57 Gorgeous Medium Length Hairstyles For Women To Try in 2024 (2024)

Medium hairstyles are versatile, attractive and timeless looks that can transform your vibe and stand out while making a great impression. Balanced and low-maintenance, a flattering medium-length haircut can be a stylish and feminine choice for women who want a style that can suit any texture, face shape or occasion for an effortlessly chic finish. If you’re looking to experiment, these stunning ideas are fun, elegant and impossible to miss, offering something for every woman.

Whether you’re transitioning from short to longer hair or just want a trendy new cut, you can combine these cute styles with layers, bangs, waves, curls and parts to create the perfect vibe. From the wavy long bob to the layered shag with bangs, the right approach can boost volume, texture and movement for an elevated finish that will complement your features.

For fresh ideas, check out these amazing medium-length hairstyles for women to inspire your next visit to the stylist.

Flattering Medium Haircut Styles

Full Lob with Bangs

Also known as a lob, a full long bob with bangs is a sexy, flirty and feminine style that will transform your look for a romantic and effortlessly chic look. The side-swept bangs draw attention to the sultry eyes, which makes this vibe absolutely unforgettable. To recreate this look, wrap damp hair around some large rollers or use a wide-barrel curling iron on dry hair to create waves, then use a texturizing mist for definition.

Long Wispy Bangs

Long wispy bangs add some sex appeal and sultriness to any medium cut. This example features a layered bob with blunt, choppy ends and center-parted bangs that flow downward and out. The style is perfect for women with fine hair who want the face-framing impact of bangs without losing overall hair density. Style it with a few messy waves for a contemporary beachy look.

Medium Wolf Cut

The wolf cut is a combination of two iconic styles – the beautiful shag and the mullet. It is one of the most popular styles of the decade thanks to its unique attitude and fashionable nature. Equally cute on both curly and straight strands, the look requires cutting very thick, layered bangs while leaving the rest of the hair significantly longer.

Medium Shaggy Layers

The contemporary shaggy look is effortlessly feminine and badass. The longer layers start a few inches below the shoulder while the shorter ones rest about an inch below the ears, and the thick tousled fringe pulls the style together. For some extra dimension, consider adding highlights and lowlights. Loose beachy waves separated with sea salt spray or texturizing pomade finish the cut.

Textured A-Line Bob

The asymmetrical look of the A-line bob is youthful, flirty, and flattering, and most of the work happens in the stylist’s chair. This cut looks best on women with slightly wavy hair, but big rollers and curling irons can transform stick-straight locks. Short layers in the back parallel the longer layers in the front, and the center parted waves bring attention to the eyes.

Messy Loose Curly Shag

Curls are youthful, flirty, and romantic, especially when they are layered in a way that shows off their volume and bounce. This long shag highlights the texture and definition of every curl and frames the face in an almost angelic way. The cut is best for women who have natural curls, but those who have thick wavy hair can use heat tools and styling products to recreate the look.

Tight Short Curls

Volume is the name of the game with this gorgeous style that embraces the texture of black hair. The short layers are stacked in such a way that the curls gain incredible volume. A little styling cream and some expertly-placed highlights define and elevate this style.

Youthful Layered Style

A youthful layered medium-length hairstyle is timeless, elegant and effortlessly beautiful for any woman who wants to revamp her look. This style will pair well with thick and straight or slightly wavy hair, but ladies with more waves or curls can straighten their locks with a flat iron before styling. Recreating this look is as easy as using a large round brush and hair dryer to curl the ends of each layer under.

Medium Blowout

Medium-length hair looks stunning with a stylish blowout. Depending on your preference, you can either create a curly blowout with jumbo rollers and a round brush or a straight style that’s lightly flicked to add shape. To keep your blowout in place, lightly spritz it with hairspray or texture spray.

Stylish Low Bun

Hair that is on the shorter side of medium length can be difficult to pull into a high updo. The stylish low bun is an elegant alternative that can be as formal or as casual as required. The formal look involves pulling the hair back and twisting it into an elongated bun. For a more casual updo, pull the hair back in a looser bun and let a few tendrils fall free.

