A blowout turns medium hair into its best version: lifted at the roots, smooth through the lengths, and full of bounce at the ends. The style holds for three to four days, suits fine, medium, and thick hair, and works on every face shape from oval to heart. Most looks need one tool, a round brush, plus a blow dryer set to medium heat. Below are 31 blowout styles for medium-length hair, each with the technique, the finish, and who it flatters. You will find sleek straight versions, bouncy ’90s volume, beachy waves, retro flips, and old Hollywood glamour. Pick the one that matches your hair type and the occasion, then scroll for the styling steps and the FAQ at the end.
Why a blowout works so well on medium-length hair
Medium hair sits in the sweet spot for blow-drying. It carries enough length to show movement and curl, yet stays light enough to hold volume without dropping flat by midday. A lob or shoulder-grazing cut responds fast to a round brush, so a full blowout takes 20 to 30 minutes at home. Layers add to the effect. They let the top sections lift while the ends flick or curl, which is the bounce people associate with a salon finish.
Heat protectant matters here. Apply it to damp hair before the dryer touches a single section, and you cut breakage while locking in shine. The styles below all start from the same base: clean, towel-dried hair, a heat protectant, and a brush sized to your hair length. From there, the brush angle and the finishing tool decide whether you land on sleek, wavy, or full-volume. Each look names the tool and the technique so you can recreate it.
Classic voluminous blowouts for medium hair
Classic blowouts build body from the root and carry it through to a soft curl at the ends. These are the looks that read as polished without looking stiff, and they suit work, dinner, and weddings equally.
1. Classic bouncy blowout
Bounce defines this look. The roots lift, the mid-lengths stay smooth, and the ends curl under in a loose C-shape. Use a large round brush, roll each section under as you dry, then hit it with cool air to set the shape. Dark blonde and bronde shades show the movement best because the light catches the curve of each curl. This is the everyday blowout most people picture when they book a salon appointment.
2. 90’s bombshell blowout
Volume runs the whole show in a ’90s bombshell. Big, soft, brushed-back waves frame the face, and the crown sits high with plenty of lift. Tease the roots lightly, dry with a large round brush pulling away from the face, then set with velcro rollers at the crown while you finish your makeup. Brunette hair with subtle highlights gives this style its supermodel depth. It pairs with a center or deep side part.
3. Big-volume bombshell blowout
Maximum body separates this from a standard blowout. The hair looks twice as thick, with sweeping waves that move as one. Dry in large sections, each wrapped fully around a 2-inch round brush, and finish with a volumizing spray at the roots. Dark espresso and near-black shades make the volume look dense and glossy. Save this one for events where you want your hair to be the statement.
4. Old Hollywood brunette blowout
Glamour defines the old Hollywood finish. Deep, uniform waves fall in one direction, brushed out until they look molten rather than curled. Set the curls with a 1.25-inch iron, all turning the same way, then brush through with a paddle brush and a drop of shine serum. Rich brunette holds the polished shine this look needs. It reads formal, so it suits black-tie events and evening receptions.
5. Soft glam wave blowout
Soft S-waves give this style its relaxed glamour. The waves are looser than Hollywood curls and sit closer to a natural bend, which keeps the look wearable for daytime. Alternate the brush direction as you dry, curling some sections toward the face and some away, for a lived-in finish. Honey brown and warm caramel tones suit the softness. The result works for brunch, the office, or a casual date.
Sleek and straight blowout styles
Sleek blowouts skip the curl and chase shine instead. The hair lies flat and glossy with just enough movement at the ends to avoid looking severe. These styles last the longest between washes because there is no curl to drop.
6. Sleek straight blowout
Smoothness is the whole point. The hair falls poker-straight with a mirror finish and a slight bend at the tips. Blow-dry with a flat paddle brush, then run a straightener over the lengths to seal the cuticle. A shine spray locks the gloss. Medium brown and chocolate shades look richest when sleek. This style suits anyone who wants polish that survives a long day without retouching.
7. Straight root, wavy end blowout
Two textures meet in this look. The roots and mid-lengths stay smooth and straight, then the last few inches break into soft waves. Dry the top sections flat, then wrap only the ends around a round brush or curl them lightly with a wand. Bronze and warm brown tones with subtle highlights add dimension. The contrast makes thin hair look thicker at the bottom.
