13 Versatile Medium-Length Hairstyles for Men To Try

Medium-length hairstyles offer the perfect balance between low-maintenance short cuts and high-commitment long styles.

 Men are embracing versatile looks that can transition seamlessly from professional settings to casual weekends. These 13 styles showcase the best of what medium-length hair has to offer, each with unique characteristics that can complement different face shapes and hair types.

The Modern Pompadour

The modern pompadour brings classic elegance into the contemporary era. This style features hair swept upward and back from the forehead, creating volume and sophisticated height. The sides are typically kept shorter than the top, gradually blending into the longer crown section.

Styling Tips: Use a strong-hold pomade on damp hair, blow-dry while lifting the hair upward with a round brush, and finish with hairspray for all-day hold. Regular touch-ups throughout the day may be needed to maintain the shape.

Best For: Oval and square face shapes benefit most from this style, as the height adds vertical dimension. Works excellently with thick, straight to wavy hair that can hold volume naturally.

Textured Crop

The textured crop is a versatile, low-maintenance option that works with natural hair patterns. This cut features slightly longer hair on top with textured, choppy layers that create movement and dimension. The sides are cut shorter but not buzzed, maintaining a balanced proportion.

Styling Tips: Apply a texturizing paste to towel-dried hair and scrunch gently to enhance natural texture. Use a diffuser when blow-drying to avoid disrupting the hair’s natural pattern. Minimal product is key to maintaining the effortless look.

Best For: Round and oval faces work well with this style, as the texture adds visual interest without overwhelming softer features. Perfect for men with naturally wavy or curly hair, though straight hair can achieve this look with proper texturizing products.

The Quiff

The quiff combines elements of the pompadour and mohawk, creating a bold yet wearable style. Hair is swept upward and slightly forward, creating a distinctive peak at the front. The sides are kept shorter, emphasizing the dramatic height on top.

Styling Tips: Start with a volumizing mousse on damp hair, blow-dry with a round brush directing hair upward and slightly forward. Use a strong-hold wax or gel to sculpt the final shape and lock it in place.

Best For: Oval and diamond face shapes are ideal for this style, as the height complements natural proportions. Works best with thick, straight to slightly wavy hair that can support the upward styling.

Side-Swept Undercut

This contemporary style features longer hair on top swept to one side, contrasted with closely cropped sides and back. The dramatic contrast creates a sharp, modern appearance that’s both professional and stylish.

Styling Tips: Use a medium-hold pomade or styling cream on damp hair, comb to one side, and blow-dry in the desired direction. A fine-tooth comb helps achieve clean lines and a smooth finish.

Best For: Square and rectangular face shapes benefit from the softening effect of the side sweep. Works with most hair types, though fine to medium thickness shows the contrast most effectively.

Messy Fringe

The messy fringe offers a relaxed, effortless vibe while maintaining style. Hair falls naturally across the forehead in an intentionally tousled manner, with the rest of the hair maintaining medium length throughout.

Styling Tips: Apply a light texturizing spray to damp hair and scrunch gently. Allow hair to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Finger-comb the fringe forward and slightly to one side for the perfect messy effect.

Best For: Oval and heart-shaped faces are complemented by the softening effect of the fringe. Works exceptionally well with straight to wavy hair that can hold the forward-falling style naturally.

Layered Shag

The layered shag brings retro vibes into modern styling. This cut features multiple layers throughout the hair, creating volume, movement, and a deliberately disheveled appearance. The length varies from shorter layers on top to longer pieces at the back.

Styling Tips: Use a volumizing mousse on wet hair and scrunch while blow-drying with a diffuser. Apply a light texturizing spray for added grip and separation. Avoid over-brushing to maintain the natural, tousled appearance.

Best For: Round and oval faces work well with this style, as the layers create vertical lines that elongate the face. Perfect for men with wavy to curly hair that naturally holds texture and volume.