Combed Over Long Bob

Fans of the old-school Lob are bound to appreciate a cool and casual combed-over look. This style typically falls just below the collarbone and requires a relatively deep side part to achieve. It’s worth adding layers to your style for extra movement, and you can add excitement to your look with a slightly asymmetrical cut at the back.

Cute Flowing Ombre

If you’re a girl on a mission to brighten your complexion, a flowing ombre style should be your go-to look this summer. Soft curtain bangs and long layers instantly spice up medium-length hair, but it’s the gradual fade to blonde tips that add depth and dimension to this cut. You can either go traditional with a light blonde fade or reverse the look with colored or brunette tips!

Layered Medium Length Side Swept Style

Tousled layers can be romantic, fun, classy, or flirty. This layered style sweeps over from a deep part to create a carefree and relaxed look. The addition of some texturizing spray or pomade helps to separate chunks of hair, which can make fine hair appear thicker and coarser than it is.

Deep Side Part

The deep side part is an ideal style for women who want to create a soft and romantic look that’s perfect for everyday wear. Straight locks will draw attention to your part, while the flipped ends offer flair and playfulness for a cute look. For extra texture, you can add waves or curls to create visual drama and bounce. Blonde highlights are a welcome addition to the style.

Longer Straight Hair

If you don’t want to sacrifice much length and appreciate slick styles, hair that lies just below the shoulder can be gorgeous. You can use a flat iron for a temporary fix or opt for a keratin treatment (a Brazilian blowout!) to achieve pin-straight hair for up to 12 weeks.

Cute Curled Medium Style

Curls look flirty and pretty on medium-length hair, offering texture and bounce that helps you avoid a limp and flat style. If you don’t have natural curls, using a hot air styler on damp hair will give you a free-flowing and bohemian look. For longer-lasting curls, a larger barrel wand will give you an all-day hold that will eventually fall into loose waves.

Blunt Lob with Feathered Ends

Adding feathered ends to a blunt lob can be an excellent option for women who want to remove weight from their locks. Feathering gives incredible texture to the hair by gently shaping the end of the locks into a signature V-shape. The almost wispy result paired with a striking blunt cut results in a sleek and lightweight style that’s ideal for the office.

Messy Blonde Bob with Middle Part

A classic bob meets beachy blonde waves with this classic style. Part medium-length hair in the center, then create large, loose waves with curlers or heat tools. For the choppy look at the ends of the hair, apply a little texturizing pomade with the fingertips. At home, at the office, or out on the town, this flexible blonde style is simple and sexy.

Chic Mid-Length Waves

You can easily add texture and visual interest to your locks with chic waves. Using a hot air styler while the hair is damp creates a looser, blowout-like finish. But if you want a beach-worthy look, scrunch the hair with sea salt spray to give your strands natural grit and a windswept appearance.

Stylish Curtain Bangs on Medium Layered Hair

Curtain bangs can make any cut look more put-together, but when paired with medium layers, the effect is simply stunning. The bangs blend in with the shorter layers to create a feathered effect, especially when the ends of the hair are all swept back away from the face. The style is a retro throwback to the 1970s and 80s with a contemporary touch.

Elegant Waves and Ear Tuck

If you’re blessed with symmetrical features and want to channel some Old Hollywood glamour, elegant waves will be your best friend. Using styling clips to hold your style in place as it cools will create incredible hold. To open up your features, keep a section tucked behind the ear with a bobby pin.

Long Textured Wavy Hair

It’s hard to go wrong with long, dreamy waves and stunning highlights that frame the face. A few long layers and the balayage highlights add to the appearance of texture while the bright highlights around the face finish the look. To style it, apply a sea salt spray to the bottom half of the length of the hair and tousle with the fingertips.

Blunt Straight Blonde Style

A blunt cut is a strong and striking style that can be paired with gorgeous blonde dye for the ultimate sun-kissed appearance. You can easily achieve a sleek look with a flat iron or slightly flick the edges for extra shape and structure. Even natural blondes can dial up their style with light highlights or a long fringe to draw attention.

