30 Medium-Length Hairstyles We’re Loving Right Now

Princess Cut with blunt bangs and shoulder layers

Whether styled up or worn loose, mid-length cuts offer endless styling possibilities.

Seeking a adaptable look that lands perfectly between short and long? The mid-length cut is your ideal match. Frequently dismissed as merely transitional, this length actually brims with options ideal for women who want versatility. Opt for extended layers paired with bob-like bangs, or chase short-hair lift combined with long-hair flow. It remains effortlessly flexible, looking polished whether left down or swept into a topknot. For another practical weeknight option, see 34 Elegant Short Hairstyles for Women Over 70 with Fine Hair.

We have gathered top mid-length hair inspiration to guide your upcoming salon appointment.

Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living

Angled Lob

Angled Lob hairstyle featuring longer front and shorter back
Modern angled cut with face-framing length

This angled cut features a longer front that gracefully frames the face, while the back is trimmed shorter for a modern, edgy silhouette.

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Mega Layers

Mega Layers hairstyle with long flowing strands
Dynamic layers adding movement and volume

Long, flowing layers add movement and volume, creating a dynamic look that enhances natural texture and body.

Curly Bangs

Curly Bangs framing the face with soft waves
Playful curly fringe for romantic styling

Soft, curly bangs bring a playful and romantic touch to medium-length hair, perfectly complementing wavy or curly textures. A similar recipe to keep in mind is 31 Bixie Haircuts That Mix Bob Length with Pixie Texture.

Thick Long Layers

Thick Long Layers hairstyle with rich dimension
Full layers for dense hair types

Full, thick layers provide rich dimension and depth, making this style ideal for those with dense hair seeking a polished yet voluminous appearance.

Curly Volume

Curly Volume hairstyle with bouncy natural curls
Enhanced bounce and fullness for curly hair

Embrace natural curls with a cut designed to maximize bounce and fullness, offering a carefree yet structured look.

Side-Swept And Simple

Side-Swept And Simple hairstyle with gentle fringe
Effortless chic with a sweeping fringe

A gentle side-swept fringe paired with a straightforward cut delivers an effortlessly chic and low-maintenance style.

Sleek Shag

Sleek Shag hairstyle with modern textured layers
Contemporary shag with smooth lines

Modern shag cuts blend smooth lines with textured layers, creating a contemporary and edgy medium-length hairstyle. Another recipe that works well for a busy day is Haircut Ideas for Women: Modern Cuts for Every Length.

Framing Shoulder Cut

Framing Shoulder Cut resting at collarbone
Elegant shoulder-length style with face-framing pieces

This cut is tailored to rest just at the shoulders, with face-framing pieces that highlight facial features elegantly.

Classic And Flippy

Classic And Flippy hairstyle with soft outward ends
Timeless bounce with youthful flair

Timeless and bouncy, this style features soft ends that flip outward, adding a youthful and lively vibe to medium hair.

Princess Cut

Princess Cut with blunt bangs and shoulder layers
Royal elegance with sophisticated layers

Inspired by royal elegance, this cut combines blunt bangs with shoulder-length layers for a sophisticated and polished look.

Side-Swept Shoulder Cut

Side-Swept Shoulder Cut with graceful parting
Feminine silhouette with sweeping side part

A shoulder-length style with a sweeping side part offers a graceful and feminine silhouette that flatters most face shapes.

Southern Glam

Southern Glam hairstyle with soft waves and glossy finish
Radiant waves embodying timeless charm

Radiant and polished, this look embodies Southern charm with soft waves and a glossy finish that exudes timeless beauty.

Perfect for special occasions or everyday elegance, this style brings out the best in medium-length hair.

Super Blunt Lob

Super Blunt Lob with sharp clean lines
Bold and modern blunt cut

A sharply cut blunt lob delivers a bold and modern aesthetic, with clean lines that emphasize hair health and shine.

Center-Part Bangs

Center-Part Bangs with symmetrical medium layers
Balanced fringe drawing attention to the eyes

Symmetrical center-parted bangs paired with medium layers create a balanced and striking look that draws attention to the eyes.

Defined Curls

Defined Curls hairstyle with structured wave pattern
Enhanced natural curls for medium hair

Well-defined curls at medium length offer a structured yet natural appearance, perfect for those who want to enhance their wave pattern.

