Low-maintenance men’s medium hairstyles offer a practical middle ground: long enough to style with purpose, short enough to keep routine minimal. These modern haircuts include everything from relaxed curly crops to tidy brush-backs. Medium-length hair adapts well across textures and face shapes, giving it utility and personality.
Medium Length Hairstyles for Men
These popular mid-length hairstyles allow for flexibility, shifting easily from the office to off-duty hours. The difference often comes down to subtle variations in cut and the right choice of product.
Whether matte or glossy, lightweight or sculpting, selecting the right finish helps each haircut maintain its shape while feeling natural throughout the day.
Bro Flow
The bro flow captures a relaxed, lived-in sensibility ideal for medium-length hair. Defined by its loose shape and natural movement, this style suits those in the early stages of growing their hair longer.
Styling requires little intervention. Comb damp hair back with fingers and allow it to air dry for an unfussy finish. A light styling cream or leave-in conditioner can add control and a hint of shine. This style works across hair types, straight, wavy, or somewhere in between.
Brushed Back Medium Cut
The brushed back medium cut combines medium-length hair on top with tapered or faded sides. Hair is styled away from the forehead, creating a smooth silhouette.
Styling starts with towel-dried hair. A small amount of hair clay or pomade, matte for a natural finish or medium-hold for subtle shine, can be worked through the hair using fingers.
A wide-tooth comb or hand styling helps shape the hair back. For added volume, a brief blow-dry while brushing backward sets the form in place.
Comb Over
Mastering the comb over starts with a clean foundation: short, tapered sides and longer length through the top. A quality pomade or gel adds shape and gloss, keeping the style in place. Apply to damp hair, then part and sweep to the side for a sharp finish. For a contemporary update, pair it with a mid-fade to create a smooth transition.
Crew Cut
The crew cut for men offers a low-maintenance shape that suits a range of medium-short hair lengths. Barbers typically shape it with a gradual taper, leaving more length at the front while trimming the sides and back closer.
This tapered crew cut variation avoids the stark contrast of a fade and creates a smooth transition that feels more understated and adaptable. Styling is minimal. A small amount of pomade or wax can help define the top and keep the outline sharp.
Curly Top Haircut
For textured or curly hair, the curly top emphasizes natural volume while controlling shape. Layering helps reduce bulk and define the curl pattern. Regular trims are key to maintaining form and avoiding frizz. Skip heavy brushing. Instead, use your fingers and a lightweight curl cream to preserve definition.
Curly Top with Fade Haircut
The curly top fade style hinges on contrast: tight faded sides set against a textured crown of curls. A mid-fade offers balance, keeping the look sharp and highlighting the natural volume above.
After washing, use a curl cream or light gel to define the shape and control frizz. Regular conditioning keeps curls soft, while a light mist of hairspray helps lock in the structure.
Disconnected Undercut with Medium Top
The disconnected undercut with a medium top is defined by its stark contrast in length, where medium-length hair meets sharply clipped or shaved sides. Unlike a fade, the transition is abrupt, placing visual emphasis on the top and opening up a range of styling possibilities.
Maintaining the cut involves keeping the sides neatly trimmed while allowing the top to grow to a length that complements the face shape. Styling options vary. Blow-drying at the roots adds volume, while pomade, wax, or mousse can create definition and structure.
Whether styled back, tousled, or with a part, the disconnected undercut offers a bold silhouette with controlled versatility.
Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks require time, structure, and consistency. The size and sectioning pattern set the tone, affecting both style and manageability from the start. Use a residue-free shampoo to keep the scalp clean, and apply essential oils like tea tree or peppermint for added balance. Palm rolling encourages a neater, tighter lock as the hair matures. Avoid waxes and heavy products, which can lead to buildup and dull the texture.
