12 Trendy Medium Hairstyles For Dark-Skinned Women
From bobs to braids, you can now make a fashion statement with these trendy hairstyles.
Casey Simmons is a curly hair expert with over 20 years of experience in management, operations, and consulting. She has done extensive consumer research and worked directly with chemists and the factory to create curl enhancing products built for simple routines.
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Experience: 4 yearsJyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.
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Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.
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Experience: 2 yearsPahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.
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A woman’s hair is often a part of her identity. The topic of medium hairstyles on dark skin refers to more than just aesthetics. It also becomes a way to share one’s heritage, self-expression, and personal empowerment. For a long time, hair was used as a means of suppression in many dark-skin parts of the world. Afterall, the Nappy Movement started as a way for black women to embrace their natural hair and steer away from Eurocentric hair standards. In other parts of the world, like South Asia, women were praised for their great hair but treated differently because of their skin color. Now, more than ever, so many dark skin women are embracing their locks and looking for hairstyles that let them flaunt their hair in style.
While long and short hair are fairly easy to style, some women have a tough time with medium-length hair. Medium-length hair occupies that sweet spot between short and long hair, offering versatility and endless styling options. And when it comes to skin color – its beauty has no boundaries. This article talks about just that!
Dark skin looks so beautiful. It highlights your facial features, like eye color, and has a natural glow. So, we have listed amazing hairstyles for dark skin to accentuate your face shape and hair type. From bobs, topknots, ponytails to braids, keep reading to find versatile hairstyles for people with dark skin.
Scroll down to learn how to achieve those styles.
Before You Get Started- All haircuts and styles can go with dark skin, provided they suit the face shape first.
- For naturally kinky hair, keep chemical and heat styling minimum as natural curls are damage prone.
- Your skin undertone is important when considering hair coloring options. If you have warm undertones, go for vibrant colors. For cool undertones, ashy shades are ideal.
- Metallic hair accessories give a beautiful contrast against dark skin. Use gold, silver, and rose gold hair accessories to your advantage.
In This Article
1. Asymmetrical Blunt Lob
Thandie Newton grabs everyone’s attention with this black asymmetrical blunt lob. She slays this razor-sharp ultra-chic cut with boldness and style. This edgy medium-length hairstyle softens the cheekbones and complements her sultry makeup perfectly.
2. Sleek Low Ponytail
This sexy diva is always on top of her hair game. We absolutely love how JLo effortlessly sports this slicked-back ponytail with grace and confidence. This versatile hairdo paired with a power suit or a plunging neckline gown will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.
3. Shaggy Bob
Actress Halle Berry turned heads at the Golden Heart Awards with her gorgeous, shaggy, medium-length bob. We adore her mix of warm highlights and lowlights, and the subtle texture of her mid-length beachy waves. The American actress sports a soft middle partition with the extra volume that accentuates her facial features.
Quick Tip4. Side Braids
Recording artist Vaja keeps it simple with her version of side braids on her shoulder-length hair. She sports a stylish hair pin that gives her hairdo a touch of bling, and we love how the rest of her hair is left open.
5. Topknot
Actress Thandie Newton looks super sexy when she shows off her curls. Having said that, this curly hairstyle she rocked at the premiere of Good Deeds is chic and contemporary, and a perfect hairstyle for you to keep cool in summers. Make use of bobby pins, soft hair ties and hairspray to keep your hair secure without causing any breakage or damage.
Quick Tip6. Low Side Bun
The vivacious Jordin Sparks looks smoldering hot with her loose low side bun. Easy to recreate and good to look at, to achieve this messy look pull a few strands of your hair loose from your bun at the back. The singer contrasted her undone low-slung bun with minimal makeup and plump lips, the perfect accompaniment to her Oleg Cassini dress.
7. Pumped-Up Ponytail
We love the way Kerry Washington has rocked her pumped up ponytail at The Details premiere in California. To achieve the actress’ hairstyle, flat iron your medium-length hair to achieve a super-smooth look. Next, tease the top section and gather your hair towards the crown into a very high ponytail; secure it with a bobby pin underneath. For an extra impact, amp up yours with a high-gloss serum after it’s dry—and go.
8. Voluminous Wavy Hair
If you are one of the lucky ones with natural thick, wavy hair, then why not let them loose? And even if you don’t, take a clue from Queen B, who looks gorgeous swapping her natural curls for some show-stealing waves – and still looks utterly gorgeous.
Curly hair expert and owner of Royal Locks Curl Care, Casey Simmons says, “You don’t need a blow out or curling iron to achieve these gorgeous Hollywood gilded age waves. Using sock buns or heatless curlers will do the trick and avoid damage that can come from heat styling. However, remember it is essential you do not use these overnight on soaking wet hair as it can cause mold to grow on your scalp.”
9. Sleek Bun
We want to mimic Zoe Saldana’s 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards hairstyle right about now. Pairing her sleek, tight bun with a dewy skin and that gold accessory, the actress looked absolutely breathtaking! A high-impact hairstyle with minimum effort – a win-win situation for us! In this video, Lia presents a quick and chic solution for natural hair – the sleek low bun without the hassle of hair extensions. With a touch of practicality, she assures her audience, “This low bun is a game-changer for work, school, and even a night out (i)!”
10. Braided Ponytail
Songstress Alicia Keys rocks an attention-grabbing braided ponytail at the book release of Blue Moon. Started at the crown of the head, the style looked edgy paired with a deep side parting. With hair stylishly slicked back, the style draws attention to her eyes, while her face is left to glow!
11. Straight Bob
At the Fox presentation in 2014, actress Jada Pinkett Smith sported a cool, face-framing bob that complemented her Alberta Ferretti dress. Blonde ombre doesn’t always compliment darker skin, but we think Mrs. Smith has pulled it off quite elegantly. Besides, the mom-of-two chose a perfect cut to go with the shade – straight bob.