Layered Long Curly Hair

If you’re blessed with long locks, read up on the Curly Girl Method to restore your curls to their natural shape and vibrancy. Layering medium-length curls gives them much-needed dimension, but it’s important to infuse your strands with moisture to avoid a crispy or frizzy look. If your hair isn’t naturally curly, grab a decent set of tight tongs and add ringlets that you can brush out for a looser finish.

Easy Shoulder Length Cut

Low-maintenance women are bound to appreciate the ease of a basic shoulder-length cut as it flatters the face without requiring regular trims. Although you’ll want to head to the salon every three months to maintain the health of your hair, subtle long layers will add plenty of movement and shape. Plus, your layers will grow out beautifully without looking unkempt. For a more youthful feel, add blonde highlights or a stunning balayage.

Cute and Casual Messy Updo

When the heat hits, a casual updo with a few flowing strands is a total winner. It’s a good idea to pull out any strands around the fringe to frame the face. When it comes to the bulk of your locks, pull your hair onto the top of the head and secure it with a modern claw clip or a few strong hair ties. To give your updo a lived-in feel, spritz your roots with texture spray first.

Longer Flowing Layers with Swept Over Side Part

We all know that layers add attractive flow to your style, but a soft side part that gently falls across the eyes will truly dial things up. For a modern and chic look, use a flat iron or round brush to gently shape and flick the face-framing pieces around the chin.

Chic French Twist

Whether you’re at the office or heading on a girl’s night out, a French twist is a great way to keep your hair up without sacrificing style. You can slick the hair completely back for a Gen Z feel or pull out strands around the front for a loose and romantic look that’s utterly timeless.

Shoulder Length Straight Hair

With volume-boosting layers, a classic shoulder-length straight hairstyle is a versatile, feminine and stylish look for women who want to enhance their body and dimension. Because straight hair tends to go flat more than wavy or curly hair, adding layers to your mid-length look will ensure your style stays bold and fresh all day long.

Blunt Medium Length Hair

A blunt shoulder-length cut can be the perfect canvas to explore accessories and bold pieces. Take a break from layers with this chic and professional hairstyle that requires very little upkeep. It’s inspired by dramatic art movements of the past and is sure to make a statement in any room.

Medium Length Layered Hair with Bangs

If you want to thin out your thicker hair or prefer a bold and beautiful professional style, consider adding bangs and layers to your medium-length hairstyle. The effect is striking and youthful but still carries an air of confidence and doesn’t require constant heat or product use.

Medium Length Blonde Hairstyles

If you love summer beach days, take your blonde shoulder-length hair to the next level with salt sprays and tie-dye bandanas. You can also embrace classic, fairy tale vibes with half-up braided crowns that can be adorned with flowers and delicate pins. For festival looks, space buns are fun and exciting and blonde hair showcases hair glitter and adornments well.

Medium Length Brown Hair

A medium brown hairstyle is a warm, charming and beautiful look that allows you to embrace your natural color and exude confidence. Whether you want a playful and tousled look or a classy and wavy longer bob, brunette haircut ideas will make a statement. For a change, you can go a little lighter with blonde undertones or highlights for a flirty, youthful look or consider adding red and gold tones that make your hairstyle feel sophisticated and mysterious. Brown is excellent for ombre styles, so consider how you want to showcase your cut.

Black Shoulder Length Hair

Black shoulder-length hair is great for traveling or professional work environments. Low-maintenance and stylish because dark hair is always chic and goes with everything, or you can consider bangs or layers for an understated feminine hairstyle. There’s no way to go wrong with medium length hairstyles for black hair.

Above The Shoulder Haircut

As a short-medium length, an above-the-shoulder haircut is a low-maintenance and attractive choice that can turn heads. Always chic and easy to wear, these styles can look polished and put-together but still maintain a comfortable and accessible vibe the people around you are sure to notice.

