and how you plan to style it daily. Maintenance is slightly higher than for short hair, demanding quality shampoos and conditioners to maintain health and regular trims every 4-6 weeks to keep the shape defined. Once you master the styling process, you will find that a carefully chosen medium hairstyle is arguably the most flattering and versatile cut a man can wear.

Textured Crop for Medium Hair

The textured crop has gained massive popularity for its modern, edgy appearance and relatively easy styling routine, making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of men. On medium hair, the crop’s fringe can be left longer and slightly choppy, allowing it to fall forward onto the forehead with considerable movement and visual interest. This length makes the crop feel less military and more casual, providing a youthful look that works especially well with thick hair types that naturally hold volume and texture.

To style this version of the crop, apply a small amount of matte clay or paste to damp hair, then use your fingers to push and rake the hair forward, creating separation and definition in the top layer. The goal is to emphasize the varied lengths and keep the look feeling intentionally messy and dynamic rather than stiff or heavily set. The textured crop for medium hair is a great way to showcase the natural waves or slight curls in your hair without having to spend hours meticulously styling it.

Modern Mullet Medium Length

Far from its infamous 80s reputation, the modern mullet has evolved into a stylish and deliberately shaggy cut that embraces texture and movement, often using medium length as its base. The new iteration focuses on a more gradual length difference between the front, sides, and the back, maintaining a shorter top but letting the hair flow over the ears and down the neck. It embodies a rebellious, rock-and-roll vibe while remaining contemporary and fashion-forward.

This medium length style works best with hair that has a natural wave or a tendency to slightly curl, as this texture enhances the overall shaggy, undone appearance that defines the look. Styling involves minimizing stiffness; a simple sea salt spray or a light cream can be scrunched into the hair while it air dries to boost texture and volume. The modern mullet medium length is a fantastic choice for the man who isn’t afraid to experiment with a hairstyle that makes a statement.

Slick Back Medium Hair

The slick back is the epitome of polished sophistication, instantly elevating a casual outfit or complementing a sharp suit, and medium hair provides the ideal length for maximum impact. With enough length to sweep back cleanly and securely, the medium slick back avoids the “helmet” look that can sometimes occur with shorter hair styled too heavily. The focus is on a high-shine finish that directs all the hair away from the face, showcasing the facial structure.

Achieving the perfect slick back medium hair requires a strong-hold pomade—either oil-based for high gloss or water-based for a cleaner, easier wash-out—and a fine-tooth comb. Apply the product evenly, then comb the hair straight back from the forehead, ensuring all layers are pulled smoothly and tightly. This style is especially useful for men with straight hair and can be customized with a slight taper or undercut on the sides to prevent the hair from puffing out.

Quiff Medium Hair

The quiff remains one of the most popular and masculine Medium Hairstyles for Men due to its inherent ability to add height and draw attention upward, often slimming the appearance of the face. For medium hair, the quiff is voluminous and less angular than its shorter counterpart, providing a softer, more sweeping profile. It’s a timeless style that exudes confidence and requires a modest effort to perfect, making the impact well worth the morning routine.

To style the quiff medium hair, you’ll need to focus on blow-drying the hair up and back from the forehead using a round brush to lock in that foundational lift and shape. Once dried, use a medium-to-strong hold product like a wax or clay, applying it from root to tip to maintain the height without losing the natural movement. This technique ensures the quiff is large and flowing, highlighting the texture and substantial volume of the medium-length top.

Side Part Medium Hair

The side part is a universally flattering and highly professional option within the realm of Medium Hairstyles for Men, providing a structured look that is both classic and infinitely stylish. With medium hair, the part line is often more defined, and the weight of the hair allows the top section to sweep cleanly over to one side without needing excessive amounts of product. It’s the perfect, sophisticated style for a corporate environment or a formal event.

