15 Gorgeous Winter Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair
Winter Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair always excite me because winter just brings out the best in cozy, stylish hair looks. When the cold hits, I always reach for hairstyles that feel soft, warm, and effortlessly pretty — and medium-length hair gives you endless options. If you’re like me and love switching things up as soon as sweater weather kicks in, you’ll have a lot of fun with these gorgeous winter-ready styles.
I’ve experimented with so many looks over the years—some I loved, some I regretted immediately. But through all that trial and error, I figured out which hairstyles look stunning, stay manageable, and work beautifully with medium-length hair. Whether you want something soft and romantic or sleek and polished, I’ve got you covered with 15 winter-perfect styles that I personally adore.
Let’s get into the good stuff.
1. Soft Romantic Waves
I wear this look every winter because it just fits the whole season’s vibe. I love how soft waves frame the face without feeling overdone. You know that effortless look we try so hard to achieve? This gets you there.
Why It Works
- Adds natural movement
- Perfect with beanies
- Looks great with chunky sweaters
Ever notice how waves seem more charming when the weather gets colder? I swear it’s the cozy aesthetic.
2. Half-Up Twisted Crown
This style always makes me feel like I’m walking through a snowy fairytale village. It’s beautiful without being too precious, and it keeps hair out of your face on windy days.
What I Love
- Twists add easy volume
- Works for casual or dressy outings
- Quick to fix if it loosens over time
Ever wondered why twists look so good in winter? The texture just pops against layers and scarves.
3. Low Sleek Bun
You can’t go wrong with a sleek bun. I reach for this look when I want something polished without spending forever styling. It sits perfectly under coats and scarves too.
Why It’s a Winter Must
- Prevents static and flyaways
- Ideal for work, dates, and everything in between
- Great for second-day hair
If you love clean, modern hairstyles, you’ll fall for this one instantly.
4. Shoulder-Length Loose Curls
Curls bring life to winter hair like nothing else. I always feel instantly more put together after curling my hair even slightly.
Standout Benefits
- Adds warm volume
- Creates a playful, bouncy look
- Perfect for holiday events
Have you ever curled your hair just to run errands because it made you feel amazing? Same.
5. Messy Low Ponytail
I love a messy ponytail because it gives that relaxed, lived-in look while still looking intentional. It suits every cozy winter outfit too.
Why It Works
- Soft framing pieces elevate the look
- Low ponytails avoid scarf tangles
- Super easy to restyle throughout the day
Sometimes effortless is the most beautiful.
6. Braided Side Sweep
A side braid feels charming and winter-ready without trying too hard. It looks especially cute with earmuffs or a knitted headband.
Reasons to Try It
- Creates a flattering asymmetrical look
- Stays put in wind or snow
- Adds texture without heat styling
Is it just me, or do braids always feel extra magical in winter?
7. Curtain Bangs with Loose Waves
If you already have curtain bangs, winter is their time to shine. They soften your entire face and pair beautifully with medium-length layers.
What Makes It Gorgeous
- Frames the face in a cozy, romantic way
- Works with natural texture
- Easy to refresh with a round brush
I’ve gotten so many compliments on this combo on chilly days.
8. High Volume Blowout
Sometimes winter hair needs a little drama. When I want that lifted, bouncy, salon-fresh look, I go for a big blowout.
Why I Love It
- Adds major body and movement
- Perfect for holiday dinners or photos
- Stays voluminous even in cold air
Ever wondered why blowouts last longer in winter? The cool air helps hold the shape so well.
9. Low Bubble Ponytail
This style is fun, stylish, and surprisingly easy. Every time I wear it, someone asks how long it took. The secret? A minute—maybe two.
Why It’s a Winner
- Adds structure and shape instantly
- Playful without feeling childish
- Works amazingly with medium lengths
Winter hairstyles don’t have to be complicated to look gorgeous.
10. Tucked-In Ends (Scarf-Friendly Style)
I started wearing this accidentally—my hair tucked into my coat collar one cold morning—and I realized it looked chic. Now I do it on purpose.
