Should I hire a professional hairstylist?

This is totally up to you! Depending on the level of difficulty of your bridal 'do , you may feel more comfortable seeking out professional help. If you decide to style it yourself, practice as much as possible before the big day.

How long will it take to do my hair?

Again, this totally depends on the complexity of the hairstyle that you've selected. For best results, be sure to schedule in 60 to 90 minutes to allow time for a blowout and styling. If you're getting your makeup done at the same appointment, double the time.

45 Wedding Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair

Bride with medium length hairstyle — Unsplash | Design by Zack Angeline

Besides finding your wedding dress, searching through wedding hairstyles can be one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding day look. But if you find yourself stuck in the middle—i.e., at a hair length that can neither be described as short nor long—that's easier said than done.

No need to grow out locks (or snip them off for that matter). A marvelous mid-length cut will set you apart from the rest. And medium-length looks can truly make a big statement. From halo-accessorized coiffures to bohemian waves, there are some totally doable hairstyles that are unique and gorgeous.

No matter your hair texture or overall style, these medium-length wedding hairstyles are bound to suit you.

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Center-Parted Curls

Bride with natural curls holding hands with groom — Photo by A Heart String Co.

This bride's voluminous natural curls are the only accessory she needs. We love how the center part frames the face with balanced symmetry.

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Windswept Waves

Go for an effortlessly chic blowout that will work for your big day and beyond. This windswept, beachy look is right at home in alfresco settings.

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Big Volume

Bride with curly hair and embellished dress — Photo by Amy Anaiz; Event Planning by We Do! Collective by Fallon Carter; Hair by Modimel; Makeup by Daniel Henry; Bridal Styling by Vainglorious Brides

If you've got curls, flaunt them! This bride's natural spirals give so much volume and playful vivacity to the look.

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Glossy Waves With Slicked-Back Bangs

Newlyweds and vintage car — Photo by Gianny Campos; Rebekkah Rosado of Runway Events; Hair by Lacy Redway at The Wall Group

Glamorous, shiny waves are an excellent choice for hair of any length. This bride tucked her bangs back and let those bodacious waves cascade over them for an elegant and polished approach.

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Dimensional Texture

Bridal portrait with tousled lob of bright highlights — Photo by Whiskers and Willow Photography

Try this beachy, two-toned wavy look if you are really ready to wow. Sunny highlights add tons of dimension, giving the soft spirals a glossy effect.

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Glam Waves With Delicate Details

Smiling brunette bride with mid-length curls and rhinestone-studded double headband — Photo by Larisa Shorina

It’s hard not to get lost within this beautiful arrangement of glam waves topped with a dainty crystal headband. "I love that headband so much I’ve reworn it countless times, because it adds that little extra to any outfit," shares the bride.

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Upswept Curls

Bride with upswept curly updo getting dressed with help from mother — Photo by Rebecca Yale; Hair by Trine Juel

Raked-back curls add texture and volume to an otherwise classic chignon. This gorgeous bride's romantic style befits her magical French château nuptials.

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Floral Updo

Bridal portrait with flower tucked into bun — Photo by Olivia Rae James; Hair by Katie Brignolo of The Spa at Litchfield Hills; Makeup by Lindsey Birkins

With a bit of smoothing serum and a few bobby pins, medium-length hair can totally work in an updo. Sometimes all mid-length strands need are a sprig of greenery or a touch of florals to be totally bridal.

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Old Hollywood Waves

Bride with blunt lob and brushed out waves — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari; Event Planning by Tiffany Rivera of Simply Breathe Events; Hair by Hair by Fran

Give off old-Hollywood glamour vibes with these brushed-out finger waves and blunt cut. The style evokes strength and femininity all in one look.

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Fabulous Fringe

Bride with medium length hair holding a bouquet — Photo by Johanna Rosenlew

This bride's hair is a little longer, but neatly cut bangs and ends that are flirtatiously flipped outward are enchanting on everyone.

