33 Cute Hairstyles for Medium Hair for Teens 2024: from School to Church Styles with Braids, Curls
Finding the perfect hairstyle for medium hair can be both exciting and challenging for teens. With 2024 ushering in new trends, it’s the perfect time to experiment with fresh looks. Whether you’re preparing for school, hanging out with friends, or attending a special event, these cute hairstyles will have you covered. From curls to braids, and everything in between, here’s a look at some of the best styles to try this year.
Effortless Beachy Waves
Beachy waves are a classic and timeless choice that adds an effortless vibe to any look. This hairstyle is perfect for teens who want to achieve a relaxed and carefree style that works for everyday wear, whether it’s at school or hanging out with friends. The soft waves beautifully complement round and oval face shapes, and they work especially well with light-colored eyes like blue or green. This versatile look can be dressed up or down, making it ideal for any occasion, from a casual day at the mall to a more formal gathering like church.
To create these waves, all you need is a good texturizing spray, a curling iron, and a bit of finger combing. Start by curling sections of your hair loosely, then spritz with a sea salt spray for added texture. For maintenance, use a hydrating shampoo like OGX’s Argan Oil Shampoo to keep your locks shiny and smooth, even after frequent heat styling.
Half-Up Half-Down Braids
For those looking for a style that combines the elegance of braids with the casualness of a down look, the half-up half-down braided hairstyle is a winner. It offers a balance of simplicity and creativity, making it perfect for school days or weekend outings. This style works well for heart-shaped faces and brings out the vibrancy of brown eyes. Whether you’re attending a casual event or heading to church, this hairstyle is sure to make a statement.
To achieve this look, section off the top half of your hair and create two loose braids, securing them at the back of your head. Let the rest of your hair flow naturally. You’ll need a fine-tooth comb, elastic bands, and a good setting spray to keep the braids in place. Regularly use a lightweight leave-in conditioner, such as SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner, to maintain softness and prevent breakage.
Classic Half-Up Half-Down with Bangs
For a youthful and charming hairstyle, the classic half-up half-down with bangs is an excellent choice. This style works beautifully for teens who want a playful look that’s perfect for school or any casual event. Round face shapes look particularly flattering with this style, as the bangs add a softening effect. The half-up portion can be styled sleek or messy, making it versatile for any occasion.
To achieve this look, section off the top half of your hair and secure it with a cute clip or elastic band, leaving the rest of your hair down. Style the bangs to frame your face and add a touch of texturizing spray for volume. To keep your bangs looking fresh, use a lightweight dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo to absorb any excess oil between washes.
Curly High Ponytail
For teens with curly hair, the high ponytail is an excellent option that highlights your natural texture while keeping things playful and cute. This look adds a youthful charm, and it’s perfect for those with oval or square face shapes. Whether you’re heading to school, a sports event, or even a family gathering, this hairstyle delivers both style and comfort. If you have black natural hair, this look is also a great way to embrace your curls while keeping them manageable.
To create the curly high ponytail, gather your curls at the crown of your head and secure them with a strong elastic band. Fluff your curls to add volume, and use a curl-enhancing mousse like DevaCurl’s Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam to keep them bouncy and defined. Regular deep conditioning treatments are essential for maintaining the health of your curls, so consider using a product like Aussie’s 3-Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner.
Textured Side Braid
For a laid-back yet stylish look, the textured side braid offers a perfect blend of simplicity and flair. This hairstyle is great for teens with medium hair, especially for a casual day at school or a weekend hangout. It works well with long face shapes and adds an element of fun to any outfit. The textured braid looks especially lovely when paired with light brown or hazel eyes, giving an earthy, bohemian feel.
To create the textured side braid, start by parting your hair to one side and loosely braiding it over your shoulder. Use your fingers to gently pull apart sections of the braid for added texture. A texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray will help hold the style in place while adding volume. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to ensure your braid stays secure throughout the day.
