For an extended period, medium-length haircuts lingered on the outskirts of hairstyling, often relegated to that transitional phase where individuals attempted a daring leap from a buzz cut to a ’70s-inspired shag, maybe even reminiscent of a mullet. However, with the emergence of trends like the pompadour, these hairstyles have transcended the awkward in-between stage to become a bona fide styling choice straight out of the grooming handbook.
Whether you’re in the process of growing out your hair, hesitant to commit to a drastic cut, or seeking a way to revamp your look, there exists a plethora of timeless and trendy haircuts for men to choose from this year. Regardless of whether your hair is straight, curly, or has an afro texture, the selection of a medium-length hairstyle should be contingent upon various factors like your overall fashion style, face shape, and hair characteristics.
Now, there’s no need to feel stranded in the middle ground with this particular hair length. If you’re seeking further inspiration, here are some of the most exceptional cuts available, ensuring you’re never left without options.
1. MEDIUM LENGTH SURFER HAIR
Medium length surfer hair epitomizes the essence of a carefree spirit with its windswept, sun-bleached, and tousled appearance. Achieving one of the most effortlessly cool hairstyles doesn’t necessarily require you to ride the waves. To get that sought-after messy and rugged texture, you can rely on matte pomade or a sea salt mist. These styling aids will be your go-to companions in mastering the laid-back charm of medium length surfer hair.
2. MEDIUM LENGTH LAYERED HAIR
Medium length layered haircuts for men offer an excellent solution for those with thinner hair, as the layers play a crucial role in adding volume and creating the illusion of thicker, fuller locks. The strategic placement of these layers is key, making it essential to discuss various options with your barber. This collaboration ensures the best outcome that complements your unique face shape. To maintain the style, using a matte product to secure and sustain the layers is essential, providing a lasting hold for up to 24 hours.
3. MEDIUM LENGTH CURLY HAIR
For many men with curly hair, deciding whether to control or embrace their natural texture often poses a dilemma. In today’s trendsetting landscape, celebrating one’s unique features and allowing them to stand out has become more popular than ever. Say goodbye to flat irons and combs, and consider opting for medium length haircuts that strike a balance, keeping your curls manageable while allowing them to take center stage as the highlight of your look.
4. MEDIUM LENGTH STRAIGHT HAIR
Combining a clean-shaven face with a straight hairstyle creates a sophisticated and professional appearance ideal for men aiming to make a mark both in the boardroom and out on the streets. The array of medium length haircuts available for men provides ample choices to suit various preferences and styles. Whether slicked back, combed over, or fashioned into a quiff, straight hair remains a timeless choice that continues to maintain its fashionable status.
5. MEDIUM LENGTH DREADLOCKS
While the traditional image of dreadlocks often conjures up long, waist-length locks, these distinctive hairstyles can also make a fashion statement as a trendy medium-length option. Embracing dreadlocks at a medium length allows for a more fashion-forward approach. Consider tying back the dreadlocks and pairing them with an undercut for a contemporary and edgy interpretation of this powerful style. For inspiration, look to influential figures like Wiz Khalifa, Jaden Smith, and J Cole, who have rocked this look with confidence and style.
6. MEDIUM LENGTH WITH A HARD PART
Medium length haircuts for men exude serious style, and incorporating a hard part adds a touch of sophistication and professionalism to your look. This distinct style involves a precise, clean line shaved down to the scalp, demarcating the separation between the sides and the top of the hair. Opting to wear your hard part on the side creates definition and sharpness. Consistent upkeep and regular maintenance ensure that your hairstyle remains consistently sharp and on
7. HALF MAN BUN
Men, if you don’t have long locks, that doesn’t limit your options for rocking stylish medium length hairstyles. Embracing a half-man bun is a fantastic way to achieve a trendy look. Simply gather the top half of your hair into a bun while leaving the remaining hair loose. This versatile style transcends various fashion realms, whether it’s on the catwalk or in everyday settings, embracing both masculine and androgynous expressions. It’s a defining feature that adds character to your overall appearance.