8. Sleek flip-end blowout
A subtle flick lifts an otherwise sleek style. The hair stays smooth from root to mid-length, then the ends turn under in a clean curve that frames the jaw. Use a round brush on the ends only, rolling under and holding the heat for a few seconds. Deep brunette keeps the look sharp. This is the polished, professional blowout that suits meetings and presentations.
9. Flicked lob blowout
Flicked ends give a lob personality. The hair sits straight and glossy through the body, then kicks out at the tips for a retro touch. Blow-dry smooth, then flip the ends outward with a flat iron or a round brush turned away from the neck. Jet black hair makes the flick stand out against the shine. The shoulder-length cut keeps it modern rather than dated.
Wavy and beachy blowout styles
Beachy blowouts trade polish for texture. The waves look undone, as if the hair dried in sea air, but the blow-dry controls the frizz and adds the gloss real beach hair lacks. These suit casual days and warmer months.
10. Beach wave blowout
Texture rules this look. Loose, irregular waves run from the mid-lengths down, with a matte-meets-glossy finish that reads effortless. Rough-dry the roots, then twist sections and dry them around your fingers or a brush, finishing with a texturizing spray. Blonde balayage with lived-in roots suits the beachy feel. This is the lowest-maintenance style on the list and the most forgiving on second-day hair.
11. Effortless wavy lob blowout
Natural movement carries this medium wavy lob. The waves are soft and slightly tousled, the kind that look like air-dried hair improved by a brush. Diffuse the roots first, then loosely wrap a few sections around a round brush for shape. Warm bronde and caramel highlights catch the sun. The cut hits at the shoulders, which makes it ideal for everyday wear.
12. Soft wave lived-in blowout
Lived-in describes both the color and the wave. Gentle, low-key waves move through balayage lengths without a strict curl pattern. Dry with a round brush, alternating direction every other section, and skip the iron entirely. Brunette balayage with caramel ribbons gives the look its depth. It suits people who want movement that does not look styled.
13. Relaxed balayage wave blowout
Relaxed waves and dimensional color define this one. The waves sit loose and the balayage adds light through the mid-lengths and ends. Blow-dry with a medium round brush, curl a few face-framing pieces away from the face, and finish with a light oil on the ends only. Brunette with sun-kissed caramel keeps it warm. The look reads polished but never formal.
14. Brushed-out wave blowout
Brushing out the curl creates this soft, full texture. The waves blur into one another rather than holding tight definition, which gives a romantic, airy finish. Set loose curls with an iron, then brush them out completely with a paddle brush. Espresso and dark chocolate shades make the waves look rich. It suits medium to thick hair that holds a brushed wave well.
Layered and face-framing blowout styles
Layers change how a blowout moves. Shorter top pieces lift and flick while longer lengths stay smooth, and face-framing layers draw attention up toward the eyes. These styles flatter round and square faces by adding vertical movement.
15. Layered shag blowout
Layers drive the shape of a shag blowout. Choppy layers from the crown down catch the air and flick in different directions, giving a tousled, rock-and-roll edge. Dry with a round brush, rolling the top layers back and the ends out, then rough up the texture with your fingers. Warm chestnut and auburn tones suit the lived-in vibe. The cut works on wavy hair that already has natural movement.
16. Feathered layer blowout
Feathering softens every layer in this style. The pieces taper and flick outward like feathers, lightest around the face. Blow-dry each layer over a round brush, flicking the ends out, and keep the heat low to hold the soft shape. Golden blonde and warm honey shades make the feathering glow. This is a classic ’70s-inspired look brought up to date for medium hair.
17. Face-framing layered blowout
Face-framing layers do the heavy lifting here. The shortest pieces sit at the cheekbones and sweep back, opening up the face, while the rest falls in soft waves. Curl the front sections away from the face with a round brush or wand, then blend them into the lengths. Brunette with caramel balayage brightens the frame. The look flatters round and heart-shaped faces by drawing the eye upward.
18. Curtain-layer blowout
Curtain layers part down the middle and sweep to each side. The top sections bend back in a soft curve, framing the face like open curtains, while the lengths stay smooth. Dry the front pieces back and away, then bend the ends with a large round brush. Black hair shows the clean curve of the curtain shape. It suits straight to wavy hair and grows out without losing its line.
