Stunning New Year Hairstyle Ideas for Medium Hair – Perfect Looks for Every Woman

Get ready to celebrate the season with 26 New Year hairstyles for medium hair! Whether you’re looking for something cool, aesthetic, or a quick and easy updo, these styles offer a variety of ways to make your shoulder-length hair shine this holiday. Perfect for women wanting to try new looks, these styles will have you feeling festive and ready for any New Year event.

Classic Waves

Classic Waves are a timeless style that adds softness and elegance to medium-length hair. These waves bring volume and texture, making hair look thicker and more dynamic. Ideal for those with shoulder-length hair who want to add some movement and sophistication, classic waves suit most face shapes and can be easily personalized with the addition of side bangs or soft layers.

To maintain these waves, use a lightweight styling cream like Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to keep hair smooth and frizz-free. For added shine, finish with OGX Renewing Argan Oil. Use a wide-barrel curling iron to achieve the wave and gently tousle for a more natural look.

Textured Lob

The Textured Lob is a trendy, versatile cut that suits various face shapes and hair textures. With subtle layers and a slightly tousled finish, this hairstyle is easy to style and gives medium-length hair a modern, effortless vibe. Perfect for a casual or formal New Year’s event, the textured lob works well with naturally straight or wavy hair.

Keep the texture in place with a light sea salt spray, like Ouai Wave Spray, which adds definition without weighing hair down. For a more tousled look, finish with a spritz of Bumble and Bumble Texture Spray for volume.

Curly Half-Updo

A Curly Half-Updo combines curls and an updo, creating a playful, romantic look for medium-length hair. This style is great for those who want to keep some hair down while adding volume and sophistication with the half-up twist. Curly half-updos are ideal for formal or semi-formal events and work well for naturally curly or wavy hair textures.

To define curls, use a curl-enhancing mousse like DevaCurl Light Defining Gel. Apply Amika Curl Corps Curl Defining Cream for added hold, keeping curls bouncy and shiny through the evening.

Vintage Glam Curls

Vintage Glam Curls bring an old-Hollywood charm perfect for ringing in the New Year with elegance. These defined, voluminous curls add drama to medium-length hair and work best for those looking to make a bold, glamorous statement. Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, vintage glam curls look stunning with deep side parts.

To achieve these curls, use a strong-hold hairspray like L’Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. A curling iron with a small barrel is ideal for achieving the structured curls.

Messy Bun with Loose Strands

The Messy Bun with Loose Strands is a relaxed and chic style, ideal for a low-key yet stylish New Year’s look. The loose strands add softness around the face, giving a casual yet put-together vibe. This style is great for medium-length hair and works well on naturally wavy or textured hair.

To add texture, use a volumizing spray like Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast, and finish with Ouai Matte Pomade for a lasting hold.

Sleek and Straight

The Sleek and Straight look is a perfect choice for anyone wanting a polished, sophisticated style for New Year’s. Ideal for shoulder-length or longer medium hair, this style suits most face shapes and is especially flattering for straight hair types.

To achieve this look, use GHD Platinum+ Styler for a smooth finish, and apply Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to enhance shine and control frizz.

Beachy Waves

Beachy Waves are an effortless and relaxed style, bringing a touch of summer vibe to the winter season. This style is perfect for medium-length hair, giving it texture and volume that’s both trendy and versatile. Beachy waves work well on naturally wavy hair or can be achieved with a curling wand.

To maintain these waves, apply IGK Beach Club Texture Spray for definition and use Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to keep volume.

Braided Crown

The Braided Crown is an enchanting and festive hairstyle that brings a touch of elegance to medium-length hair. This look, featuring two braids that frame the crown of the head, is ideal for formal New Year events. It’s especially flattering on women with wavy or curly hair, as the braids add structure and definition.

For added hold, use Bed Head by TIGI Hard Head Hairspray. To keep the braid secure and smooth, apply a light pomade like Bumble and Bumble Semisumo Pomade.

Low Twisted Bun

The Low Twisted Bun is a refined yet relaxed option that works wonders on medium-length hair. Sitting neatly at the nape, this style is easy to achieve yet gives off a formal vibe, making it perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations. The low bun is ideal for women with straight or wavy hair and suits almost any face shape due to its low placement. This quick and easy style can add a hint of sophistication without overdoing it, especially if you’re wearing statement earrings or a necklace.

