Type 2 wavy hair is arguably the most sought-after. Natural waves are multifaceted and can be styled in numerous ways. You can also straighten or curl them relatively easily, enabling you to switch between the two styles whenever you choose.
In this article, we introduce you to ten medium-length hairstyles for wavy hair: five for men and five for women. So, if you’re looking to mix things up and want to try a new style in 2024, read on to discover the best options in 2024 for people with wavy hair.
Defining wavy hair
Wavy hair is not to be confused with curly hair, and understanding the difference between the two is an important first step when searching for the best hairstyles for medium-length wavy hair.
In terms of hair types, wavy hair is also known as type 2 hair:
- Type 2A hair features a very slight wave pattern and often looks similar to straight hair.
- Type 2B hair features a medium wave pattern that is clearly discernible.
- Type 2C hair is the waviest of them all, with your hair wrapping into ringlets when it’s wet.
No matter the specific type of wavy hair you have, you can style it in any of the following ways, and we introduce this year’s trendiest styles for men and women below.
Men’s hairstyles medium-length wavy hair
If you’re blessed with naturally wavy hair, cutting it to medium length is a brilliant way to keep it in check and style it well. After all, if you let your wavy hair grow long, it’s much more difficult to style it and keep it from looking messy. With that in mind, here are five wavy hair low maintenance medium-length hairstyles for guys:
1. The pompadour
The pompadour (pomp) is a super stylish and easy hairstyle for medium-length wavy hair. The key to the pomp is height and depth, which you can achieve with a high-quality pomade or hairspray, depending on your preferences. It helps to style your hair to the side at which it naturally sits, which will help it stay in place throughout the day. As in the example above, short, tailored facial hair can be an excellent accompaniment to the pompadour, as beards are very much trending in 2024.
2. Beach waves
If you have naturally medium-length straight hair, beachy waves are a great option. This classic surfer style looks great on guys with fairer hair and tanned skin complexions. You can style the fringe back at the front of your hair to reveal your forehead, while curling your waves down towards your shoulder line. Applying some sea salt spray before drying your hair is a brilliant way to add instant volume and texture to your beachy waves.
3. Wavy faux hawk
This edgy, medium-length hairstyle for fine hair cuts the perfect balance between smart and casual. It’s a dynamic and modern look that is well-suited to young, professional guys. The side fade is key to this look, while the wavy hair on top is the ideal contrast, appearing similar to classic mohawk styles. Though this is slightly shorter than some of the other hairstyles on this list, it’s a great option if you’re looking for something that’s short at the back and sides yet slightly longer on top.
4. Shaggy waves
If you’re looking for hairstyles for wavy thick hair of a medium-length, this shaggy waves cut is well worth considering. It’s a relaxed and easy going style that’s similar in appearance to beachy waves, making it a perfect trim for your upcoming summer vacation. This is also a great look to add layers to, and you can ask your barber to cut your hair on top in different lengths to add some much-appreciated texture to your chosen style.
5. Wavy top-knot with fade
Top knots have been riding the crest of a wave in recent times, and they’re an excellent option if you’re keen to wear your medium-length wavy hair up. We love the contrast created by the tight skin fade in the above example, with the topknot looking chic and trendy. We think this look suits guys with darker hair and skin tones while trimming your facial hair to short or mid-length helps to elevate the look.
Medium-length hairstyles for women with wavy hair
There are so many ways to wear your wavy hair, but ensuring that your style is refined and your waves are well-defined is paramount. Whether your waves are thick or thin, check out the following five styles that are perfect for women with wavy, mid-length hair:
1. Wavy lob with center parting
This stunningly soft haircut with delicate waves is an elegant and chic style for all occasions. The natural center parting creates symmetry, enabling you to showcase your best facial features. While we recommend cutting it just above the shoulder line, you can work it slightly longer if you want to, while curling the ends can be a great way to add something unique to the style before you finalize your look. Accessories like looping earrings and a glamorous necklace are the perfect accompaniments to this beautiful haircut.
2. Tousled & layered waves
The best wavy hairstyles for medium-length thick hair are those with depth and texture, but they also need to be easy to maintain. This look with tousled and layered waves is the best of both worlds, as the layers add significant movement and volume to your hair. We also love the versatility of this look, as it’s easy enough to pull your hair back into a bun or pony on days when you don’t want to wear it down.
3. Stylish wavy cut with blunt fringe
If you’re keen on an elegant hairstyle for fine wavy hair of a medium length, this stylish wavy cut is worth checking out. The signature is undoubtedly the blunt, long fringe, which sits just above the eyeline. This eyebrow skimming fringe offers a classic look and it combines beautifully with the contemporary charm of the face-framing waves, which sit just above the shoulder. To further enhance this look, consider adding highlights to your ends, which will help to create a stunning contrast between the different layers.
4. Classic lob with choppy bangs
One of our favorite medium-length hairstyles for thick wavy hair is this classic lob with choppy bangs. Rather than cutting your hair even and straight in a classic bob, opting for a layered, textured bob is a great way to add volume and depth to your style. The choppy bangs draw attention to your eyes, while framing your face. In terms of length, most lobs run down to around the shoulder length, but you can go even longer if you want to.
5. Shaggy waves with side parting
Another beautiful medium-length hairstyle for thick wavy hair is this shaggy look with a subtle side parting. Begin with your hair’s natural side parting and work your waves over to one side, using a blow dryer like the Laifen Swift Special. The shag is a brilliant look in itself, but these shaggy waves are a little more refined, offering a great alternative to professional women.
Quick & easy styling tips for wavy hair
✅ It’s extremely important to keep your wavy hair hydrated to prevent frizz and flyaways. Treat yourself to a regular hair mask with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil to lock in your hair’s natural moisture.
✅ Drying your hair with an ionic hair dryer will prevent it from frizzing, particularly if you switch the dryer to its low or medium heat setting. The Laifen Swift Special is the perfect ionic blow dryer for people with wavy hair.
✅ Sea salt spray is like a magic product for anyone with wavy hair. When you apply it to your wavy hair after washing it, you add instant volume and bounce to your curls, so it’s a worthwhile investment if you want to get the most out of your wave pattern.
✅ Never detangle your waves when they’re dry, as doing so can cause them to split and break. It’s much better to detangle them immediately after stepping out of the shower to prevent accidental breakage or damage. You can even apply a moisturizing serum like a leave-in conditioner before detangling your hair.
Final words
If you don’t want your waves to stretch long down your back, you can cut them to medium-length as there are so many awesome styles to choose from. Bear in mind our top tips above when styling your medium-length waves, and do what you can to prevent them from drying out. If you keep your waves nourished and hydrated, you can guard against frizz and flyaways, which will help your hair look sleek and shiny.
