Skip to main content

Rock the bro flo or the fade: Here are the 7 best mid-length hairstyles for men

There are numerous ways to style your hair when it's mid length

Robert Pattinson
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Maybe you decided to keep growing out your hair, and by now, after a solid number of months have passed, you have a decent set of locks on your head. A healthy medium length by now, it’s time to start maintaining this look. Naturally, with more hair on your head, there are going to be more options for you than those who keep it high and tight.

Achieving great mid-length hairstyles can sometimes be quite a challenge. Sometimes referred to as the “awkward hair phase” length, your hair is not quite short but not considered long just yet. Mid-length hair is typically measured between 2 and 6 inches (although there is no exact standard for calling it this), and when styled just right, these hairstyles can turn heads and give you that boost in confidence.

Of course, with great hair comes great responsibility. Ensuring the health of your hair and scalp should be your No. 1 priority and will help guarantee a successful execution of a wide variety of hairstyles. You can maintain a healthy scalp by sparingly shampooing and conditioning your locks. With all that being said, here are some of the best men’s hairstyles that are medium length.

Logan Paul wearing shades with a mullet.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Mullet

Yes, you read that right: The mullet, when styled properly, can be quite the mid-length hairstyle power move. It definitely takes a personality to match. With so many surprises brought on by the new decade, are we really shocked that we saw the re-emergence of the original “business in the front, party in the back” hairstyle? But don’t be fooled. Today’s mullet hardly resembles its 1980s predecessor. The mullet of today is a trendy style rocked by celebrities and athletes.

The mullet style is notoriously known for its longer hair toward the back and shorter hair on top. With a modern twist, you’ll see the sides being blended in with a temporal fade. If you are looking for a suitable hairstyle for growing out your hair and that also complements the shape of your face, this may be the style for you. And if your hair is curly or on the wavier side, you don’t need to feel left out; this style is also great for those of us with more textured locks.

Zane Malik
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Mohawk

Another classic hairstyle that has made a full-fledged comeback is the mohawk. If you’re not completely committed to the mullet life, you may want to give the mohawk a shot. The modern spin on the traditional mohawk is no longer exclusively associated with rebelliousness or punk rockers. However, this style still offers an element of edge with a touch of refinement. What stylistically sets today’s mohawk apart from its 1980s forefather is that it is best reserved for short to mid0length hair, complete with a clean fade in the back to give it a 21st-century touch.

This versatile haircut can be worn with straight, wavy, and curly textured hair and is even a great option for corporate men who want a professional hairstyle with a little dash of bold.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Braids

Braids are truly a hairstyle for the ages that have stood the test of time. Spanning from ancient Egypt to Scandinavia, Sub-Saharan Africa to China, it’s no surprise braids are our top go-to hairstyle for men with mid-length hair in 2022. We have seen men embracing braids in recent years, and have been sported by many celebrities such as Michael B. Jordan, ASAP Rocky, and Omarion just to name a few. What we love about braids is that they’re truly a “set it and forget it” kind of hairstyle, and best of all, you only need about 2 inches of length to start.

Braids can work with most hair types and can even look great regardless of the shape of your face. Braids are also incredibly versatile. They can be as simple as you’d like or as intricate and as fancy as you want. So if you’re looking for a new style that’s different and a good protective hairstyle that encourages hair growth, braids might be a great next hairstyle to try this year.

Charles Melton
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bro flow

With the onset of quarantine in 2020, we saw more and more men growing out their hair, which has ultimately given rise to the bro flow. The hairstyle gets its name from the shape and appearance of hair flowing backward and is characterized by its au natural, just-hopped-out-of-bed appearance. It can also best be described as organized chaos. Although free-spirited in nature, the hair is perfectly out of place and also can look quite presentable if you take the time to train your hair. This style is a great mid-length hairstyle if you want to avoid the “awkward hair phase” while growing out your hair.

Despite its comical name, the bro flow can be a great hairstyle for business and professional men when styled correctly. For a more effortless look you can apply a sea salt spray to add texture and waves for a more effortless and rugged look. Although this style is supposed to look effortless, it’s one of the more high-maintenance styles on the list. You’ll want to make sure you keep your mane healthy by properly cleansing and conditioning it to avoid brittle and greasy-looking hair.

Timothee Chalamet
Image used with permission by copyright holder

1990s curtain

The 1990s will always and forever be the greatest decade in living memory. The ’90s were the golden era in fashion, music, movies, cartoons, and, yes, hairstyles. The decade has been making a comeback for a while now, and its curtain hairstyle is no exception. Characterized by a mid- to long-length fringe in the front with a part down the middle of the head, this look was popularized by boy bands, actors, and athletes (think Rider Strong and Leonardo DiCaprio). Pairing this style with an undercut or fade is what really brings this style into 2022.

How you style your curtain is totally up to you, but we recommend using a water-based wax or pomade, cream or mousse and apply evenly throughout the hair. Next, take a comb to create a part down the middle, and voila, you’re an immediate heartthrob.