For best results with the side part medium hair, the hair should be cut with a slightly longer fringe that naturally falls into place when parted; a deep side part is typically most effective. Use a comb to create a clean line while the hair is damp, and apply a light pomade or styling cream to enhance shine and hold the shape throughout the day. This hairstyle is a masterclass in understated elegance, proving that simple structure often has the greatest impact.

Flow Medium Hair

The flow is a carefree, organic hairstyle that capitalizes on the natural movement and texture of longer hair, making the medium length a fantastic sweet spot for this particular aesthetic. It is defined by the way the hair naturally sweeps and flows back from the face and sides, often reaching down near the nape of the neck and over the ears. This style requires minimal cutting and maximizes the hair’s natural growth pattern for a relaxed, masculine look.

To maintain a healthy flow medium hair, the biggest focus should be on conditioning and using moisturizing products to prevent frizz and dryness, which can ruin the intended soft, sweeping look. Styling involves little more than a quick application of a texturizing spray or mousse before allowing the hair to air dry or gently blow-dry backward. This style is an ideal expression of effortless cool, allowing your hair’s natural texture to take center stage.

Curtains Hairstyle Medium Hair

The curtains hairstyle is experiencing a strong resurgence, capturing a 90s nostalgia while feeling completely fresh and modern when adapted for medium-length hair. It is characterized by a central or near-central part with the hair on both sides falling down to frame the face, acting literally like curtains. The medium length is crucial, as it provides enough weight for the hair to drape naturally without looking too fluffy or overly voluminous.

To nail the curtains hairstyle medium hair, you need a precise cut that is slightly longer in the front sections and a little shorter in the back to prevent a mushroom shape. Use a blow dryer and a round brush to push the front sections back and out from the face, setting the shape of the curtain part. A light, matte product should be used to maintain the separation and texture, allowing the hair to swing and move naturally throughout the day.

Undercut with Medium Length Top

The undercut has been a staple in modern men’s grooming for years, and pairing it with a medium-length top provides a striking, high-contrast look that is both sharp and versatile. By shaving or closely clipping the sides and back to a uniform length (the undercut), you draw all attention to the hair on top, which should be long enough to style into a quiff, slick back, or simply left messy. This contrast is the style’s defining and most attractive feature.

The beauty of the undercut with medium length top is that the styling options for the longer hair are nearly endless, making it one of the most adaptable Medium Hairstyles for Men. The short sides keep the overall maintenance relatively low, only requiring regular buzzes to maintain the sharpness of the contrast. You can use this medium top length to showcase curly or wavy hair texture beautifully, as the tight sides prevent the overall look from becoming too unruly.

Shaggy Medium Hair

For men who prefer a hairstyle with natural texture and an air of deliberate dishevelment, shaggy medium hair is an unbeatable choice that captures a relaxed, casual aesthetic. The shag cut relies on layered lengths throughout the entire head, creating a feathered and textured look that can be easily achieved with most hair types, particularly those with a slight natural wave. It’s a style that feels authentically cool and requires very little precious styling time.

The key to styling shaggy medium hair is to enhance the existing texture without making it look overly styled or stiff; a light texturizing spray or wax is typically all that is needed. Scrunch the product into the hair while it is still damp and allow it to air dry, which helps to define the layers and the movement. This hairstyle is particularly forgiving and only requires trims every 6-8 weeks to manage the split ends and maintain the overall shape and flow.

Taper Fade Medium Length

Combining the clean, modern edge of a fade with the sheer versatility of a medium-length top creates the dynamic and highly popular taper fade medium length. Unlike a hard undercut, the taper fade gradually reduces the hair length from the medium top down to the neckline, creating a smooth and seamless transition. This technique gives the hair a clean, polished feel while still leaving plenty of length on top for styling options like a quiff or messy flow.

The fade element keeps the entire hairstyle looking sharp and well-maintained, ensuring the medium-length hair on top does not look unkempt or too casual. The taper fade medium length is perfect for men who want a sophisticated look that still allows for expression and personality through the styling of the long top section. Regular visits to the barber are necessary to keep the fade sharp, but the overall style is worth the upkeep for its visual impact.

