When you want a versatile look that falls in the sweet spot between short and long, the medium-length cut is the just-right style you've been waiting for. Since it lives somewhere in the center of the hair spectrum, the mid-length cut gets flack at times for seeming more hum-drum than wham-bam. But we think it’s time to give it some credit. It’s not reserved for those so undecided about the right haircut that they settle for an in-between. Rather, it's gloriously endless in options when it comes to layers and bangs; and it's perfect for the hard-to-please Southern woman since it gives the best of both worlds, which we always prefer. Maybe you want the layers of a long style, but the bangs of a bob? Fine. Or perhaps you want the volume of a short cut, but the movement of long locks? That’s fine too. We’re jumping down the rabbit hole of inspiration for the best medium-length hairstyles, and you’ll be calling up your salon for an appointment in no time.
Angled Lob
This medium-length style gets way more interesting with an angled cut that gives a stacked, layered look from back to front. You can work this style with a middle or side part.
Mega Layers
The quickest way to ensure great volume and lift is to go “more is more” with the layers. For a mid-length cut, layers shouldn’t sit much higher than where they hit at the chin.
Thick Long Layers
If you have thick hair, longer layers like these look really great on a mid-length cut. The layers meld cohesively without being choppy or stacked.
Curly Volume
For curly-haired girls, it’s hard to find the happy medium between short and long that still gives volume. This shoulder-length cut is super flattering with side-swept layers around the face. (Remember curly hair will dry much shorter after getting it cut while it is wet, so avoid an awkward length!)
Side-Swept and Simple
This style is fun, easy to manage, and effortlessly stylish. It’s perfect for the woman who wants an interesting hairstyle without too much fuss. The bangs hit a tad below the eyebrows and are brushed to the side.
Sleek Shag
This modern approach to the shag cut gets the tousled look and bangs with less messiness. For ultimate shine, use a smoothing serum or oil after the hair is dry.
Framing Shoulder Cut
This blunt cut hits right below the shoulders with minimal face-framing layers that help make hair look super healthy and thick.
Classic and Flippy
This vintage-inspired style grazes the collarbone, but gets movement from flipping ends and subtle curls. We love the middle-parted cut pinned half back for extra volume. This style has the potential to be a signature look!
Princess Cut
The Duchess knows how to rock her royal hair, no matter the length. We've definitely seen Princess Kate start veering towards mid-length cuts that are shorter than her classic long, bouncy curls. Might be her signature Mommy style evolving as baby number three is on the way!
Southern Glam
Big-barrel curls and great volume is the Southern staple. Slightly balayaged hair color works with the mid to long layers throughout for a classic style. We’d love our hair to look like this everyday!
Super Blunt Lob
The layer-free blunt cut is definitely a little bolder than a softer, layered style; but we think it’s so worth it for the stylishness it brings. Blunt ends will also make thin hair look much thicker, which is definitely a plus.
Center-Part Bangs
These bangs instantly add so much to your face, but do require a little bit of styling. If you’re more into low maintenance styles, these bangs would work best on naturally straight hair. Make sure the bangs are a little longer on the sides to frame the face well.
Vintage Side Part
You get so much subtle glamor with the Old Hollywood side part and curls, and it works very well with mid-length hair. A deep side part with layers that hit just below the chin gives the cascading look we all love.
Clean Cut
This style is longer for a medium-length haircut, but it’s the layer-free cut that makes it look even longer. Though a few long layers might be sprinkled in, it works well because you end up with a clean, simple look that’s about a low maintenance as it gets.
Wispy Layers
These subtle layers frame the face and look great with straight hair. A slightly off-center part gives the effortless look, while making sure the layers are below the chin will help them fall in a peekaboo way.
Side-Swept Lob
A very deep side part looks great with voluminous curly hair, but it works best on oval face shapes. This long bob length is universally flattering!
Laidback Waves
For a look that’s laidback and low maintenance, cut hair just below the shoulders and allow for loose waves to do the rest of the work. Work some wave spray or mousse into wet hair, and then use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to finish off the styling.
