Medium-length hair on guys is super underrated! Y’all know how people just talk about long hair being cool or short styles being easy. Medium-length guys just live in the middle like they’re at that weird spot in high school where you’re not a senior but you’re not a freshman either. Well, I’m here to tell you that this middle ground is where the magic happens! You can totally pull off a ton of looks and keep things interesting – without working hard about it every single day.
Whether you’re rocking shoulder-length locks or a little shorter, let’s chat about some really fun ways to switch up your dudes’ medium-length hair! (Feel free to share this with any bros who are running out of ideas.) From messy bedhead to sharp slick-backs, there’s a whole vibe waiting for you. Don’t worry; it’s not hard to get there.
The Messy Tousled Look – The “I Woke Up Like This” Vibe
Okay, so let’s talk about messy hair because it never seems to go out of style, TBH. If you’re one of those guys who kinda likes to keep stuff looking effortlessly cool, the messy, tousled look is where you want to go.
Looking like you care, without actually caring *too much*, is an everyday win.
Start with slightly damp hair and throw in a little mousse or texturizing spray. Then, using just your hands – yup, no combs needed, besties! – mess it up by scrunching sections. I highly recommend skipping the neat part. You want it to look undone, not like you spent hours getting it perfect. Think Shawn Mendes vibes here, guys.
One super cool trick: Take your blow dryer, put it on low heat, and just go at it while still scrunching it with your hands until it’s all dry. The result? You end up with like, all that dreamy texture and volume.
Bonus tip: If your hair tends to flatten throughout the day, carry a matte styling powder with you. A little sprinkle adds volume back and refreshes it when things start looking all blah.
The Classic Middle Part – The Timothée Chalamet Fever Dream 🌟
Ah, yes… Timothée Chalamet. He’s literally the poster child for pulling off an untouchable middle part. Look, a middle part is a bit risky, but it’s like that once you commit to it, you’re absolutely golden (or should I say “hair-inspo god”).
To get this look, hop out of the shower and use a high-quality volumizing mousse or similar product. Create that middle part by using, like, a comb or even your fingers (no rulers, pls; this is not math class). Then, take a round brush when blow drying to create that curtain-like effect.
For this style, you want to rock that slight bedhead but in a “Hey, I’m going to Paris Fashion Week” kinda way. Finishing with a touch of light-hold hairspray or styling cream is ideal. Keep it flowy, not too stiff.
Word of Warning: Some people aren’t born for a middle part, but if you can rock it, people will know. Oh, they will know!
The Slick-Back (Or So Classy, Gents 🕴️)
If you’ve ever been like, “Should I try the Tom Holland slick-back?” then boy, this section is for you.
For that sexy, suave look – we’re talking corporate-meets-night-out – you’ll need some good gel or pomade. The key to pulling off a slick-back effectively is strong product (we love to see it) and proper distribution. Remember how you spread marinara sauce over pizza dough evenly? Yeah, kinda like that (you know… priorities).
When your hair is still wet, put gel or pomade in your hands and rub it through your hair, focusing on the top section. Grab your comb and slick it back as tight or loose as you feel. Some like a straight-back look while others lean into a more “half” slick back, letting the sides have some volume.
PS. Remember to finish off with a nice shimmer spray or some kind of gloss because shiny hair after all that grooming is the moment you deserve.
The Textured Fringe – Soft And Dreamy ✨
Is it just me, or does everyone with perfect bangs (hello, Harry Styles!) always look super soft and dreamy? Textured fringe gives you that kind of tidy yet wild look that says, “I care about my hair, but not, like, too much.”
Start by using a light mousse or wax on damp hair. Then use the blow dryer to shape the fringe, lightly tousling it with your fingers to avoid a super straight line. You want a more natural look here. And to really make it pop? Throw in some hair clay at the front for extra texture and definition.
Just give your bangs a tousle or two throughout the day to keep them looking soft and airy. No stiff helmets allowed.
The key to textured fringe is controlled chaos, people. It’s supposed to look messy but in a cute way!
The best thing about this look? You don’t have to cut your hair super short and commit all the way like those classic fade haircuts. You get to keep that flowy medium-length magic and still have something cute going on up front!
The Shaggy Look – 90s Vibes But Make It 2023
Okay, no lies, the 90s are making the most epic comeback (if you didn’t already notice, have you been living under a rock?). Grunge vibes, old MTV stuff… it’s real, and guys’ hair is right there with it. So when I talk about a shaggy look, think a mix between young Leo in Titanic and those dudes in old boy bands, maybe a side part going on.
To get this look, leave your medium-length hair a bit messier. Don’t over-style it. In fact, less is more! You just need a bit of layering, and all you really need is some medium-hold mousse or sea salt spray.
Here’s how you hack it: Dry your hair naturally or with a blow dryer (on cold, if possible) but finger-tousle it in three or four directions while it’s drying. This helps to pump up that texture.
The shaggy look literally does not care, and that’s why it’s big mood energy.
Man Bun/Mini Bun – The Chic But Chill Solution 🧘♂️
Sometimes you just can’t deal with your hair being all in your face, and that’s why the mini bun exists! I’ll admit, people have Opinions™ about man buns, but it’s honestly such a versatile and low-effort style for medium-length hair. Plus, you can always mix it up and make it sleek for formal stuff or loose for chill days.
Start by grabbing all your hair at the back and secure it with a hair tie, but don’t pull all the hair through the last time. You want that bun to sit neatly, or leave some wispy strands for a more relaxed, casual appearance. Pro tip: Use a matte pomade to flatten any frizz or smooth out your top sections for a sleeker look if you’re going for that clean finish.
Pro tip Alert: Dry shampoo is your hero here if you’re kinda skipping hair wash day but still wanna rock the bun. Just spray a little at your roots for an instant refresh.
Quiff – Fancy, Without The Fuss
Trying to keep it a little bit fancy but not too much effort? Then hit ‘em with the classic quiff! If you don’t know what a quiff looks like, it’s kind of like thicker hair up front styled into a ‘pomp’ and looking naturally cool. Basically, it’s perfect for giving off those “IDK, I may have rolled out of bed, or I may have spent 30 minutes trying to perfect this” vibes.
Here’s the move: Get some volumizing foam or gel and a round brush—again, high school flashbacks, right? Focus on creating that lifted, fluffy look in the front. The trick is always in blow drying against the grain while pulling the hair up with that brush. That way you get height and volume.
Also, use a little hairspray because nothing ruins the day (or night) like your quiff falling flat halfway through your concert or hangout.
Buzzcut With A Fade – If You’re Feeling Bold 💈
Okay, so not all medium styles need to go super long. (Lookin’ at you, short-to-medium fade!) You’ve seen this on stars like Nick Jonas or even Drake occasionally. It’s a sick way to keep things simple but still keep it hot.
The key here is letting a pro barber fade the sides while keeping just enough at the top to mess around with.