Pomp Medium Length

The pompadour, or “pomp,” is a truly classic hairstyle that is defined by the volume and height built up at the front, and the medium length allows for a softer, more rounded interpretation of this iconic look. With a pomp medium length, the front section is styled to sweep back high from the forehead, transitioning into the rest of the medium hair. This style adds a timeless elegance and significant height, making it a powerful statement hairstyle.

Styling a successful medium pompadour requires the use of a blow dryer, a round brush, and a high-quality pomade with a strong hold to lock in the shape and prevent it from collapsing throughout the day. The longer, medium hair on the sides is usually kept neat and combed back or lightly tapered to maintain focus on the dramatically styled top section. This look embodies a confident, rockabilly aesthetic that pairs exceptionally well with a classic sense of fashion.

Messy Medium Hairstyle

For the man who prioritizes ease and a laid-back vibe, the messy medium hairstyle is the definition of low-effort, high-impact style, capitalizing on the hair’s natural tendency to move. This look is characterized by a deliberate lack of structure—the hair is tossed, tousled, and left to fall in a way that suggests you just rolled out of bed, yet still looks put-together. It is an incredibly popular choice among Medium Hairstyles for Men for its youthful and approachable feel.

The best way to achieve this intentionally messy medium hairstyle is to use a light-hold, matte product like a texturizing powder or a sea salt spray to enhance the hair’s natural texture and volume. Simply work the product into your hair with your hands, lifting and separating the strands as you go, and avoid using a comb entirely. The messy medium look is particularly effective on hair that has a natural wave or a tendency toward volume, making styling a breeze.

Wavy Medium Hair

Wavy medium hair is arguably the ideal length for showcasing a man’s natural hair texture, as the length provides enough weight to prevent the waves from looking too springy or frizzy. When allowed to grow out to a medium length, natural waves settle into a soft, appealing flow that offers excellent movement and visual interest. This length enhances the hair’s natural dimension, making it appear thicker and healthier than when cut very short.

The key to styling wavy medium hair is to manage frizz and define the existing pattern using moisturizing products like a curl cream or a light mousse. Avoid heavy brushing or blow-drying, which can break up the waves; instead, allow the hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. This length offers several beautiful options, from a swept-back flow to a lightly defined curtains cut, all celebrating the natural, appealing bends in the hair.

Curly Medium Hair

Curly medium hair can be one of the most striking and dynamic styles, using the substantial length to control and define the curls into a voluminous and textured shape. This length is long enough to provide the weight necessary for the curls to form into attractive coils rather than shrinking up against the scalp. It is a bold, impactful hairstyle that requires a commitment to moisturizing and curl-defining products to truly shine.

For men with curly medium hair, the focus should always be on hydration and maintaining the health of the curls to prevent dryness and frizz. A good leave-in conditioner and a strong curl gel or cream should be worked into the hair when wet, and the hair should be allowed to air dry or diffused to enhance the definition. The medium length allows the curls to frame the face naturally, providing a handsome, full-bodied look that is truly unique and personal.

Straight Medium Hair

While straight medium hair may not have the natural volume of wavy or curly styles, it provides a sleek, clean canvas that works exceptionally well for classic, sophisticated cuts. The length gives the straight hair enough weight to hang neatly and can be styled into sharp, structural looks like the slick back, side part, or the clean-cut Ivy League. Its lack of natural texture means it responds well to products that introduce either shine or matte structure.

Styling straight medium hair often involves using a blow dryer and a brush to introduce some slight volume and prevent the hair from lying completely flat against the head. A high-shine pomade or a matte wax can be used depending on the desired finish, ensuring the hair stays neatly in place all day. This hair type and length are perfect for those who prefer a clean, highly structured, and consistently polished appearance among all Medium Hairstyles for Men.

