1. Introduction: Why Medium-Length Hair is Perfect for Summer
Medium-length hair is the ultimate summer hairstyle for its perfect balance of versatility, style, and practicality. It’s long enough to style in various chic ways yet short enough to stay cool and manageable in the heat. As temperatures rise, the importance of light, breathable hairstyles increases, and medium-length hair offers the ideal length for easy maintenance without sacrificing style.
Not only does medium-length hair provide comfort during the hotter months, but it also allows for a wide range of creative and fun hairstyles. From beachy waves to sleek bobs, it offers endless possibilities for both casual days and special occasions. For those seeking extra volume, texture, or length, hair extensions can be seamlessly incorporated to enhance any look.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of medium-length summer hairstyles that will help you stay cool, chic, and effortlessly stylish. Whether you're going for a laid-back vibe or something more polished, you’ll find the perfect styles to suit your summer needs. Plus, we’ll explore how extensions can elevate your summer hair, adding that extra flair to make you feel even more fabulous.
2. Benefits of Medium-Length Hair for Summer
Medium-length hair strikes the perfect balance between practicality and style during the summer months. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice for hot weather:
1. Easier to Manage Than Long Hair
Long hair can be cumbersome and hot, especially when you’re outdoors or near water. Medium-length hair is much easier to handle—it doesn’t require as much time for styling or maintenance, and it’s lighter on your shoulders, making it the perfect length for staying cool. You can throw it up into a quick ponytail, braid, or even leave it down in loose waves without the hassle of dealing with excess length.
2. Versatility with Light, Breathable Styles
Medium-length hair offers more styling versatility than short hair while still providing a lightweight, breathable look. You can experiment with beachy waves, sleek straight styles, or bouncy curls—whatever suits your mood and the occasion. It's the ideal length to try different textures without the constraints of longer hair. For example, a cute half-up, half-down style or a low bun with wispy tendrils creates a cool, effortless summer look.
3. Less Prone to Heat Damage
Longer hair tends to suffer more from heat damage, especially in the summer due to sun exposure, swimming, and styling. Medium-length hair is less prone to this kind of damage. It’s also easier to trim and keep healthy, so you won’t have to worry about split ends as much. Keeping your hair at this manageable length allows you to use less heat styling and still maintain healthy, vibrant strands.
4. Works for All Hair Textures
Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, medium-length hair works beautifully with all textures. For straight hair, it allows for sleek, polished styles or loose, effortless waves. Curly hair can embrace its natural texture while being shaped into fun, voluminous curls or a chic bob. Wavy hair also benefits from this length, as it can hold the shape of beachy waves or soft, polished curls.
With the right care and styling, medium-length hair allows you to embrace the summer with a chic, manageable look!
3. Hairstyle #1: The Breezy Beach Waves
Beach waves are the ultimate summer hairstyle, offering an effortlessly cool, laid-back vibe while still looking polished and chic. They give you that “just-walked-out-of-the-ocean” look, without the frizz or limp strands that often come with humidity. Here’s how to achieve perfect beach waves for your medium-length hair, and how hair extensions can help add extra volume and fullness to your look.
Step-by-Step Guide to Beach Waves:
1. Prep Your Hair
Start with clean, damp hair. Apply a lightweight sea salt spray or texturizing spray to give your hair texture and a little grit. This will help your waves hold their shape and add volume without making the hair feel heavy or crunchy.
2. Heat Protection
If you plan to use heat tools, always start with a heat protectant. This shields your hair from heat damage and ensures your beach waves look sleek rather than frizzy. Spray a heat protectant evenly through your hair to safeguard your strands.
3. Curl Your Hair
Take 1-inch sections of hair and wrap them around a curling iron or wand. For beachy waves, it’s best to use a curling iron with a slightly larger barrel (1-1.5 inches). Wrap each section away from your face, but alternate the direction of the curls (one towards the face, the next away) to create a more natural, tousled look.
