26 Summer Hairstyles for Medium Hair Ideas
Let’s be honest: medium-length hair is kind of the sweet spot. It’s long enough to braid, curl, and flip dramatically (because we all need that moment), but short enough to feel light and breezy in the heat.
And when summer rolls in with its sunscreen, pool days, and humidity that has no chill, the right hairstyle becomes your best friend.
If you’ve been wondering how to keep your hair cute, practical, and heat-proof this season, you’re in the right place.
Below are 26 summer hairstyles for medium hair ideas—easy, trendy, and totally wearable whether you’re heading to brunch, the beach, or just your couch with a popsicle.
1. Messy Beach Waves
You knew this one was coming, right?
Beach waves are basically the official hairstyle of summer.
They’re relaxed, textured, slightly undone, and they scream “I woke up like this” in the best way. You can create them with:
- a curling wand
- braiding damp hair overnight
- or just sea salt spray and hand scrunching
Bonus points if your hair air dries—summer efficiency at its finest.
2. Low Textured Ponytail
A polished high pony is cute, yes—but a low textured ponytail is effortlessly chic.
Pull your hair back loosely, leave a few face-framing strands out, and tug at the crown for soft volume.
Perfect for:
hot days
errands
casual dates where you still want to look put-together
3. Half-Up Top Knot
Half-up, half-down… but make it playful. A mini bun on top instantly lifts your face and adds height while still letting your hair flow.
It’s also a lifesaver on those days when the top part of your hair says dry shampoo me, but the bottom part still looks great.
4. Sleek Middle-Part Bun
If humidity makes your hair frizz like crazy, this one is your best friend.
Brush your hair back with gel or smoothing cream and twist it into a neat bun at the nape of your neck. The result?
- clean
- elegant
- summer-proof
Also great for weddings, summer parties, or pretending you are That Girl running errands in sunglasses.
5. Loose Boho Braid
This is the definition of free-spirited summer energy.
Take a simple three-strand braid and gently pull it apart to make it soft and fluffy. You don’t want it tight; think romantic heroine wandering through fields, not school PE class plait.
Extra cute with:
- ribbons
- hair cuffs
- tiny flowers (festival mode activated)
6. High Ponytail with Volume
If you like drama with your hairstyle, this one is for you.
Tease the crown slightly, pull your hair high, and secure. Wrap a small piece of hair around the hair tie for that “salon did it” effect.
Looks amazing with:
- sundresses
- oversized sunglasses
- bold lipstick
7. Wet Look Waves
This one gives editorial, beach goddess vibes.
Use gel or styling cream to slick your hair back while keeping soft waves through the length. It looks like you just came out of the ocean… even if you’ve really just come out of the air-conditioned mall.
8. Side Braid
Simple? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.
A loose side braid keeps hair off your neck (very important in summer!) and looks incredibly pretty with off-shoulder tops and swimsuits.
9. Bubble Ponytail
Cute. Playful. Photogenic. Basically a hairstyle that deserves its own Instagram story.
Simply secure mini hair ties down the length of a ponytail and gently tug between bands to create “bubbles.”
It’s surprisingly easy but looks like you tried way harder than you did.
10. Half-Up Braided Crown
Want to feel like a summer fairy? This is the move.
Braid two small sections from each side of your head and pin them together at the back. It frames your face beautifully and keeps hair out of your way.
11. Soft Curled Ends
Sometimes subtle really is powerful.
Curl only the lower half of your hair to add bounce and movement without fully styling your whole head.
This one is great for:
- work
- meetings
- day-to-night looks
12. Claw Clip Twist
Claw clips have fully come back—and we’re not mad about it.
Twist your hair loosely and clip it up for a casual model-off-duty look. It’s comfortable, heatless, and takes maybe 10 seconds.
We love a lazy queen hairstyle.
13. Low Side Bun
Romantic and slightly vintage, the low side bun is perfect for summer dinners or weddings.
Pull out a few wisps near your face and don’t worry about neatness. Imperfect is the goal here.
14. Braided Ponytail
Upgrade your usual ponytail by braiding it from the base down. It keeps everything in place (great for sweaty days) while still looking playful.
Plus, it’s gym and beach approved.
15. Half-Up Fishtail Braid
This one looks advanced, but once you learn a fishtail braid, you’ll never go back.
Do a half-up style and fishtail only the top section. Leave the rest wavy or straight.
It’s boho perfection.
16. Soft Blowout
Want to look like you just left the salon?
A soft, rounded blowout gives volume, bounce, and shine, especially on medium hair. Think 90s supermodel… but summer-friendly.
Add a bit of hair oil for that glossy finish.
17. Curly Messy Bun
Have natural curls or waves? Let them shine.
Pile your hair up loosely into a bun and let tendrils fall wherever they want to. This style embraces texture rather than fighting it—ideal for humid days.
18. Straight and Sleek
Sometimes the simplest option wins.
A sleek, straight style with a middle part is minimal, modern, and heat-friendly if you use lightweight smoothing products.
Pair with statement earrings and you’re done.
19. Mini Pigtail Buns
Yes, playful hairstyles are for adults too.
Two tiny buns on either side of your head = instant fun summer energy. They’re especially cute for festivals or casual hangouts.
20. Waterfall Braid
This one looks fancy but is summer-proof once it’s pinned.
The waterfall braid lets pieces fall through the braid pattern, creating a flowing, whimsical effect. It’s dreamy, feminine, and amazing for photos.
21. Headband Hairstyle
Grab a fabric or elastic headband and instantly level-up any simple hairstyle.
Headbands:
- hide oily roots
- protect from sweat
- add color and personality
Plus, they help tame flyaways when the humidity refuses to cooperate.
22. Deep Side Part with Waves
Change your part and suddenly your whole face looks different—crazy, right?
A deep side part with waves gives serious vintage Hollywood vibes while still being summer-appropriate.
23. Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle
Instead of braiding, twist sections from the sides and pin them at the back.
It’s:
- quick
- elegant
- beginner-friendly
Great for when you have 5 minutes to get ready and zero patience left.
24. Medium Hair Top Knot
Full top knots aren’t just for long hair—you absolutely can rock one with medium hair.
Gather your hair high and wrap it into a bun. Let some pieces fall out naturally for a relaxed look.
25. Scrunchie Ponytail
Scrunchies are back and bringing personality with them.
A medium-height ponytail with a bold scrunchie instantly says summer nostalgia. Think 90s vibes, but cooler.
26. Natural Texture, Zero Heat
And finally, the most important one:
Let your natural hair live its best life.
Summer is the perfect excuse to:
- skip hot tools
- embrace curls or waves
- focus on hydration instead of perfection
A little leave-in conditioner, air-dry time, and boom—you’re glowing.
Final Thoughts
Medium hair in summer is honestly the best playground. You can throw it in a bun, braid it, wave it, slick it, accessorize it, or leave it wild and free. There’s no “right” way to do summer hair—there’s only what feels light, fun, and you.
So whether you’re team messy bun, team sleek ponytail, or team let-it-air-dry-and-see-what-happens, I hope these 26 summer hairstyles for medium hair ideas gave you inspiration.