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Glam Crinkle

Newlyweds in black tie attire — Photo by Mecca Gamble

This middle-part, beach-wave look is equal parts sexy and sophisticated. We love how the blunt cut grazes the shoulders and draws attention to the sweetheart neckline of the dress.

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Perfectly Imperfect Updo

Since every piece of hair might not be long enough for a polished chignon, a messy updo is a perfect choice for brides with medium-length locks. Add a floral topper and you've got a whimsical bridal look that's always in style.

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Pinned Curls

Bridal hair accessorized with shimmery hair pins — Photo by KT Merry; Event Planning by Bellafare; Hair by Process

This bride pinned back a curtain of curls with sparkly, bejeweled hair accessories. Hair pins are a great way to elevate any coif, simply play with the positioning to tune the look.

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A Plaited Crown

Bride with braided hairdo standing with groom — Photo by Jillian Mitchell

A crowning braid is just the finishing touch a boho princess needs. We love how the 'do adds height while still giving a soft aesthetic.

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Tousled Half-Up, Half-Down

Newlyweds embracing in desert — Photo by Laurken Kendall; Event Planning by Mae&Co Creative; Hair by Sarah Wittaker from Sarah W Hair Design

This pulled-back look couldn't be easier to style. It's also the best of both worlds, leaving your hair flowing around your shoulders but out of your face.

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Soft Waves

Bride with medium length hair showcasing her open back gown — Photo by Erich McVey; Event Planning by Alise Taggart; Hair by Claudia Mejerle

Barely there waves make for a touchably soft and feminine wedding day hairstyle. It's the perfect junction between polished and effortless.

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Low Chignon With Regal Headband

Bride with low chignon and padded headband holding bouquets and laughing with bridesmaids — Photo by Hana Gonzalez Photography

The ultimate bridal accessory you can rewear well after the ceremony? A headband. “For all of my dress fittings I wore a padded pearl headband, and after a while I just couldn’t picture wearing my dress without one!” says the bride of the simple updo at her Jamaican nuptials.

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Mini Chignon

Chignons can come in all shapes and sizes making them the perfect option for mid-length tresses. This miniature bun complements the bride's minimal gown beautifully.

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Overflowing Updo

Candiace Dillard bridal portrait with undone chignon and tendrils spilling out around face — Photo by Abby Jiu; Event Planning by Strawberry Milk Events; Hair by Stephanie Harris; Makeup by Melissa Mangrum

Mid-length hair looks amazing loosely tucked back into an informal knot, as the shorter lengths tend to spill out and alluringly frame the face.

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Straight Strands

Bride with straight hair posing in her lace gown — Photo by Joey Willis; Event Planning by Little Lane Events; Hair by Lindsey Neavitt

Give straight strands a little extra oomph by coyly curling the ends inward for a sexy spin, like Stone Cold Fox designer Cydney Morris did for her wedding. The key is to inject a little volume throughout the entire hair shaft so the style doesn't look too sleek.

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Double-Braided Updo

Bride putting on shoes with mid-length hair french braided into updo — Photo by Sasithon Photography; Hair by Sarah Spratt

This bride paired her high-neck, lace dress with twin French braids that snaked their way from the top of her temples down to the nape of the neck where they came together in a knot. She tucked a rosebud into the mix for an added dose of freshness.

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Luscious Curls

Smiling brunette Bride with mid-length curls in a lace gown — Photo by Erich McVey; Hair by Carlos Torres Salon

A sultry side part with big, voluminous curls is picture-perfect hair goals, no matter your hair length. In fact, the shorter the tresses, the bouncier the curls!

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Tousled Tendrils

Brunette bride with mid-length tousled hair standing in front of groom in tux — Photo by Kelly Brown; Hair by Sabrina Rana; Floral Design by Of The Flowers

Be still, our hearts! A center part with gently tousled tendrils is about as romantic as you can get.

