Medium length beach hairstyles turn a simple day at the shore into a styled, photo-ready moment. If your hair falls between your shoulders and collarbone, these looks work with your length instead of against it. This guide covers ten hairstyles for medium hair, from loose waves to secure braids.
Each style holds up against wind, salt water, and humidity. You will find styling steps, the best hair type for each look, and the one product to bring. So grab your beach bag, and pick the style that matches your plans for the day.
Quick Answer:
The best medium length beach hairstyles include beachy waves, a half-up braid, a low bun, and a messy ponytail. These styles work well on shoulder-length to collarbone-length hair. Choose beachy waves for a relaxed look, a braid for windy days, and a bun for humidity. Most of these styles take under fifteen minutes to create.
1. Beachy Waves for Medium Hair
How to do it
- Spray damp hair with a lightweight sea salt spray.
- Twist small sections of hair away from your face.
- Scrunch each section gently with your palm.
- Let hair air dry, or diffuse it on low heat.
- Separate the waves with your fingers once dry.
Best for: fine to medium hair, casual beach days
You need: sea salt spray, wide-tooth comb
- Works on wet or dry hair
- Holds up well in humidity
- Requires no heat tools
2. Half-Up Beach Braid for Shoulder-Length Hair
How to do it
- Section the top half of your hair.
- Braid it loosely from the crown down.
- Secure the braid with a small elastic.
- Pull the braid gently to loosen it.
- Leave the rest of your hair down.
Best for: shoulder-length hair, windy beach days
You need: hair elastic, texturizing spray
- Keeps hair off your face in wind
- Takes under ten minutes
- Works on second-day hair
3. Salt Spray Lob Waves for Fine Medium Hair
How to do it
- Apply a light salt spray to damp hair.
- Braid hair into two loose sections.
- Let the braids dry fully in the sun.
- Undo the braids once your hair is dry.
- Shake out the waves with your fingers.
Best for: fine medium hair that falls flat easily
You need: lightweight salt spray, no heat tools needed
- Adds volume without heat
- Lasts through an entire beach day
- Works best on freshly washed hair
4. Effortless Beach Curls for Thick Medium Hair
How to do it
- Divide your hair into four even sections.
- Curl each section with a medium barrel iron.
- Alternate the curl direction for a natural look.
- Brush the curls out lightly with your fingers.
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray.
Best for: thick medium hair, evening beach dinners
You need: medium barrel curling iron, light-hold hairspray
- Holds shape through evening events
- Works well for special occasions
5. Medium Length Surfer Hair for Round Faces
How to do it
- Part your hair off-center instead of down the middle.
- Add texture spray to the mid-lengths and ends.
- Scrunch your hair upward toward your scalp.
- Tuck the front pieces behind your ears.
- Let the rest fall naturally past your shoulders.
Best for: round faces, medium to thick hair
You need: texture spray
- Elongates a round face shape
- Works well with an off-center part
6. Low Beach Bun for Humid Days
How to do it
- Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape.
- Twist the ponytail into a loose coil.
- Wrap the coil around the base and pin it.
- Pull a few strands loose around your face.
- Set the style with a light-hold spray.
Best for: humid weather, hair that frizzes easily
You need: bobby pins, hair tie
- Keeps hair off your neck in heat
- Holds up through swimming
- Takes under five minutes
7. Beach Braid Pigtails for Casual Days
How to do it
- Part your hair down the middle.
- Braid each side into a loose three-strand braid.
- Secure each braid with a small elastic.
- Tug gently on the braids to loosen them.
- Finish with a light spritz of texture spray.
Best for: medium hair, boardwalk walks and casual outings
You need: two hair elastics, texture spray
- Simple to recreate at home
- Stays secure through wind
8. Twisted Half-Up Style for Fine Hair
How to do it
- Take a small section of hair from each side of your head.
- Twist each section back toward the crown.
- Cross the twists over each other and pin them.
- Leave the rest of your hair loose.
- Add texture spray for extra volume.
Best for: fine medium hair, adding volume without heat
You need: two bobby pins, volumizing texture spray
- Adds lift at the crown
- No heat tools required
9. Wavy Shag Styling for Medium Length Cuts
How to do it
- Apply mousse to damp, layered hair.
- Scrunch your hair upward from the ends to the roots.
- Air dry it, or diffuse it on low heat.
- Separate the layers gently with your fingers.
- Add a texturizing paste to the ends.
Best for: layered or shag haircuts, medium length
You need: mousse, texturizing paste
- Enhances built-in layers
- Adds definition without stiffness
10. Messy Beach Ponytail for Active Days
How to do it
- Gather your hair into a ponytail at the crown.
- Pull gently on the ponytail to loosen it.
- Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic.
- Pull a few loose pieces around your face.
- Finish with a light mist of salt spray.
Best for: swimming, sports, and active beach days
You need: hair elastic, salt spray
- Stays secure during activity
- Dries quickly after swimming
Comparison Table: Medium Length Beach Hairstyles at a Glance
| Hairstyle | Hair Type | Effort Level | Holds Up in Humidity |
| Beachy waves | Fine to medium | Low | Yes |
| Half-up beach braid | Shoulder-length | Low | Yes |
| Salt spray lob waves | Fine medium | Low | Yes |
| Effortless beach curls | Thick medium | Medium | Yes |
| Medium length surfer hair | Medium to thick | Low | Yes |
| Low beach bun | All types | Low | Yes |
| Beach braid pigtails | Medium | Low | Yes |
| Twisted half-up style | Fine medium | Low | Yes |
| Wavy shag styling | Layered medium | Medium | Moderate |
| Messy beach ponytail | All types | Low | Yes |
Final Thoughts
Medium length beach hairstyles give you options for every hair type and every beach day. Choose beachy waves for a relaxed look, or pick a low bun when humidity rises. Braids work well on windy days, and curls suit an evening by the water.
Test your chosen style before your trip, then adjust the product or technique as needed. One style, tried once, will show you what fits your hair best.
