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18 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair

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18 Stunning Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair

From locs to faux hawks.

By

Bianca Lambert

Bianca's PhotoBianca's Photo
Bianca Lambert
Bianca is a contributing writer for Byrdie specializing in natural hair and skincare. You can find her work in xoNecole, The Everygirl, POPSUGAR, Travel Noire, and more. 
Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines
Published on September 20, 2025 07:15AM
Solange Knowles shows off her medium-length natural hair.Solange Knowles shows off her medium-length natural hair.

@solangeknowles/Instagram

I’ve had every hairstyle imaginable. It feels like it, at least.

I have relaxed my hair, big chopped, braided it up, dyed it blonde, and been natural. I say all of that to communicate that Black hair is as versatile as it is beautiful. Since big chopping for the second time, my hair has grown into a medium length that’s allowed me to try a variety of hairstyles.

My favorite hair looks of the moment are cornrows, wash-and-gos, and an afro puff I spent an entire weekend perfecting. The good news about medium hair is that whether you’re still going to see your stylist every six weeks to get your new growth in check or have put your hot tools down for good, there’s an option for you. Just be sure to condition and moisturize your coils as you try the 18 styles on this list.

01of 18

Shoulder Length Bob

Kahlana Barfield Brown with a shoulder-length bobKahlana Barfield Brown with a shoulder-length bob

@kahlanabarfield/Instagram

Kahlana Barfield Brown’s shoulder-length bob has always given me hair envy. A curling wand offers a simple way to get the waves you desire. A pro tip I learned when I was straightening my hair was to pin curl my newly straightened style at night to keep my waves intact.

02of 18

Locs

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Locs Ava DuvernayMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Locs Ava Duvernay

Getty Images

Hair discrimination for Black women is still alive and well in the workplace, especially for brown beauties with locs. But icons like Ava Duvernay remind us to wear hairstyles unique to us with pride.

03of 18

Middle Part

Solange with her hair in a middle part.Solange with her hair in a middle part.

Getty Images

Solange’s hair always looks amazing. Here, she shows the power of a strong middle part, which you can rock with any style.

04of 18

Curly Puff with Fringe

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Curly Puff Yara ShahidiMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Curly Puff Yara Shahidi

@yarashahidi/Instagram

Yara Shahidi always gets it right. If you’re not up for wearing all of your curls out, opting for a puff with fringe is the perfect middle ground.

05of 18

Cornrow Bun

Zoe Kravitz with her cornrows in a bun.Zoe Kravitz with her cornrows in a bun.

Getty Images

Ever an icon, Zoe Kravitz decided to tie her cornrows back in a bun, allowing her statement earrings to really make their statement. If you look closely, you can see the pretty bun peeking out behind her neck.

06of 18

Twist Outs

Aimee Simeon shows off her twist outs.Aimee Simeon shows off her twist outs.

Aimee Simeon/Byrdie

Twist outs are a staple style in the natural hair community, and writer Aimee Simeon shared ten tips for your longest-lasting style here.

07of 18

Faux Hawk

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Faux Hawk Mirian NjohMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Faux Hawk Mirian Njoh

@miriannjoh/Instagram

Mirian Njoh’s faux hawk might look like it requires the help of an expert stylist, but with a rattail comb, a little edge control, and a few hair ties, you’ll be able to create this look on your own in no time.

08of 18

Bold Colored Wig

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Bold Wig Regina HallMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Bold Wig Regina Hall

Getty Images

This Regina Hall look was a mood. And not just because of the middle part and silky texture—the pop of color added an element of surprise. For dark roots, there can be a risk of damaging your curls when trying to achieve colors like a pastel pink by bleaching. But that doesn’t mean we can’t give these looks a spin—all you need is a good wig and a side of confidence.

09of 18

Face-Framing Braids

Ayo Edibiri with face-framing braids.Ayo Edibiri with face-framing braids.

Getty Images

Ayo Edibiri is a star, and her face is always worthy of some special framing. Here, she chose some pretty braids to do the job, tying the rest of her hair back in a messy bun.

10of 18

Faux Locs

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Faux LocsMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Faux Locs

@naturalbabehair/Instagram

Protective styles like faux locs not only allow you to change up your look, but they can give your mane a break from daily manipulation. Feel free to rock them on their own, or add colorful hair accessories or highlights to make your locs pop even more.

11of 18

Bantu Knots

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Rihanna Bantu KnotsMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Rihanna Bantu Knots

Getty Images

Bantu knots have a dual function; they can serve both as a protective style and to stretch coily hair. Putting wet hair into bantu knots and then taking them down when dry can also create a beautiful, beach-wave look.

12of 18

Hair Wraps

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Hair WrapMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Hair Wrap

@thewraplife/Instagram

When I was growing out my Big Chop, wraps became my go-to. I loved how the printed fabrics elevated my wardrobe, but the real perk was that they helped my hair to grow because I was manipulating my 4C coils less. Learning to tie a wrap can be a challenge, but my advice is to watch a few tutorials, then find a way that works for you.

13of 18

Side Swept Afro

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Side-Swept AfroMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Side-Swept Afro

@thenotoriouskia/Instagram

If you’re looking for a style to wear for a special occasion or want to show off your cheekbones, Kia Marie’s side-swept fro is an excellent place to start.

14of 18

Cornrows

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Kelly Rowland CornrowsMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Kelly Rowland Cornrows

@kellyrowland/Instagram

You can never go wrong with cornrows. They’re simple, go with anything, and don’t require too much styling time. Follow Kelly Rowland’s lead and add a pop of color to your lips to complete the look. 

15of 18

Afro Puffs

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Storm Reid Afro PuffsMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Storm Reid Afro Puffs

Getty Images

Storm Reid’s afro puffs add a fresh spin to a ‘90s classic. Complete with perfectly laid edges, minimal starburst earrings, and a pop of blue eyeliner, her look makes an everyday statement and couldn’t be easier to recreate.

16of 18

Faux Fringe Bang with Hair Wrap

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Faux Fringe with Hair WrapMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Faux Fringe with Hair Wrap

@ceeceesclosetnyc/Instagram

When wrapping your hair, you don’t have to cover your entire head. Create a faux fringe bang and secure your tresses with an elastic band to recreate this look.  

17of 18

Curly Afro

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair Afro Ebonee DavisMedium-Length Hairstyles for Natural Hair Afro Ebonee Davis

@eboneedavis/Instagram

Ebonee Davis’s signature fro is major hair goals. When letting your curls do their thing naturally, finding the right products is key. I enjoy using a creme styler like Deva Curls Super Stretch to add moisture and define my curls.

18of 18

Sleek Puff

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women PuffMedium-Length Hairstyles for Black Women Puff

@bianca__lambert/Instagram

Okay, so remember that puff I mentioned? Here it is in all of its glory. This updo is an option for all hair types whether you’re relaxed, natural, or sporting a protective style or locs. To create my sleek puff with volume, I traded the traditional elastic hair tie for an elastic headband.

Read more:
  • Hair
  • Hair Type
  • Natural Hair

Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/medium-length-hairstyles-for-natural-hair-11812720

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