Brushed Up Medium Hairstyle

The brushed up medium hairstyle is an excellent choice for men with fine or thin hair, as the technique focuses on maximizing lift and creating the illusion of significant volume and density. The hair is styled straight up and slightly back from the forehead, often resulting in a soft, vertical sweep that adds movement and a modern, angular dimension to the face. This medium length provides enough hair to execute the necessary lift without looking stiff.

To create the brushed up medium hairstyle, you must use a blow dryer and a vented brush, directing the heat and the hair straight upward from the roots to lock in the lift. A lightweight styling clay or paste should then be applied sparingly to the tips to maintain the hold and define the texture without weighing the hair down. This style is one of the most flattering Medium Hairstyles for Men looking to boost their hair’s presence and overall structure.

Man Bun for Medium Hair

The man bun, once an unconventional trend, has settled into its role as a practical and stylish option for men with medium-to-long hair, and the medium length offers a distinct, smaller knot. While not a full, voluminous bun, the man bun for medium hair is a neat, top-knot style that is perfect for keeping hair out of the face while working out, or simply as an easy, casual look for the weekend. It is often a go-to style during the awkward growing-out phases.

To execute the man bun for medium hair, simply gather the hair from the top and crown of the head and twist it into a small knot or loop, securing it tightly with a hair tie. The remaining hair on the sides and back is often left down, resulting in a half-up style that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This hairstyle highlights the clean lines of the face and is a testament to the versatility that medium-length hair provides for quick, non-permanent changes.

Half Up Medium Hair

The half up medium hair style is one of the most versatile and effortlessly cool options for men seeking a quick fix that manages their length while showing off their texture. It involves gathering the top half of the hair and securing it either into a small ponytail, a half-bun, or a simple loose knot, leaving the bottom section of hair to hang naturally down the neck and over the shoulders. This look works across all textures, from curly to straight.

This particular style is fantastic for showing off the natural flow and length of the medium hair while keeping the hair out of the eyes and off the face, making it both practical and attractive. The half up medium hair style requires very little effort; simply use your fingers to rake the top section back, securing it loosely to maintain a relaxed, casual feel. It’s a great option for those days when you don’t want to fully commit to an intricate styling routine.

disconnected medium undercut

The disconnected medium undercut provides a dramatically bold contrast, establishing a sharp, clear line where the medium-length top hair meets the tightly shaved or clipped sides and back. Unlike a smooth taper, the “disconnection” means there is no gradual blend, making the distinction between the top and sides a key feature of the cut. This style is modern, attention-grabbing, and allows the medium-length hair on top to truly stand out.

Styling the disconnected medium undercut is focused entirely on the top section, which can be manipulated into a high-volume quiff, a sharp slick back, or a tousled, messy look depending on your mood and the occasion. The clean, hard lines of the undercut on the sides keep the overall look neat and structured, offering a sophisticated counterpoint to the movement of the medium hair. It’s a dynamic hairstyle that perfectly balances boldness and polish.

Asymmetrical Medium Cut

An asymmetrical medium cut is a deliberate choice for a man looking for a hairstyle that adds a unique, artistic, and fashion-forward edge to his appearance. This style is defined by a significant difference in the length and flow of the hair from one side of the head to the other, often featuring one side with a longer, sweeping fringe that contrasts sharply with the shorter hair on the other side. It is a bold move away from perfect symmetry.

To style the asymmetrical medium cut, the focus is on maximizing the volume and flow of the longer section, usually achieved with a light, non-stiff product and a blow dryer to sweep it across the forehead or to the side. The shorter side is typically kept neat and close to the head to emphasize the dramatic difference in length and proportion. This is one of the more expressive Medium Hairstyles for Men, showing a high level of personal style and confidence.

