Tessa is a New York-based writer and editor. When she isn’t fawning over Anne Brontë, she’s reading, writing, and maybe petting some cats. Her interests include feminism, veganism, 19th-century literature, music, and wrestling, all of which end up in her writing at some point. Her senior thesis, “‘No Generous Mind Delights to Oppress the Weak’: Anne Brontë as a 19th-Century Progressive,” earned her a summer research fellowship, giving her the opportunity to do hands-on literary research in New York City.
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Karen Hill is a writer and graduate of Fordham University, with works published by MarieClaire.com, Her Campus, CNN.com, amongst others. She's been on her own natural hair journey for five years and has a freakish knowledge and collection of hair oils. (Jamaican black castor oil is a fave!) In her rare moments of free time you can catch her bargain hunting, deep-conditioning her curls, or binging on the bachelor.
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Winston Parker started his career in hair in 2020 in Tampa Florida. He is incredibly passionate about hair and takes every opportunity to get more education whether in person or online as well as staying on top of trends. He now cuts hair at M. Boss Barbershop in downtown Columbia Missouri and shares helpful content on his YouTube channel.
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@rpb_nq
For a male with straight strands, a medium-length taper style balances nonchalance and polish. Longer lengths don’t require constant trimming the way fades do. To provide a lasting sleek finish, add a dab of styling cream while hair is damp and comb into place.
Medium-length hairstyles for men are among the most popular fashion trends these days. Despite the common belief that shorter locks are more comfortable to wear, keeping hair a bit longer actually gives freedom in the choice of different snazzy ‘dos. Messy or slicked-back, casual or edgy – discover the latest hair ideas and styling recommendations in our article to choose what works best for you.
@nastybarbers
For a cool haircut that is classic but currently fashionable, try longer hair on the top and shorter on the bottom. You don’t need to have it cut all the way to skin if that’s not your style. Instead, leave a half inch on the sides and back. Use a pomade to create hold in the hair as you are styling it back and to the side.
To transition to medium haircuts, shoot for hair that isn’t longer than a few inches. One styling trick is to let your hair air dry, then use some pomade on top to pull hair straight up and create separation in the spikes, and then hit everything with a bit of hair spray.
@javi_thebarber_
Here’s a haircut that will never go out of style. The clean edging around the ear and the nape combined with the low taper lend a modern appeal. Smoothing your hair back and out of the way is a very clean approach to medium-length hair. You can still wear it messy on occasion and it will look great as well!
@rpb_nq
So suave and debonair! If you have hair this nice, you better grow it out! With this look, you will likely get the best results by blow drying your hair after you wash instead of air drying. Try using a round brush to get the barely-there flip at the ends.
@taboohaircare
This style is all about balancing the length. Complement a buzzed side with a slick chin length comb over. Rock a thick beard to keep your look rugged and masculine. Undercuts like this are easy to make mistakes on so make sure you are familiar with your barber or stylist work before asking them for this haircut!
@chrischampagne
Balayage for men? Of course! This gorgeous male style is a great choice for thick hair. Just be sure to go to a hairstylist who understands the importance of toning. You want caramel highlights, not yellow.
@kylekrieger
Undercut is currently having its moment in popularity among guys. Pair your smooth and sleek undercut with a short, clean-kempt beard and you’ll really be looking fresh. If you want to try this style but your hair isn’t quite long enough, opt for an Ivy League while you are growing it out.
@rambutbarber
Those who say short hair is safe don’t know how to rock longer strands with attitude. This style uses an ample dose of natural waves and healthy volume to transform the layers.
@rambutbarber
Hard and crispy spiked hair is a thing of the past, now more men are embracing soft, touchable hair that appears less groomed and more casual. This look is a go-to for males who are attractive and unapologetic about it. Nothing grabs attention more than someone who exudes confidence without having to appear like they are trying too hard.
@rambutbarber
For a cool look that is really masculine, try a taper with mid-length hair on top. The contrasts of length and colors create a powerful look that is at the same time very classy.
@alan_beak
The height is perfectly balanced within this smart combover. The tapered edges and neat line up speak classic masculinity. The beard adds another rugged component. Be prepared to spend some time blow drying, this one requires a lot of it!
@javi_thebarber_
Medium-length hairstyles can be longish all over or they can build dramatically from a skin fade to a long swath at the top. The cropped exterior enhances bone structure and makes styling a breeze. Use wax for strong, flexible hold.
