Medium length hair, roughly shoulder to collarbone length, gives you more styling options than most people expect for a wedding. There is enough hair for braids and half up styles, but less weight to manage than long hair, so styles tend to hold longer through a full day of dancing and photos.
Half Up Styles
A half up style keeps hair off your face for photos while still showing your length. Twisting the front sections back and pinning them, rather than a plain ponytail, gives a more finished look for a wedding. Adding a small braid into the twist works well for medium hair specifically, since it adds visual interest without needing the extra length a full braided crown requires.
Braided Styles
A single side braid or a braided half up style suits medium hair better than a full braided crown, which usually needs longer hair to wrap all the way around. For inspiration on braid styles and how to keep them neat through a long event, see our guide to Bora Bora braids.
Low Buns and Chignons
A low bun works for medium hair as long as you use a few bobby pins and a light hold spray, since shorter hair has less to anchor the style than long hair does. A slightly messy, textured bun tends to hold better and look more intentional than a very sleek one, which shows flyaways more easily on medium length hair.
Loose Waves
Leaving hair down but adding loose waves is one of the simplest options and suits most dress styles. A light texturising spray before curling helps the waves hold through a full day, and a half up twist can be added on top if you want hair off your face during the ceremony but down for the reception.
Matching Your Hairstyle to the Dress
A high neckline or a lot of detail on the shoulders usually looks best with hair pulled back, so it does not compete with the dress. A simple, minimal dress gives more room to wear hair down or in loose waves. If you are still finalising your outfit, our guide to simple wedding dresses covers styles that pair well with most hairstyles.
Styling Tips That Help Any Style Last Longer
- Wash hair the night before rather than the morning of, since freshly washed hair holds curl and pins less well
- Use a heat protectant before curling or straightening
- Set curls with cool air from the dryer or curling iron before styling further
- Carry a small pack of bobby pins for touch ups later in the day
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest wedding guest hairstyle for medium hair?
Loose waves with a simple half up twist are usually the quickest to do and hold well through a full day.
Does medium length hair suit an updo?
Yes, though a low bun or chignon tends to work better than a very high or elaborate updo, which often needs longer hair to fill out properly.
How can I make curls last through a wedding?
Wash hair the night before, use a heat protectant, and let each curl cool fully before brushing it out into a softer wave.