Slicked-Back Style

The slicked-back style exudes sophistication and timeless appeal. Hair is combed straight back from the forehead, lying flat against the head with a glossy finish. This versatile look works for both formal and casual occasions.

Styling Tips: Apply a high-shine pomade to damp hair and comb straight back with a wide-tooth comb. Use a blow-dryer on low heat to set the style, then finish with additional pomade for extra hold and shine.

Best For: Oval and square face shapes are ideal for this style, as it showcases facial features prominently. Works best with straight to slightly wavy hair that can lie flat when styled.

Curly Medium Cut

This style celebrates natural curl patterns while maintaining a polished appearance. Hair is cut to medium length with subtle layering to prevent bulk while allowing curls to form their natural shape and bounce.

Styling Tips: Use a curl-defining cream on wet hair and scrunch gently to encourage curl formation. Allow hair to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Avoid brushing when dry to prevent frizz and maintain curl definition.

Best For: Oval and heart-shaped faces are complemented by the soft, rounded shape of curls. Obviously, perfect for men with naturally curly hair, though those with wavy hair can achieve similar results with proper styling products.

Brushed-Up Style

The brushed-up style creates height and texture by directing hair upward from all angles. This modern approach to volume works well for professional settings while maintaining a contemporary edge.

Styling Tips: Apply a strong-hold styling cream to damp hair and use a paddle brush to direct hair upward while blow-drying. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock in the style and prevent falling throughout the day.

Best For: Round and square faces benefit from the added height, which creates vertical dimension. Works best with thick, straight to wavy hair that can support the upward styling without falling flat.

Asymmetrical Cut

The asymmetrical cut features intentionally uneven lengths, creating visual interest and a modern, artistic appearance. One side may be longer than the other, or the overall shape may be deliberately off-balance.

Styling Tips: Use a texturizing paste to enhance the natural movement and emphasize the asymmetrical lines. Style with your fingers rather than a comb to maintain the intentionally imperfect appearance.

Best For: Oval and diamond face shapes can pull off this bold style most effectively. Works well with straight to wavy hair that can hold the asymmetrical shape throughout the day.

Tousled Waves

This style embraces natural wave patterns while maintaining a controlled, styled appearance. Hair is cut to medium length with subtle layering to enhance wave formation and prevent heaviness.

Styling Tips: Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch to enhance natural waves. Use a diffuser on low heat or allow to air dry. Finish with a light texturizing spray for added grip and separation.

Best For: Oval and heart-shaped faces are ideal for this soft, romantic style. Perfect for men with naturally wavy hair, though straight hair can achieve similar results with proper wave-enhancing products.

Disconnected Undercut

This edgy style features a stark contrast between longer hair on top and very short sides, with no gradual blending between lengths. The “disconnected” effect creates a bold, modern statement.

Styling Tips: Focus styling efforts on the longer top section using pomade or styling cream. The contrast is the key feature, so ensure the top section is well-styled while keeping the sides neat and closely cropped.

Best For: Square and rectangular face shapes work well with this bold style. Requires thick hair on top to create the necessary contrast and impact against the short sides.

Textured Quiff

The textured quiff combines the height of a traditional quiff with modern texturizing techniques. Hair is swept upward and back but with added texture and movement rather than a smooth, sleek finish.

Styling Tips: Use a texturizing clay or paste on damp hair and work through with your fingers. Blow-dry while lifting the hair upward, then use your hands to create texture and separation in the final style.

Best For: Oval and diamond face shapes are complemented by the upward height and textured finish. Works best with thick, straight to wavy hair that can support both the height and textured styling.

Your Hair, Your Statement: Making the Right Choice

Choosing the perfect medium-length hairstyle is about more than following trends—it’s about understanding your unique features and lifestyle needs. Consider your daily routine, styling preferences, and natural hair characteristics when making your selection. 

Remember that the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable while complementing your individual style. Whether you prefer low-maintenance texture or polished sophistication, these 13 options offer something for every man ready to embrace the versatility of medium-length hair