4. Let the Curls Cool
Allow your curls to cool before you touch them. This will help the waves hold their shape longer. If you need extra volume or body, lightly tease the roots with a fine-toothed comb.
5. Loosen the Waves
Once your hair is completely cool, run your fingers through the curls to loosen them and create a more relaxed, beachy texture. Avoid brushing your curls, as this can turn them into frizz instead of soft waves. For added texture, you can use a dry shampoo or texture spray.
Using Extensions for Fuller Beach Waves
If you want to amplify the fullness and volume of your beach waves, clip-in extensions are an excellent option for medium-length hair. These extensions add thickness to your strands, giving you a more voluminous, glamorous beach wave effect.
To incorporate clip-in extensions:
· Choose extensions that match your natural hair color and texture for a seamless blend.
· Clip them in at the roots, starting from the nape of your neck and working your way up. Be sure to tease your natural hair slightly before clipping in the extensions to ensure they stay securely in place.
· After adding the extensions, curl your hair and extensions together as one, so they blend naturally.
· Finish by gently brushing through the hair and adding more texturizing spray for extra volume and texture.
Celebrity Inspiration: Gigi Hadid’s Effortless Beach Waves
Gigi Hadid is the perfect example of effortless, chic beach waves. Her iconic look is always soft, voluminous, and polished with a natural wave. She often sports the perfect balance of relaxed yet glam beach waves, whether on the red carpet or casually out and about. To achieve a similar look, focus on keeping your curls loose and natural while using extensions to boost volume and length for that model-off-duty style.
With the right tools and products, you can easily recreate this breezy, polished beach wave look, perfect for those hot summer days!
4. Hairstyle #2: The Messy, Textured Bob
The messy, textured bob is a timeless summer hairstyle that offers an effortlessly chic look. It’s the perfect combination of low-maintenance and stylish, making it ideal for hot weather when you want something cool and carefree but still put-together. This style works well with both straight and wavy textures and can be adapted to fit a variety of personal styles. The best part? With the right products and techniques, it’s a hairstyle that’s as easy to achieve as it is to maintain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving the Messy, Textured Bob:
1. Start with Clean, Damp Hair
To create a messy, textured bob, start with freshly washed, damp hair. Apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or a sea salt spray from roots to tips. These products will give your hair body and texture while keeping it light, so your bob won’t look weighed down or flat. The sea salt spray also helps enhance natural waves and gives a more beachy, lived-in feel.
2. Dry Your Hair
Blow-dry your hair using a round brush for added volume at the roots. Focus on lifting the hair at the crown to create some height and movement. For an even more textured effect, use your fingers to tousle your hair while drying, encouraging natural waves to form.
3. Curl Your Hair (Optional)
If your hair isn’t naturally wavy or you want more texture, use a curling iron or wand with a medium-sized barrel to curl the hair in loose, random sections. Remember to alternate the direction of the curls to prevent a too-uniform look, which can feel more rigid than textured. Only curl the ends of your hair and leave the mid-lengths free for a more relaxed vibe.
4. Add Texturing Products
Once your hair is dry or curled, apply a light texturizing spray or sea salt spray to the lengths of your hair. Scrunch the hair as you apply the product to enhance the messy, tousled look. You can also use a texturizing cream for added volume and hold, especially if your hair tends to fall flat throughout the day.
5. Finishing Touches
To keep the bob looking fresh and full, tousle your hair gently with your fingers to break up the curls and create more volume. Focus on adding texture at the roots for a more lived-in, cool vibe. If necessary, run a small amount of dry shampoo or texture spray through your roots to refresh and lift.
How to Keep the Bob Playful and Carefree Yet Polished
While the messy bob is supposed to look undone, it’s essential to maintain a sense of structure and shape. The key is to balance a bit of tousled texture with a neat finish around the edges. The bob should not look too “untamed” but rather have a deliberately undone vibe. Regular trims are essential to keep the bob looking fresh and shaped, and using the right products will ensure that the messy texture stays in place throughout the day.
