15 Safe Medium Length Hairstyles For Men Wavy Hair

Okay friend, if you have wavy hair and you’re stuck between short and long, this list is a tiny love letter to the middle ground – medium length hairstyles for men wavy hair feel effortless but still intentional. I used to chop off every few months because styling felt overwhelming, but keeping it medium saved me from that constant starting-over phase.

I made this guide because I’ve tried a bunch of these looks on and off for the last five years and I want you to skip the trial-and-error I went through – I’ll tell you what works, what to ask your barber, and what products actually help. I still remember the first time I learned to embrace my waves and it changed how I dressed for weeks.

Read on and you’ll get 15 real styles, who they suit, difficulty level, and easy shopping links so you can recreate them without guesswork.

These 15 medium length hairstyles for men wavy hair will inspire you

Textured Medium Waves

This is a classic medium wavy look that suits thick to medium hair and anyone wanting relaxed volume. Easy to medium difficulty – just towel dry, apply a light salt spray, and scrunch while diffusing. Quick tip – ask your barber for subtle layers so the waves sit without looking bulky.

Casual Middle Part Waves

This middle part balances face shapes and looks particularly sharp on medium density waves – I personally love how it softens strong jaws. Skill level is low to medium – just comb into place when damp and use a light cream to define. Pro tip – a little anti-frizz cream at the roots keeps the part neat without weighing waves down.

Artist-Atmosphere Waves

This look uses subtle color and soft waves to create an artsy vibe and fits medium-fine hair well. Medium difficulty because color and texture require upkeep – use color-safe products and a curl-enhancing mousse. I once tried highlights like this and it made my waves look instantly more dimensional, so if you want impact, this is worth the salon visit.

Slicked Back Medium Waves

Slicked back adds polish while keeping wave texture visible at the crown – perfect for semi-formal days. Difficulty is medium – you need a good styling cream and a comb for clean lines. A trick I use is to apply product on damp hair and then blow-dry back with medium heat to lock the shape without flattening the waves.

Low-Key Curtain Waves

If your hair is naturally wavy and medium thickness, curtain waves are low effort and high reward. Very low difficulty – use a light cream and let it air dry or diffuse on low. When I let my waves part naturally like this, I don’t even bother with heat and it still looks styled, so it’s a great lazy-day go-to.

Side Part Wavy Sweep

This side part is tidy but still shows off natural waves and suits most face shapes. Difficulty is low to medium – a dab of matte paste helps keep the part in place without stiffness. I recommend asking for a soft taper at the sides so the volume at the top reads intentional, not messy.

Tapered Back Waves

The tapered back keeps the silhouette clean while letting waves live on top, ideal for guys who want control without losing texture. Medium difficulty – maintenance is low if you schedule a taper every 6-8 weeks. My brother switched to this after years of long hair and said styling time halved overnight.

Neat Mid-Length Curl

For tighter wavy curls that read almost curly, this cropped crown-to-shoulders look keeps things tidy. Difficulty is medium – a curl cream and diffuser are your friends. If you have finer hair, a lightweight mousse can add the lift you need without making it crunchy.

Relaxed Side Sweep

This is effortless and works well for second-day hair because the sweep hides any bedhead. Low difficulty – dry shampoo and a little texturizer will do wonders. I use this on hectic mornings when I want to look pulled together without actually spending time styling.

Messy Wave with Fade

The contrast of a fade with wavy length on top gives a modern edge and suits thick hair especially. Skill level is medium – the fade requires a barber and the top needs a pliable clay to shape. If you’re indecisive, try this hybrid because the fade keeps things low maintenance while the top stays playful.

Swept Back Beach Waves

Beach waves give that lived-in texture and work great with medium density hair. Low difficulty – sea salt spray plus a rough dry will create the look quickly. I always recommend keeping a travel-size salt spray for weekend trips when you want that carefree vibe with minimal effort.

Cropped Wavy Fringe

This shorter fringe on medium waves adds youthful texture and suits rounder faces nicely. Difficulty is low – trim frequently to keep the fringe from getting heavy. I once kept a fringe for months and found it framed my face better than I expected, so it’s worth trying if you want a small change with big personality.

Loose Man Bun Half-Up

The half-up man bun keeps hair out of your face while showing off waves – great for medium-long lengths. Medium difficulty – you’ll need an elastic and a bit of texturizer to keep it from slipping. If you’re moving from short to medium, this is a forgiving in-between style that grows out nicely.

Curly Side Fade Blend

This style mixes a fade with curly or wavy length on top for contrast and edge. Difficulty is medium – ask for a blended fade and use curl cream to define. I find this works best if you embrace the texture rather than fighting it, so lean into products that highlight curl pattern instead of flattening it.

Layered Shoulder Waves

Longer medium layers that hit the shoulders give flow and movement to wavy hair and suit thicker textures best. Difficulty is medium – you’ll need layers cut properly and regular trims to avoid split ends. When I grew my hair out to shoulder length I learned that good layers make the difference between weighed down hair and effortless flow.

How to Actually Make This Work For You

Start by being honest with your hair type – is it fine, medium, or thick and how tight are the waves – because product choice and cut follow that. Communicate clearly with your barber about length at the crown and how much layering you want, and ask for a clean taper or soft blending if you want lower-maintenance edges. Finally, invest in one staple product that matches the look you want – sea salt spray for beachy texture, curl cream for defined waves, or a matte clay for structured messy looks.

Which medium length wave suits my hair type?

If your hair is fine, aim for layers and volume-boosting products like mousse or sea salt spray; medium hair can handle most styles and benefits from texturizers, while thick hair works great with layered cuts and creams that tame frizz. Your barber can thin selectively if volume feels heavy.

What tool or product should I invest in first?

If you’re starting out, buy a good diffuser attachment and a reliable heat protectant, because drying with a diffuser preserves wave shape and reduces frizz, and heat protectant keeps hair healthy. Add a texturizing spray second if you want effortless messy finishes.

How can I save time styling these looks?

Embrace second-day hair by using dry shampoo and a bit of texturizer – many medium wavy styles look better with a day of natural oils and set waves. Also sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce morning frizz and cut styling time significantly.

What hair mistakes should I avoid?

Don’t overuse heavy products that flatten waves or make hair greasy, and avoid chopping too many layers at once if you’re growing hair out because it can create an awkward silhouette. Regular trims and the right product balance keep medium styles looking intentional instead of neglected.