Medium Length Curly Hair

Curly hair is beautiful and should be celebrated! When you cut your curly hair down, you won’t have to worry so much about maintaining it or the long drying process, but you’ll still have enough hair for unique looks from space buns to Dutch braids. Styling is easy at this length, but you can also skip the product and allow your locks to flow free.

Medium Length Straight Hair

A straight hairstyle is chic, easy and timeless, allowing you to transition between professional and casually trendy styles. Head straight from the office to a night on the town with friends and change it up with ease by switching between a side and middle part.

Permed Medium Hair

If your hair is already longer than shoulder-length or you’re comfortable growing it out for a while, you may want to consider a mid-length perm hairstyle. Skip the damage from everyday heating tools like curlers and blow dryers and go for this long-lasting style. Modern perms are more personalized than the look of the past, so yours will help frame your face with full, bouncy curls that are fun and sexy.

Wavy Hair with Bangs

Achieve an effortlessly classic look when you try out a wavy hairstyle with bangs. This modern-retro vibe feels classy and European and is super easy to maintain. Leave it messy and tousled for a casual look, or find some cute pins and accessories to tame it for work in a sleek, cool way.

Medium-Length Haircuts For Fine Hair

When it comes to styling fine hair, you’ll want to employ techniques that add volume and dimension without causing damage from heating tools or driers. Mid-length cuts make thin hair healthier and easier to maintain, while still allowing for ample styling opportunities. Consider a sea spray or delicately detailed pins for special occasions.

Medium Thick Hair

Shoulder-length hairstyles are excellent for women with thick hair because they’re easy to maintain, dry faster, and remove some of the weight of thick hair that pulls on the scalp. You might want to consider layers to help thin your hair out, but at this length, thick hair still holds many unique and beautiful updos and ponytails that won’t stay if the hair is too long.

Layered Curly Hair

You may have heard that curly hair shouldn’t be layered, but that’s just not true. Where layers add volume to straight hair, they can help to smooth and structure medium-length curly hair, so the natural shape of your face is framed and highlighted. It will also reduce some of the weight of your hair, which can help keep you cool in warm weather.

Medium Length Asian Hair

Asian hair is traditionally thicker, straighter, and stronger than many other hair types, which means you have lots of options for how you want to style it and the shape it will hold. At this length, bangs make a beautiful and stylish addition to your look, but whether you add them or not, you’ll still have a classic and feminine sweetness to your style.

Medium Length African American Hair

Natural curls are gorgeous and easier to maintain at this length for African American hair and they help to frame the face and highlight the cheekbones. Keeping your hair at this length will also mean less aggressive heat styling and products, which will mean healthier, happier hair.

Medium Length Hair with Bangs

A cute and easy hairstyle with bangs can be a feminine choice that will frame your face while taking your look to the next level. Also known as a fringe, stylish bangs can work well for fine and thick hair, offering fun and simple ways to experiment with different styles. From a long bob with waves and wispy bangs to a wolf cut with curtains, this modern approach will always look fashionable.

Medium Platinum Blonde Hair

Medium length platinum blonde hair brings to mind beaches, summer and sun, and it’s not hard to see why. A beautiful blonde color adds an effortlessly cool and casual look to mid-length hair and it’s easy to maintain in the surf or on hot days. Style with sea sprays, relaxed braids, or bandanas and scrunchies for easy chic.

Medium Brunette Hair

Shoulder-length brunette hair is effortlessly retro and will add the vibe of European looks from the 1960s and 70s. If you’re open to dying your hair, consider some lighter, neutral highlights that will add volume and depth to darker shades and provide a cute and casual look that can be easily glammed up.

Medium Black Hair

Black hair is bold and statement-making and when you pair your black hair with a face-framing shoulder-length look, you can achieve that sophisticated style that will always get attention. Go for an edgy, underground style with a straight-middle part or consider adding bangs or waves for something more subdued.

Ombre Hair

There’s a reason ombre hair is such a favorite, and this gorgeous, shaded design works excellently on mid-length hair, where the colors are on full display. Go for a classic darker-roots, lighter-ends look, or consider a real bold color scheme like mermaid or rainbow.