Vintage Side Part

Vintage Side Part hairstyle with deep Hollywood glamour
Classic glamour with a deep side part

A deep side part evokes classic Hollywood glamour, adding volume and sophistication to medium-length styles.

Clean Cut

Clean Cut hairstyle with minimalist sharp lines
Refined and precise medium-length style

Minimalist and precise, this cut focuses on sharp lines and healthy ends for a refined and modern medium-length look.

Wispy Layers

Wispy Layers hairstyle with soft feathered strands
Light and airy layers for effortless movement

Light, feathered layers add softness and movement, creating an airy and effortless medium-length hairstyle.

Side-Swept Lob

Side-Swept Lob with romantic sweeping fringe
Versatile lob with a touch of romance

Combining the length of a lob with a sweeping fringe, this style offers versatility and a touch of romantic flair.

Summer Hair

Summer Hair with sun-kissed tones and relaxed waves
Warm-weather waves with sunlit highlights

Sun-kissed tones and relaxed waves capture the essence of summer, making this medium-length cut perfect for warm-weather styling.

Laidback Waves

Laidback Waves hairstyle with natural effortless texture
Breezy waves for everyday chic

Effortless and breezy, this style features soft, natural waves that require minimal styling for a chic everyday look.

Face-Framing Lob

Face-Framing Lob with strategic layers around the face
Sleek lob with delicate face-framing strands

Strategically placed layers around the face enhance facial features while maintaining the sleek length of a lob.

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Wavy Lob

Wavy Lob hairstyle with gentle textured waves
Relaxed waves adding dimension to a lob

Rock shoulder-length hair with an updated wavy lob that’s all sass and style. Sweep hair to one side for a tousled look, and kick it up with a fun blonde color.

Face-Framing

Face-Framing hairstyle with delicate strands around the face
Soft strands enhancing natural beauty

Long bangs frame the face and blend into the rest of the hair when you want a more subtle look. Give straight hair some texture with a bit of texturizing spray.

Straight Classic

Straight Classic hairstyle with sleek polished finish
Timeless straight style emphasizing shine

A straight shoulder-length cut is a classic. This one-length style has no layers, creating a sleek finish.

Sleek and straight, this timeless style emphasizes hair health and shine with a clean, polished finish.

Classic Lob

Classic Lob hairstyle with balanced length and style
Quintessential long bob for all hair types

@styled_by_carolynn/Instagram

@styled_by_carolynn/Instagram

Piecey Layers

Piecey Layers hairstyle with modern textured separation
Edgy layers adding movement and separation

Piecey layers give shoulder-length hair uneven texture, and they’re great for thick hair. Balayage adds gradual highlights that are easy to maintain.

Blunt Shoulder Cut

Keep it simple with a blunt shoulder-hitting cut that’s easy to wear up or down. A middle part and light waves keep it classy.

Blunt Lob

Blunt Lob with sharp straight edge and clean lines
Sleek and contemporary blunt cut

The secret to giving a blunt lob easy texture and definition is to add in texturizing spray. Subtle ombre color easily grows out.

Layered Shoulder-Length Cut

Layered Shoulder-Length Cut with soft voluminous layers
Shoulder-length style with added volume and shape

Layers add lots of swing to a shoulder-length cut. This is the mid-length hair we dream about.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What hair type is a medium length best for? Mid-length hair is versatile. It works for many types of hair, from curly to textured to thin. It defines curls, transitions short to long hair, and can be styled numerous ways.
  • Should medium-length hair be layered? Layers add volume and texture to shoulder-length hair. They give it a natural shape with body and movement. Layered hair may require more maintenance than hair that is all one length.
  • What is the most popular medium-length hairstyle? Popular haircuts for mid-length hair include the long bob (lob), bangs, shag, straight and sleek, and choppy layers.
  • Style
  • Hair

What is the best medium-length hairstyle for fine hair?

For fine hair, a blunt lob or a cut with subtle layers works best to create the illusion of thickness and add volume without weighing hair down.

How often should I trim my medium-length hair?

It is recommended to trim medium-length hair every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain shape, prevent split ends, and keep the style looking fresh.

Can I style a lob with natural curls?

Yes, a lob can be beautifully styled with natural curls by using curl-enhancing products and diffusing techniques to define and maintain the wave pattern.

What products work best for maintaining medium-length hair?

Lightweight leave-in conditioners, heat protectants, and texturizing sprays are ideal for maintaining medium-length hair, providing moisture, protection, and hold without buildup.

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