Medium hair is one of the most common hair lengths, so there is a lot of versatility here when it comes to styling. From shag haircuts to updos and half up/half down styles, braids, layers, and curls, it’s all here, even the ponytail.
Medium haircuts are incredibly versatile and help those with thinning hair make their hair look thicker. Bangs can go with almost all of these styles and they are usually easy to maintain. Ready to experiment? Let’s have a closer look.
What Is Medium Hair?
Short hair generally falls above the collarbone. Medium hair typically ranges from shoulder-length down to the top of the chest or armpits. Because of natural shrinkage, curly and textured hair will always appear shorter than straight hair of the exact same length.
So we’ll simply judge that a medium-length hairstyle falls from the shoulders down to the top of the chest when fully styled, whether the style uses straight or curly hair. When styled in an updo, the same length of hair is used, and it might look shorter. But it’s still medium length.
Medium Hairstyle Vs. Face Shapes
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You can try styling or cutting your hair and bangs to flatter your face shape. Here are some tips:
- Square: Curtain bangs can soften a square face, especially if they are long enough to blend in with a medium-length hairstyle that’s straight. Chunky curtain bangs are best for a square face shape, and when layered, they can help camouflage a heavy jaw-line.
- Long: A lob can work well for long faces, as long as it has some volume in the form of waves to give more width to the face. Bangs that come down to the eyebrows are appropriate here, to minimize the length of the forehead.
- Heart: For this face shape, you need something that’s going to pull the attention away from a prominent or pointy chin. Long, side-swept bangs can do that when added to a medium cut. The style can be straight, wavy or even curly. Side-swept bangs put more attention on the upper part of the face.
- Round: Long, side-swept bangs are also great to help slim round faces. Long curtain bangs serve the same purpose of slimming the cheeks. Both can be used with medium hairstyles, preferably straight ones, or those that just have a little wave added. If the style is too curly, it could emphasize the width of the face.
- Oval: Those with oval faces can pretty much use any hairstyle or haircut. There are no imbalances like a tall or wide forehead, heavy jawline or cheeks or prominent chin to minimize. So if you have an oval face, feel free to experiment with any style and see whether it looks good on you.
How to Cut Layers in Shoulder-Length Hair
Note: We highly recommend seeing a professional stylist for layered cuts to avoid uneven lines, but if you are experienced in trimming your own hair at home, here is a standard method:
If you have a lot of bulk, layers can thin it out a bit to help your hair look more feminine when it’s medium-length. Layers also add volume and can emphasize a new hair color.
They should be cut into hair that is straight and wet. Curly and textured haircuts are a different matter entirely, although you can cut the same angles on dry curly hair, clipping each curl individually.
Here’s how to create layers with straight hair:
- Section your hair into three areas. Do this by parting first from ear to ear, behind the ear. Then make a division down the center. With this, you have two side sections and a large back section.
- It’s optional here to create a fringe or a bang area by sectioning a triangle at the front hairline.
- Cut the sides of your hair by parting a quarter of the right front section, vertically. Then hold it at a 45-degree angle to your head and clip it straight across, parallel to the floor. Do the same with the other three quarters on that side of the head, using a small piece of the hair you’ve already cut to serve as a guide.
- Clip the left front section in a similar manner, initially using a small piece of hair from the other side as a guide for where to start cutting.
- Because the back of your head is more curved than the sides, there’s no need to hold the hair at an angle. Instead, divide the back into the nape and the crown and start cutting the hair of the crown in small sections. Hold the hair straight up and clip it across, parallel to the floor.
- There is no need to hold up the nape area while clipping. You can just comb the nape down and clip it straight across according to the length of the medium hairstyle.
- For bangs, which are the most popular, start by creating one vertical section in the middle of the triangle. Hold the hair out in front of the face and cut the length between four and six inches depending on the height of the forehead. Then use the scissors to make short diagonal snips at the edges for a more natural look.