Visit Also: Long Hairstyles for Women

Professional Medium Haircuts

When the workplace demands a polished and conservative look, professional medium haircuts offer several excellent, boardroom-ready options that maintain structure while utilizing the hair’s length. Styles like the classic side part, a cleanly combed slick back, or a neatly executed Ivy League with a medium top are perfect choices. The key is in the execution: the haircut must have clean edges and the styling must be neat, avoiding any overly messy or shaggy elements.

These professional medium haircuts should be paired with a moderate-to-high hold product that provides a natural finish, ensuring the hair stays in place all day without appearing stiff or greasy. Regular trims are crucial to maintaining the shape and keeping the neckline tidy, which is the hallmark of a truly professional appearance. The medium length is ideal because it communicates maturity and attention to detail without sacrificing volume or style.

Thick Medium Hair Styles

Men with thick medium hair have a luxurious natural advantage, as their hair holds volume and shape exceptionally well, providing a dense canvas for many sophisticated styles. The main challenge with thick medium hair styles is managing the bulk to prevent a mushroom or overly voluminous shape. Excellent choices include the textured crop, the pompadour, and the classic flow, which all benefit greatly from the inherent density of thick hair.

To style thick medium hair effectively, your barber should use techniques like texturizing or point-cutting to remove internal weight, allowing the hair to lie flatter and move more naturally. Use strong-hold products like clay or wax to ensure the hair maintains its shape throughout the day, and focus on defining the texture rather than trying to flatten the volume. This hair type is perfect for full-bodied Medium Hairstyles for Men that demand a strong, palpable presence.

Fine Medium Hair Styles

Fine medium hair can often look flat or lack volume, but the right fine medium hair styles can entirely counteract this, focusing on techniques that maximize lift and create the illusion of density. Styles that involve volume on top, such as the brushed up cut, a soft quiff, or a layered messy look, are the most successful. The medium length is helpful because it allows for layering without becoming too heavy and weighing the hair down.

Styling fine medium hair requires the strategic use of lightweight products like mousse, sea salt spray, or texturizing powder, which add grit and volume without leaving a heavy residue. Blow-drying the hair up from the roots, especially in the front, is essential to setting the initial lift and structure before applying a light, matte-finish product. The goal is to achieve an airy, voluminous look that makes the most of the medium length available.

Low Maintenance Medium Hair

For the man who wants the style of medium hair without the daily commitment to intense styling, low maintenance medium hair options are plentiful and incredibly practical. These styles focus on cuts that work with the hair’s natural texture and growth pattern, requiring minimal product and heat styling. Excellent examples include the natural flow, a shaggy cut, or a slightly grown-out curtains hairstyle, all of which look good with a simple air dry.

The key to keeping low maintenance medium hair looking sharp is regular trims to prevent it from becoming overly bulky or shapeless, even if you skip the daily styling routine. After showering, simply run a small amount of light cream or conditioning oil through the damp hair to control frizz and enhance the natural texture before letting it air dry. These styles prove that Medium Hairstyles for Men don’t always require a significant time investment.

Volume Medium Hair

Achieving volume medium hair is a top priority for many men, as lift and body instantly make the hair look healthier, thicker, and more dynamic, enhancing nearly any cut. Volume is essential for structured styles like the quiff, the pompadour, and a high-impact brushed-up look, where the hair must stand up and away from the scalp. This length is ideal for volume because it provides enough hair to manipulate and hold the shape effectively.

Creating volume medium hair starts with a proper blow-drying technique, lifting the hair at the roots using a round or vented brush and a heat protector spray. Once the hair is dried and set into its voluminous shape, a lightweight, strong-hold product like a styling clay or wax should be applied throughout the roots and mid-lengths. This two-step process locks in the height and structure, ensuring the voluminous look lasts throughout the entire day.

Blowout Medium Hair

The blowout is a highly energetic and voluminous style that capitalizes on the medium length to create a dramatic sweep of hair that curves up and back from the face, often focusing on the front and top section. It’s a very fashionable and impactful look that is characterized by its significant lift and perfectly placed, voluminous movement. The blowout medium hair aesthetic is a statement of modern style and high-end grooming.