Medium Length Hair with Highlights

Shoulder-length hair is an excellent way to showcase your highlights and go for something bold and daring without making too big a change or requiring an enormous amount of upkeep. Your stylist will find the natural undertones to your hair and match them for a beautiful, dimension-adding look that won’t need a lot of styling or product.

Medium Hair Updo

One of the best parts about having shoulder-length hair is that you still have many opportunities for updos and unique styles. You can enjoy a sleek and polished style with a tight knot at the neck, or add volume to your crown and pull your hair into a messy bun, allowing a few loose strands to add a casual, face-framing vibe to your look.

Braids For Medium Length Hair

At shoulder-length, it can be difficult to manage a single thick braid, but consider splitting your hair into two pieces or more and trying out Dutch braids, French braids, or waterfall braids. This length is lovely for braided crowns and half-up hairstyles, but can even work for top knots and space buns when you’re looking to go cool and casual.

Medium Length Hair with Long Layers

If your hair is naturally wavy, you might want to consider adding some longer layers into your shoulder-length cut. They’ll blend in naturally and add dimension and volume, which is helpful for finer hair and removes some of the heat and heaviness of thicker hair for a comfy, casual vibe.

Shoulder Length Hair with Side Bangs

Side bangs are bold, beautiful and impossible to overlook, showing off your personality while creating a stunning look to suit your face shape. Medium styles with side bangs can slim your face and add a unique texture to thicker hair, which supports them well. Side bangs make it easy to try out updos and knots while still providing that face frame.

Messy Bun For Medium Length Hair

Cute and comfortable for busy moms and career-oriented women, a messy bun can offer some casual confidence and allow you to embrace your texture. Since medium length hair isn’t quite long enough for a top knot, at least not without the bobby pins to hold stray pieces in place, a mid-level messy bun is the perfect alternative. You won’t want to use too many pins or products, as this look is all about comfort, but tuck a few in to ensure your bun stays in place.

Sexy Medium Length Hair

No matter which gorgeous look you embrace, shoulder-length hair has a naturally sexy and flirtatious vibe to it, one you can easily pair with makeup and outfits to fit your need. Go for a classic girl-next-door look with blue jeans, white tee and nude lip or add in a smokey eye and bold red or purple lip color for a night on the town without much hair care or maintenance at all.

Cute Medium Length Haircuts For Girls

Little girls often love to play with hair, but having tangled or messy knots can lead to a detangling nightmare. With a shoulder cut, you’ll have the length necessary to wear braids, ponytails or more intricate styles without the extra maintenance and detangling. Little girls can even style their hair down and loose and it’ll still be relatively easy to pull off.

How To Style Shoulder Length Hair

These modern and beautiful shoulder length hairstyles are fun, versatile and easy to wear, allowing you to style any look to suit your texture or the occasion. The most flattering medium haircuts are generally charming looks that take advantage of your hair’s natural texture while framing your face and maximizing volume.

Some women prefer layers to lighten the weight of thick hair while adding body, while others may ask their stylist for bangs that blend with layered hair for a gorgeous finish. These cuts are ideal if you want to achieve a lob or shaggy style, but a longer length can be styled with waves and bangs or textured layers with highlights.

You can sweep and part your hair on the side or try a low-maintenance middle part for a simple finish. We recommend styling hair with heat protectant spray, serum, hairspray or curl-defining creams, depending on the style you want to rock.

Popular Shoulder-Length Hairstyles For Women

The most popular medium hairstyles include modern long bobs, youthful layered cuts, timeless side parts, chic shags, face-framing bangs, beachy waves and bouncy curls. A flattering shoulder-length haircut is a stylish and versatile choice for women who want a low-maintenance, gorgeous look that makes a statement.

Light bangs will always look pretty and youthful, while layered styles will thin out thicker locks or add fullness to thinner tresses. For proper care, use a quality shampoo, conditioner and styling product to add volume, texture and flow.