- Repeat this procedure on the right and left of the center section of the bangs, making them a little longer by using a small piece of hair from the center to show you where exactly to cut.
Best Medium Hairstyles for Women
1. Bouncy Shoulder-Length Ringlets
While your curls look gorgeous no matter their length, sometimes a quick trim can put their spring back. For ladies with super curly hair, a medium hairstyle will give your texture new life!
2. Sleek Lob with Sweeping Side Bangs
A slightly off-center part is very flattering on women with any face shape and hair type, especially if you have side bangs. This shoulder-length cut features a blonde-red ombre with dark roots, an edgy color combination!
3. Platinum Shoulder-Grazing Bob
If you are gracefully embracing your natural silver and gray hair, you can beautifully wear it on a shoulder-length haircut parted off-center. To get the flipped ends, use a hair straightener.
4. Retro-Inspired Headband Updo
How cute is this vintage hairstyle with its chic headband? It’s a great color against the blonde mane that features short bluntly-cut bangs. Choose this look if you have a petite face.
5. Double Dutch Braided Low Ponytail
Going out or just want to feel extra beautiful? Style your medium-length hair into two Dutch braids that combine in a low ponytail.
6. Half-Up Top Knot
This half updo looks like it took forever to style, but it’s actually quite simple! Gather the top half of your hair into a high, tight ponytail, then wind the hair tightly around the base to make a top knot. Fill the bottom half of your hair with large waves and you’re done!
7. Soft Center-Parted Waves
When you fill your shoulder-length mane with large sultry waves, all that’s needed for styling is a simple center part. To take your look up another notch, consider a light blonde ombre or balayage.
8. Voluminous Side-Parted Silver Lob
If you’re struggling with thin or fine hair, part it heavily off-center and use a curling iron to get waves. Both will give you a gorgeous boost of volume. Class up that hair color with a youthful silver mixed with light brown.
9. Classic 1940s Victory Rolls
If vintage and classic are your preferred hairstyles, you’ll love these smooth victory rolls! They’re centered close to the face and lead the way to chin-length waves.
10. Curly Messy Bun with a Bandana Wrap
For those days when you just want your thick curly hair off your shoulders, gather it up into a messy bun. Wrap it with a colorful or printed bandana to style in a hurry.
11. Waterfall Braid
Intricate braids don’t have to take forever to style. This waterfall braid takes only minutes for just the top half of your hair and is pretty enough in a low ponytail.
12. Space Buns
If you have long or medium-length hair and you haven’t tried space buns, add them to the list! These beauties will instantly bring out your fun, playful side.
13. Face-Framing Layers with Soft Side Bangs
Bangs have no age limit, so if you’re an older woman looking for some bangs, try side bangs or curtain bangs to go with your medium hair. Short layers up top will provide pretty volume.
14. Rose-Tinted Lob with Sculpted S-Waves
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Adding pastel shades to hair is a classy way of trying hair color without it being too major of a change. We love this pastel pink on soft medium waves.
15. Textured Shag with Curtain Bangs
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Be both flirty and edgy with a shaggy medium haircut featuring curtain bangs. The more layers your stylist cuts in, the easier it will be to get the pumped-up texture.
16. 1970s-Inspired Feathered Layers
Another beautiful hairstyle for manes that are thin or fine is long layers. These make hair look fuller in a flash. You can even load up the ends with waves or large curls.
17. Platinum Lob with Multicolored Underlayers
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To help bright rainbow colors stand out in your hair, make the top part of your hair a very light or platinum blonde. Whether you go with ombre or peek-a-boo highlights, all eyes will be drawn to your hair. Changing the colour beneath the top layer offers another variation while keeping the same lob outline.
18. Low Pigtails
Pigtails are an adorable hairstyle no matter your age. Whether you color hair in a vibrant shade or leave it natural, this low-maintenance look is never a bad choice.
19. Sleek A-Line Cut with Piecey Bangs
While you could leave your hair one length, it would be even cuter with an asymmetrical or A-line cut. Add short piecey bangs to make a perfect face-framing hairstyle.
