Experimenting with extremes can be fun, but there’s nothing wrong with settling on a hairstyle that’s somewhere in-between (a.k.a. a mid-length hairstyle). One major benefit: Your styling options aren’t as black and white as when you have either short hair or long hair. When you opt formedium-length haircuts, you have a whole new slew of hairstyles to choose from. And before you ask, you don’t have to sacrifice any style with mid-length haircuts. Your tresses will be just as on-trend as if you had let your locks grow out or chopped them close. Here, we’re sharing 40 fabulous medium hair looks (plus styling tips!) below.
#1: LAYERED LOB
Why we love it: It’s not too short; it’s not too long—it’s just right! This look also serves as a great introduction to layered hairstyles.
How to DIY the look: Before you go to bed, put your hair in braids. Spritz the L’Oréal Paris BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray onto your mane to give it a bit more texture. Using a clear elastic, put the top layer of your hair into a small bun to complement the waves. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll have the perfect amount of body to play with.
#2: CHOPPY LOB
Why we love it: Choppy layers work especially well on fine medium hair to provide an instant volume boost. They're also a smart way to grow out your strands without the fear of an awkward look. Plus, you can pair a medium hair lob with bangs for an extra flirty vibe.
How to get the look: Ask your stylist to cut you a choppy lob that complements your natural texture.
#3: U-SHAPE HAIRCUT
Why we love it: This haircut sports plenty of layers that form the shape of a ‘U.’ We also dig that it’s a subtle alternative to other layered looks because it keeps your hair at a more even length throughout.
How to get the look: Check out our article, What is a U-Shape Haircut?, to get all the details on this chic 'do.
#4: BLOWN-OUT LOB
Why we love it: Bouncy and voluminous-looking hair is always a winner. It also gives your mane a smooth and shiny appearance with a soft curl.
How to DIY look: If you’re a little rusty on creating the perfect blowout, learn How to Blow Out Your Hair at Home with our step-by-step tutorial.
#5: ANGLED LOB
Why we love it: It’s an edgier take on the traditional lob. This look is one of the best medium hair styles that allows you to play with angles and put your texture on full display.
How to get the look: Ask your stylist to cut your locks high at the nape of your neck and angle the front to skim just below your chin.
#6: FACE-FRAMING LOB
Why we love it: Not only is it super-easy to style, but you also don’t have to worry about changing the texture of your medium-length hair.
How to get the look: Since this look is all about complementing your face shape, it’s best to visit a hairstylist to get your desired result.
#7: SIDE-PARTED SHAG
Why we love it: We love mid-length haircuts that combine two looks into one, and the side-parted shag fits the bill. This look features a side part with shaggy layers for the ultimate retro-meets-modern 'do. You can pair it with straight, wavy, or curly hair—it’s all up to you.
How to DIY the look: Create a side part. Add a few spritzes of hair texturizing spray all over your mane. Then, use a rattail comb to tease it out a bit.
#8: STACKED LOB
Why we love it: The stacked lob is a fabulous haircut option that complements both straight and curly hair. You’ll be able to have locks full of texture and dimension.
How to get the look: Book an appointment with your stylist.
#9: SHOULDER-GRAZING CHOPPY LAYERS
Why we love them: This jagged cut gives instant texture to even the finest of strands. You can opt for defined chunks of hair or classic uneven layers to spice things up.
How to get the look: This snazzy number is best suited to a professional stylist.
#10: PIN-STRAIGHT LOB
Why we love it: You can style this medium-length hairstyle in little to no time and flaunt a look with plenty of movement. We also appreciate that it can transition from day to night seamlessly.
How to DIY the look: Split your hair into small sections. Using a flat iron, straighten each section of your hair slowly, so you’ll only need one pass of the tool. Once you’re done, comb through your strands with a boar bristle brush to smooth them.
#11: SHAG LOB
Why we love it: The shag lob is a haircut that offers a fuss-free and carefree look that doesn’t sacrifice style. You can take your look to the next level with a mini lob or stick with the traditional length.
How to DIY the look: For curls, add an egg-sized amount of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse to damp hair. Scrunch and let it air dry. As for straight hair, a few spritzes of texturizing spray will add body to your strands.
#12: UNDERCUT LOB
Why we love it: You can always count on an undercut lob to add an edgy element to your mid-length hair. This look can also be customized to remove a bit of weight from your locks.