@virogas.barber
Here, the tapered sides and nape blend into the long top seamlessly. The strands are swept cleanly away from the forehead in a classic prohibition-era shape. Using pomade gives a vintage sheen that’s effortlessly dapper.
@allisnrbrt
Carved designs are a trendy way to customize your hairstyle. Placing the etching between two different textures and lengths is best for fusing the pattern with the overall shape. Disconnected length at the top can be brushed away to highlight the design or combed over to cover it.
@handsandhustleco
Brushing strands up and back gives medium length a sleek, unbroken silhouette. Here, a low fade pairs harmoniously with the disconnected length on top. Brushed back styles are often worn smooth, but a slightly disheveled finish feels loose and rugged.
@iranthebarber
A hot trend we see coming is “lived in” hair that is cool, messy, and grows out well so haircuts can be spread out. Worn parted and brushed back at the sides, it has a classic appeal that is timeless, manly and powerful.
@londonschoolofbarbering
For men with fine texture, shorter haircut lengths work great. Still, graduated cuts build up weight through a diagonal edge creating a progressive increase that can be flattering for fine hair. Long hair with short edges results in a great cut that boasts length and volume but still looks very neat.
@hayden_cassidy
Sharp edges and a hard part bring a vintage appeal to mid-length haircuts. This suave look is reminiscent of Don Draper. A skin fade eliminates difficult hairlines. Styling cream and a wide tooth comb create cute, modern disconnection for the top.
@ambarberia
For a male with straight strands, a medium-length taper style balances nonchalance and polish. Longer lengths don’t require constant trimming the way fades do. To provide a lasting sleek finish, add a dab of styling cream while hair is damp and comb into place.
@rpb_nq
This style, inspired by crashing ocean waves, is sleek and original. Hair is parted deeply on one side then swept up and over the split in a dramatic arc. To recreate, simply dry hair to one side then flip it back and spray into place.
@andrewdoeshair
If you’re growing hair out from a close crop, the classic undercut is a solid choice. The short perimeter provides structure while the top is growing for a painless transition. This shape is a neat modern option for men of all ages. It’s not shoulder length hair, but it gives you the best of both worlds – length on top and comfort of a short cut.
@justin_thebarber
You don’t have to go short to control strands with movement. For guys with natural wave and curl, an undercut provides groomed tailoring. The lengths up top are sculpted with gel and finger-styled, adding separation and definition to the cut.
@juanmapeluka
Male fashion tends to be more understated, defined by fundamental elements and personalized with unique details. Here, traditional layering gets a contemporary update with choppy ends. Use a dryer and styling cream to sculpt high but with a touchable finish.
@ambarberia
Styling can have a big impact on texture. Brushing hair to the side and back creates a continuous ripple. The shape is sophisticated yet laid back, like something out of a menswear catalog. It’s conservative, but not stuffy.
@virogas.barber
An edgy aesthetic doesn’t have to involve rainbow hues and shaved designs. Pushing classic proportions to extremes can create a subtle sense of rebellion. Here an extremely short fade plays off the high and tight. The mussed slick back pokes at businesslike polish.
@anber_barber_house
If you want a cut that conveys a contemporary and cool feel, look no further. Barbered sides are conservative, but skin fades have a different vibe: architectural, edgy, avant garde. Combined with a neat pompadour, this shape feels high fashion and modern.
@toastiestyles
Many medium-length hairstyles for natural curls combine a loose interior with sculpted edges. Here the fade line is kept low to allow for a looser hairstyle. The line-up adds trendy detailing. It’s the perfect balance of geometric and organic shapes.
@suggsdabarber
A great way to control thick or frizzy strands is by winding or coiling when damp. For a bespoke variation on a classic disconnection, the top is divided into rows and twirled to form spirals reminiscent of a cornrow but much softer.
@alan_beak
Mid-length hairstyles provide lots of styling options from casual to highly sculpted. To create a gravity-defying shape, add wax to strands, then use a dryer to contour. The result will have a polished sheen and strong but flexible hold.
@barberobengie
Many modern medium hairstyles for men embrace longer strands at the top and front with tightly cropped sides and back. Undercuts work on any texture from fine and straight to thick and curly. Shaved areas contrast with the beard so it looks hip instead of unruly.
@alan_beak
Layers are a good solution for medium hair of both finer and coarse hair textures. Ask your stylist to give you a blowout for added volume throughout the crown. This is the ultimate bad boy style!