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Brushed-Out Curls

Bride holds a bouquet as she embraces the groom — Photo by Valorie Darling; Event Planning by Leslie Kaplan of Encore Event Design; Floral Design by Gavita Flora

Brushed-out curls are oh so soft and fuss-free. We love how the softness of the hairstyle matches that of the lace dress.

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Beach Waves With a Birdcage Veil

Blonde Bride wearing a birdcage veil over mid-length lob with beach waves — Photo by Ryan Ray; Event Planning by Amorology; Hair by The Salon & Spa at Vision of Tomorrow; Veil by Bridal Reflections

We see you, birdcage veil and beachy-wave lob. And we're loving every minute of it.

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Ribboned Bun

Blonde bride with mid-length hair in bun with black ribbon kissing groom — Photo by James Autery; Hair by Ashley Rubell

This bride tied a sheer, black ribbon around her bun to elevate the minimalist hairstyle. The contrasting addition was the perfect complement to the low-back, beaded gown and imparted a decidedly French-girl flair to the ensemble. Non?

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Low Ponytail

Who said you can't have mid-length hair and sport a ponytail? This low pony of wavy strands—wrapped in a bow, no less—is proof that you can have it all.

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A Bouncy Bridal Blowout

Brunette bride with bouncy blowout in red lehenga smiling with groom — Photo by Whitney & Aga for Our Labor of Love; Event Planning by SJS Events; Hair & Makeup by Susmita Patel of StylebySusmita

No need to overthink things. A bouncy blowout is all you need for bridal bliss.

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Curly Chignon With Pearl-Embellished Crown

Bride with curly bun and pearl-studded hair kissing groom on boat overlooking lake — Photo by Alexandra & Vladimir Nadtochiy

Forgo the veil and opt for a striking scattering of pearls instead. “To give my hair an edge I went for a pearl-embellished sleek center part with an interlocked bun,” says the bride of the “whimsically elegant” 'do for her modern wedding in Montenegro.

30 of 45

Cool-Girl Texture

Bride with textured lob in red dress on beach with groom — Photo by KT Merry

Curl only the bottom portions of your strands and give them a good tousle for an effortless feel. You can even leave the last inch or so of the ends straight for a cool-girl aesthetic like The Style Bungalow's Stephanie Hill did for this beachy locale.

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Bejeweled Updo

Bride in beaded dress with crystal hairpin — Photo by Treebird Photography; Hair by Candice Cuardos; Makeup by Lauren Leitzke; Jewelry by Kate Spade

These natural waves were tucked into a romantic gather at the base of the head and accented with a sparkly accessory. It's giving all the Art-Deco magic.

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Slicked-Back Chignon

Bridal portrait with slicked-back mid-length hair — Photo by Jenny Naima Photography; Hair by Allure Traveling Beauty; Floral Design by Brambles and Bittersweet

This bride's slicked-back chignon radiates a timeless elegance that befits her classic wedding with informal touches.

Bringing the hair upward and then down, rather than adding a part, pulls the eyes up highlighting the face and elongating the neck.

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Romantic Low Bun

Smiling bridal close up with embellished dress and romantic chignon — Photo by Lacie Hansen Photography; Event Planning by Jenn Sanchez Designs; Hair & Makeup by Team Hair and Makeup

Sleek and slicked back isn't the only option here. Add some volume and softly rake back hair for a more romantic spin on the style.

34 of 45

Half-Up Bun

This bride put a fresh twist on the conventional half-up, half-down style by spinning the ends into a fun bun instead of letting them hang down in a ponytail-like fashion.

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Bombshell Curls

Long lengths aren't necessary for a sexy, bombshell look. Case in point: This bride knocks it out of the park with her voluminous, slightly curled, mid-length locks.

