Medium length hair offers guys so many styling options beyond the standard short sides, long top cut. With hair long enough to comb over or style up but short enough to stay neat and professional, medium hairstyles provide the perfect balance and flexibility. If you’re looking to change up your look, here are 17 trendy medium hairstyles for men to consider in 2023.
1. Textured Crop
A textured crop is an excellent choice for guys with straight, wavy or curly hair. This cut keeps hair longer on top with short sides and back. Ask your barber to use point cutting and thinning techniques when cutting the top to create wispy, piecy layers with movement and dimension. Finger style or brush the top forward adding matte styling product for separation and texture.
2. Faded Pompadour
Pompadours are a hot trend, and the faded effect gives this retro style a modern edge. Have your barber fade the back and sides with a mid to high taper while leaving length on top for volume and height. Use a blow dryer and round brush to direct hair up and back, then finish with a strong hold pomade or wax for shape and shine.
3. Textured French Crop
The French crop features short sides with a fringe of hair left longer on top. This cut works on various hair types from straight to wavy or curly. Ask your barber for a textured finish and have them razor cut the fringe rather than blunt cutting it for softness and flow. Finger style the top adding a matte product for a natural look.
4. Medium Brush Up
Medium length brush ups are great for guys who want a voluminous, eye-catching style. Have your stylist cut the sides and back shorter with scissors or clippers while leaving at least 3-5 inches on top. Blow dry the top straight up, then use a brush to direct hair up and back. Pomade or wax will hold everything in place.
5. Textured Quiff
Similar to the pompadour, the quiff has volume swept upward and forward from the forehead. This style also pairs well with fades and works on straight, curly or wavy hair. Ask your barber for a textured finish on top using their shears or razor before styling. Work a styling cream through towel dried hair and blow dry while brushing hair up and forward.
6. Mid Fade with Hard Part
This edgy style features a fade through the sides with longer hair on top styled over in a side part. Your barber will cut and shave the fade portion while also cutting a hard part into the side of your hair. Use a blow dryer and round brush to direct hair sideways ending with a pomade for hold and shine.
7. Textured Slick Back
Slick backs are sexy and sophisticated. Have your barber cut short sides and back combined with longer length on top. Ask for lots of texturizing and thinning to the top and fringe to prevent the slick back from looking too greasy. Blow dry hair back while brushing, then slick all the hair neatly back with a medium shine pomade.
8. Medium Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut features hair clipped to a medium length (about 2-3 inches) all over the head in a blunt cut style. Hair can then be combed forward to create a short fringe. This no-fuss style works well on straight, wavy or curly hair. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to direct the fringe forward, finishing with gel or cream for hold if needed.
9. Textured Ivy League
This preppy style is cut to a medium uniform length all over with slightly longer hair on top styled forward in a side part. Ask your barber to point cut and razor the edges for texture. Work a matte styling product through towel-dried hair and style the top section forward. Finger comb to arrange.
10. Medium Length Comb Over
The comb over remains one of the most popular men’s hairstyles. Have the back and sides cut shorter with a taper fade while leaving length on top for styling. Use a blow dryer to direct hair over to one side, then lock it in place with a pomade, wax or gel depending on your desired finish – matte, natural or shiny.
11. Curly Mid Fade
Guys with naturally curly hair can rock a ton of cool styles. This mid fade cut tapers the back and sides neatly down to the skin while leaving curls longer on top. Use curl defining products like leave-in conditioner and gel to bring out the texture and bounce while reducing frizz. Let curls air dry or diffuse for best results.
12. Wavy Crop with Temple Fade
A temple fade tapers hair down to the skin on the sides by the temples and forehead while keeping more length through the rest of the sides and top. This frames wavy hair nicely. Ask your barber for a textured crop finish on top using point cutting. Style wavy fringe forward and up for volume.
13. Medium Length Faux Hawk
Faux hawks are edgy and trendy. Have the back and sides faded down to the skin while leaving length long enough to spike on top – around 3-5 inches. Use a firm hold wax or gel to spike and sculpt hair upward and into the classic faux hawk shape. Spritz with hairspray to keep standing all day.
14. Medium Length Dreadlocks
If you have naturally curly or kinky hair, growing medium length dreadlocks can look amazing. Consult a loctician who specializes in dreadlocks for installation and maintenance. Keep them neat by separating and palm rolling the roots regularly. You can also ask for an undercut fade on the sides and back to accentuate the length on top.
15. Medium Length Braids
Box braids, cornrows and other braided styles work well on medium length hair. Again, see a skilled braider to have these installed neatly and tightly for a clean finish. Keep scalp and braids moisturized to prevent buildup and frizzing. If you want less maintenance, ask for an undercut below the braids.
16. Medium Length Perm
A perm can add bouncy waves or tight curls to straight hair. Consult an experienced stylist for a medium length perm keeping hair a bit longer on top. Make sure to properly care for and condition permed hair. Use products like leave-in conditioner and curl defining cream to bring out the best in your curls or waves.
17. Medium Length Highlights
Subtle highlights blended through medium length hair can give your style a fun summery look. Go for softer natural looking babylights in blonde or caramel shades. Or try some sun-kissed surfer style highlights concentrating color around the face for that chic lived-in look. Just don’t overdo it! Keep it low maintenance with balayage or foilyage techniques.
Conclusion
Medium length hair is one of the most versatile lengths for men. With options for every hair type from straight and fine to thick and curly, you can find a medium style perfect for your needs. Just make sure to keep up with regular haircuts every 4-6 weeks and use quality products for styling and care. With a little inspiration, medium hair gives you the freedom to switch up your look from neat and professional to textured and trendy.
In addition to working as a top colorist and stylist, Nicole frequently contributes tips and guides to lovethishair.co. She draws from her wealth of experience to write articles helping readers find the right cut and care for colored hair.
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