Summer is finally here — my absolute favorite season of the year. Why? Because I get to swim almost every single day. And of course, I had to prepare for it properly… with a fresh haircut.
I just got a brand-new shoulder-length layered cut, and I’m in love. It’s breezy, low-maintenance, and makes post-swim hair care so much easier. Blow-drying time? Cut in half. Face framing? On point. Honestly, it’s the best decision I’ve made for summer.
To celebrate this cute and practical new look, I’ve been experimenting with different styles — and guess what? I came up with 7 easy, chic hairstyles perfect for medium-length layered hair. Whether you’re heading to the pool, a picnic, or just enjoying the sunshine, these looks will keep you cool and stylish all season long.
1. Beach Waves
If you want your shoulder-length layers to feel a little more fun, a little more vacation mode, beach waves are the way to go. They add bounce, texture, and just the right amount of “I woke up like this” energy.
You don’t need to overthink it — I usually just split my hair in half and use a curling wand to loosely curl the mid-lengths and ends. That’s it. If I’m feeling lazy (aka most summer mornings), I scrunch my damp hair with a silk scrunchie and let it air dry. It gives that perfectly undone, tousled look without trying too hard.
Pro tip: throw on a straw hat or a cute scarf headband and suddenly you’re giving effortless beach goddess.
2. Half-Up, Half-Down
I honestly think the half-up, half-down hairstyle is the perfect way to show off layers. It keeps your hair out of your face, but still lets those lovely lengths do their thing.
I usually pick between a scrunchie or a claw clip, depending on my outfit vibe that day. If I’m going for something casual — like a plain tee and jeans — I’ll grab a bright, playful scrunchie to jazz things up.
Here's a little trick I love: take the top half of your hair from around your ears, tie it first with a skinny hair tie to hold it in place, then layer a large scrunchie on top. It gives the look more volume and makes it feel a bit more styled, without much effort.
On more playful days, I reach for a fun claw clip. I take a section of hair from the crown, twist it downward (think of wrapping it around your finger like soft serve), then clip it in place with something bold — maybe a bird-themed, animal, or even a food-shaped hair claw. It’s a small touch, but it gets compliments every time.
3. Messy Bun
The messy bun is a forever favorite — especially for hair that’s shoulder-length or longer. It’s one of those go-to styles that works for literally everything: grocery runs, casual hangouts, even weddings if you dress it up right.
Personally, I love using a hair stick for my messy buns. It gives that effortless, “I just threw this together” vibe, but also holds everything in place really well. If your hair is medium length like mine, I highly recommend trying this method.
Here’s how I do it:
Grab your hair into a low ponytail with your left hand. Now, here’s the important part — take your hair stick and scoop up a small section of hair near your hand. This little anchor section helps the bun stay secure.
Then, wrap your ponytail once around the stick. Twist the stick counterclockwise (toward the right side of your head), and slide it through the bun, close to your scalp, from right to left.
And that’s it — a messy bun that’s cute, comfy, and won’t fall apart by lunchtime.
4. Banana Clip Ponytail
Nothing — and I mean nothing — is easier than a banana clip ponytail. It takes two seconds, but instantly makes your pony look fuller and way more styled. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver on rushed mornings.
Here’s my quick trick: Grab the top half of your hair and hold it like you’re making a small ponytail. Give it a couple gentle twists to add some volume at the crown. Then gather the rest of your hair and secure everything with a banana clip. Boom — done.
Just like that, you’ve got a voluminous ponytail with major retro vibes. Banana clips really are having their comeback moment, and I’m here for it.
5. Full-Up Claw Clip
When the summer heat hits and you just want your neck to feel the breeze, it’s time for a full-up claw clip style. It’s clean, effortless, and lets your face take the spotlight — plus, it keeps everything off your shoulders.
If you have medium-length hair like I do, this little technique makes the updo look extra full and stays put all day.
Here’s how I do it:
Gather all your hair into a low ponytail. Start twisting it counterclockwise while lifting the tail upward as you go. Once you're left with about 2 inches of ends, fold that last bit downward and tuck it into the twisted section. Clip right over the fold using a medium to large claw clip.
And just like that — a full, tidy updo that looks put-together but takes less than a minute. Clean, cool, and ready for anything.
6. Half-Up Bun
This one’s just plain cute. The half-up bun is playful, fun, and totally perfect for a mommy-and-me matching hairstyle moment.
For medium-length hair, it’s a great way to show off your layers and your personality — especially if you use some colorful, whimsical clips to finish the look.
Here’s how I do it:
Take the top half of your hair, gather it into a ponytail, and start twisting it to the left until it naturally coils into a little bun. Then, secure each side of the bun with two playful clips — one on the left, one on the right. That way, it’s both fun-looking and firmly in place.
Bonus idea: try this style on your daughter or granddaughter too! Matching half-up buns = instant bonding and double the cuteness.
7. Headband
If you want to wear your hair down but still add a fun twist (literally), headbands are the way to go. I’m really into our Liberty Fabric Headband collection.
Each headband is handmade with care. They are breathable and come in beautiful prints, from bold flowers to simple designs. No matter your hair color, there’s a match.
And the best part? We designed these with comfort in mind. The elastic back means it stays put without squeezing your head — no headaches, no constant adjusting.
Here’s my little trick for getting the perfect fit:
Slide the headband over your head like a necklace so it sits around your neck. Then, gently pull it up from the back to position it over your hair. This gives the band a natural lift and helps create that effortlessly full look at the crown.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want one in every print.