36 of 45

French-Braided Updo

A French-braided tuck is an ideal option for keeping your hair out of your face and withstanding the test of an all-night dance party. Bonus: The style looks fabulous with a statement earring.

When selecting a bridal hairstyle, don't forget to take into consideration the style of your dress and any accessories that you plan on wearing down the aisle. If you choose to wear a veil, make sure that it complements your bridal 'do.

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A Sleek Coif

Bride with sleek updo and veil — Photo by Erich McVey; Event Planning by Alise Taggart; Hair by Claudia Mejerle

A sleek bun looks oh so sweet with tender, face-framing wisps. This lovely lady looks every bit the enchanted bride for her old world–themed nuptials.

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Half-Up Style With an Adorable Topper

Bride wearing a flower crown walks down the aisle with groom — Photo by Sara Lobla

We've never met a hairstyle that didn't look good topped with a flower crown. But we especially love it as a finishing touch to a half-up, half-down look as its shape naturally mimics the drape of the hair.

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Timeless French Twist

Groom kissing bride with French twist on the forehead — Photo by Carmen Santorelli; Event Planning by All Who Wander Events; Hair by FaceTime Beauty

A French twist is timeless sophistication that befits any hair length and texture, even if you're working with some fringe like this beautiful bride. The simple 'do imparts a touch of vintage elegance to any look.

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Half-Up Waves With Boho Flowers

Brides wears flower-adorned accessories in hair — Photo by Mike Larson; Event Planning by Bash Please; Hair by Katie Nash Beauty; Floral Design by Marigold

This bride added a hint of whimsy to her 'do by nestling a few dusty-hued blooms into her tousled waves. She looked every bit the autumnal fairy bride at her boho-chic vineyard wedding in Napa.

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A Lustrous Lob

Smiling bride with glossy lob in blue lehenga — Photo by Flora & Flauna; Event Planning by Tall & Small Events; Hair by Seven Salon

Bride Megan made a major move by chopping off her lengthy locks into this chic lob between wedding events. The style was kept fresh and modern with a side part and ends curling inward.

42 of 45

Stacked Buns

Bride in traditional red outfit with double chignon hairstyle — Photo by Bo Shim

These glossy buns make sculptural 'dos approachable. The bride balanced the curves with a sizable, multi-colored hairpin for her sky-inspired wedding in New York City.

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Side-Parted Spirals

Smiling brunette Bride with side-parted mid-length spirals — Photo by Franklyn K Photography

A deep side part and curled ends are a surefire sultry style. “On my wedding day, I desired a more polished and intentional look, but didn’t want to compromise on my staple curls," recalls the bride of her opulent Parisian wedding. "So my hairstylist refined my natural curls—creating the perfect shape—and accented them with Swarovski crystal clips to secure them away from my face.”

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A Pearl-Encrusted Bun

Blonde bride with woven chignon studded with pearls — Photo by Alicia King Photography

This swirling chignon takes on a whole new life with the addition of tiny pearls. The look is a divine complement to the flowing wedding gown at these elegant Hudson Valley nuptials.

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Textured Low Bun

Brunette bride with curly chignon and drop earring smiling and holding hands with mom with pixie cut — Photo by Ledia Tashi

When it comes to bridal buns, the more texture the better. “I chose to do a loose low bun because I love that look with the neckline of my dress," recalls the bride. "I wanted my curls to still show, but I knew if I wore my hair down that I'd constantly be pulling it away from my face. I liked the beauty of a swept back bun that still showed my hair texture.”

FAQ

Should I hire a professional hairstylist?

This is totally up to you! Depending on the level of difficulty of your bridal 'do, you may feel more comfortable seeking out professional help. If you decide to style it yourself, practice as much as possible before the big day.
How long will it take to do my hair?

Again, this totally depends on the complexity of the hairstyle that you've selected. For best results, be sure to schedule in 60 to 90 minutes to allow time for a blowout and styling. If you're getting your makeup done at the same appointment, double the time.