Medium Hair Don't Care Sassy Braids for Shoulder Length Locks ...

Braids are so on-point, but it seems like you're SOL unless you have long, lush locks that cascade all the way down your back, Rapunzel-style. I'm sure I'm not the only girl with medium length hair who wants to climb aboard the braid-train, am I right? Well, no worries, my fellow mid-length stalkers, here are some perfectly precious plaits ideal for your not-quite-cascading tresses!

1 Braids on Braids on Braids

At first glance, this braided 'do might look complicated, but it's not really that hard. It's a really simple way to get an incredibly intricate-looking updo, and I love the pattern the plaits create in the finished product.

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Braids are a popular hairstyle choice for women with shoulder-length locks. Not only are they stylish and fun, but they can also help protect your hair from damage and keep it looking healthy. Braids are also great for adding texture and volume to your hair.

This particular style features three braids that are woven together to create an intricate pattern. It's a great way to dress up your hair for a special occasion, or even just to add some extra flair to your everyday look. Plus, the braids are easy to do, so you don't have to be a professional hairstylist to get the look.

To achieve this style, you'll need to start by parting your hair down the middle and then creating two French braids on either side. Once the braids are complete, you can start to weave them together. To do this, take one of the braids and wrap it over the other one, then take the second braid and wrap it over the first one. Continue this process until you reach the end of your hair.

Frequently asked questions

2 The Finished Product Isn't the Only Product

Check out the entire third panel. The side braid, the gentle tuck, and the double tuck that represents the final style are all gorgeous – and ideally suited to medium-length hair, might I add. Love that casually crooked part, too!

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But who says you have to wait for the grand finale to sport a stylish look? Each progressive step in crafting this braid is a statement in itself, giving you not just one, but several hairstyles to flaunt throughout your hairdo session. It's like getting multiple trendy ensembles out of a single outfit – a true fashionista's dream. Don't hesitate to rock the 'in-between looks' – they're effortlessly chic and quite the lifesavers on those busy mornings when time is just not on your side. Embrace every twist and turn; after all, it's about the journey as much as it is about the destination!

3 A Braid Cavalcade

I'm not sure if my fingers could ever make this happen, but if you're good at doing hair in general and braiding specifically, I'd love to know how this lovely look turns out. It really is pretty, and the different techniques complement each other in a unique way that could work as a casual 'do or a formal style.

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Braiding isn't just functional; it's an art form that expresses your style and personality. Whether you're twirling a fishtail or weaving a complex French braid, your medium-length locks are the perfect canvas. Now, imagine weaving in some ribbon or delicate flowers into those interlaces for an extra touch of whimsy. Go ahead, get creative and make each twist and turn of your braid a statement of your sass and spirit. And remember, a spritz of hairspray can keep that beautiful braid in place from sunrise to sunset.

4 French Braiding, Illustrated

The French braid is a classic for a reason. Wearing it is the easy – and fun – part. Learning how to do it is a tad more complicated. Still, you can't go wrong with this timeless technique, plus it's also the ideal base for a wealth of hairstyles.

5 A Casually Braided Knot

This is practically made for shoulder-length hair. There's no need to worry about miles of length when you end up with an adorable, laid-back updo anyway. Again, however, this could easily pass for a formal look, as well – hairstyles that do double-duty are always awesome.

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This casually braided knot is the perfect hairstyle for those with shoulder-length hair. It's an easy and laid-back look that can also be dressed up for a more formal occasion. The best part is that it doesn't require a lot of length, so it's perfect for those with medium-length hair.

To create this look, start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure it with an elastic. Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and split it into two parts. Begin to braid the two sections together, adding in hair from the ponytail as you go. When you reach the ends, secure the braid with another elastic.

Next, take the braid and wrap it around the base of your ponytail, securing it with bobby pins. Take the remaining hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the braid. Secure with more bobby pins. If desired, you can add a few more pins to secure any loose strands.

6 Accent Braids Don't Care about Length

Braiding a few tendrils of hair is quick, easy, and ideal for any length – even if your hair is pretty short, you can probably plait a few strands.

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These playful little plaits add a bohemian flair or a dash of edginess, depending on how you style them. Whether you're growing out a pixie or managing a bob, a few minimal accent braids can make a significant impact. They're perfect for those days when creativity strikes but time is short. Plus, they work wonders on second-day hair, giving your look an instant refresh with virtually no effort. Just grab a section, braid, pin if necessary, and you're ready to strut with an undeniable charm.

7 Don't Let the Tutorial Fool You

This model has gorgeous hair, but yours doesn't have to be nearly as long. If your hair is long enough to tuck properly after being braided, it's long enough for this or something similar.

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Many tutorials might showcase models with Rapunzel-like tresses, creating the illusion that only those blessed with such lengths can achieve the look. Fear not! A bit of clever braiding along with some nifty hairpins can work wonders for medium-length hair. Even if your strands barely graze your shoulders, with the right technique, you can fake the length you need for those fresh and flirty braids. As long as your hair can go into a ponytail, you've got enough to play with, so go ahead and braid with confidence. Remember, it's about creativity, not length!

8 From French to Fab

Actually, following this basic model, there are so many styles you can create! Told you, a French braid is a great base for a variety of fab styles.

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Once you've mastered the classic French braid, why not experiment with some playful tweaks? You can weave in brightly colored ribbons for a pop of fun or tuck in fresh flowers for a bohemian flair. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, merge your French braid into a chic updo or let it blossom into a fishtail at the ends. You can also try braiding sideways for an unexpected edge, or add multiple smaller braids for added texture. The options are endless, and with each twist and turn, your hair becomes a canvas for your creativity.

9 No Braiding Skill Necessary

With this look, it's all in the twist.

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If twirling your hair around your finger was a go-to habit in your school days, you're in for a treat. This fuss-free approach mimics that informal flair. Simply take sections of your hair and twist them away from your face, securing each swirl with a bobby pin for a whimsical, yet put-together style. For those days when your mane refuses to be tamed, or the very notion of interweaving strands sends a shiver down your spine, this non-braiding method brings both ease and elegance to your beauty ritual. Plus, it's a perfect workaround for those impromptu outings!

10 When You Need Formal Go-to

Here's another style that lends itself well to a variety of lengths, even if you don't end up with a super-long ponytail at the end.

11 The Bigger, the Better

See, it looks like you need long, thick hair for this style, but that's not so, darlings. It's all an illusion – one that's all but made for medium-length hair.

Making braids work isn't hard, even if your hair is stuck somewhere between long and short. How do you manage? Share your go-to braids!

h/t: fabartdiy.com