Sleek Low Bun
The sleek low bun is a chic and polished hairstyle that’s perfect for any teen looking to make a sophisticated statement. This style works beautifully with oval or heart-shaped faces and pairs well with darker eye colors, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. It’s the ideal look for more formal events, such as a church service or a family celebration. The sleekness of the bun gives a timeless and effortless feel, making it a go-to option for special occasions.
To achieve the sleek low bun, smooth your hair back with a fine-bristle brush and secure it at the nape of your neck. You’ll need a hair gel like Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel to keep any flyaways in check. Regular use of a shine serum, like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum, will help maintain the glossy finish of this sophisticated hairstyle.
Space Buns with Curls
Space buns have been a favorite among teens for years, and 2024 is no exception. This fun and playful style is perfect for those with naturally curly or wavy hair, adding a whimsical touch to any outfit. Whether you’re heading to a music festival, hanging out with friends, or just looking to add some flair to your school day, space buns offer a unique and trendy hairstyle that stands out. The style is particularly flattering on round and oval face shapes, and it pairs beautifully with vibrant eye colors like blue or green.
To achieve this look, part your hair down the middle and create two high buns on each side of your head. Leave some curls hanging out for added texture, and secure the buns with bobby pins. A curl-defining cream like Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream will keep your curls looking bouncy and frizz-free throughout the day.
Messy Top Knot
The messy top knot is a go-to hairstyle for teens who want something quick, easy, and effortlessly cool. This style is perfect for school mornings when you’re running late but still want to look stylish. It’s also a versatile option for casual outings or even a relaxed day at church. This look works best for square and oval face shapes and looks great with any eye color, adding a touch of laid-back charm to your overall appearance.
To create the messy top knot, gather your hair into a high ponytail, then twist it into a loose bun. Secure it with a few bobby pins and pull out some strands for a more undone look. A texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray can add some extra volume and texture, giving the knot that perfect messy finish.
Braided Crown with Loose Curls
The braided crown with loose curls is a romantic and ethereal hairstyle that’s perfect for teens who want to make a dreamy statement. This style is ideal for more formal events, such as a church service, a school dance, or even a family celebration. It works beautifully with oval and heart-shaped faces, and the loose curls complement both light and dark eye colors. The braided crown adds an elegant touch, making this look feel effortlessly chic.
To achieve this look, create two braids on either side of your head and secure them at the back to form a crown. Let the rest of your hair cascade in loose curls. Use a curling wand to create soft waves, and finish with a lightweight hairspray like TRESemmé’s Extra Hold Hairspray to keep everything in place. Regular use of a moisturizing shampoo like Dove’s Intensive Repair Shampoo will help maintain your hair’s health and shine.
Low Updo with Braids
The low updo with braids is a beautiful and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for more formal occasions like church, a wedding, or a family gathering. This style works wonderfully for medium hair lengths and adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. The combination of braids and a low bun creates a harmonious balance of textures, making it suitable for oval and square face shapes. This look is particularly striking with darker eye colors, adding a touch of drama and elegance.
To achieve this style, braid sections of your hair and gather them into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Secure the bun with bobby pins and finish with a shine spray to give your hair a polished look. A good anti-frizz serum, like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, will help keep your updo smooth and sleek throughout the day.
Loose Waves with Braided Bangs
Loose waves paired with braided bangs create a whimsical and carefree hairstyle that’s perfect for teens who want a playful yet polished look. This style works well for those with medium-length hair and oval face shapes. It’s an ideal look for school or even a casual day out with friends. The braided bangs add a unique touch, while the loose waves keep the overall style soft and romantic.
To achieve this look, braid a small section of hair near your bangs, and then secure it with a bobby pin. Use a curling wand to create loose waves throughout your hair, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. A texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray will add a bit of grit and help maintain the waves throughout the day.
Slicked-Back Ponytail
The slicked-back ponytail is a sleek and modern hairstyle that’s perfect for teens who want a minimalist yet stylish look. This style works well for medium hair lengths and is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, like school or a church event. The slicked-back look pairs well with square and heart-shaped faces, emphasizing the structure of your face and drawing attention to your eyes.
