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The 47 Best Medium Length Haircuts And Hairstyles To Try In 2021

two women with medium length haircuts and styles

It seems like everyone is rocking a lob these days, and for good reason! The shoulder-grazing, classic style seems to have taken over the beauty world — due in large part to its incredible versatility and chicness.

Whether you’re interested in cool-girl waves, tight pin curls, vibrant color, or sleek straight locks, the lob is (or will soon be) your best friend.

Still, even the best hairstyle can get a little bit boring. If you’re interested in mid length hair but don’t want the same old ‘do, rest easy knowing we’ve found your inspiration for all hair types. Shags, bobs, and lobs—oh my! We love fresh takes on the perfect style for every face shape.

If you’re tired of wrangling your long hair every morning and can’t stop daydreaming about the breeziness of a medium-length cut, it’s time to make moves—mane moves, that is—toward the wonderful world of medium length hairstyles.

The Best Medium Length Haircuts And Hairstyles For Thick Hair

Good hair day by @cozmic.color.

Blunt Cut

Feeling like you’re ready to make a statement? There’s no better way to let your mane speak for you than with a haircut that’s as sharp as a knife. Although blunt cuts require regular trims at the salon, don’t let that discourage you from trying it out.

Good hair day by @mikaatbhc.

Lived-In Texture

Nothing screams “relaxed” like a beautiful lived-in ‘do. We recommend applying a texturizing spray like L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray to give your mane undone, disheveled texture.

Good hair day by @margaret__zhang.

Curtain Bangs

We know that bangs often get a bad rap, but that’s just because they’re often cut incorrectly. Avoiding the temptation to pull lots of hair from the middle of your head, your stylist should section off the hair that’s right at the point where your forehead naturally begins sloping. Instead of fighting to style your bangs every day, you’ll be surprised at how easily these curtain bangs fall in place.

Good hair day by @beckym_hair.

Point Cut Lob

For added dimension and texture, ask your stylist about a point cut lob. The shoulder-length cut creates visible, gorgeous movement.

Good hair day by @benhards.

Angled Bob

Those looking for a sharp cut with added visual interest should try out an angled bob, one that’s subtly slanted to show off volume and movement. It’s an excellent choice for hair that tends to fall flat and looks particularly beautiful with a few added beach waves .

Good hair day by @chrisgreenehair.

Choppy Lob

To emphasize the look of your thick hair in the prettiest way, we love the look of mid-length choppy hairstyles . The shorter pieces will curl more efficiently, providing all the bounce and movement you’ve been seeking.

Sleek Chignon

To get the most out of this look, style it in a way that’s silky and sleek (bonus points if wear a center part, too). We recommend always applying a few spritzes of heat protectant like L'Oréal Professionnel Repair Gold 10-in-1 Perfecting Multipurpose Spray before styling. Don’t be afraid to apply a little hairspray on an old toothbrush and brush down any flyaways around your hairline, either.

Good hair day by @badrizia.

Air-Dried Texture

Once you’ve sheared off your excess inches, think about investing in a curl-boosting cream (we love Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel ) and a hair diffuser. The resulting look is summery and youthful, a far cry from pin-straight strands.

Good hair day by @realericvaughn.

Graduated Bob

If you want maximum volume, opt for graduated layers. While this cut leans dangerously close to very short hair, you'll still be able to swish it around and have fun!

Woman with thick curly hair

The Curly Shag

Women who have thick, curly manes often get forgotten by mainstream hair culture, but that injustice ends today! Meet the curly shag, a retro cut designed to build volume at the crown while encouraging bouncy, springy ringlets.


The Best Medium Length Haircuts And Hairstyles For Fine Hair

Good hair day by @yd.beauty_.

Brushed Back

There’s a common misconception that a stylish haircut should be the focal point of your look, but we’re here to disprove that theory once and for all! Your face is always the star of the show, so ask your stylist for a cut that highlights your best features.

Good hair day by @rosibelhair.

Scrunchie Bun

The ‘90s are back in every way. Expect to see more and more scrunchies as time goes on—and expect to find them really versatile in almost every style.

Good hair day by @anhcotran.