How to get the look: Book an appointment with your stylist.
#13: CENTER-PARTED BANGS
Why we love them: This style frames your face and accentuates your features. It also pairs well with both straight and natural hair textures.
How to DIY the look: Part your hair down the center and spritz on the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold to keep your long bangs in place.
#14: RAZORED LOB
Why we love it: The razored lob provides your mane with the perfect balance of natural texture and volume. It also comes in handy to tame thicker hair for a lighter look.
How to get the look: Leave it to the hands of your stylist.
#15: LONG LAYERED LOB
Why we love it: A long layered lob is a medium hair look that gives you free rein to experiment with angles and amps up your locks with plenty of volume.
How to get the look: Bring inspiration photos to show exactly where you want your lob to fall, then tell your stylist you’d like lots of long layers.
#16: SIDE-SWEPT BANGS
Why we love them: This side-swept number is perfect for balancing out heart-shaped faces. And it has the added perk of helping to keep the attention on your eyes instead of your forehead. We can also appreciate that these bangs emanate a romantic element.
How to get the look: Ask your stylist to cut your bangs at an angle for a seamless finish.
#17: POINT-CUT LOB
Why we love it: This cut combines everything you love into one style; it has movement, length, and body. It’s a fabulous option for those who are looking to liven up limp or dull strands.
How to get the look: Head to the salon to bring this look to life.
#18: BLUNT-EDGE BANGS
Why we love them: Blunt-edge bangs boast a straight-across look that makes a chic pairing with almost any hairstyle you can dream up. We also love that it can make your locks sport a thicker appearance.
How to get the look: Visit our article, How to Style and Care For Blunt Bangs, for all the details on this fashionable style.
#19: FORWARD GRADUATION LOB
Why we love it: This style changes up the angles of your layers for a chic vibe. Since your hair is longer at the back than at the front, it gives your locks a natural bouncy look. What’s not to love?
How to get the look: Consult with your stylist.
#20: FEATHERED LOB
Why we love it: A messy and low-maintenance style, we love that the feathered lob helps cut down on your hairstyling time.
How to DIY the look: You can work a bit of hair putty into the mix to define your layers or keep things light with a misting of texturizing spray.
#21: SHOULDER-SKIMMING STRANDS
Why we love them: You can use this style to test the waters and go shorter without making a super dramatic change.
How to get the look: Hop in the shower and use a hair-care system that controls frizz, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner. Soak up excess water with a towel or T-shirt. Then, spritz your locks with texturizing spray for definition. Let your hair air dry for a natural look.
#22: TRIANGULAR LAYERS
Why we love them: Triangle layers work in your favor to add dimension and volume to mid-length hair, with the added bonus of a V-shaped cut. This look shapes your top layer of hair into an inverted triangle, with the ends remaining at the same length you started with for instant movement.
How to get the style: Talk with your stylist.
#23: SHOULDER-LENGTH SHAG
Why we love it: The perfect laid back boho aesthetic for almost any event on your agenda. Plus, it looks gorgeous when styled with natural textures.
How to get the style: All you need to do is add a bit of curl mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let it air dry. It’s that easy.
#24: V-SHAPED HAIRCUT
Why we love it: This haircut is a foolproof way to rock plenty of layers on shoulder-length hair. Your hair will also fall in a snazzy “V” that adds chic detailing to your look.
How to get the style: Click through to our article, What Is a V-Shape Haircut?, for the 4-1-1 on this trendy style.
#25: BLUNT EDGES
Why we love them: Blunt edges will keep your hair the same length all around for a fresh and clean-cut look.
How to get the style: Spritz your strands with a heat protectant spray. Flat iron your hair in small sections, so it’s completely straight. Apply a hair cream to smooth out any spots that may need it, then mist the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold over your entire mane.
#26: SHOULDER-LENGTH STACKED LOB
Why we love it: This stacked number gives your locks shape and volume for a modern look. We particularly like how the style rounds out your hair at the back, and gradually transitions into a long, angled look at the front.
How to get the look: A unique look like this deserves to be customized to your liking. Bring a few inspiration photos with you, so your stylist can determine how to slay your mane.
