Braided hairstyles beautifully accentuate medium-length hair, offering a refined look no matter the occasion. Ranging from shoulder-skimming to mid-back grazing lengths, this length is the ideal canvas to showcase braiding artistry at its finest.
From box braids to fishtail plaits to goddess twists, these styles keep every strand securely in place while allowing your pretty medium-length tresses to take center stage.
Medium hair braided styles are also practical. It generally takes 3-4 weeks for your medium length braids to need maintenance.
Caring for your braids is simple too – just be sure to wash, condition, moisturize and wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf before heading to bed to prevent dryness and frizz. As a comparison to longer styles, medium length braids are not overly heavy, which minimizes scalp tension.
Most of all, medium length braided looks offer lots of options. With styles suitable for the office, a weekend getaway, a night out, or just casual days, your medium length braids can take you from professional settings to beach vacations looking fabulous.
Looking for inspiration? Here are 26 ways to wear braided styles with medium length hair.
1. Braided Updo For Medium Length Hair
Long hair is not required for an elegant updo. Medium-length hair works beautifully for braided updos. Simply braid the hair, tuck or wrap it at the nape of the neck, and secure it with pins. Braided updos suit any occasion and accentuate medium-length styles gorgeously.
2. Shoulder Length Passion Twists
Shoulder-length braids are a versatile, casual, and elegant style. This hairstyle, which may include box braids, locs, or twist braids like the shoulder-length passion twists pictured, is eye-catching and practical, especially for people with active lifestyles. Mid-length braids are easy to care for while permitting customization with various accessories. The style is suitable for a wide range of settings and occasions.
3. Easy Braids for Medium Length Hair
Among the various easy-to-do braids for medium-length hair, styles like straight backs, side braids, and French braids stand out. These styles are quick and easy to achieve and add dimension to your medium-length hair, giving you a polished look. These simple hairstyles often give off a relaxed vibe, making them ideal for informal events or everyday wear.
4. Medium Length Braids With Beads
Putting beads into braided hairstyles is a super fun way to make your medium length braids pop. The beads give your hair a prominent personality and style. Beads turn basic braids into eye-catching dos with cultural vibes.
You can rock medium length braids with beads for all sorts of occasions too. These braided looks work for casual hangouts with friends. But they can also look polished enough for more formal events, which is awesome. Medium braids with beads let you show off your personal sense of style wherever you go.
5. Braided Wedding Hairstyle for Medium Hair
If you’re a bride with medium length hair, you lucked out! Braids are super on-trend for weddings. You have lots of gorgeous braided looks to choose from too. Boho braids, messy braids, Dutch braids – they all add a touch of romance that’s just right for your big day. Even waterfall or crown braids would look beautiful in the aisles.
These braided wedding hairstyles are elegant yet chic. You can even glam them up by adding some flowers, a dazzling tiara, or a few rhinestone pins. That way, you’ll have a picture-perfect bridal look from head to veil. So brides, break out those medium length tresses and start braiding, your wedding hairstyle awaits!
6. French Braid for Medium Length Hair
When it comes to medium length hair, French braids should be your go-to. This classic three-strand braid keeps every strand tidy and in its place. As you weave the braid down your head, you’ll pick up hair from the sides to keep that braid thick.
The best part? French braids work with medium hair for any occasion. Are you heading to a girls’ night out? A messy French braid with some pieces left out looks cute and casual. Going to a wedding or fancy event? Simply slick your French braid into an elegant updo for some serious glam.
7. Side Braid for Medium Length Hair
If you’re looking to amp up your medium length hair, a head-turning side braid has your name all over it! This chic look simply involves gathering your hair to one shoulder and weaving them into an asymmetric braid.
The result? An effortlessly elegant style that pumps up texture and dresses your medium length strands in their Sunday best! You can even leave a few pieces out to frame your face for an ultra flattering finish.
The best part? The side braid fits all occasions. It brings just the right amount of polish for work and events, with enough casual cool for everyday wear.
8. Shoulder Length Micro Braids
If you’re looking to give your shoulder length hair a major style upgrade, let me introduce you to micro braids. These intricate braids take small sections of hair and braid them all the way down to shoulder length into box braids or twist braids.
The result? A head-turning style that adds buckets of unique texture without overloading on length. Shoulder grazing braids let you show off the braiding craftsmanship while still keeping your hair manageable day-to-day.
Micro braids are perfect for those wanting fuss-free hair with some serious style power. And at shoulder length, you get the best of both worlds – braids that turn heads yet won’t take hours to complete or weigh your hair down.