20. Natural Afro
Women with naturally curly afro hair know the difficulty of finding the right haircut. However, the shoulder length is one of the most flattering hair lengths for this type of hair. The beauty of natural afro curls is perfectly showcased with a shoulder-length cut. The hair is usually parted in the middle, and the sides are layered which gives the hair nice form.
This mid-length hairstyle is appropriate for every occasion, both casual and elegant ones. There is always the possibility to add some hair accessories that can complement the entire look. This hairstyle is popular among the younger generation, although many women who love to show off their natural curls go for this look.
21. Shoulder-Grazing Box Braids
The braided bob is a gorgeous protective style that can be done on either curly or straight hair. These protective box braids look incredibly chic when styled to shoulder-length. The entire hair is separated and divided into equal parts. From every part, the hair is braided to the ends.
The hairstyle is separated by the middle part which gives direction to the entire look. Braiding can also be done with the addition of colorful hair accessories. This is a typical girly look and is best for casual and everyday occasions.
22. Half-Up Braided Crown
Half buns are always a great choice for spicing up a look and making it more fashionable and cooler. The braided half bun comes from an already braided hair. For the bun to look more beautiful it is better for the braids to be thinner.
Depending on the length of the hair, some braids will be longer, some shorter, but they will provide a nice shoulder-length hairstyle. This look is very popular among ‘It girls’, fashionistas, and bloggers.
23. Messy Low Chignon
This style can be worn as a relaxed messy bun or a sleek low ballerina bun. Whichever it is, the hairstyle is chic and trendy. Suitable for official and elegant occasions, this hairstyle is appropriate for all women. If the mid-length hair is layered, then the hairstyle is even more beautiful.
Part the hair in the middle, with the short strands falling to the sides. With the addition of some fancy jewelry, the hairstyle will stand out. Women of all ages can try it as a timeless hairstyle.
24. Classic Bob with Blunt Bangs
The medium bob is a length that comes somewhere between the shoulders and the ears. It looks good on straight or wavy hair. The bangs on this hair length can appear as blunt or curtain bangs.
The best way to wear this bob is with soft or medium beach waves – great for everyone, anywhere.
25. High Ponytail with a Triangular Nape Undercut
The neck undercut is popular among the younger generation of women. It is an edgy and bold look that comes as a striking contrast to medium-length hair. For the undercut to show, the hair is usually worn pulled up in a bun, pony, or a top knot.
26. Curly Mullet with Blunt Micro Bangs
The focal point of this look is the baby bangs. They are straight, short and blunt. They come over the forehead and continue to the sides while blending with the rest of the hair.
Blunt micro bangs frame the forehead above a short curly crown. Cropped sides open up the ears, while longer curls continue down the nape to create a mullet shape.
27. Shoulder-Length Partial Locs
This shoulder-length style combines partial locs with loose face-framing lengths for a casual look.
Wear the lengths down to show the mix of textures. Faux locs are another option for a similar style.
28. Chunky Side Dutch Braid
Adding a big side braid in the hairstyle is a lovely addition for the boring everyday looks. The braid is an accessory that makes every hairstyle more beautiful. On the shoulder-length hair, the side braid comes only from one side and ends hidden under the rest of the hair. Any hair accessories can make the side even more dominant.
29. Side-Shaved Curls
Like the neck undercut, the shaved side is also a bold and daring haircut for women. The shaved part starts just above the forehead and opens to the side and continues to the back.
The shaved section extends high up the sides, meeting the curly medium hair near the top. This is a look for the women who want to leave an impression of a strong, daring and fierce attitude and personality.
30. Shoulder-Length Natural Two-Strand Twists
They look similar to locs, but they are created by twisting two strands of hair around each other. This is a fantastic protective style for natural hair that saves time on everyday styling.
The twists can be worn just let down, in a half bun or a pony. This type of protective style is universally flattering for women of all ages.