Face-Framing Layers

If you’re looking for a trim that’ll put you on display, ask for a face-framing haircut that falls just under your chin. Just make sure to keep them subtle so you don’t end up looking like a ’90s sitcom extra.

Good hair day by @chelseahaircutters.

Tied With A Bow

Hair accessories are all the rage this year, so use a colorful one to tie back your mane during a day out.

Good hair day by @helenavazpereira.

Dutch Pigtails

A lob is lovely when you’ve got extra time to style it, but Dutch pigtails are the perfect choice for days when you don’t.

Good hair day by @scissorking.

Baby Bangs

While we’re on the subject of fringe, it’s crucial for you to know that all kinds of bangs are fashionable at the moment. We love the look of ‘90s-inspired baby bangs, a cropped cut that reminds us of girl-led pop bands and extra-shiny lip gloss.

Good hair day by @hair_by_jaimi_lee.

Vintage Rolls

While mid length hair is bouncy and photogenic, it’s important to remember that short cuts will always require a bit more effort than a long mane. Whether you’re blow drying or applying product, there’s a whole skill set to learn. Be sure to talk it over with your stylist before you fully commit to a new lifestyle.

Good hair day by @hair_by_jaimi_lee.

Subtle Layers

Not about shag haircuts? No worries. Subtle layers are an excellent upgrade to nearly any chop.

Good hair day by @rosibelhair.

Scarf Bun

Everyone expects a bun held in place by an elastic, so give them something they didn’t see coming: A hair scarf .


The Best Medium Length Haircuts And Hairstyles For Curly Hair

Good hair day by @curly.azahara.

Pinned Back

Pulling your hair away from your face doesn’t have to mean totally squashing your texture. Try pinning back just one side for a minimalist style.

Good hair day by @rosibelhair.

Pompadour

When the weather’s warm, the last thing you want is hair sitting on your neck. Cool off with this understated pompadour, instead!

Good hair day by @marciahamilton.

Pearl Headband

If you grew up around the time of the Millennium, you’ll fondly remember butterfly and spin clips. Today’s version is a little less glittery and a little more office-appropriate. Looking for more pearl hair accessory ideas? Click here for our full guide.

Good hair day by @haircolorkilla.

Cool Girl Waves

Show ‘em how stylish you can be by trying these effortless waves on for size!

Good hair day by @nakawunde.

Twist Out

Make the most out of your curls by twisting them into defined ringlets. For a little extra panache, add a matte metal clip or assorted hairpins.

Good hair day by @oceanlewis.

Mixed Layers

Women with curly hair know that it’s a journey, one that takes dozens of haircuts and products to conquer. When you’ve finally achieved a winning style, however, the entire process turns out to have been worthwhile.

Good hair day by @curlpop.

Curly Cut

Cutting off length can help your curls spring into place, so we always recommend a good cut when you’re ready to get serious about styling.

Good hair day by @jenatkinhairxchloeandisabel.

Modern Ballerina Bun

Did somebody say weekend hair? This version of the ballerina bun is clean and chic without squashing the personality of your mane.

Good hair day by @chloeboulos.

S-Curls

Unlike the ringlets you grow up with, s-curls are achieved by gently tugging on each section of hair after you loosen it from your curling iron or wand. The technique lengthens the curl for an easygoing vibe.

Good hair day by @dailiperez.

Angled Curly Lob

An angled lob isn’t just stunning on straight, sleek locks. We also love the way the cut looks on curly hair.

Good hair day by @amberdoeshairhtx.

Half Top Knot

Don’t let an unshampooed mane cramp your style. The cutest little top knot can help hide the look of oily roots (and the bun will stay in place better, too).

Defined Curls

Every woman deserves beautiful curls. With the help of a genius styling product like Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion, you can actually achieve them.

Tight Curls

For most women, the ultimate hair goal is texture, visually exciting hair that looks as if it could belong to a model on her day off. That’s easier said than done, particularly if you have naturally wavy or curly hair, but the right professional can be a real help.

Good hair day by @jessl8rface.

