Hello Gorgeous! Are you ready to discover some truly fabulous medium-length hairstyles that will make you feel absolutely radiant and confident? If you’re a plus-size woman looking for that perfect hairdo that flatters your beautiful features and makes heads turn for all the right reasons, you’ve landed in the perfect spot! We’re diving deep into a world of stunning medium hairstyles that are not only stylish but also designed to enhance your natural beauty.
Think chic bobs, flowing layers, playful waves, and so much more. These styles are all about celebrating your curves and showcasing your incredible personality. We’ve handpicked 20 amazing options that are easy to manage, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to make you look and feel your absolute best. So, get ready to be inspired and find your next go-to hairstyle that screams confidence and style! Let’s explore these gorgeous looks together and get you ready to rock any occasion with a stunning new hairstyle.
Medium Hairstyles for Plus Size Women
Finding the right hairstyle can really boost your confidence and complement your features beautifully. Medium-length hair offers a fantastic balance of versatility and manageability, making it a great choice for many. For plus-size women, certain styles can be particularly flattering, helping to frame the face and create balanced proportions. Let’s explore some of the best medium hairstyles that are perfect for celebrating your beautiful self.
1. The Layered Lob
The layered lob, or long bob, is a universally flattering cut. For plus-size women, strategic layers around the face can draw attention to your best features, like your eyes and cheekbones. The layers add movement and volume, preventing the hair from looking too heavy or flat, which can sometimes happen with one-length styles. The lob typically falls between the chin and the collarbone, hitting that sweet spot of medium length.
Helpful Tips: Ask your stylist for long, soft layers that start around your jawline. This will create a beautiful frame for your face. You can wear it sleek and straight, or add some loose waves for a more relaxed vibe. Consider a side part, as this can help to break up a rounder face shape and add visual interest.
2. Beachy Waves
Loose, tousled beachy waves are a fantastic choice for almost everyone, and they work wonderfully for plus-size women. This style adds texture and softness, which can beautifully complement fuller figures. The laid-back nature of beachy waves makes them perfect for both casual outings and slightly more dressed-up events. They give an effortless, yet stylish, appearance.
Helpful Tips: You can achieve this look with a large-barrel curling iron or by braiding damp hair overnight. Don’t aim for perfect curls; the key is to have them look natural and a bit messy. Use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to enhance the “beachy” effect and add volume.
3. Asymmetrical Bob
An asymmetrical bob, where one side is cut shorter than the other, adds a modern and edgy flair. This style is excellent for creating visual interest and can help to elongate the face. The contrast in lengths draws the eye and adds a dynamic element that works very well to balance facial features.
Helpful Tips: Discuss with your stylist how much of an asymmetrical difference you’re comfortable with. A subtle asymmetry can be just as impactful as a dramatic one. This style looks great both straight and with gentle waves. Ensure the longer side is long enough to frame your jawline or décolletage.
4. Shoulder-Length Cut with Subtle Layers
A simple cut that falls right at the shoulders is a classic for a reason. Adding subtle, long layers throughout can provide shape and prevent the hair from looking too blunt or heavy. These layers help to soften the overall look and add a touch of movement, making the style more dynamic and flattering.
Helpful Tips: Opt for layers that are blended seamlessly rather than choppy. This ensures a smooth, elegant finish. This length is incredibly versatile – you can tie it up in a ponytail, create a half-up, half-down style, or wear it down.
5. Wavy Shoulder-Length Cut
Taking the shoulder-length cut up a notch with some soft, natural-looking waves can add a lot of personality and softness. The waves create fullness and dimension, which can be very flattering. This style is a great way to add a bit of volume and flair without committing to a very short haircut.
Helpful Tips: Use a large-barrel curling wand or even hot rollers to create loose, flowing waves. Avoid tight, uniform curls. A texturizing spray can help give your waves that perfectly undone look. This style can be effortlessly chic for everyday wear.
6. Deep Side Part with Volume
Sometimes, a simple change in your part can make a huge difference. A deep side part creates a dramatic sweep of hair across the forehead, which can help to balance out a rounder face shape and add an elegant touch. When combined with volume at the crown, it creates a sophisticated silhouette.
Helpful Tips: Use a volumizing mousse or dry shampoo at the roots before styling. Tease the crown section slightly for extra lift. You can achieve this with a deep side part on any medium-length style, from straight to wavy.
7. Collarbone-Length Cut with Bangs
A collarbone-length cut is another perfect medium option. Adding bangs, especially side-swept or curtain bangs, can draw attention to your eyes and frame your face beautifully. Bangs can help to shorten a longer face shape and add a youthful, stylish element.
Helpful Tips: Consider the type of bangs that best suit your face shape. Side-swept bangs are very versatile, while curtain bangs offer a softer, more blended look. Ensure your bangs are trimmed regularly to maintain their shape and style.