#27: ASYMMETRICAL CUT WITH SIDE-SWEPT BANGS
Why we love it: We love to go against the grain with mid-length hairstyles, and this look gives your locks two lengths in one hairstyle for an eye-catching finish. The side-swept bangs also come in handy as the perfect finishing touch to frame your face.
How to get the look: Keep your gorgeous side-swept bangs in place with a spritz of strong-hold hairspray.
#28: FEATHERED-LAYERS + OUTWARD CURLS
Why we love them: This retro-inspired 'do is an easy way to emulate one of the most popular hairstyles of the ‘70s and also adds volume and body to your mane.
How to get the look: Reach for a curling wand. Be sure to wind your hair down and around it in a clockwise direction on the right and a counterclockwise direction on the left to achieve outward curls. Brush through your curls a bit for a loose look.
#29: CURTAIN BANGS
Why we love them: Curtain bangs are another old-school style that make your features the center of attention. The look is parted down the middle and frames your face with long, wispy ends on each side.
How to get the look: Get the lowdown on this trendy style with our article, Hairstyle Trend Alert: Curtain Bangs.
#30: SINGLE-LENGTH + BLUNT BANGS
Why we love them: This standout pick highlights your features and adds bounce to your 'do. It also keeps your edges straight for a neat and clean style.
How to get the look: Leave the classic blowout behind and blow-dry your strands straight to bring the look to life.
#31: PARALLEL UNDERCUT
Why we love it: A parallel undercut can improve the manageability of your hair. It removes weight from your hair while providing it with more movement for a light feel.
How to get the look: This undercut style relies on two techniques for a smooth process, so it may be wise to consult your stylist.
#32: ANGLED LAYERS
Why we love them: Angled layers are ideal for anyone who doesn’t like to steer away from tradition. They're a timeless cut that provides your hair with stunning layers that frame your face.
How to get the look: Take a trip to the salon.
#33: SIDE-PARTED LOB
Why we love it: Not only does this style add a face-framing element to your 'do, but you can also flaunt your gorgeous cheekbones and chiseled jawline. It’s also a dramatic take on the traditional lob.
How to get the look: Using a rattail comb, create a deep side part. Then, mist your hair with a strong-hold hairspray to keep your locks in place.
#34: FEATHERED BANGS
Why we love them: Feathered bangs are an easy style that can make a huge impact on your beauty look. They welcome texture into the mix while working the angle of a messy, yet minimalist, pick.
How to get the look: Add a small amount of hair putty or texturizing spray to your bangs, and tousle with your fingers to create a feathered fringe.
#35: LONG, DRAMATIC BANGS
Why we love them: We love that this look is all about embracing bangs with length. Because they’re long and dramatic, they’re a nice change of pace from classic styles and offer a sultry vibe.
How to get the look: Speak with your stylist about cutting your bangs long enough without them getting in your eyes.
#36: SUPER-SHORT BANGS
Why we love them: Super-short bangs show the world that you don’t have to flaunt a long fringe to make a bold statement.
How to get the look: For more about this trend, read our article, How to Style Micro Bangs.
#37: MINI LOB
Why we love it: A mini lob is a great medium hair option that doesn’t require you to maintain a lot of length.
How to get the look: Add a bit of texture to your look using a densifying mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse.
#38: TEMPLE-SHAVED UNDERCUT
Why we love it: This look is the true epitome of a cool-girl hairstyle. It allows you to get creative with shaved designs along your temples while showing off your creativity.
How to get the look: Have a professional slay this look for you. Be sure to keep a few of your favorite examples on Pinterest handy for reference.
#39: ASYMMETRICAL LOB
Why we love it: This style gives you the choice to rock a short length on one side of your head and long locks on the other. It’s another unique way to play with angles and makes for a gorgeous Instagram selfie.
How to get the look: Look to a stylist to create this asymmetrical masterpiece.
#40: THROWBACK CROP
Why we love it: This mid-length cut is retro-inspired and gives you texture, dimension, and angles. Keep in mind, you can totally customize this look to suit your style.
How to get the look: Start off by applying a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Thermal Smoother Cream, to your locks. Blow-dry your hair, using a round brush to keep it smooth as you go. When you reach the ends, use the brush to flip them under. Mist shine spray over your strands to polish the look.
Now that we’ve tackled medium-length hairstyles for women, it’s only right to focus on the gents. Click through for The Best Medium-Length Hairstyles For Men and Boys.