To create the low twisted bun, apply Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer to smooth out flyaways and add shine. Use Tresemmé Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray to set the look in place without stiffness, giving your hair a polished appearance that lasts all night.

Loose French Twist

The Loose French Twist offers a soft, romantic look with a touch of effortless charm. It’s a versatile New Year hairstyle for medium hair that works well for formal gatherings or a casual night out. Unlike a tight twist, this messy take is less structured, allowing strands to fall loosely, framing the face beautifully. It’s ideal for women with wavy or curly hair and looks fantastic on shoulder-length to slightly longer hair. This style is especially suitable for those with round or oval face shapes.

To achieve this look, use a curl-enhancing mousse, like Ouai Air Dry Foam, to add texture. Then, secure the twist with hairpins and a light spritz of Living Proof Flex Hairspray to keep everything in place without stiffness.

Soft Curls with Side Part

Soft Curls with a Side Part are perfect for those looking to add volume and texture to their medium-length hair. This style is especially flattering for those with wavy or curly hair, and the deep side part helps add more volume on top, enhancing the aesthetic. It’s a great option for women with round or heart-shaped faces, as the side part and loose curls soften the face’s angles.

For styling, use a curl-defining cream like DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler for added shine and bounce. Set your look with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Aerosol Hair Spray to keep curls frizz-free and smooth throughout the night.

Half-Up Top Knot

A Half-Up Top Knot is a stylish, easy hoco option that brings a playful twist to medium-length hair. This look combines the volume of a bun with the softness of loose hair, giving an effortlessly cool vibe for New Year’s festivities. It’s perfect for women with straight or slightly wavy hair who want a quick yet trendy style. The half-up top knot is especially flattering on those with square or oval faces, as it adds height while keeping some hair loose.

To create the style, start by spraying Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray for added grip. Gather the top section of your hair, twist it into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray for hold that lasts all night.

Faux Bob

The Faux Bob is a fun way to experiment with a shorter look without committing to a cut. This style gives the illusion of a bob haircut by tucking medium-length hair underneath, creating a chic, 1920s-inspired aesthetic. It’s ideal for women with straight or slightly wavy hair, especially those wanting to try a quick and easy transformation for a New Year’s event. The Faux Bob suits most face shapes, especially round and heart-shaped faces.

To create the look, apply Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse for volume. Tuck the ends of your hair under and pin them securely. Use TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Firm Control Hair Spray to keep the faux bob intact for hours.

Deep Side Part with Curls

A Deep Side Part with Curls is a glamorous choice, ideal for formal New Year’s events. This style works best on shoulder-length to medium hair with natural waves or curls, as the deep side part creates extra volume and drama. This hairstyle suits most face shapes and is a great way to showcase bold makeup or statement jewelry.

To get this look, use a volumizing mousse like Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam and style with a curling iron for more defined curls. Set with Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Finishing Spray for a glossy, polished look.

Wavy Ponytail

The Wavy Ponytail is a quick and easy hairstyle, perfect for medium-length hair. It’s an ideal mix of casual and chic, making it a versatile choice for any New Year’s celebration. This style is best for women with natural waves or loose curls and looks great on oval or heart-shaped faces. The added waves give the ponytail more volume and movement, creating a cool aesthetic.

To enhance your natural waves, use Ouai Wave Spray and secure with a hair tie. For extra volume, gently tug the top section of the ponytail, then set with Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo.

Side-Swept Waves

Side-Swept Waves are perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of elegance to their New Year’s style. This soft, flowing look is achieved by creating waves and sweeping them to one side, adding drama and volume to medium-length hair. Side-swept waves are great for women with wavy or curly textures and are especially flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces, adding a beautiful frame to the face.

To create this look, use Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver to add waves, then smooth with Garnier Fructis Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk. Secure with bobby pins on one side for hold and volume, finishing with a light hairspray to keep the waves in place.

Layered Curls

Layered Curls add texture and volume to medium-length hair, creating a rich, multidimensional look perfect for the holiday season. This style works beautifully for curly hair types and is especially suited for those wanting to add depth and shape. Layered curls work well on heart and round face shapes, as the layers add height and structure, creating a balanced look.

For styling, use Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream to enhance the curl structure and reduce frizz. Apply SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie for added bounce and shine. These products help keep the curls soft and defined, ensuring they look fresh and vibrant all night.