8. Blunt Cut Lob
A blunt cut lob, where the ends are cut straight across, offers a chic and modern look. While layers add softness, a blunt cut creates a strong, defined line. This can be very striking and can make finer hair appear thicker. The clean lines can be very flattering in framing the face.
Helpful Tips: This style requires well-maintained hair as any split ends will be noticeable. Regular trims are essential. It looks best when sleek and straight, showcasing the sharp cut. A good quality smoothing serum can help achieve a polished finish.
9. Textured Mid-Length Cut
A mid-length cut with plenty of texture is excellent for adding body and interest. Think of subtle choppy layers or razor-cut ends that create movement and prevent the hair from lying flat. This style is ideal for those who want a bit of edge and don’t shy away from a bit of styling.
Helpful Tips: Work with your natural hair texture as much as possible. Use styling products like texturizing paste or wax to define the layers and enhance the texture. This style is forgiving and looks great even when a bit messy.
10. Slightly Angled Lob
Similar to the asymmetrical bob but more subtle, an angled lob has the front pieces slightly longer than the back. This creates a gentle, flattering angle that draws the eye downwards, helping to elongate the face and neck. It offers a bit more dynamism than a straight, even lob.
Helpful Tips: This style works well whether your hair is straight or wavy. The angle adds a sophisticated touch without being too drastic. Ensure the angle is not too steep, which might overpower a rounder face. Aim for a subtle, graceful slope.
11. Wavy Bob with Full Bangs
For a bolder statement, consider a wavy bob paired with full bangs. The combination creates a strong frame around the face. The waves add softness and volume to the bob, while the full bangs can help to balance out facial features and add a touch of playfulness. This is a stylish look that exudes confidence.
Helpful Tips: This style requires some maintenance, especially the bangs, which will need regular trims. Use a volumizing spray on the waves to enhance their texture. Ensure the bangs are cut to complement your face shape – straight-across bangs can shorten a longer face.
12. Layered Mid-Length with Face-Framing Pieces
This hairstyle focuses on adding layers specifically around the face to highlight your best features. The rest of the hair can be kept at a medium length, with softer, blended layers. The face-framing pieces add definition and can help to slim down the appearance of a rounder face by drawing the eye inwards.
Helpful Tips: Discuss with your stylist where you want the face-framing layers to start – often around the cheekbones or jawline. These layers should be cut with a slight angle to blend seamlessly. This style is beautiful when worn down, allowing the framing pieces to do their work.
13. Soft, Wavy Collarbone Cut
This is a softer version of the collarbone-length cut, focusing on gentle, natural waves. It’s less about sharp lines and more about creating a flowing, feminine silhouette. The waves add volume and a touch of romance, making it a very appealing choice.
Helpful Tips: This look is achieved best on hair that has a natural wave or by using a large-barrel curling iron on a low heat setting. Avoid products that make hair stiff; opt for flexible hold sprays or creams to maintain the softness.
14. The Shag
The shag haircut is characterized by its choppy layers and texture, often with a fringe. It’s a retro-inspired style that has made a huge comeback. For medium-length hair, the shag provides tons of volume and movement, which can be incredibly flattering by creating a less linear silhouette.
Helpful Tips: This style is all about texture. Ask your stylist for razored layers to create that piecey, lived-in look. It’s a wash-and-go style for many, but a texturizing spray or pomade can help define the layers and enhance the volume.
15. Graduated Bob
A graduated bob is a bob that is cut with a distinct angle, longer in the front and shorter in the back. This creates a strong, fashionable shape. The angle can help to elongate the neck and face, making it a great choice for adding a sophisticated touch to your look.
Helpful Tips: The degree of graduation can be customized. A more subtle graduation offers elegance, while a steeper one is more dramatic. This style is best maintained with regular trims to keep the lines sharp and defined.
16. Voluminous Blowout
Even with a simpler cut, a voluminous blowout can transform your look. For medium-length hair, achieving a bouncy, full blowout adds an instant element of glamour. This style is about creating lift and body through skillful drying and brushing.
Helpful Tips: Use a good quality round brush and a blow dryer with a nozzle. Apply a volumizing mousse or spray to damp hair before drying. Direct the airflow upwards at the roots to create maximum lift. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray.
17. Wispy Bangs with Mid-Length Hair
Wispy bangs are softer and more delicate than full bangs, offering a hint of fringe without overwhelming the face. When paired with mid-length hair, they can soften facial features and add a touch of romance. They are less high-maintenance than full bangs and can be quite flattering.
Helpful Tips: Wispy bangs are great for breaking up a larger forehead or adding a softness to sharper features. They can be styled to blend into the rest of your hair or left slightly more distinct. A light hold spray is usually enough to keep them in place.
18. Straight Cut with Side-Swept Bangs
A medium-length cut with a straight, clean line combined with flattering side-swept bangs creates a balanced and stylish look. The straight cut provides a sleek foundation, while the side-swept bangs add softness and draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones, helping to frame the face elegantly.