With the right products and techniques, the messy, textured bob is a carefree, stylish option for summer that you can easily recreate every day.
5. Hairstyle #3: The Sleek Ponytail
The sleek ponytail is a timeless hairstyle that has been reimagined for summer with a chic, polished, and effortless look. Whether you're heading to the beach, a casual brunch, or an evening event, this versatile style can be dressed up or down and works perfectly for medium-length hair. It’s a great option for keeping hair off your face while maintaining a sophisticated, cool vibe. The best part? It's easy to achieve and can be elevated with a few simple tweaks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Sleek, Shiny Ponytail:
1. Start with Clean, Dry Hair
Begin with clean, dry hair, as a sleek ponytail works best when there is no product buildup. If your hair is naturally a bit frizzy or lacks shine, you can start by applying a smoothing serum or leave-in conditioner to help eliminate flyaways and add shine.
2. Comb Through Your Hair
Use a fine-toothed comb or brush to remove tangles and ensure your hair is smooth and sleek. A detangling spray can help if your hair is prone to knots. You want the hair to be as smooth as possible before securing it into a ponytail.
3. Create a High or Low Ponytail
Decide whether you want a high or low ponytail. For a high ponytail, gather your hair at the crown of your head, while for a low ponytail, pull the hair toward the nape of your neck. Use a comb to smooth the hair in the direction you want it to fall. For a super sleek finish, ensure that there are no bumps or stray hairs sticking out.
4. Secure the Ponytail
Use a hair elastic to secure the ponytail tightly. Be sure to use an elastic that won’t leave a crease or dent in your hair, like a silk or fabric-covered band. If you want an ultra-sleek look, gently tug the ponytail to smooth it even further after securing the elastic.
5. Smooth and Polish
To make your ponytail appear glossy and smooth, apply a light layer of shine serum or anti-frizz spray to the length of the ponytail. Use a flat iron or a straightener on the tail of the ponytail if you need to straighten any unruly sections and enhance the sleekness. You can also take a small amount of hair gel and use your hands to smooth the sides and edges of your ponytail for a more polished look.
6. Optional: Wrap a Piece of Hair Around the Elastic
For an elevated look, take a small section of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and wrap it around the hair elastic. This simple addition makes the ponytail look more polished and sophisticated. Secure the end of the wrapped hair underneath the ponytail with a bobby pin.
Keeping It Cool: Ensuring Comfort Without Tightness
While a sleek ponytail requires a secure hold, it’s important not to make the ponytail too tight, as this can lead to tension on your scalp and discomfort throughout the day. Make sure the elastic is snug but not pulling your hair too tightly. You can also gently loosen the ponytail by pulling a small section of hair near your temples for added comfort and a more relaxed look.
Celebrity Inspiration: Hailey Bieber’s Sleek Ponytail
Hailey Bieber often sports sleek, polished ponytails with just the right amount of shine and volume. Her sleek ponytails are always impeccably styled—never too tight, but always neat and glamorous. For a more sophisticated vibe, you can take a cue from her by ensuring your ponytail is perfectly smooth and adding a cute, minimalistic accessory like a ribbon or pearl-embellished tie.
With these simple steps, you can achieve a sleek ponytail that's the perfect combination of chic and effortless—ideal for summer days or nights when you want to look polished and stay cool.
6. Hairstyle #4: The Playful Half-Up, Half-Down
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a classic, effortlessly chic look that strikes the perfect balance between keeping hair off the face and maintaining a relaxed, carefree vibe. It's a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it an ideal option for summer events or casual outings. This style works wonders for medium-length hair, offering a blend of volume and sleekness that keeps you cool while still looking put together. It’s also a great option for medium-length hair in the summer, as it keeps hair off your neck while still allowing you to show off your natural texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Perfect Half-Up, Half-Down:
1. Start with Clean, Dry Hair
Begin by washing and drying your hair with a lightweight conditioner to keep your hair soft and voluminous. If your hair tends to get frizzy, you can apply a smoothing serum or leave-in conditioner to ensure a sleek, polished finish. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you can embrace your texture or use a flat iron to create a smooth base.