Retro and flipped blowout styles
Retro blowouts borrow from the ’60s and ’90s: flipped ends, high crown volume, and a deliberate, set finish. They make a statement and photograph well, so they suit events and nights out.
19. Retro flip blowout
Flipped ends and crown volume define the retro flip. The body stays smooth, then the ends turn sharply outward in a confident flick. Dry the lengths straight, then flip the ends out with a flat iron, holding each turn for a few seconds. Jet black hair makes the flip look graphic and bold. The style nods to the ’60s without feeling like a costume.
20. Long layered balayage blowout
Length and color carry this look toward the longer end of medium. Loose waves run through layered balayage, lifting at the crown and curling softly at the ends. Dry with a large round brush, set the ends with a 1.5-inch iron, and brush through gently. Bronde balayage with caramel ends gives the dimension. It suits anyone growing out their length who still wants shape.
Curl-focused blowout styles
Curl-focused blowouts treat the curl as the main event. Instead of a smooth body with a curl at the end, these build defined waves or ringlets through the whole length. They suit medium and thick hair that holds a curl.
21. Round-brush barrel blowout
Barrel curls give this blowout its shape. Each section wraps fully around a large round brush and sets into a soft, open curl, all turning the same way. Dry section by section, hold the brush at the ends with cool air, then release. Medium brown with subtle highlights shows the curl’s curve. The look is full but not tight, which keeps it from reading as a perm.
22. Defined curl blowout
Definition separates each wave in this style. The curls hold a clear S-pattern from the mid-lengths down, glossy and springy. Set with a 1-inch iron, curling sections away from the face, then break the curls apart with your fingers, not a brush. Chocolate brown with caramel highlights makes the pattern pop. It suits thick hair that can carry the volume.
23. Voluminous caramel blowout
Volume and warmth meet in this caramel look. The waves are large and bouncy, with the crown lifted and the ends spiraling loosely. Dry for volume at the roots, then curl the lengths with a large wand and shake the curls out. Caramel and warm honey balayage give the glow. The style suits a night out or any time you want movement that swings when you turn your head.
24. Wand curl blowout
Wand curls build loose spirals through this style. The curls are softer and more irregular than iron curls, which keeps them natural rather than uniform. Blow-dry smooth first, then wrap sections around a clipless wand, alternating direction. Light brown and warm bronde tones suit the soft spiral. It works on medium hair that struggles to hold a tighter curl.
25. Tight curl blowout
Tight, springy curls define this fuller look. The curls hold a defined coil from root to tip, dense and bouncy. Set small sections on a 0.75 to 1-inch iron, then mist with a flexible hairspray to lock the shape. Chestnut brown gives the curls their richness. The style suits medium to thick hair and reads as glamorous, not casual.
26. Everyday bounce blowout
Bounce without fuss describes this daily style. The ends curl under in a soft, rounded flick and the body stays smooth, the kind of finish that survives a school run or a work day. Roll the ends under with a round brush and a quick blast of cool air. Mousy and warm brown shades keep it natural. This is the most repeatable look on the list for busy mornings.
Black-hair and dark-tone blowout styles
Dark hair shows a blowout’s shine better than any other shade because the light reflects off a smooth, single-tone surface. These styles lean on gloss and shape rather than color contrast.
27. Sleek side-swept blowout
Side-swept volume defines this dark style. The hair sweeps over a deep side part and falls in soft waves down one shoulder, glossy and full. Dry the lengths with a round brush, set soft waves with a 1.25-inch iron, and sweep everything to one side. Blue-black hair gives the deepest shine. The look suits weddings and formal events where one-sided drama works.
28. Old Hollywood glamour waves
Glamour waves carry this jet-black look. Deep, uniform finger waves fall in a single sheet down one side, brushed out to a high-gloss finish. Set with a 1.25-inch iron, all curls turning the same way, then brush through and pin the part. Black hair holds the polished shine this style depends on. It suits black-tie events and evening photography.
29. Brushed-back glam blowout
Brushed-back volume gives this glam look its lift. The front sections sweep up and away from the face while the lengths fall in soft, full waves down the back. Dry the crown back for height, then curl the lengths with a large iron and brush through for a smooth, blended finish. Rich brunette with warm depth shows the polish. The look suits weddings, parties, and any evening that calls for full, swept-back hair.