31. High-Contrast Split Dye
This two-toned hairstyle comes with the vertical separation of color. The border that divides the two colors is the middle part. The more eccentric the colors are, the more dominant the hairstyle is. This current option presents a color combination between blonde and green, but you can easily try any other color.
These kinds of shades tend to fade very quickly and lose their color, so keep in mind that regular color touch-ups are a must to keep it looking vibrant. If the hairstyle features French bangs, they also blend in the entire look: each half comes in a different color.
32. Wavy Lob with Eyelash-Skimming Bangs
Straight, eyelash-skimming bangs are always a wonderful addition to a hairstyle, which is slightly curly on the ends. The only downside of this option is that the bangs need to be styled at least every other day.
33. Sleek A-Line Collarbone Bob
This medium length haircut is a great choice for women with straight and fine hair. It allows you to sport long locks while adding some volume in the back. However, it can be difficult to pull this angled length into a ponytail.
34. Rounded Blonde Bob with Sweeping Side Bangs
Asymmetrical cuts are highly requested in salons, making the trend well worth trying. If you prefer a low-effort styling routine, drawing attention to sweeping asymmetrical bangs is an easy way to make a striking statement.
35. Lob with Wispy Bangs
Wispy bangs are always a great addition to any hairstyle if you style them the right way. The longer the bangs are, the harder they are to take care of and the more interesting and appealing they look.
36. Twisted Low Updo
This low hair twist can look especially stunning if you slightly curl the hair. This way you can add some volume. When you are done twisting the lower part, make sure to secure it well with bobby pins and hair spray. A headband, tiara or small hairpiece can adapt the finished updo for an occasion.
37. Relaxed Twisted Low Updo
This hairdo looks appealing but it might need constant touch-ups. It’s a good choice for people with shorter hair, who can’t achieve any stunning updos but still want their hair secured in the back.
Flattering Medium Hairstyles for Oval-Faced Women
Medium hairstyles are easy to maintain. They make hair appear healthy and bouncy while creating the perfect face frame. We have handpicked some blissful medium hairstyles for women with oval faces.
38. Rounded Corkscrew Curls with Golden Highlights
Creating volume and bounce around an oblong face prevents it from appearing too slender. Curly beauties can get a Deva haircut, where each coil is cut individually to fall flawlessly around the face.
Throw in some highlights for a subtle glow that won’t be ignored.
39. Retro Flipped Lob with Micro Bangs
Widen that narrow chin of yours by creating a movement around it with layers. Flip out the ends with a good blowout for a retro-chic appeal.
Blunt micro bangs help partly conceal a wide forehead while diverting all the focus toward your gorgeous brows and eyes.
40. Choppy Beach Waves
While very short, blunt crops can sometimes look harsh, women with oval faces shine in this relaxed, choppy lob.
Ask for a long bob with choppy layers and loose beach waves. Hand-tousle the strands on one side to fall over the eye for a mystic vibe, and done!
41. Dutch Boxer Braids
Open up your beautiful oval face with these adorable pigtails. Carve out a center part and plait both sides into Dutch or French braids.
Loosen up the chunks for a soft appeal, or knit the hair tightly to end up with statement boxer braids.
42. Red Stacked A-Line Bob
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This quirky long bob is a go-to medium hairstyle for women with oval faces who wish to get rid of their long tresses. The piled-up layers at the back elongate at an angle towards the front.
A vibrant hair color like this cardinal red one is ideal to set your new haircut on fire.
43. Center-Parted Point-Cut Layers
Point-cut layers focus all the texture on the ends while helping strands of varying lengths to blend seamlessly together.
Try them on a shoulder-grazing lob with a simple middle part that helps break down the bluntness of your oval-shaped face. A natural-looking balayage is worth a shot too.
44. Vintage Hollywood Ringlets
Modern fashionistas of today can bring some drama into their lives with Hollywood-style ringlet curls. The result will be a bouncy round mane that creates the illusion of a circular face rather than an oblong one.
Use an ample amount of hairspray to keep the strands in place all day.