9. Viking Braids for Medium Length Hair
Want to give your medium length hair a fierce and fabulous look? Take inspo from ancient Norse warriors with this Viking braids style. With these edgy braids, you’ll have two chunky braids on either side of your head, almost like they’re ready for battle.
The rest of your medium length hair gets left loose and long like a badass warrior goddess. Or you can braid it up too for a more themed cosplay moment. However you style them, Viking braids make a seriously bold statement with your shoulder skimming strands.
This look transcends occasions. Wear casually for everyday style. Or customize them with cuffs and bands for festivals and themed parties. However you wear them, these Viking braids unlock a fierce new style that’s anything but vanilla.
10. Fishtail Braid on Medium Length Hair
Are you looking to give your medium length hair a gorgeous upgrade? Say hello to the fishtail braid! This intricate braid mimics the flirty vibe of a fishtail with its fun woven look.
Fishtail braids add beauty and elegance to medium length hair, with just a dash of playfulness. The boho-chic vibe gives this braided look a super romantic, almost dreamy look!
Whether you’re going for a night on the town, a beach picnic, or just drinks with the gals, a fishtail braid beams with beauty and class, this breezy, laidback look works for dressy and casual occasions equally well.
11. Natural Braided Hairstyle for Medium Length Hair
Natural braided hairstyles generally refer to braided hairstyles done with only the natural hair, without adding any hair extensions. There is a wide range of natural braided hairstyles you can try out, from twists to Mohawks, Dutch braids, French braids, or even simple cornrows, as shown in the picture. Styling your medium length natural hair without hair extensions is a great way to show off its beauty and versatility. These hairstyles often highlight the hair’s natural texture, creating an individual and authentic appearance. These styles can be adapted to match different outfits, making them suitable for everyday wear, cultural events, parties, and even corporate settings.
12. Medium Length Box Braids
Shoulder-length box braids are a popular hairstyle made by dividing the hair into square or rectangular sections and braiding medium length hair extensions through each section. This hairstyle offers a protective style that helps maintain your natural hair while also offering a sophisticated and put-together appearance. Box braids styles suit different settings, from casual outings to more formal events.
13. Crown Braid for Medium Length Hair
A crown braid, especially on medium-length hair, creates a romantic and elegant look with its encircling braided crown. This hairstyle gives off a regal and ethereal vibe, making it perfect for special events such as weddings, formal dinners, or romantic dates. Crown braids work well with medium-length hair, adding a romantic and feminine touch to your overall appearance and framing the face beautifully.
14. Bubble Braids on Medium Length Hair
Bubble braids on medium-length hair make for a playful and trendy hairstyle. This style is done by creating a sequence of “bubbles” by tying sections of hair with elastic bands, resulting in a bubbled effect down the length of the hair. The voluminous and textured look of the bubbles makes your hairstyle even more vibrant and eye-catching.
15. Dutch Braids on Shoulder Length Hair
Dutch braids, also known as inverted or inside-out braids, involve crossing strands under instead of over, resulting in an elevated, 3D effect. Dutch braids with shoulder-length hair can be worn for a day out or done more intricately for semi-formal occasions, keeping the hair secure and trendy. The braids may be worn sleek and tight for a polished look or slightly loose for a more relaxed vibe.
16. Shoulder Length Boho Braids
Shoulder-length boho braids simply exude effortless style. The mid-length cuts weight while allowing for versatile styling. These braids let you embrace that carefree boho vibe. Part your hair down the middle or off to the side as you plaits in three-strand, fishtail or textured twists. However you shape them, boho braids create a relaxed and stylish look with an earthy chic feel.
17. Shoulder Length Boho Locs
Shoulder-length boho locs is another bohemian-inspired hairstyle that blends the natural look of dreadlocks with a relaxed and carefree vibe. Boho locs are usually created with synthetic or human hair extensions, and they often have a distressed or textured aesthetic for a more undone, effortless appearance. This versatile hairstyle can complement any outfit and is suitable for any occasion, whether a casual daytime look or an evening event. The medium length hits a sweet spot that allows for weightless styling and movement.
18. Medium Length Braids With Space Buns
Medium length braids with space buns create a playful hairstyle that combines classic braiding with a fun and girly twist. This style involves braiding the hair into medium-length braids and securing them into two buns on the crown of the head. The combo of braids and space buns is perfect for showing off a carefree yet polished look, whether you’re headed to a casual gathering with friends or want to turn heads at your next event.