Voluminous Cut

Sleek hair has its place, but we love a head of voluminous ringlets. If you’re aiming for bounce, make sure you see a stylist with plenty of experience cutting curls.


The Best Medium Length Haircuts And Hairstyles For Straight Hair

Good hair day by @mariactmtx.

Colorful Bob

Make a real scene with this navy blue bob. Who says hair has to reach your waist to make a serious visual impact?

Good hair day by @kajakitlinski.

Long Bangs

In case you haven’t heard, bangs are back (and better looking) than ever! To make this trend your own, ask your stylist for thin fringe that falls just below your eyebrows.

Good hair day by @thepetticoat.

Shaggy Lob

To keep this style as striking as possible, we recommend asking your hair professional to cut it between chin and collarbone length. If you’re a deep side part or center part girl, this is the moment to really commit to it.

Good hair day by @rossimassimiliano.

Single Length Cut

If you’ve had layers for most of your life, it’s difficult to imagine a universe in which hair can be just one length and still look good. Welcome to a new generation of haircuts, the kind in which a blunt look can be just as striking as cascading layers.

Good hair day by @mikaatbhc.

Razor Cut

If you have thick, plentiful locks, a razor cut can be the solution to your weighted-down hair woes. This look means feathery, light ends and a full crown—plus plenty of delicate layers, of course. For a woman with wavy hair who’s interested in boosting her texture, a razor cut is a game changer.

Good hair day by @realericvaughn.

Ombre Lob

It isn’t just styling that can set your mane apart. A bright flash of color will do the trick, as well! 


The Best Medium Length Haircuts And Hairstyles For Wavy Hair

Woman with wet and wavy hairdo

Wet And Wavy

A wet look is a great way to show off your hair’s natural texture. To begin, fill up a spray bottle with water and spritz your hair until it is damp. If you’re concerned about making sure your hair feels hydrated, use a spray leave in conditioner. The liquid formula will dampen your hair while ensuring it looks and feels hydrated.

Woman with hair tucked behind ears

Tucked Behind The Ears

If you need an elegant hairdo but are short on time, consider a style that’s tucked behind the ears. Crafting the style without altering your natural hair texture creates a beautiful contrast between the polished front and the wavy back of your locks.

Half Up Top Knot

This casual style is perfect for brunch with your girlfriends or a day running errands. Simply gather the top half of your hair in a ponytail and fasten with a hair elastic. Then, wrap your ponytail around itself until you form a bun and secure the bun with several bobby pins.

Woman with big barrel curls hairstyle

Big Barrel Curls

Wavy hair is absolutely a part of the curly hair family, but even wavy ladies occasionally want to slay big, bouncy curls. Start at the back of your head, working with 2-inch sections of clean, dry hair. Spray each section with a heat protectant like Redken Iron Shape 11 Thermal Holding Spray before wrapping it around a 2-inch curling iron barrel. Hold or clamp each section of hair for approximately 30-60 seconds (depending on your hair’s thickness). Continue curling 2-inch sections of your hair until you’ve completed your entire head.

Woman with colorful straight hairstyle hairstyle

Pin Straight and Side Swept

We love being able to slay our natural hair textures, but every once and awhile it’s fun to switch things up. If you’re looking to shake up your look for your next event, opt for pin straight hair. Make a deep side part on the left or right side of your head. Then, brush the smaller section of hair back and away from your face, securing it with several bobby pins. If you’d like to take your style to the next level, consider swapping out your regular bobby pins for a bedazzled, broach-like hair clip.

Woman with crimped hair texture

Jumbo Crimped Hair

Crimped hair is officially back in style. Lucky for you, your wavy texture means you don’t have to do much in order to jump on the bandwagon. We’d describe jumbo crimped hair as the love child of a crimper and a curling wand. To pull it off, all you’ll need is a flat iron. (Yes, really!)

Woman with messy chignon updo

Rolled Headband Updo

Wavy, shoulder-length hair is the perfect texture and length for this hairstyle. To create this look, all you’ll need is an elastic headband and a few bobby pins. While a plain elastic headband will work, go with a bedazzled option to add a touch of glam to your look.


Interested in a customized medium length haircut? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist near you.

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