To create this look, apply a smoothing serum to damp hair and blow-dry it straight. Use a fine-tooth comb to slick your hair back into a mid-height ponytail, and secure it with a strong elastic band. A high-shine finishing spray like Kenra’s Shine Spray will add a polished look to your ponytail, while regular use of a smoothing shampoo like Moroccanoil’s Smoothing Shampoo will keep your hair frizz-free.
Soft Curls with a Headband
For an effortlessly cute hairstyle, soft curls paired with a headband create a fun and youthful look that’s perfect for any occasion. This style works beautifully for teens with round or oval face shapes, and it’s ideal for school, a day out, or even a relaxed weekend at home. The headband adds a playful element while keeping your hair out of your face.
To achieve this look, use a curling wand to create soft curls throughout your hair. Then, place a cute headband at the crown of your head. A curl-enhancing mousse like Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Activating Mousse will help define your curls, while a volumizing shampoo like OGX’s Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo will add extra body to your hair.
Twisted Half-Updo
The twisted half-updo is a stylish and versatile hairstyle that combines the ease of leaving your hair down with the sophistication of an updo. This look is perfect for medium-length hair and works well for heart-shaped and oval faces. Whether you’re heading to school or a more formal event, this hairstyle offers a polished look that’s easy to achieve.
To create this look, twist two sections of hair from either side of your head and pin them at the back, creating a half-updo. Leave the rest of your hair down for a more relaxed vibe. A light-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray will keep the twists in place, while a nourishing hair mask like Neutrogena’s Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask will help keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Low Ponytail with Ribbon
The low ponytail with a ribbon is a simple yet chic hairstyle that adds a touch of elegance to any look. This style is perfect for medium-length hair and works well with round and oval face shapes. It’s an ideal choice for school, a casual day out, or even a family gathering. The ribbon adds a sweet and feminine touch to the classic ponytail, making it feel special and unique.
To achieve this look, gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic band. Tie a ribbon around the base of the ponytail for a soft, romantic finish. Use a shine spray like Redken’s Shine Flash 02 to add a glossy touch to your hair, and maintain its smoothness with a daily conditioner like Pantene’s Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner.
High Ponytail with Braids
The high ponytail with braids offers a sporty and trendy twist on the classic ponytail. This style is perfect for teens who want a dynamic and easy look that works for both school and sports activities. It’s a versatile hairstyle that flatters most face shapes, and the addition of braids adds texture and interest.
To create this look, braid a few small sections of your hair, then gather all your hair into a high ponytail. Secure the ponytail with a strong elastic band, and wrap a small section of hair around the base for a polished finish. Use a firm-hold hairspray like TRESemmé’s Freeze Hold Hairspray to keep everything in place, and keep your hair strong and healthy with a strengthening shampoo like OGX’s Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo.
Voluminous Curls with Side Part
Voluminous curls with a deep side part are a glamorous and fun hairstyle that adds a touch of drama to any look. This style is perfect for teens with medium-length hair who want to embrace their natural curls and add volume to their hair. It works beautifully with heart-shaped and oval faces, making it an ideal choice for school, parties, or special events.
To create this look, use a curling wand to create voluminous curls, then part your hair deeply to one side. Use a volumizing mousse like Bed Head’s Superstar Queen for a Day Thickening Spray to add body, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the curls in place. A curl-enhancing shampoo like Aveda’s Be Curly Shampoo will help maintain your curls and keep them frizz-free.
Dutch Braid Pigtails
Dutch braid pigtails are a cute and sporty hairstyle that’s perfect for teens who want a fun and practical look. This style is ideal for medium-length hair and works well for round and square face shapes. It’s a great option for school, sports events, or casual outings with friends, offering a playful twist on the classic pigtails.
To create this look, part your hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids on either side of your head. Secure the braids with elastic bands, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. A daily leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product will help keep your hair soft and manageable, while a gentle detangling spray like The Honest Company’s Conditioning Detangler will make braiding easier.
Cute hairstyles for medium hair in 2024 offer a blend of creativity, practicality, and fun, making them perfect for teens looking to express themselves. We hope these ideas have inspired you to try something new. Let us know in the comments which style is your favorite or if you have your own go-to looks to share!