12. Crown Braid
Well, hello beautiful!
Actress Rosario Dawson attended the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival with a winning crown braid. She contrasted her braids with the sleek bun, glowing complexion and peachy lips. To achieve this flattering look, braid hair on the crown before flat-ironing the rest of the hair. Use a good hairspray to keep everything in place.
The possibilities of styling medium-length hair is quite endless. The list above is proof of that. Understanding the basics of styling will help you make the most of your medium length while keeping the health and vitality of your hair. Keep reading!
Styling Tips For Medium Hairstyles
Medium-length hair really does offer an incredible playground for creativity and style while still being manageable and versatile. Whatever your texture may be, there’s so much room to style both casually and formally. Here are some styling tips to help:
- Embrace your texture and experiment with heat tools to achieve different styles. Learn to work with the natural texture of your hair so that you can amplify results.
- Introduce movement and depth by adding layers that frame your face. You can use multiple styling techniques like waves, curls or straightening to achieve depth and texture.
- Subtle highlights around the face can give you a soft glow and help define facial features more clearly.
- Take the time to master key styles, such as beach waves, sleek straight looks, and voluminous blowouts. Practice updos, low buns and half-up styles that work for medium length.
- Loose ponytails can be very suitable for a chic, effortless look.
- Always start with heat protectants, followed by styling products, and finally, serums or sprays to hold and shine.
- Use a quality blow dryer, curling iron, or straightener to maintain the health of your hair.
Knowing how to style will keep everything manageable and easy if you know the nature of your hair. You can practice different techniques and tools as you seek a routine that works perfectly for you!
With medium hair one can create unlimited numbers of styles, especially if your hair is healthy because that makes it easy to style. So, it is very important to create a care routine geared to specific needs but yet flexible so you can style them the way you want. Learn some care tips in the next section.
Care Tips For Medium Hairstyles
Proper care is important as it will keep your hair looking strong, soft, and shiny. Here is a guide with some tips for the your medium-length hair:
- Get a trim every 8-12 weeks to prevent split ends and loss of shape.
- Use hydrating conditioners or leave-in treatments to make dry medium-length hair soft.
- Use heat protectant spray every time you are styling with hot tools like curlers or a straightener.
- Take a look at the products you are using and avoid the ones that weigh down your hair, especially those you have fine or thinner hair.
- Products that you use should be chosen based on hair type and the particular problem you might be facing.
- Over-shampooing can strip hair from its natural oils, so shampoo your medium length hair only 2-3 times a week, unless it gets too oily.
- Use of protective measures like silk pillowcase, hats, and good brushes to reduce damage in the long run.
Healthy medium-length hair is a balance between everyday and long-term care. A responsible care routine keeps your hair vibrant, manageable, and strong. By focusing on regular care and protection, you can ensure that your medium-length hair remains healthy, well-manageable, and stylish. With proper care, this length is quite likely to be your best friend when it comes to style, fashion, and looking beautiful!
Infographic: 6 Stunning Medium-Length Hairdos For Dark-Skinned Women
All those gorgeous ladies with melanin-rich, glistening skin don’t need to glam up in order to look breathtaking. That said, a little experiment with hairstyles can upscale their overall look. But if you aren’t sure what hairdos to go ahead with, fret not! We have got you covered. In the infographic below, we have listed the top 6 medium-length hairstyles for dark-skinned women. Check them out and get ready to mesmerize everyone with your new look!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
As stated earlier, dark skin naturally highlights facial features, and you can add more definition to them by choosing the right hairstyle. From shaggy bob and side braids to sleek bun and braided ponytail, the above-listed hairstyles for dark skin are simple yet stylish and trendy. Afro hairstyles like twists, cornrows, and dreadlocks are also top hairstyles for dark-skinned women. You can also try hairstyles with fashion statements like an undercut, shaved, or colored balayage. To get more ideas, you may take a look at more hairstyles for medium hair and pick the one that suits you best, depending on your face shape and hair type. If you are unsure which one to go with, you may try and take the help of a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hairstyles for round faces with dark skin?
Textured pixie, high bun, messy side braid, high ponytail with curtain bangs, and shaggy bob are some of the best hairstyles for a round face with dark skin.
What are the best hairstyles for oval faces with dark skin?
Long layers and banged bobs are the two best hairstyles for an oval face with dark skin as this help make the face look less elongated.
What are the best hairstyles for heart-shaped faces with dark skin?
Half updos with bangs, curls with side bangs, and pulled-back updos are a few good hairstyles for the heart-shaped face with dark skin as these hairstyles help make the forehead look less broad and highlight the cheekbones.
What are the best hairstyles for heart-shaped faces with dark skin?
Heart-shaped faces are wide at the cheeks and narrow at the jaw. Pick hairstyles with side–swept or frame framing-bangs that take away some width from the cheeks. Loose, tousled waves and big curls also accentuate this face shape in all the right ways. You can also try asymmetrical or A-line bobs. Low and loose buns and ponytails also look great.
Key Takeaways
- Dark skin naturally enhances one’s facial features. The ideal hairdo will help accentuate it further.
- Use hair accessories made of gold, silver, or rose gold to utilize the beautiful contrast they provide against dark skin tones to your advantage.
- Some of the popular medium-length hairstyles for dark-skinned women include sleek low ponytail, shaggy bob, side braid, and sleek bun.
Illustration: Trendy Medium Hairstyles For Dark-Skinned Women
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Experiment with 14 effortless and fashionable hairstyles specifically designed for medium-length hair shown in the video below. Check it out!
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Sleek Low Ponytail/Bun on Natural Hair WITHOUT Hair Extensions!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epo5aYH6bDw
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