@rambutbarber
Remember when Leonardo DiCaprio was a fresh-faced heartthrob on the set of growing pains? Now with you rocking this style no one will ever forget. Swept back layers and natural highlights make this the perfect look for those who are looking for the special “boy next door appeal.”
@hairbynylande
Sometimes thin hair needs a little bit of help whether you are male or female. Lifeless locks can look lackluster on anyone. This is a hairstyle that evokes the feeling of surfer’s cool messy, windblown locks, and an awesome pair of shades enhances the impression. Soft blonde highlights further complement this mid-length hairstyle. They will still look great when they grow out into golden tips.
@michaelhg
Combining textured hair with perfect fades and edged out hairlines is very in right now. Trust us—it isn’t easy to figure out how to blow dry your hair into curls that fall flatteringly. So before you leave the barber chair, ask for styling tips designed for your cut and hair type.
@andrewdoeshair
While most men who opt for an undercut keep it almost completely shaven on the sides, you can also try leaving about an inch of hair on the sides. This gives it a less drastic look. When you style this cut, you can try blowing it all the way back or letting it fall naturally, like this version.
@rambutbarber
Here’s a cool look that is fuss free. Mid-length hairstyles do offer a lot of opportunities to experiment with hair styling products, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a cut that lets you shower and go. With this style, all you have to do is brush it back a few times when your hair is air drying.
@alan_beak
Let your hair flow effortlessly as a bold expression of your style! Consider a clean cut you see in this photo that will highlight your features and enhance your handsome look.
@ingevdbroeck
This straight layered look may seem pretty basic and reserved. But, when paired with a scruffy beard, it takes on a whole new vibe. It’s a great way to show that you can be polished and still maintain a bit of a wild side.
@rambutbarber
Asymmetrical haircuts have been in style for women for at least a decade. Now mens haircuts are getting a dose of asymmetry too. For a more masculine look, don’t grow the front piece out much longer than your cheek.
@joshconnollybarber
The pompadour is having a major come back right now. We’re pretty sure the reason is volume. There’s just something really flattering about hairstyles that have a lot of hair on top and are short and sleek on the sides. To keep the style modern, let some hair fall onto the face so it isn’t too perfect.
@savillsbarbers
If spikes and dyes aren’t your thing, try a flowing look with long layers. Perfect for a conservative man who loves options. You can part it or pull it up — the possibilities are endless. This hairstyle complements straight hair very well.
@rambutbarber
Many may joke that a beard and a ponytail is the male hipster uniform, but there’s no denying the appeal of a look like this. Nothing is more rugged and appealing than a casual updo and a full beard.
@rambutbarber
If you’re in search of a modern mid-length style, you might want to actually think retro—especially if you have piercings or tattoos. The mix of old school hair with new school body mod is super cool.
@andrewdoeshair
Learn how to work with your natural texture! If you have natural waves in your hair, you can brush it back after drying and let it take on its own style. Be sure to use a light hold paste to keep hair in place (and off your face).
@khanartist1
This is a great example of a male hairstyle that works with the natural texture of your hair, not against it. You can add some mousse or defining cream designed for curls to your strands when they are still wet. Then, as they air dry, they will have more separation and definition.
@londonschoolofbarbering
It’s obvious that with thick, healthy hair you can pull off a haircut of any length and with whatever finish you prefer. And what about fine hair? A mid-length haircut for fine hair can look very appealing if it incorporates layering. Here is Jason Schwartzman’s version.
Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com
Matthew McConaughey’s signature hairstyle is a part of his image as a Hollywood male sex symbol. If your hair is naturally wavy, with the right haircut, you will automatically get a good-looking effortless hairstyle. Mousses and creams for curly hair give the awesome wispy texture, you see on Mr. McConaughey.
Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com
Johannes Huebl wears a cool hairstyle that goes particularly well with a suit and a tie. So, we can easily picture it as a part of men’s office style. The present-day trendy side part can be spontaneous and indistinct.
SamAronov / Shutterstock.com
Gaspard Ulliel is often seen wearing a leather jacket and disheveled hairstyles, but the Cannes Film Festival implies a neat formal look. So, this time the French actor demonstrates a trendy gelled look with a flattering lift at the roots. Try not to make your hair look completely wet, sleek and flat.
cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com
A short-to-medium haircut with volume on top and tapered sides and back, like John Krasinski’s, is a good choice for men who prefer slightly longer hair. Apply a volume-boosting product, plus wax, styling cream or pomade for extra definition on top and nice edgy contours.
