23+ Trendy Hollywood Waves for Medium Hair that are Easy and Gorgeous in 2025

Listen up, darlings! If there’s one hairstyle that never, ever goes out of style, it’s Hollywood waves. But let me be honest, for us with medium-length hair, it can sometimes feel like this look is just for those with Rapunzel-long locks. I’ve heard it all from my clients: “Will it even work?” and “Is it too much trouble?” Trust me, I’ve spent countless hours in my studio perfecting this glamorous look on medium hair, and I can tell you it’s not only possible but absolutely stunning!

Trendy Hollywood Waves for Medium Hair

1. Classic Side-Swept Hollywood Waves

This is the quintessential Hollywood glamour look. The deep side part and the perfectly sculpted waves create an old-school, elegant vibe that is simply timeless. The key here is using a large-barrel curling iron and a good gloss spray to get that mirror-like shine.

2. Modern Textured Hollywood Waves

If the super-polished look isn’t your thing, this is your answer. We’re talking less “pageant queen” and more “effortless chic.” To get this style, you’ll want to brush out the curls a bit more and use a texturizing spray to give them a natural, lived-in feel. It’s still glamorous, but with a cool-girl edge.

3. Hollywood Waves with a Braided Half-Up

This style is pure romance. The addition of a small, delicate braid on one side or as a half-up crown gives the look a unique, whimsical twist. It’s perfect for a wedding or a special event where you want to look polished but also a little bit dreamy.

4. High-Volume Hollywood Waves

If you’ve got thick, healthy medium hair, this is the style for you. It’s all about maximizing that volume. Start with a good volumizing mousse, and curl sections away from your face. A little backcombing at the crown and a strong-hold hairspray will lock in that bombshell volume all night long.

5. Loose & Effortless Hollywood Waves

This is the perfect look for a casual weekend or a daytime event. It’s the “I woke up like this” version of Hollywood glamour. The curls are looser and less defined, giving off an easy-breezy vibe. To achieve this, use a straightening iron to create a gentle S-bend, rather than a tight curl.

6. Hollywood Waves with a Deep Part

The deep side part is the defining feature of this look. It’s what gives it that iconic Hollywood feel, creating a sleek line that flows into the waves. Make sure to use a fine-tooth comb to get a super-clean part and smooth down any flyaways.

7. Hollywood Waves with a Flower Clip

I absolutely love how a simple accessory can transform a hairstyle. A delicate flower clip adds a touch of bohemian romance to the structured waves. This is a beautiful option for a garden party, a bridal shower, or a summer wedding.

8. Sleek & Polished Hollywood Waves

For a red-carpet-ready finish, you’ll want to go for this super sleek style. After you curl your hair, brush it out very gently and use a paddle brush and hairspray to smooth everything into place. The goal is a seamless, liquid-like flow of waves.

9. Layered Hollywood Waves

If your medium hair has a lot of layers, this style is a perfect way to show them off. The waves will fall beautifully, creating movement and dimension that a single-length cut just can’t replicate. It’s a fantastic way to make your hair look full and dynamic.

10. Blunt Cut with Hollywood Waves

This is a super edgy and modern twist on the classic style. The sharp, blunt line of the cut contrasts beautifully with the softness of the waves. It’s a power move, for sure—sophisticated and a little bit rebellious. You’ll definitely turn heads with this one!

11. Soft & Romantic Hollywood Waves

This style is all about creating a feeling, not just a hairstyle. The waves are less defined and more “S-shaped,” creating a flowy, romantic effect. It’s a great option for a wedding guest or a date night where you want to look effortlessly beautiful.

12. Hollywood Waves with Face-Framing Pieces

This is a small detail that makes a huge impact. By leaving two slightly looser strands at the front, you can beautifully frame your face and soften the overall look. It’s a great trick for those who find the classic, super-structured look a bit too intense.

13. Hollywood Waves with a Headband

I always tell my clients that a headband can be your best friend. It instantly elevates any hairstyle, and with Hollywood waves, it adds a touch of playful sophistication. A thin, delicate headband works best to complement the waves without overpowering them.

14. Hollywood Waves with Subtle Highlights

Highlights and waves are a match made in hair heaven! The way the light catches the subtle highlights as the waves move creates incredible dimension. It makes the hair look full, shiny, and incredibly healthy. It’s a simple change that makes a huge difference.

15. Hollywood Waves with a Bob

Yes, you can absolutely do Hollywood waves on a bob! It gives the classic cut a whole new level of elegance. The key is to start your waves higher up on the hair to make sure the style doesn’t look too short or dated.

16. Hollywood Waves with Bangs

If you’re rocking bangs, you can totally pair them with Hollywood waves. Curtain bangs are my personal favorite for this style, as they beautifully frame the face and add a soft, romantic touch. The combination is both classic and on-trend.

17. Hollywood Waves with Tucked Sides

This simple trick gives the look an even more polished and sleek finish. By tucking the front sections behind your ears, you create a beautiful, clean line that emphasizes your facial structure. It’s an easy way to look instantly more put-together.

18. Beachy Hollywood Waves

This is the ultimate laid-back glamorous style. It’s the classic wave, but with a more relaxed and less defined finish. The curls are looser and less structured, giving off a beautiful, carefree vibe. A sea salt spray is your best friend for this one!

19. Hollywood Waves with Volume at the Crown

For some serious “wow” factor, focus on building volume at the top. A little teasing at the crown before you start curling can make a huge difference, especially on fine hair. It creates a beautiful shape and elevates the entire style, literally.

20. Hollywood Waves with a Feathered Finish

A feathered finish adds an element of lightness and movement to your waves. Instead of the typical blunt ends, this technique makes the hair feel softer and more effortless. It’s a great option for those who want a less structured, more natural-looking wave.

21. Hollywood Waves with a Messy Crown

If you prefer a more lived-in look, this style is for you. Instead of a perfectly slicked-down crown, you add a little texture and volume at the roots. It gives the waves a more effortless, “I woke up like this” vibe that is perfect for a more casual event or a night out with friends.

Your Hair’s Red Carpet Moment

I hope these ideas have convinced you that Hollywood waves are absolutely for you, no matter the length of your hair! I’ve seen firsthand how a client’s face lights up when they see themselves with this timeless, glamorous style. Whether you go for the sleek, polished look or a more modern, textured vibe, the key is to have fun with it and make it your own.

I’ve always believed that great hair has the power to change your entire day, and this hairstyle is proof of that. Just look at celebrities like Margot Robbie—she absolutely rocks a sleek, polished version of this on her medium-length hair, proving that it’s the perfect look for anyone who wants to feel a little extra special. It’s all about creating that stunning, confident feeling that only a perfect hairstyle can provide.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products to find the Hollywood waves that work best for your hair. The most important thing is to find a style that makes you feel amazing and ready to conquer the world, one beautiful wave at a time. Now go on, give your hair its red carpet moment! And hey, for more exclusive tips and tricks, make sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter!