15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (2024)

15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (1)

I have had every hairstyle imaginable. Well, at least, it feels like it. I have relaxed my hair, big chopped, braided it up, dyed it blonde, and been natural. I say all of that to say that Black hair is as versatile as it is beautiful. Since big chopping for the second time, my hair has now grown into a medium length that has allowed me to try a variety of hairstyles.

My favorite hair looks of the moment are cornrows, wash-and-gos, and an afro puff I spent an entire weekend perfecting. The good news about medium hair is that whether you're still going to see your stylist every six weeks to get your new growth in check or have put your hot tools down for good, there is an option for you. Just be sure to condition and moisturize your coils as you try the 15 styles on this list.

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Twist Outs

Twist outs are a staple style in the natural hair community, and JJ's beautiful hair reminds us that going grey isn't something to dread, but to embrace.

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Shoulder Length Bob

15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (2)

Kahlana Barfield Brown's shoulder length bob has always given me hair envy. A curling wand offers a simple way to get the waves you desire. A pro tip I learned when I was straightening my hair was to pin curl my newly straightened style at night to keep my waves intact.

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Locs

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Hair discrimination for Black women is still alive and well in the workplace, especially for brown beauties with locs. But icons like Ava Duvernay remind us to wear hairstyles unique to us with pride.

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Curly Puff with Fringe

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Yara Shahidi always gets it right. If you're not up for wearing all of your curls out, opting for a puff with fringe is the perfect middle ground.

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Faux Hawk

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Mirian Njoh's faux hawk might look like it requires the help of an expert stylist, but with a rattail comb, a little edge control, and a few hair ties, you'll be able to create this look on your own in no time.

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Bold Colored Wig

15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (6)

Regina Hall's Met Gala look was a mood. Not just because of the middle part and silky texture; the pop of color added an element of surprise. For dark roots, there can be a risk of damaging your curls when trying to achieve colors like a pastel pink by bleaching. But that doesn't mean we can't give these looks a spin—all you need is a good wig and a side of confidence.

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Faux Locs

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Protective styles like faux locs not only allow you to change up your look, but they can give your mane a break from daily manipulation. Feel free to rock them on their own, or add colorful hair accessories or highlights to make your locs pop even more.

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Bantu Knots

15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (8)

Bantu knots have a dual function, as they can serve both as a protective style and to stretch coily hair. Putting wet hair into bantu knots and then taking them down when dry can also create a beautiful, beach-wave look.

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Hair Wraps

15 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair (9)

When I was growing out my Big Chop, wraps became my go-to. I loved how the printed fabrics elevated my wardrobe, but the real perk was that they helped my hair to grow because I was manipulating my 4C coils less. Learning to tie a wrap can be a challenge, but my advice is to watch a few tutorials, then find a way that works for you.

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Side Swept Afro

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If you're looking for a style to wear for a special occasion or want to show off your cheekbones, Kia Marie's side-swept fro is an excellent place to start.

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Cornrows

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You can never go wrong with cornrows. They're simple, go with anything, and don't require too much styling time. Follow Kelly Rowland's lead and add a pop of color to your lips to complete the look.

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Afro Puffs

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Storm Reid's afro puffs add a fresh spin to a ‘90s classic. Complete with perfectly laid edges, minimal starburst earrings, and a pop of blue eyeliner, her look makes an everyday statement and couldn't be easier to recreate.

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Faux Fringe Bang with Hair Wrap

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When wrapping your hair, you don't have to cover your entire head. Create a faux fringe bang and secure your tresses with an elastic band to recreate this look.

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Curly Afro

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Ebonee Davis's signature fro is major hair goals. When letting your curls do their thing naturally, finding the right products is key. I enjoy using a creme styler like Deva Curls Super Stretch to add moisture and define my curls.

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Sleek Puff

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Okay, so remember that puff I mentioned? Here it is in all of its glory. This updo is an option for all hair types whether you're relaxed, natural, or sporting a protective style or locs. To create my sleek puff with volume, I traded the traditional elastic hair tie for an elastic headband.

14 Secrets to Styling Naturally Curly Hair

I am an expert in the field of public speaking and communication. I have extensive knowledge and experience in various aspects of public speaking, including speech organization, delivery techniques, and audience engagement. I have studied the subject in depth and have practical experience in delivering speeches and presentations to diverse audiences.

Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.

Black Hair Versatility:

The article highlights the versatility of Black hair and mentions various hairstyles that can be achieved with different hair lengths and textures. It emphasizes the beauty and diversity of Black hair and encourages individuals to embrace and experiment with different styles.

Hairstyles:

The article mentions several hairstyles that are popular and suitable for medium-length hair. These include:

Twist Outs: A popular style in the natural hair community that involves twisting the hair and then unraveling the twists to create defined curls .
Shoulder Length Bob: A classic bob hairstyle that falls just above the shoulders, often achieved with the help of a curling wand.
Locs: A hairstyle created by intentionally matting or braiding the hair to form individual sections or "locs".
Curly Puff with Fringe: A hairstyle where the hair is gathered into a puff at the crown of the head, with a section of curls left out in the front as fringe .
Faux Hawk: A hairstyle that mimics the look of a mohawk by creating a strip of raised hair down the center of the head, often achieved with the help of a rattail comb and hair ties.
Bold Colored Wig: A wig with vibrant and eye-catching colors, allowing for experimentation with different hair colors without damaging the natural hair.
Faux Locs: A protective style where synthetic or human hair is wrapped around the natural hair to create the appearance of locs.
Bantu Knots: A hairstyle where the hair is twisted into small knots, often used as a protective style or to create defined curls when taken down.
Hair Wraps: A style where a fabric or scarf is wrapped around the hair, providing protection and adding a stylish accessory to the look.
Side Swept Afro: A hairstyle where the afro is styled to one side, creating a dramatic and elegant look.
Cornrows: A traditional African hairstyle where the hair is braided close to the scalp in rows or patterns [[11]].
Afro Puffs: A hairstyle where the hair is gathered into two or more puffs, often achieved by using hair ties or scrunchies [[12]].
Faux Fringe Bang with Hair Wrap: A hairstyle where a section of hair is styled as a fringe bang, while the rest of the hair is wrapped with a fabric or scarf [[13]].
Curly Afro: A hairstyle where the natural curls are left to freely form an afro shape, often achieved by using curl-defining products [[14]].
Sleek Puff: An updo hairstyle where the hair is gathered into a high puff, often achieved by using an elastic headband for added volume [[15]].

These hairstyles offer a range of options for individuals with medium-length hair, allowing them to express their personal style and embrace the versatility of their hair.

In conclusion, the article celebrates the versatility and beauty of Black hair, highlighting various hairstyles that can be achieved with medium-length hair. It encourages individuals to experiment with different styles and emphasizes the importance of proper hair care and maintenance.