DFree / Shutterstock.com
Mid-length hairstyles have many options: you may choose from disheveled, bedhead, preppy hairstyles, make ponytails or wear curls. A variety of styling products will help you create different textures. It’s easy to find a new options that flatter you and help you express yourself.
Haircuts for medium locks have gained recognition and stood the test of time due to their versatility and ability to complement different face shapes and hair textures. Layered cuts, fringe styles, and protective ‘dos for natural hair look equally stunning on neck-length and shoulder-length tresses. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different hair designs until you find your perfect fit!
This style is layered throughout to reduce the bulk by thinning out the ends without sacrificing the length. It creates a more textured and voluminous look. Make sure to keep the layers well-defined with the right styling products.
The best way to enhance your hair texture is to play with the length. Longer strands on the top of your head paired with close-cropped sides help achieve a fuller appeal with natural-looking movement. Scrunch your top section with some pomade for a wake-up-and-go style, or brush it back for a more formal feel.
A classic comb over haircut is always a good choice when you want something simple yet stylish. This ‘do will look particularly flattering on thick hair thanks to the textured strands on the top of the head. Switch between middle parting and side parting whenever you want to add more volume to your locks.
This black protective style not only creates a neat look but also prevents natural hair from breakage and dryness. If you decide to retain some length, you can gather your braids in a low ponytail or a man bun to keep the front section away from the face.
A stylish pomp is the ultimate volume-boosting ‘do, featuring the elongated top section with tapered or shaved sides. The trick is to learn how to style it properly for the show-stopping effect. Edge, volume, and texture guaranteed!
A medium shag cut for men is a messy-cool style that will help you make a bold fashion statement with your locks. Get those grungy rockstar vibes with this look and embrace the power of a trendy hair transformation.
Men’s dreadlocks are known for their unique and eye-catching design. Twisted, crocheted, or backcombed – this ‘do looks good on any hair length. Still, keeping them at medium length is a great idea for hair styling experiments. You can wear them down or in a bun for a wow factor.
The lived-in texture of this style creates a de-bulking effect, bringing out the lengthy locks on the top. For extra volume, add a textured fringe to elevate the look and make it more complex. So, if you need extra movement in your locks, give the crop a go and see how your hair becomes more flexible and manageable with its new form.
The contrast between shorter and longer sections is the winning option for every hair texture. Thin locks will benefit from the illusion of thickness introduced through the elongated strands, while thick tresses will get more depth and definition thanks to the subtle undercut. A sleek look will top it all up.
Bro flow haircut is a surfer-inspired look that exudes beachy vibes and summer warmth. It’s casual and low-maintenance, so you can easily style it to your liking. The shorter strands are deliberately pushed back to make the transition between the lengths less dramatic. Besides, this crop does not require regular trims, making it ideal for lazy hairstyles.
Two-strand or four-strand twists need no introduction, as they are made for a bold fashion statement. This protective style helps keep naturally curly and kinky hair at bay, giving it a nice shaping and lasting hold. Try it yourself, and you won’t get back to your regular hairstyles anymore.
Preppy hairstyles don’t necessarily have to be always short. A classic Ivy League works great for medium hair, enhancing its natural texture and elegance. Keep your sides shorter for a more contrasting effect, shifting the focus to the voluminous top. Add a touch of styling cream or hair wax to finish off the look.
Throwing in some bangs is a major hair moment that can significantly upgrade your hairstyle. In addition to a subtle face-framing effect, a nicely-trimmed fringe makes fine hair appear fuller and more textured. If that’s what you expect from your haircut, ask for side bangs and enjoy the result.
A bowl-shaped hairstyle is extremely practical, as you can ask your barber to customize it and choose the most flattering shape. And don’t worry, there is no need to go shorter for this trendy look. It’s possible to keep the length and achieve the desired result when you entrust your locks to a real professional.
Natural hair might often get frizzy and kinky, making it difficult to style. Opt for knotless braids as an alternative to dreadlocks and twists. This ‘do involves less scalp tension and creates a more relaxed feel. The braided strands look like they’re attached directly to the scalp with no visible knots.
The two block style has created an uproar in the hair industry lately thanks to its popularity among K-pop idols. It’s characterized by short sides and back counterbalanced by a longer top section. This combo helps create a youthful feel, offering multiple styling options. Keep it slick and polished, or embrace your creative freedom with a messy look.