8. MULLET
Medium length hairstyles for men offer just as much versatility and boldness as longer haircuts. For those with the confidence to sport an edgy look, the modern-day mullet emerges as a low-maintenance yet stylish option that complements a wide array of face shapes, hair types, and textures. This contemporary take on the mullet involves keeping the top and sides short while maintaining a medium to long length at the back, creating a distinctive contrast in lengths. Reimagining the classic saying, a mullet embodies a blend of professionalism in the front and a playful, distinctive style at the back.
9. FRINGE
Embracing various styles, from side-swept to textured, and even angular, a fringe serves as one of the most impactful elements to pair with medium length hairstyles for men. The fringe stands in a league of its own, possessing the remarkable ability to accentuate cheekbones, draw attention to the eyes, and cleverly conceal any unwanted lines across the forehead. Adding a fringe to medium length haircuts is an ideal way to infuse a touch of flair and transformation to one’s overall look.
10. SHAG
Medium length hairstyles for men embrace the retro-cool vibe of shag cuts, evoking an era reminiscent of icons like Bowie, Cobain, and Jagger. Achieving this classic yet edgy look involves asking your barber to skillfully layer the hair on both the top and sides, allowing for a controlled yet deliberately messy style. Whether aiming for a casual vibe in professional settings or seeking a wilder appearance with spiked styling, the shag cut offers versatility and a touch of vintage charisma to your overall look.
11. COMB OVER
Medium length hairstyles offer various options, among which the comb-over stands out as a trendy and sophisticated choice. Timeless and polished, this style is ideal for the contemporary gentleman. Creating this look is simpler than it appears. By applying pomade to damp hair and using a comb to identify the side part, you can effortlessly brush the hair over to the side, achieving the classic and refined comb-over style.
12. BRO FLOW
If you find yourself in that in-between phase of hair growth and need a style solution, consider embracing the ‘bro flow.’ This medium length hairstyle offers a low-maintenance approach and is often favored by A-list actors during their off-duty moments. To achieve this look, request your barber to trim the ends while retaining a length of around 5-6 inches. Then, simply brush the hair backward, allowing it to fall naturally, and let that ‘bro flow’ take over, bringing a relaxed and effortless vibe to your appearance.
13. POMPADOUR
Medium length haircuts for men are currently reaching new heights in style. The pompadour, a retro-inspired look with distinctive proportions, has gained immense popularity. To achieve this style, you can pair shorter or faded sides with a longer, slicked-back top. While it might share similarities with a quiff, the pompadour distinguishes itself by its increased height and volume. This classic hairstyle is typically set in place using a glossy styling product, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall appearance.
14. SLICK BACK WITH TAPER FADE
A contemporary twist on the traditional taper is the slick back with a taper fade style. This modern approach involves a gradual fade down the sides, offering versatility in terms of how high or low you prefer it. The sleek, slicked-back top seamlessly complements the taper fade, resulting in one of the most sought-after medium length hairstyles for men, exuding a trendy and polished aesthetic.
15. HARD PART WITH QUIFF
The realm of men’s medium length hairstyles is in a perpetual state of evolution, especially when considering the ever-popular quiff. Elevate your classic quiff by incorporating a hard part, allowing you to stand out distinctively. Wearing the hard part slightly to the side perfectly accentuates this style, enabling you to make the most of this bold and refined combination of the hard part with the quiff, creating a distinctive and sophisticated appearance.
16. UNDERCUT
The undercut stands as one of the most versatile and contemporary medium length hairstyles for men. This style involves maintaining medium length hair on top while closely shaving the sides and back of the head, akin to a fundamental Mohawk style. The beauty of the undercut lies in the variety of ways you can style the top section of hair. From sleekly slicked-back styles to incorporating a man bun, a pompadour, and an array of other creative options, the undercut offers an abundance of styling possibilities to match different preferences and fashion statements.