19. Medium Length Braids With Cuffs
Medium length braids with cuffs are an eye-catching hairstyle incorporating decorative elements to add some visual interest. This style involves braiding your medium length hair into sections and accessorizing them with metallic or embellished cuffs. You can choose cuffs ranging from simple and minimalistic to intricate and ornate, so you can personalize this look based on your own taste. The cuffs will neatly accent your braids, giving your medium length strands an extra dose of personality and style. And since you’ve got ample length to work with, feel free to go bold and dramatic with bigger or more abundant cuffs if you want to maximize visual impact. This is a fabulous way to elevate your protective braided style to the next level.
20. Medium Length Braids With Curly Ends
Braids with curly ends create a stylish hairstyle that combines the sleekness of braids with the charm of curls. This style involves braiding your hair into medium-length braids and curling the ends under or out to achieve bouncy, defined curls. The combined effect of the medium-length braids and the curled ends adds beautiful dimension and texture to the overall look. The braids maintain order and direction to the style, while the curly ends soften the look and provide wonderful volume. This is an eye-catching option that works well with medium length hair.
21. Shoulder Length Pull Through Braids
Pull-through braids give off a unique hairstyle that involves creating multiple pull-through sections along the length of the hair. This hairstyle gives off a chic vibe, striking a balance between having enough length to show off the intricate detail of the pull-through braiding technique, while maintaining a manageable length that can be easily styled into updos or half-up styles. The shoulder-length hair provides the perfect canvas to showcase the interwoven design of the pull-through braids. The hairstyle can be dressed up for formal occasions or worn in a relaxed, effortless manner for casual days.
22. Messy Braids for Shoulder Length Hair
Messy braids with medium-length, shoulder-length hair combine the classic appeal of braids with a casual and carefree vibe. This style involves intentionally creating loose, undone braids that almost look inside-out, adding a touch of bohemian vibe to your look. The messy braids paired with the medium shoulder-length locks create tons of textured volume and dimension. This hairstyle is versatile and laidback, most suited for casual events like a weekend brunch, a day at the beach, or a picnic. The overall effortless vibe lets your natural waves and textures shine through.
23. Half-up Braids With Medium Length Hair
Half-up braids with medium-length hair involve braiding the upper half of the hair while leaving the lower half flowing freely. This style gives off a flattering, put-together yet effortless look that works well for casual everyday wear or more formal occasions. The medium shoulder-length hair provides the perfect base to showcase intricate braiding techniques in the half-up style. There is ample length and volume to try out different braid styles up top, like waterfall braids, lace braids, fishtail braids, Dutch braids, or even simple three-strand twists. Meanwhile, the loose hair left out in the bottom half softens the look and adds movement. This half-up lets you highlight your braiding skills while still leaving some of your hair down to frame the face.
24. Medium Length Braided Wig
Braided wigs are a convenient way to achieve a fashionable medium length braided hairstyle without committing to the intensive time and effort of braiding your own natural hair. These trendy wigs come with pre-braided medium length styles, typically incorporating designs like box braids, faux locs, or Senegalese twists. The medium shoulder-length braided wigs offer tons of versatility while being low maintenance. These stylish wigs can be worn for various occasions, whether you’re headed to work, class, a weekend get-together with friends, the gym, and more. You get to enjoy the look of intricate braids minus the tedious process of installing them on your own hair.
25. Medium Length Layered Braids
Layered braids combine braid sleekness with the added dimension of layers. This style involves adding longer and shorter layers into the braids, creating a visually appealing graduated look. The combination of medium length braids and layered lengths allows for creativity in styling. To accentuate the layered effect, you can experiment with various braiding techniques, such as faux locs, box braids, twist braids, and even curls. The longer layers trail gracefully while the shorter layers frame the face. This adds shape and movement while showcasing the braids. The layered lengths lend edge and style to medium length protective braids.
26. Double French Braids for Medium Length Hair
Double French braids for medium-length hair give off a classic, sporty yet stylish look. This hairstyle is made by dividing your medium shoulder-length hair cleanly down the middle into two even sections, then braiding each section neatly using the traditional French braiding technique. The finished look creates two matching braids that mirror each other on both sides of the head. This elegant doubled-up style is perfect for casual outings, sports activities requiring your hair to be secured back, or any occasion where you want a simple yet polished look. The French braids keep every strand smoothly in place while allowing your pretty medium-length tresses to shine.