45. Side-Swept Afro with Blonde Tips
Side parts work really well with oval faces. Black ladies can layer their medium afro curls and part them to cascade along the sides of their faces.
Take a step ahead and lighten down the tips into any shade of blonde, or try a vibrant color instead. The lift against the dark lengths is the payoff.
46. Asymmetrical Purple Lob
Accent your perfectly symmetrical face with a not-so-symmetrical medium-length crop. The trick is simple; keep one side slightly longer than the other, with or without layers.
Express your wild side with a violet-to-lilac ombre look and you’ll definitely love it. Blending is the key!
47. Wet-Look Slick-Back
An oval face shape is highly versatile. Highlight your symmetry with a super easy wet slicked-back hairstyle.
Apply a hefty amount of gel on wet hair and brush it back. Can’t get any simpler!
Ideal Medium Hairstyles for Square-Shaped Faces
Shoulder-grazing hairstyles can elongate square faces taking away the attention from a powerful jawline. Below we have listed some gorgeous medium hairstyles for women with square faces.
48. Pop Smoke Braids with an Undercut
Mixed-race ladies can make a style statement by rocking Pop Smoke braids that, in simple words, are stitch-in cornrows with an iconic middle part.
Though the corners of your broad forehead might become prominent, the buzzed sides and appropriate length of the braids will still make your face appear slim and smart.
49. Shoulder-Length Face-Framing Layers
Long face-framing layers and softly flipped ends add movement to shoulder-length hair. The layers taper around the face for a soft outline.
50. Pinned Old Hollywood Waves
Women with square faces can steal the show at formal events with this vintage medium hairstyle. Add tight curls midway to the ends and pin back one side with a sleek side part covering the other side of the face. Top off with bold red lips, smoky eyes, and chic earrings.
When looking for medium hairstyles for women with square faces, prefer getting flowy layers, bouncy waves and curls, and volume at the roots.
Modern Medium Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces
Make your twinkling eyes and killer cheekbones the center of attention by rocking a refreshing shoulder-length hairstyle for women with heart faces.
51. Bottom-Heavy Curls
Big bouncy curls with subtle layers are the best shot for curly beauties with heart faces.
Consider getting highlights or lighten down your entire mane to a sandy blonde shade that looks exceptional with medium skin tones. Sweep down the edges with a barely-there side part and done.
52. Blunt Cut with Flipped Ends
Maintain a smart look with a simple blunt haircut for the tresses to fall anywhere near the shoulders.
Flip out the ends for a subtle retro appeal and carve out a side part to add some asymmetry to the face. How about trying some bangs too?
53. Tousled Curly Bob with Blonde Ends
Want an instant on-the-beach look? Consider getting a choppy lob with a blonde balayage for those naturally dark roots to lighten seamlessly towards the ends.
Add beach waves or opt for a low-maintenance wavy perm that’ll last for a few weeks without much care. Simply sexy!
Popular Medium Hairstyles for Women with Round Faces
Round faces feature beautiful, soft curves. Don’t settle for an outdated haircut when the right medium-length style can effortlessly highlight your best features and visually elongate your face.
This collection of medium hairstyles for women with round faces offers fresh ways to highlight your features and create a more elongated shape.
54. Soft Wavy Half-Up Ponytail
Even on the thinnest hair, lots of soft waves are the easiest and quickest way to give your locks the body they’re craving. Gathering the top half of the hair in a low pony will help the hair look even fuller.
55. Face-Framing Medium Layers
If you want your hair to look a bit more voluminous and neat, consider making layers. Girls with round faces should go for the longest layers possible. They will have a face-framing effect.
Shoulder-length hairstyles are much easier to maintain and to style than long hairstyles. Although the hair is not particularly long, it is just enough for many hairstyle changes and various styling options.
With medium hair, you will always look neat and trendy. These hairstyles offer women a great chance to play around with their locks. You can try any of the above hairstyles to give yourself a chance to appear stunning while keeping the care to a minimum.