17. HAIR DESIGN
Elevate the flair of medium length hairstyles by incorporating an innovative hair design. These artistic patterns are intricately crafted, using clippers or scalpel blades to etch detailed designs into shaved sections of the hair. The canvas is limitless, guided only by your imagination and the expertise of your skilled barber. Embrace abstract, 3D, or geometric designs, or even opt for displaying your favorite brand’s logo for a personalized touch. Brace yourself for turning heads, as these unique and eye-catching hair designs are sure to make you stand out.
18. BOWL CUT
Ditch the dated sixties-era bowl cuts and delve into a more contemporary rendition, taking cues from Bieber’s “cool” era. The modern-day version of the bowl cut presents an edgy and stylish medium length haircut for men. This revamped style challenges the conventional boundaries of the classic bowl cut. If you sport medium length hair on top, consider wearing it sleekly forward with a soft side part, allowing the hair to frame the face with a slightly off-the-face or full fringe approach, adding a trendy and fresh perspective to this iconic haircut.
19. DROP FADE
A drop fade haircut gradually tapers down the back to the neckline, conforming to the head’s contour. It descends behind the ears, forming an arc. Whether it’s a high, mid, or low drop fade, this style seamlessly complements various medium-length hairstyles. The drop fade stands as a chic choice for men seeking a crisp and distinctive appearance, providing a sharp look that sets them apart without blending into the crowd.
20. FRENCH CROP
For a French Crop haircut with a more rugged appeal, maintain the hair on top at a medium length, emphasizing a distinct fringe section. To achieve this look, begin by working a small amount of pomade from the roots through your hair, embracing a slightly disheveled finish. Another office-appropriate approach is to pair the French Crop with a sleek comb-over, offering a more polished and professional appearance, making it one of the versatile and office-ready medium length hairstyles.
MEDIUM LENGTH HAIRSTYLES FAQ:
HOW TO ACHIEVE A MEDIUM LENGTH STYLE
For a successful styling outcome, maintaining good hair condition is key. If you’re transitioning from a shorter style, regular trips to the barbershop for end trims are essential. These visits also offer the opportunity to seek advice from your barber regarding the most suitable length and style for you.
Robert Grosvenor, a stylist at the UK-wide salon chain Headmasters, advises, “For thick hair, consider asking the barber to reduce excess volume, as fine hair might appear thin with a medium-length cut.”
Fortunately, for most men, hair that strikes a balance in both thickness and length is the ideal scenario. “Around 80 percent of individuals have hair of medium weight, and growing it out is a great way to enhance its natural texture,” suggests Steve Robinson from the multi-award-winning salon chain Electric.
HOW TO STYLE MEN’S MEDIUM LENGTH MESSY HAIRSTYLES
Messy styles take the lead when considering medium-length haircuts for men. They are the perfect choice for individuals who prefer a low-maintenance approach or lack the motivation to grow their hair long. To achieve the best results with messy medium length hairstyles, apply a moderately strong hair product throughout the hair and allow the locks to naturally fall in a carefree manner. This effortless styling technique offers a casual and relaxed look that’s easy to manage.
WHAT IS THE BEST MEDIUM LENGTH HAIRSTYLE FOR MEN?
No single medium length hairstyle fits all face shapes, hair types, and textures perfectly. However, there are several fantastic looks to consider, including the comb over, fade, pompadour, quiff, and slick back, which tend to work well for many. Discussing these various medium length haircuts for men that could complement your hair type and lifestyle with your barber is a great idea. This consultation can lead to discovering the ideal style that suits your individual preferences and needs.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SHAMPOO MEDIUM LENGTH HAIR?
Determining the frequency of washing medium length hair hinges on factors such as hair thickness, natural oil levels, and the presence of a dry scalp. Typically, individuals with normal hair can maintain a consistent appearance and avoid undesirable hair days by employing high-quality shampoo and conditioner every 2-3 days. However, some medium length hairstyles might require more attention. If your hair appears greasy or if your scalp feels itchy, it’s a clear indicator that it’s time for a shampoo session. Adjusting the washing routine based on the specific needs of your hair can significantly impact its health and overall appearance.