2. Create a Clean Part
To achieve the perfect half-up look, create a clean part down the middle or to the side, depending on your preference. A middle part gives a more symmetrical, fresh look, while a side part adds a bit of asymmetry for a relaxed vibe.
3. Section Off the Top Half
Using a comb, section off the top half of your hair, starting from the top of your ears or slightly above your eyebrows. This section should be proportional to the volume you want in the final look. Once separated, tie the top half into a loose ponytail or bun. You can also leave the hair slightly undone for a more tousled, carefree look.
4. Secure with a Hair Tie or Clip
Use a clear elastic hair tie or a cute clip to secure the top half of your hair. For a sleek finish, opt for an invisible elastic band that blends into your hair color, or go for a stylish clip to add a bit of flair. Avoid pulling too tightly—this look is meant to be soft and relaxed.
5. Style the Bottom Half
For the bottom half, you can either leave it loose and natural or style it with waves or curls for added texture. If you want volume, use a curling iron or flat iron to create soft waves, and finish by applying a texture spray to give your hair a little extra oomph.
6. Add a Final Touch of Shine
Once you’ve styled the top and bottom sections, finish off with a light hairspray or shine serum to tame flyaways and add a glossy finish. If you want more definition in the top section, use a texturizing spray for added volume.
Perfect for Summer: Why This Style Works So Well in Hot Weather
One of the best things about the half-up, half-down hairstyle is how practical it is for summer. In hot weather, you want to keep your hair off your face and neck, and this style is perfect for that. It gives you the freedom to enjoy the sunshine without worrying about your hair getting in your way. The bottom section of your hair can still flow freely, allowing your natural texture to shine through while keeping the top section neat and tidy.
Moreover, this style is super easy to maintain throughout the day. If your hair starts to lose some volume or texture, simply give it a quick refresh with a light mist of hairspray or dry shampoo. It’s a low-maintenance style that can last all day, from a morning meeting to an evening gathering.
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a perfect summer go-to, offering an easy and stylish way to keep your hair off your face while still looking effortlessly chic.
7. Hairstyle #5: The Low Messy Bun
The low messy bun is the perfect balance of effortless style and chic sophistication. It’s a go-to summer hairstyle that keeps hair off your neck while maintaining a relaxed, stylish appearance. Whether you’re heading to the beach, running errands, or going out for a casual dinner, this look is both practical and fashionable. The best part? It requires minimal effort while still looking intentional.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Loose, Relaxed Bun
1. Prep Your Hair for Texture
To achieve the perfect messy bun, start with hair that has some texture. If your hair is freshly washed, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grip. This helps the bun stay in place and prevents it from looking too sleek.
2. Gather Your Hair at the Nape of Your Neck
Use your fingers to loosely gather your hair at the nape of your neck. Avoid using a brush to maintain a relaxed, natural look. If you prefer a more polished version, you can smooth the front section with a comb while keeping the rest tousled.
3. Twist and Secure the Bun
Twist the gathered hair loosely and wrap it into a bun shape. Secure it with a hair tie or a few bobby pins, allowing some pieces to fall naturally for a soft, undone effect. If you want a messier look, gently pull apart sections of the bun to add volume.
4. Frame Your Face
Pull out a few face-framing pieces to enhance the effortless vibe. If your hair is naturally straight, you can curl these pieces slightly for a softer look.
5. Lock It in Place
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the style while maintaining movement. For extra volume, gently tug at the crown area to create a bit of lift.
The low messy bun is the ultimate easygoing summer hairstyle—effortless, comfortable, and always stylish.