As the name implies, the execution of the blowout medium hair is entirely dependent on meticulous blow-drying using a powerful dryer and often a concentrator nozzle, directing the air strategically. Hair should be sectioned and dried with a round brush, sweeping the hair up and back to create the signature curved volume. A matte clay or a high-hold hairspray is used as the final step to freeze the impressive height and shape in place, creating a dynamic, lasting finish.

Ivy League Medium Length

The Ivy League is a classic, neat haircut that maintains a relatively short length throughout, but when adapted to an Ivy League medium length, the top section is left substantially longer. This allows the wearer to achieve the style’s signature clean-cut aesthetic while retaining the flexibility of medium hair. It’s a versatile cut that can be worn neatly parted and swept to the side, or pushed up for a bit of casual volume, making it the definition of smart-casual.

The defining characteristic of the Ivy League medium length is the graduation in the hair—it is longest on the top front and gradually shortens toward the crown and the sides. This cut works incredibly well for those seeking professional medium haircuts that are easy to manage but still look stylish and structured. Styling is typically simple, requiring a comb and a light pomade to maintain the clean part and sweep of the longer, medium fringe.

FAQs About Medium Hairstyles for Men

What is the ideal length for a medium men’s haircut?

The classification of medium length is generally considered to be anywhere between four and six inches of hair on the top, or roughly the length that falls just above the chin or over the ears. This range is ideal because it provides enough hair to easily tuck behind the ears or pull into a small bun, while still being short enough to be styled up with volume or swept back cleanly.

How often should I trim medium hair to maintain the style?

To maintain the specific shape and style of your medium haircut—especially if it involves any type of fade, taper, or sharp edges—you should plan on visiting your barber every 4 to 6 weeks. If you are actively trying to grow your hair out longer, you can stretch the trims to every 8 to 10 weeks, but you should still get a small trim to remove split ends and keep the hair healthy.

Which medium hairstyles are best for men with thin or fine hair?

The best medium hairstyles for men with fine or thin hair are those that focus on maximizing perceived volume and density. Cuts like the layered messy medium style, the textured crop with a forward-swept fringe, or a high-volume brushed-up cut are ideal choices. You should avoid heavy products that weigh the hair down and instead opt for lightweight texturizing sprays or powders.

Is medium hair difficult to maintain compared to short hair?

Medium hair typically requires slightly more maintenance than very short hair, primarily in the form of dedicated washing and conditioning to keep it healthy and free of frizz. While short hair only needs basic washing and quick drying, medium hairstyles may require a few extra minutes of styling with a blow dryer and product to achieve the desired look, but the increased versatility is usually considered worth the effort.

Can medium hairstyles work with a receding hairline?

Absolutely, medium hairstyles can be highly effective for men with a receding hairline as they offer great coverage and distraction. Styles like the flow or a layered quiff can be strategically styled to sweep over or around the receding areas, and the added length can create a fuller appearance overall. Consulting with a barber on a medium length that suits your specific pattern is the best approach.

Conclusion

Medium Hairstyles for Men are not just a passing trend; they are a timeless category that represents the ultimate sweet spot between sophisticated length and manageable structure. The sheer variety available, from the sharply contrasted disconnected undercut to the effortlessly cool shaggy flow, ensures that every man can find a medium style that perfectly aligns with his individual aesthetic, lifestyle, and hair texture. Embracing this length allows for dynamic changes in daily styling, giving you a powerful tool for self-expression.

Ultimately, choosing a medium-length cut is a commitment to a style that exudes confidence, personality, and modern sensibility. By understanding the techniques required for your chosen look—whether it’s the high-shine of a slick back or the texture of a volume medium hair style—you unlock the full potential of your hair. The versatility and impact of Medium Hairstyles for Men are undeniable, offering a fresh, stylish alternative to the extremes of very long or very short cuts.