Bubble Ponytail

The Bubble Ponytail is a quick and easy way to add a playful twist to medium-length hair, perfect for any festive event. This hairstyle works well for women with straight or wavy hair, giving the illusion of added volume and depth. The bubble effect is created by securing the ponytail at intervals, creating “bubbles” that give an extra dimension to the hair.

To create a bubble ponytail, apply Ouai Wave Spray for texture and volume. Use small hair ties every few inches down the ponytail, then gently pull each section to create the bubble effect. Finish with IGK Beach Club Volumizing Texture Spray for a longer-lasting hold.

Elegant Side Braid

An Elegant Side Braid offers a sophisticated, aesthetic option for medium-length hair, especially suited for formal New Year’s events. This braid is typically worn over one shoulder, giving it a soft, romantic vibe. Ideal for wavy or curly hair, the side braid works best on oval and heart-shaped faces, adding structure and a touch of elegance.

To achieve this look, start with Bumble and Bumble Bb. Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil for smoothness and control. Braid loosely to maintain a soft look, then finish with Redken Triple Pure 32 Neutral Fragrance Hairspray for a firm but flexible hold.

Half-Up Braided Bun

The Half-Up Braided Bun is a trendy, easy braided style that blends the charm of a braid with the sophistication of an updo. It’s perfect for women with medium-length hair who want a mix of casual and formal. The braid is formed from the top half of the hair and twisted into a bun, leaving the rest of the hair down for a beautiful contrast.

To create this look, use Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Soft Waves Sea Salt Spray for added texture, then braid the top section before securing it into a bun. Finish with Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray to keep the style in place without stiffness.

Romantic Loose Waves

Romantic Loose Waves are a go-to style for medium-length hair, adding a soft and flowy aesthetic that’s perfect for New Year’s Eve. These wavy locks add volume and texture without being overly structured, suiting most face shapes and hair types. This hairstyle is especially popular among women looking for a versatile look that combines cool with casual elegance.

For styling, use Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer before curling with a large-barrel curling iron. Finish with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for extra body and a natural-looking hold.

Curly Bob with Highlights

A Curly Bob with Highlights brings a playful, youthful vibe to medium-length hair, adding dimension through strategically placed highlights. This curly style works well for women with natural curls or waves, adding bounce and definition to the hair. The bob cut frames the face beautifully, making it an excellent choice for round and square face shapes.

Use DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler to enhance the curls, and add Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel for long-lasting hold and shine. These products will help maintain the curls’ structure while highlighting the color contrast.

Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle

The Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle is a romantic and aesthetic option that suits various textures, from straight to wavy hair. By twisting sections from each side and pinning them at the back, this style keeps hair out of the face while maintaining a relaxed, natural look. It’s ideal for women with medium-length hair who want a simple style that’s both practical and festive.

For a textured finish, use Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray. Secure the twisted sections with bobby pins, and finish with Bumble and Bumble Strong Finish Hairspray to maintain the look all night.

Tousled Lob with Curtain Bangs

The Tousled Lob with Curtain Bangs combines a trendy lob cut with soft bangs that frame the face, creating a laid-back yet polished look. This style is great for shoulder-length hair, adding volume and movement. Curtain bangs are especially flattering on round and oval face shapes, as they add a soft, balanced frame around the face.

To style, use IGK Beach Club Texture Spray to create a tousled effect, focusing on the ends. For shine and hold, apply L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray to finish the look.

Loose Side Bun with Volume

The Loose Side Bun with Volume is a chic, messy style that combines elegance with a touch of informality. Perfect for women with medium-length hair, this bun sits low on one side, creating a balanced, romantic look. It’s ideal for holiday events and is flattering on most face shapes.

To create this style, use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Volume Texture Spray for added volume, then pin the bun loosely at one side. Set with TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Hairspray for a soft, flexible hold.

Low Bun with Decorative Pins

The Low Bun with Decorative Pins adds a touch of elegance and creativity to medium-length hair. Ideal for formal events, this style combines a sleek low bun with decorative hairpins that add sparkle. It’s especially flattering on oval and square faces, as the low placement elongates the neck.

To achieve this look, apply Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum for smoothness, then secure with decorative pins. Finish with Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray for a polished hold.

Conclusion

These New Year hairstyles for medium hair offer a variety of stylish options, from classic waves to modern twists. Each look is designed to enhance your shoulder-length hair with ease and sophistication. Which one are you excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments and start the New Year looking fabulous!