Helpful Tips: This style works well for those who prefer a polished, neat appearance. Ensure the side-swept bangs are cut to complement your face shape, sweeping gently across your forehead. A touch of serum can keep the straight cut looking smooth and shiny.
19. Textured Mid-Length with Undercut (Subtle)
For those looking for a bit of an edgy twist, a subtle undercut at the nape of the neck or underneath can add an element of surprise and reduce bulk. When paired with textured mid-length hair on top, it creates a beautiful contrast and can help make the hair feel lighter and more manageable, while still offering a stylish look when worn down.
Helpful Tips: Discuss the extent of the undercut with your stylist. It can be very subtle, only noticeable when the hair is lifted, or more pronounced. This style adds an interesting detail that can be a great conversation starter and helps keep hair cooler in warmer weather.
20. Curled Medium Length with Face Framing
This hairstyle involves curling medium-length hair and ensuring that the front sections are styled to beautifully frame the face. The curls add volume and bounce, while the face-framing pieces highlight your features. It’s a classic, feminine look that’s always in style and very flattering.
Helpful Tips: Use rollers or a curling iron to create soft, bouncy curls. The key is to direct the curls away from the face in the front sections to create that flattering frame. A finishing spray will help hold the curls without making them stiff. This is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down.
Additional Tips for Medium Hairstyles
Choosing the right hairstyle is just the first step. To ensure your medium-length hair always looks its best, consider these additional tips:
- Hair Health is Key: No matter the style, healthy hair is the most beautiful. Regular deep conditioning treatments, a balanced diet, and minimizing heat styling can make a huge difference.
- Consult Your Stylist: Always have an in-depth consultation with your hairstylist. They can assess your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle to recommend the most flattering styles and cuts. Don’t hesitate to bring pictures of hairstyles you like.
- Invest in Quality Products: Using shampoos, conditioners, and styling products suited to your hair type will enhance your style and hair health. For example, if you have finer hair, volumizing products will be your best friend. If your hair is prone to frizz, anti-frizz serums and sprays will be essential.
- Embrace Your Texture: Don’t fight your natural hair texture. If you have waves, enhance them. If your hair is straight, embrace the sleekness. Working with your natural texture often leads to the most manageable and beautiful results.
- Consider Your Lifestyle: A busy lifestyle might call for a low-maintenance cut that you can easily style in minutes. If you have more time, you might enjoy experimenting with more intricate styles.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect medium hairstyle can be a game-changer, boosting your confidence and highlighting your natural beauty. The key is to choose styles that complement your face shape, enhance your features, and fit your lifestyle. Whether you opt for the chic simplicity of a layered lob, the playful charm of beachy waves, or the bold statement of an asymmetrical bob, remember that medium-length hair offers endless possibilities. By focusing on healthy hair, consulting with your stylist, and using the right products, you can rock any of these gorgeous styles with flair and confidence. Embrace your beauty and have fun experimenting with looks that make you feel amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I make my medium-length hair look thicker?
To make medium-length hair appear thicker, consider getting strategic layers that add movement and volume. A blunt cut lob can also make finer hair look denser because of the clean, straight ends. Using volumizing shampoos and conditioners, as well as styling products like mousse or root lifters before blow-drying, can significantly enhance thickness. A textured cut, like a shag, also creates the illusion of more volume. Even changing your part to a deep side part can create an impression of more fullness.
Q2: Are bangs a good idea for plus-size women with medium hair?
Yes, bangs can be a fantastic choice for plus-size women with medium hair! Side-swept bangs or curtain bangs are particularly flattering as they can help to frame the face, draw attention to the eyes, and break up a rounder face shape. Full bangs can also work, but it’s important to ensure they are cut to the right length and thickness to complement your features without overwhelming them. Always consult with your stylist about the best bang style for your specific face shape.
Q3: How often should I get my medium-length hair trimmed?
For most medium-length hairstyles, a trim every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended to maintain the shape and health of your hair. If you have a blunt cut, you might need trims slightly more often to keep the lines sharp. If your style includes layers or bangs that grow quickly, you might also find yourself needing trims more frequently to keep them looking their best. Regular trims help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking polished.
Q4: Can I style medium-length hair for formal occasions?
Absolutely! Medium-length hair is incredibly versatile for formal occasions. You can create elegant updos like a low chignon or a braided crown, sophisticated half-up, half-down styles, or even sleek, polished waves. Adding accessories like decorative pins, headbands, or even fresh flowers can elevate your hairstyle for any formal event. The length allows for many styling options that look both chic and refined.
Q5: What are the best styling tools for medium hairstyles?
For medium hairstyles, a good quality blow dryer with a nozzle attachment is essential for most blowouts. A round brush (choose a size based on how much curl or volume you want – larger for looser waves, smaller for tighter curls) is key for creating shape. A large-barrel curling iron or wand is perfect for achieving soft waves and curls, while a flat iron can be used for straightening or creating bent-out waves. Don’t forget heat protectant spray to keep your hair healthy, and finishing sprays or serums for hold and shine.