Faux Hawk
A more restrained take on the mohawk, the faux hawk blends attitude with practicality. The sides stay short, tapering upward toward a central ridge of longer hair that’s styled to stand tall. A firm-hold gel or wax applied with fingertips creates the signature spiked texture. It’s a strong option for adding attitude to medium-length hair.
Feathered Haircut
A modern nod to 1970s trends, the feathered haircut uses layered shaping to create softness and movement. The effect works best on straight or wavy hair. A light mousse enhances separation, while a quick blow-dry at the roots brings subtle lift. Minimal effort, maximum flow.
Ivy League Cut
The Ivy League cut features short, tapered sides and a slightly longer top. Styling starts with towel-dried hair. Use a comb to part and sweep the top to the side, then apply a light pomade or cream for control and subtle shine. For a more relaxed finish, matte clay adds soft texture without gloss.
Layered Cut
Among the most adaptable medium-length styles, the layered cut introduces varying lengths to create texture and movement. It works best when tailored to the hair’s natural flow and the shape of the face. A touch of sea salt spray or light wax brings out subtle waves and lends a relaxed, surfer-like finish. By removing excess weight, layering adds volume and makes day-to-day styling more manageable.
Layered Side Sweep
The layered side sweep blends the soft movement of layered cuts with the structure of a side-swept shape. Hair is cut in graduated lengths, typically shorter at the top and gradually longer toward the sides. This creates subtle texture and allows the hair to fall naturally to one side, offering a flattering contour around the face.
Styling remains minimal. A lightweight texturizing spray applied to damp hair helps encourage lift and separation. Blow-dry using fingers or a vented brush to guide the sweep, then add volume at the crown by gently tousling the layers. The longer fringe can be styled to drape across the forehead for added dimension.
Medium Fade with Natural Top
A medium fade with a natural top creates a smooth blend between shorter sides and longer hair above. The fade begins around the midpoint of the head, tapering gradually for a balanced and subtle contrast. The top is left longer to emphasize natural texture. A light styling cream or a small amount of mousse can enhance shape. Let it fall naturally or add gentle definition with fingertips.
Messy Hairstyle
The messy hairstyle thrives on controlled disorder. Its appeal starts with the right cut: layered and uneven enough to look effortless, yet still purposeful. A light pomade or wax worked in by hand adds texture and lift, especially at the roots. This mid-length option requires little upkeep yet delivers strong visual impact. A quick spray can help hold the shape.
Middle Part Haircut
The classic middle part reflects the enduring appeal of symmetry. Best suited to straight or slightly wavy hair, this style is defined by a clean center part and balanced drape on both sides. For added polish, use a straightener on low heat to smooth the hair, followed by a touch of gel or pomade for light hold and shine. Keeping hair well-conditioned ensures a healthy finish, while a fine-tooth comb helps maintain a precise part.
Pompadour
The contemporary pompadour channels style and volume, with hair swept up and back from the forehead into a structured silhouette that tapers neatly at the sides. This mid-length style suits a range of hair types, though it depends on strong hold products to keep its shape.
Blow drying the hair upward builds lift, while pomade and a touch of spray lock in the height. Sides can be tapered or faded to adjust the contrast and sharpness of the overall look.
Quiff
The quiff builds on longer hair through the top, tapering down to shorter sides. Styling begins with damp hair and a heat protectant, followed by blow-drying upward and back to create lift and shape.
A round brush adds volume and curvature, especially at the front. For a more relaxed effect, the textured quiff introduces subtle layering through the crown, enhancing natural movement and softening the finish.
Once dry, apply a high-hold pomade or gel to sculpt the quiff and smooth the sides. For a more natural texture, matte clay or texturizing paste can be worked through the top to add depth and reduce shine.
Shag Haircut
The shag haircut is known for its layered, choppy texture that channels a casual, rock-inspired sensibility. Ideal for wavy or straight hair, this medium-length cut adds movement while maintaining a relaxed, lived-in shape.