Best Parts
- Protects your ends from the cold
- Gives a faux-short-hair effect
- Cute with wool coats and scarves
Try this next time you’re running out the door. You’ll look effortlessly stylish.
11. Mid-Length French Bob Blowout
This one makes you feel instantly elegant. A French bob-inspired blowout gives you that “cool girl winter” look without needing a full haircut.
What Makes It Special
- Soft bends create natural movement
- Works with thick or fine hair
- Gives an upscale feel with little effort
Have you ever seen someone with a perfect winter bob and felt tempted to cut your hair? Same. This solves that without the commitment.
12. Winter Layered Shag
When I want something with personality, I choose a layered shag. It gives winter hair the texture, attitude, and movement it sometimes lacks.
Why It’s So Fun
- Adds tons of volume
- Works great with hats
- The messy look feels intentional
This style is a lifesaver on those dry-air, static-filled days.
13. Loose Braided Crown
A braided crown will always feel wintery to me. Maybe it’s the soft updo aesthetic or how pretty the texture looks in colder light.
What Makes It Beautiful
- Elegant without looking stiff
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Gives a romantic winter touch
Ever tried this with a fuzzy sweater? It looks adorable.
14. Polished Mid-Length Straight Hair
When I want sleek, simple, and stylish, I pull out the straightener. A polished straight look brings out shine, especially with winter’s crisp lighting.
Why It Works
- Modern and minimal
- Perfect for every outfit
- Easy to maintain with anti-frizz serum
Straight hair just hits differently when the air is cold and dry.
15. Voluminous Half-Up Clip Style
The claw clip isn’t just a summer essential. I use it constantly in winter too. It lifts the hair, looks cute with chunky sweaters, and adds effortless volume.
Reasons I Love It
- Keeps hair off your face
- Adds instant style without heat
- Looks adorable with winter layers
Honestly, this might be my most-used winter hairstyle—no shame.
How to Keep Your Medium-Length Winter Hairstyles Looking Great
Winter can mess with your hair if you don’t take care of it. I learned this the hard way during a freezing trip where my hair felt like straw. So here are the things I swear by:
1. Use a Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
Your hair needs extra moisture in cold weather. I always look for formulas with:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Shea butter
- Argan oil
These keep your hair smooth and manageable.
2. Add a Weekly Hair Mask
A nourishing mask boosts hydration and keeps styles looking fresh. It also helps curls bounce better and makes sleek styles shine.
3. Use a Heat Protectant
Heat tools and winter air can be a rough combo. A good heat protectant saves your ends and keeps hairstyles healthy-looking.
4. Fight Static with Lightweight Oils
Light oils like argan or rosehip help keep hair silky without weighing it down. They’re lifesavers for mid-length hair in winter.
Ever had static cling so bad it made your hair stand up like a cartoon? I’ve been there—an oil drop fixes it instantly.
5. Switch to Silk or Satin Linings
I even line some of my winter hats with silk scarves. It keeps hair smooth and reduces breakage from rough fabrics.
Choosing the Right Winter Hairstyle for You
With 15 stunning options, how do you decide? Here’s how I pick my winter styles:
Your Outfit
If I’m wearing a chunky turtleneck, I avoid bulky styles and choose sleek looks instead.
Your Plans
- Going to dinner? Soft curls or a crown braid.
- Running errands? Messy ponytail or clipped half-up.
- Work meeting? Sleek bun or polished straight hair — and if you need more office-ready inspiration, take a look at Glow Up Locks’ professional hairstyles guide.
Your Mood
Some days you feel romantic, others you want something bold. Let your mood guide your choice.
Ever noticed how hair sets the tone for your day? When my hair looks good, I instantly feel better—like I can take on anything.
Final Thoughts
Medium-length hair shines in winter with the right styles, and these 15 gorgeous ideas give you endless ways to feel confident, cozy, and stylish. Whether you’re going soft and romantic with waves, sleek and modern with a low bun, or playful with a bubble ponytail, winter gives every style a little magic.
Try a few this week and see how they make you feel. And honestly? Don’t be afraid to experiment—your perfect winter hairstyle is waiting for you.