Robert Pattinson
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Side part

This one is an oldie but a goodie. A hairstyle does not have to be new for it to be trendy, and that’s why the traditional side-part hairstyle is on this list. A side part can add a hint of class and refinement to your appearance and can be worn for many occasions. But what makes this hairstyle a true classic is that it can be worn in so many different ways to compliment your hair length and face shape and to incorporate many types of current trends.

To achieve this style, simply apply a hair wax or hair pomade to demo hair and comb your hair back to evenly distribute the product. Proceed to blow-dry your hair while simultaneously brushing your hair back to make it smooth. Then to finish it off, add a part on the side, make it sharper with a taper or undercut, and it even airs well with facial hair. The side-part hairstyle is truly a timeless look that will bring out the gentleman in you.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Low, mid, and high fades

And last but certainly not least is the fade. If we’re being honest, this hairstyle probably will never go out of style, and for great reasons. This haircut is highly customizable and suitable for men with varying hair textures and face shapes. It also appropriate for virtually all occasions. With a low-cut fade, the sides and the back of the head are tapered down towards the lower portion of the head towards the neck. A medium fade is tapered towards the top of the ears and the temple for a very sharp profile.

And finally, you have the high fade, which is characterized by a cut that is tapered closer to the crown of the head. For mid-length hair on top, we recommend sticking to the low and mid fades for a gradual blend that works with the shaft of your hair. But that doesn’t mean the high fade is not an option, especially if you are looking for a shaper contrast.

Mid drop fade
Alones / Shutterstock

How face shapes work with mid-length hairstyles

Mid-length haircuts offer a vast playground for men’s hairstyles, blending the ease of short hair with the expressive potential of longer locks. To guide you through this exciting domain, let’s consider your face shape as a determining factor.

  • Oval face: Lucky you! Any style goes, from slicked-back undercuts to textured waves.
  • Square face: Soften your jawline with textured tops like tousled waves or a side part. Undercuts can also add height and balance.
  • Round face: Opt for styles that add height and elongate your face, like messy quiffs or swept-back looks. Avoid heavy fringes.
  • Heart face: Balance your narrow chin with a fuller fringe and textured layers on top. Avoid extreme fades on the sides.

While there are numerous ways you can choose to style your mid-length hair, these are some of the best current looks styled by male celebrities. Whichever you choose, you will surely get some good head turns.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Wasani Probasco
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Wasani is a Digital Marketing professional and freelance writer with a passion for men's grooming and self-care. Based in Los…
Shaving tips for Black men: Best products and practices
Here's how to avoid razor bumps
Man shaving

Creating the perfect shaving routine is both an art and a science. Not only do you have to find the products that work well for your skin, but you also have to perfect your technique to prevent nicks, irritation, and unsightly (and often painful) ingrown hairs.
For Black men, a special set of challenges often exists with shaving. Most notably: Ingrown hairs (also known as razor bumps). Although men of all ethnic backgrounds can get razor bumps as a result of shaving, Black men are disproportionately affected, with roughly 60% experiencing razor bumps, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. 

Step-by-step shaving guide for Black men
First, prep the skin
If you’re not taking the time to properly prep your skin for shaving, now is the time to do so. This may be a step that a lot of men are skipping out on, but taking the extra time to show your skin some TLC will give you a better shave experience and help limit razor bumps and irritation. Properly prepping the skin for a great shave experience includes using a combination of warm water, exfoliation, and a pre-shave oil. I know a lot of you are probably scoffing at the idea of taking extra time to prepare your skin for a simple shave but trust me, your skin (and confidence) will thank you.

Read more
From primer to hair putty, these are the best hair products for men
Try these products for a healthy and styled hairdo
Guy getting his hair cut

Grooming for men has come a long way. From 4-in-1 do-it-all products to individualized treatments such as facial exfoliators, the industry is still growing, and for the better. It has been able to help men everywhere elevate their game to their female counterparts. One of the best improvements in men's grooming comes down to hair products. You've washed and conditioned your hair — now what?

How you style your hair today can seem like a bit of a task with the numerous different hair creams, clays, pastes, and gels. On top of that, there are hundreds of brands to choose from and multiple options for each hair “type.”

Read more
Tom Ford, Kenneth Cole, and more: The 10 best men’s body sprays for 2024
The body sprays that let you smell your best
Man putting on body spray

Seasonality in your grooming routine is every bit as important as seasonality in your wardrobe, and that's where the best men's body sprays enter the equation. It's wise to replace your spring rain gear or winter boots with lightweight picks as the weather warms, so think of the best body spray as an alternative to strong cologne. However, body spray for men is something you can use year-round.

It's a wise choice to lighten things up and freshen yourself up in a hurry. Many body sprays are designed to last through hotter temperatures, and some body sprays for men treat specific scenarios. Case in point: Body sprays are designed to eliminate odors that crop up post-workout (swamp crotch, for example) or even after a shower. Some body sprays are even designed to cool you down along the way.

Read more