Here at Hair.com, we’d never suggest that any hair length is the best. We love the look of on-trend long, luscious locks and eye-catching very short haircuts. When it comes to which hair length is easiest to work with, however, we’ll happily crown medium length hair as the winner. Mid-length strands are long enough to create a variety of looks while keeping your styling routine quick and simple.
If you’re ready to commit to mid-length hair, your first step should be finding the best ways to wear it. We’ve rounded up 53 stunning medium length hairstyles and medium length haircuts for every hair type. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know.
What is the best hairstyle for medium length hair?
There are plenty of ways to style medium length hair, but some of our favorites are a classic lob with beach waves, choppy layers, sleek and straight, and big, bouncy curls. The best medium length hairstyles for you depends entirely on your specific hair type and how much time you want to dedicate to your styling routine.
What haircut makes you look younger?
If you’re searching for a youthful yet sophisticated haircut, the good news is that shoulder-length cuts are ideal for making you appear younger. Ask your stylist for a medium length haircut with long, blended layers, a lob, or mid-length hair with curtain bangs to stay on-trend.
Ready to find the perfect medium length haircuts or hairstyles for you? Keep scrolling for 53 of our favorite ideas for every hair type.
The Best Medium Length Haircuts And Hairstyles For Thick Hair
Bouncy Blowout
Opt for a classic blowout to make your thick hair appear more bouncy and less heavy. Use a blowout product like Redken Diamond Oil Blow Dry Glow Dry Shine Oil to short drying time, add shine, and protect your strands from heat.
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.
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.
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.
Point Cut Lob
For added dimension and texture, ask your stylist about a point cut lob. The shoulder-length cut creates visible, gorgeous movement.
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 .
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.
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.
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!
The Curly Shag
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
Long Layers With Soft Waves
If you have fine hair, avoid haircuts with lots of layers and opt for long, blended layers. This will make your strands appear thicker. Create soft waves with a flat iron to give your look extra bounce and volume.
Lob With Deep Side Part
For some women with fine hair, lack of volume is the main concern. Luckily, the fix can be as simple as switching your part. Create a deep side part to give your mid-length cut instant volume at the root. You can add even more volume with a root-lifting hair mousse like Pureology Style + Protect On The Rise Root Lifting Mousse.
Curled Ends
Mid-length hair with slightly curled ends can give your mane a bit of style without weighing your fine strands down.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dutch Braid Pigtails
A complicated braid is lovely when you’ve got extra time to style it, but Dutch braid pigtails are the perfect choice for days when you don’t. Be sure to pancake your braids to create a thicker, fuller-looking appearance.
Baby Bangs
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.
Subtle Layers
If your strands are too fine for shaggy layered haircuts, don’t worry! Subtle layers are an excellent upgrade to nearly any chop. To make your fine strands look thicker, you can use a hair mousse like Kérastase Densifique Densimorphose Hair Mousse. This strengthening formula gives hair weightless volume, shine, and suppleness while improving hair texture.
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
Curly Bangs
While we love curly bangs paired with any length, we particularly enjoy the way they effortlessly blend with medium length haircuts.
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. Keep your ringlets frizz-free with a hair gel like Matrix Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel.
Pompadour
Sometimes, the last thing you want is hair sitting on your neck—that’s why we’re obsessed with this understated pompadour.
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.
Cool Girl Waves
Show ‘em how stylish you can be by trying these effortless waves on for size!
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. Use Mizani True Textures Curl Define Pudding to elongate your ringlets and give your twist out a smooth, lightweight hold.
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.
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.
Modern Ballerina Bun
This version of the ballerina bun is clean and chic without squashing the personality of your mane.
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.
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.
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). You can even apply a few spritzes of dry shampoo like Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo to revive your second-day hair while adding texture to your style.
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 amping up your natural texture. If you have mid-length hair naturally tight coils, own them!
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
Wrapped Low Knot
If you’re looking for a versatile mid-length hairstyle, a wrapped low knot is the perfect balance between laid-back and sophisticated.
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?
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.
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.
Single Length Cut
If you’ve had layers for most of your life, it may bedifficult 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. We recommend using a hair serum like Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Anti-Frizz Serum to give your one-length chop a sleek, frizz-free finish.
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. Not to mention: Razor cut layers will give your straight hair effortless texture.
Ombre Lob
It isn’t just styling that can set your mane apart. A bright flash of color will do the trick, as well—and this soft, bubblegum pink ombre is the ultimate showstopper.
The Best Medium Length Haircuts And Hairstyles For Wavy Hair
Layered Fringe
You’re already working with natural waves, but layers can help add more texture and movement to your cut. For wavy haired girls, we love the look of layered fringe with tons of texture.
Headband Braid
The headband braid is a simple but brilliant way to keep your hair away from your face. As an added bonus, it looks gorgeous in photos.
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 like Mizani 25 Miracle Milk. The liquid formula will dampen your hair while ensuring it looks and feels hydrated.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.