This year, male haircut trends have generally shifted toward individuality and self-expression. So, instead of sticking to the traditional styles and forms, barbers tend to heed their clients’ wishes and customize every crop. As a result, textured, face-framing, and other personalized ‘dos top the trends today, redefining the grooming world yet again.
This hairstyle is an excellent choice for thick locks, as it lends much volume and movement to your hair without making it look too heavy. While the added texture creates a slightly messy and rugged appearance, it still keeps your mane neat and always on point. Style your quiff with a roller brush and hair mousse for a fail-proof result!
Enhance the weight at the top of your cut by sporting a blowout taper fade. The style allows you to test your creativity since you can experiment with a skin fade, shifting from low to high fade. If you want to emphasize the textured top, opt for close-cropped hair or shaved sides. For a smooth transition between the lengths, get yourself a subtle low taper instead.
There is nothing better than a modern interpretation of classic hairstyles. Modern mullet is the latest reinvention of the 1970s crop that gained popularity among men. It usually features a longer top with tapered sides, creating an eye-catching contrast between shapes and textures.
Keep it simple and classy with a center-parted hairstyle like this one. The flowy texture of the cut will give you enough space for artistic experimentation. Add a touch of a texturizing spray for a fuller look, or curl the ends and brush them away from the face for a more relaxed feel.
The Edgar haircut is a soaring trend in the world of male styles. It encompasses versatility and allure thanks to the variety of available options – from low taper to classic fade looks. Most importantly, the crop fits any hair texture, effectively bringing out thick and wavy locks while also adding texture to thin and straight tresses.
The power of a new hairstyle is hard to overestimate, especially if it’s something as stylish and iconic as a wolf cut. This wild and messy crop is known for its short, choppy strands on the top of the head with longer layers on the sides. The haircut is perfect for accentuating high cheekbones and a strong jawline as it opens the face nicely and keeps the longer pieces away from it.
Inspired by the ‘60s rock-n-roll vibes, the mod cut is a stylish combo of textured layers and round angles that introduce an elegant flair to the otherwise bold and edgy style. Switch between shorter and longer versions of this crop to find your perfect fit and make a statement with your locks.
Before choosing the haircut, you need to know what crop will be the most flattering for your hair type. Straight hair benefits from textured crops, side parting, and messy hairstyles as they add more body to your hair and are easier to maintain. For curly and wavy locks, the ideal haircut is the one that keeps the volume on the top of the head and features shorter sides for a cleaner feel. Wolf cut, mullet, faux hawk styles, and various undercut looks with a comb over do the job just fine.
Thin tresses are prone to flatness and loss of shape. To avoid this, make sure to choose a volume-boosting haircut that makes your hair appear fuller – fringe styles are great for this particular purpose. This will work for fine hair too. Thick and coarse hair will look stunning with a layered crop since it removes bulking and adds movement. For a low-maintenance look on natural black hair, consider protective braids or dreadlocks that will keep your coily strands in place.
Knowing the strong and weak sides of your face can help you choose the most flattering haircut. The only thing you need to know is whether you want to enhance your features or conceal them. Square and diamond face shapes are characterized by a sharp jaw angle, so you might want to soften it. Choose between high fades, asymmetrical styles, and messy looks to add more width to the top of the head and balance out your facial features.
The round faces need a hairstyle with an elongating effect, such as pompadour of textured crop to give you the illusion of height. By contrast, you can make an oblong face look narrower by throwing in a fringe or adding texture with a haircut.
While the majority of medium cuts are low-maintenance, it doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon your hair styling routine. Keep your textured ‘dos going with a touch of sea salt spray on slightly damp hair. Get yourself a round brush for relaxed blowout looks that will keep your lengthy strands tamed.
A strong-hold pomade or a hair gel can give you a perfect slicked-back glam or add definition to your naturally wavy locks. Texture powders are also one of the best post-styling products that add grip to the hair and absorb excess oil from the locks. They keep your locks from falling flat and boost volume.
The existing variety of medium hairstyles leaves you with multiple options to choose from to freshen up your look. Don’t limit yourself to classic styles only – modern crops offer just as much elegance and allure if you know how to complement your facial features and hair type. Infuse these styles into your everyday glam, and you’ll never get back to plain and boring ‘dos.
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The key to growing your hair out is to get it trimmed and shaped up when you reach the “awkward” stage. A lot of men get frustrated and just go back to their usual short haircut. Try asking your barber or stylist to just clean it up and reshape it instead. ”