Red and copper blowout styles
Red and copper tones turn a blowout into a showpiece. The warm color catches light along every wave, so even a simple style looks dimensional.
30. Copper wave blowout
Copper color and loose waves define this warm look. The waves fall soft and irregular through layered lengths, with the color shifting from deep root to bright end. Dry with a round brush, curl a few sections loosely, and leave the rest with natural bend. Copper and ginger tones glow in daylight. The style suits medium hair with layers that move.
31. Red glam curl blowout
Glam curls and rich red color carry this final look. Defined waves spiral from the mid-lengths down, full and glossy, with the auburn tone deepening the dimension. Set with a 1-inch iron, curling away from the face, then brush out lightly for a soft finish. Auburn and warm red shades make the curls look molten. It suits events where you want warmth and volume together.
How to do a blowout on medium hair at home
Doing a blowout at home takes one round brush, a blow dryer with a nozzle, and three products. Here is the order that works:
- Wash and condition, then towel-dry until the hair stops dripping.
- Apply heat protectant from roots to ends while the hair is damp.
- Add a volumizing mousse at the roots for lift, or a smoothing serum at the ends for sleek styles.
- Rough-dry to about 80 percent before you pick up the brush.
- Section the hair, then dry each section over the round brush, rolling under for curl or pulling straight for sleek.
- Finish each section with a blast of cool air to set the shape.
- Seal with a shine spray or a light hairspray, depending on the look.
The whole process runs 20 to 30 minutes on medium hair once you have the sectioning down. Keep the dryer moving to avoid heat damage, and aim the nozzle down the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle.
How to make a blowout last longer
A blowout on medium hair lasts three to four days with the right aftercare. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to cut friction and frizz. Skip washing for at least 48 hours, and use a dry shampoo at the roots on day two or three to absorb oil. Pin the crown up loosely overnight if you want to protect the volume. Avoid touching the hair through the day, since natural oils from your hands flatten the style fastest.
How long does a blowout last on medium hair?
A blowout on medium hair lasts three to four days with proper aftercare. Sleeping on silk, skipping washes, and using dry shampoo at the roots stretches it toward the longer end. Humidity and fine hair shorten it, so a humid climate may cut it to two days.
How much does a salon blowout cost?
A salon blowout costs $40 to $60 in most markets, with blow-dry bars and high-end salons charging $50 to $90. Add-ons like deep conditioning or a curl set raise the price. Doing it at home costs only the price of the tools, which pay for themselves within a few visits.
Which blowout style suits fine medium hair best?
Fine medium hair holds a ’90s bombshell or classic bouncy blowout best because root volume disguises thinness. Avoid heavy sleek styles that lie flat and reveal the scalp. A volumizing mousse at the roots and a velcro-roller set at the crown add the body fine hair lacks.
What tools do I need for a blowout at home?
A home blowout needs a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle, a round brush, and a heat protectant. Add a curling iron or wand for curl-focused styles and velcro rollers for extra crown volume. A 2-inch round brush suits medium hair; smaller barrels give tighter curl.
Can you get a blowout on wavy or curly hair?
Yes, wavy and curly hair takes a blowout well, and the smoothing effect lasts longer because the style fights the natural texture. Use a heat protectant and a smoothing serum, and dry in small sections to control frizz. A Brazilian blowout treatment extends a smooth result for weeks if you want longer-term frizz control.
Round brush or curling iron, which gives a better blowout?
A round brush gives the truer blowout because it builds volume from the root while it dries the hair. A curling iron adds curl after drying but cannot lift the roots. For full bounce, dry with the round brush first, then use the iron only on the ends if you want extra definition.
How often can I get a blowout without damaging my hair?
A blowout once a week is safe for most hair when you use a heat protectant every time. More frequent heat styling risks dryness and breakage, so space sessions out and deep-condition weekly. Lowering the dryer to medium heat and finishing on cool reduces the stress on each strand.
Does a blowout work on all face shapes?
Yes, a blowout suits every face shape once you match the style. Oval faces carry almost any version, round and square faces suit layered and face-framing volume that adds height, and heart-shaped faces suit soft waves that widen the jaw. The part and the placement of volume do the flattering. Ready to try one? Pick the style that matches your hair length, color, and the occasion, then save this guide for your next salon visit or at-home styling session.