8. Hairstyle #6: The Flirty Side Braid
The side braid is a charming, relaxed hairstyle that brings a boho vibe to your summer look. Perfect for medium-length hair, it’s an easy way to keep your hair off your face while maintaining a fun and flirty appearance. Whether you're heading to a casual day out or a beach party, this chic braid gives off a laid-back, carefree vibe. With the help of extensions, you can elevate the braid to make it fuller and more voluminous.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Loose, Relaxed Side Braid
1. Prep Your Hair
Start by applying a lightweight texturizing spray to add volume and texture to your hair. This will give the braid some grip and prevent it from slipping throughout the day. If your hair is slightly wavy or straight, consider using a curling iron to create soft waves for a more bohemian look.
2. Create a Deep Side Part
Using a comb, create a deep side part. The side part will give your braid more structure and add dimension to the overall look.
3. Begin the Braid
Gather the hair from the heavier side of the part, bringing it over to the other side of your head. Start a loose three-strand braid by crossing sections of hair over one another. Don’t worry about making the braid too neat—it’s supposed to look soft and relaxed.
4. Continue Braiding and Secure
As you braid down, you can slightly loosen the sections for an even more relaxed, voluminous look. Once you reach the end, secure the braid with a small elastic band.
5. Pull It Apart for Extra Volume
For added thickness, gently pull at the braid to make it appear fuller and more textured. Loosen the strands slightly for a more effortless finish.
The flirty side braid is a versatile and charming summer hairstyle that’s easy to recreate and perfect for medium-length hair.
9. Hairstyle #7: The Polished Straight Look
The sleek, straight hairstyle is a timeless and effortlessly elegant choice, even in the summer heat. Perfect for medium-length hair, this style exudes sophistication while remaining simple to achieve. Whether you're going for a polished daytime look or a refined evening aesthetic, straight hair never goes out of style. With the right products and techniques, you can keep your hair smooth, frizz-free, and full of life.
Step-by-Step Guide: Achieving Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair
1. Prep Your Hair for Heat Styling
Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair using a smoothing shampoo and conditioner to eliminate frizz. Apply a lightweight heat protectant to shield your hair from heat damage while ensuring a sleek finish.
2. Blow-Dry for a Smooth Base
Using a round or paddle brush, blow-dry your hair in small sections, directing the airflow downward to keep the cuticle smooth. This step helps reduce frizz and creates a silky foundation before straightening.
3. Flat Iron for a Sleek Finish
Once your hair is completely dry, use a high-quality flat iron to straighten small sections at a time. Keep the temperature moderate to prevent heat damage, and glide the iron smoothly from root to tip.
4. Lock in Shine and Frizz Control
Finish with a lightweight serum or anti-frizz spray, applying it evenly throughout your hair to add shine and prevent flyaways. Avoid applying too much product at the roots to keep your hair from looking greasy or weighed down.
The polished straight look is an easy-to-maintain, elegant summer hairstyle that works for any occasion. By using the right products and techniques, you can enjoy smooth, frizz-free hair that stays sleek all day long!
10. Conclusion: Stay Cool and Stylish All Summer Long
Summer calls for hairstyles that keep you cool, chic, and effortlessly stylish. Whether you’re rocking breezy beach waves, a messy textured bob, a sleek ponytail, a playful half-up, half-down style, or even a low messy bun, medium-length hair offers the perfect balance of versatility and manageability. These styles not only help you beat the heat but also add a touch of elegance to every look.
Medium-length hair provides the ideal canvas for creative styling, allowing you to experiment with both relaxed and polished looks. The key is using the right products to maintain texture, volume, and shine—lightweight serums, volumizing sprays, and anti-frizz treatments work wonders in keeping your hair looking fresh and vibrant all day. Regular touch-ups and the occasional use of dry shampoo can help maintain that perfect balance between effortless style and refined sophistication.
Remember, hair extensions are a fantastic way to enhance these looks, adding fullness, length, and extra body with ease. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle boost or a dramatic transformation, Fabulive’s premium hair extensions can seamlessly blend with your natural hair to give you the summer volume and texture you desire.
Get your perfect summer hair with Fabulive’s top-quality extensions and styling products, and transform every day into a stylish celebration. Stay cool, confident, and ready to shine all season long!