Often referred to as the surfer shag, this variation combines classic layering with a coastal feel, echoing the kind of unstructured style associated with beach culture. On curly hair, the shag enhances natural volume and shape, resulting in a windswept, tousled appearance reminiscent of vintage California surf icons.
Styling is minimal. A light texturizing cream or sea salt spray can define the layers and create a matte, air-dried finish. Even without beach access, the right product can replicate that sun-dried effect. The cut holds its form as it grows, making the shag a low-maintenance option with natural longevity.
Side Part Undercut
The side part undercut blends the structure of a classic side part with the boldness of an undercut. The top remains long enough to sweep cleanly to the side, often styled back with pomade for a smooth, high-shine finish. Below, the sides and back are clipped short for sharp contrast. Precision is key: a fine-toothed comb and strong hold product help maintain the part and keep everything in place.
Slick Back
The slick back channels classic grooming through a modern lens. It starts with damp hair and a high-hold pomade worked evenly from root to tip. A comb creates a smooth, clean surface by guiding the hair straight back, drawing attention to the natural hairline. The sides are kept short, often styled with an undercut.
A loose slick-back offers a more relaxed interpretation of the classic style. Hair is swept away from the face, but a few strands are left to fall naturally, softening the overall appearance. Depending on the desired finish, products such as pomade or gel provide the necessary hold and control.
Spiky Cut
The spiky cut is defined by its texture and flexibility. Hair is trimmed to a medium length that allows sections to be pulled upward and shaped with a mix of gel and wax. Applied to damp hair, the product creates sharp, structured spikes that can be dialed up or down depending on the setting. Maintenance is simple: regular trims keep the edges clean and the overall shape intact.
Textured Crop
The textured crop plays up natural texture through short, choppy layers. Slightly longer strands at the crown give medium-length hair added versatility, allowing for different styling approaches. A matte clay or texturizing spray helps define the layers and build subtle volume.
Textured Fringe Haircut
The textured fringe combines longer length at the front with shorter, tapered sides. A small amount of wax or pomade adds definition, allowing the fringe to fall naturally across the forehead. Paired with a fade, this cut gains a modern update. It suits a range of hair types and can be shaped to soften strong features or partially frame the face.
Textured Haircut with Curly Fringe
A textured haircut with curly fringe highlights natural curls with a textured top and a defined fringe. Shorter sides provide contrast, drawing attention to the volume above. Styling is low effort: apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair and let it air dry to retain bounce and shape. Hydrating products formulated for curly hair are essential to keep the texture soft and well-defined.
Twists with Fade
Twists with a fade pairs defined twists on top with cleanly faded sides. The texture of the twists plays against the sharpness of the fade. Moisturizing with natural oils or leave-in conditioner keeps the twists healthy and defined. Barbering skill is required to ensure a smooth, gradual transition from volume to skin.
Wavy Fringe
The wavy fringe channels a laid-back, surfer-influenced look with its loose texture and easy shape. Longer layers at the front fall gently across the forehead, creating a soft, flowing outline that feels contemporary.
Best suited for naturally wavy hair, the style can also be adapted for straighter types. A sea salt spray or light texturizing mousse applied to damp hair helps encourage movement. Scrunching by hand or using a diffuser enhances the waves while allowing the fringe to fall forward. The result is a relaxed, face-framing cut that works across a range of head shapes and hair types.
Wavy Hairstyle
The wavy hairstyle centers on the natural movement and volume of wavy hair. A sea salt spray applied to damp strands helps enhance texture without weighing it down. Scrunching by hand encourages soft, loose definition. For longer waves, a light conditioner helps maintain shape while reducing frizz, keeping the finish easy and unforced.
Crafting Your Signature Hairstyle
In the end, low-maintenance men’s medium hairstyles offer versatile, practical options. These cuts work across hair types and styling preferences, from sharp fades to textured layers. With the right foundation and minimal upkeep, medium-length hair remains one of the most adaptable choices. It’s easy to maintain, easy to wear, and easy to make your own.