You can’t make up your mind between having long hair and chopping almost all of your tresses and going short all the way? Well, who says you have to? In fact, here’s what you should do instead: choose the third option, which is also the trendiest. Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about a medium-length haircut.
But trust me when I tell you that there is much more to it than just a fashionable hairstyle. Mid-length hair is versatile, it’s great for that transition period between long and short locks, and it also suits every face shape, and every hair texture…
Not enough reasons to convince you to pick this cut? Don’t worry, these inspo pics surely will.
5 Types Of Medium-Length Haircuts
To be clear, there are no defined types of mid-length cuts. However, I wanted to highlight these few because I want to prepare you for your next trip to the salon.
You’ll find the most important info about these cuts and I hope they’ll help you decide which one will work best for you. Your only job will be to find a professional who can give you the same, perfect haircut from one of these pics you choose.
1. Short to medium haircuts
The name says all: these hairstyles are somewhere in between short and medium haircuts. They’re usually longer than the chin level but shorter than the usual shoulder-length cut.
Do you consider making a big hair change? But at the same time, you’re scared that short hair won’t look good on you and that you’ll end up regretting chopping your tresses off? In that case, this short-to-medium cut is an ideal in-between length and exactly what you’re looking for. From here, you can let your hair grow back, you can maintain this length or you can go for a pixie cut. The choice is all yours and the options are pretty much endless.
2. Medium-length hair with layers
Back in the day, one couldn’t have imagined a trendy cut without layers. Remember the ’80s and all those feathered hairstyles? Well, the layers have definitely stood the test of time! Or, were they gone and now have a big comeback?
Who cares? What matters is that a layered medium haircut is the “it” hairstyle of the season. And there is a reason for it. Layers are here to give your hair volume and the illusion of thickness while providing an awesome look. Is there anything more a woman could wish for from the perfect hairstyle?
3. Face-framing layers on medium-length hair
But let’s be more specific and spice things up a bit. Yes, I’m talking about face-framing layers for medium-length hair. What’s so special about them? Well, you have no idea how happy I am that you asked.
First and foremost, face-framing layers are here to draw all the attention to your beautiful facial features, while putting the focus away from all those tiny flaws you want to hide. The name says it all: they frame your face which means they are here to elevate your cheekbones and jawline.
Also, they give movement to your hair, which makes your style look more chic, spontaneous, and fun.
4. Medium-length shag haircuts
You know what’s so great about medium-length shag haircuts? Besides the fact that they look soo cool? You might not know it but this cut requires literally zero effort and it is, without a doubt, one of the best-looking low-maintenance hairstyles out there. If you’re in search of a wash-and-go, “woke up like this” look that will save you a ton of money, time, and nerves, you’ve found your match made in heaven.
Shh, don’t tell this to anyone, but the truth is that this shaggy cut will look awesome even if you forget to brush your hair in the morning. And that’s not all! It will also make you look younger than ever!
5. Mom cut
I get it, you’re ready for a mom cut, but you want to avoid looking like a stereotypical Karen at all costs. Well, guess what? You can. Yes, you’ve heard me right: you can have a practical, low-maintenance mom cut that won’t get tangled all the time while looking stylish and fancy.
Instead of going too short, stick with the medium length. This way, you’ll look chic with minimum effort while running everyday errands and being a superhero.
Hairstyles For Medium-Length Hair
On the other hand, if you’re okay with your haircut but are bored with always wearing your hair the same and want to find new ways to style your hair, I got you there, too.
One of the reasons mid-length is so popular and practical is its versatility. No matter what kind of cut you choose, there are many different options to style it. In just a few minutes, you can get a perfect hairstyle for any occasion. And, I’m not stopping with great news today, the absolute best thing is that you won’t need a hairstylist for most of these looks because you can recreate them all alone.
So, let’s upgrade your hairstyling routine together and help you transform your look from boring to adoring!
1. Shoulder-length hairstyles
A shoulder-length haircut is great as everyday wear or as a look for special occasions; you just have to find a way to style it. Curling your tresses with a curling iron or without any heat will spice up your cut and bring it to the next level. For a more casual, relaxed look, go with more spontaneous-looking waves.
2. Shoulder-length hair with bangs
Wondering how to update your medium haircut without changing the length drastically? I’ve got exactly what you need: shoulder-length hairstyles with bangs.
The trick is to find the right type of bangs that suit your style and your face shape. If you want to soften your square face, go with wispy bangs. On the other hand, blunt bangs are a perfect match for long faces while curtain bangs look the best on round faces. Either way, a medium hairstyle with bangs is the way to go this season.
3. Medium-length curly hair
What if you have curly hair? Can you pull off a medium-length curly hairstyle? Absolutely yes! And if you’re still having doubts about it, these inspo-pics are here to prove you wrong.
No, this doesn’t mean that you’re sentenced to one style only. In fact, medium-length locks look amazing on different types of curls, including shaggy curls, Afro curls, 3c curls, and many more.
4. Curled hairstyles for medium-length hair
And what if you don’t have naturally curly hair? Well, curl your straight tresses and rock a completely different look. All you have to do is choose the right type of curls that look best on you. Or just show one of these curled mid-length hairstyles to your hairstylist.
Vintage curls might be a good idea for a wedding or a fancy party, while soft curls are an awesome everyday option.
5. Medium-length blonde hair
Is it true that blondes have more fun? I’ll tell you a little secret: those with medium-length blonde hair definitely do! But what’s so special about the pairing of this cut and this hair color?
Here’s the truth, whether you like to hear it or not: having extra long, healthy, blonde hair is almost impossible, especially if you use bleach on a regular basis. Of course, I’m talking about your hair, not the extensions. And that’s why every blonde-haired girly reaches a point where she is left with no other choice but to chop off those damaged ends. And then, just like that, she falls in love with her medium-length hair.
6. Cute hairstyles for mid-length hair
The number one misconception about mid-hair is that you can’t do much with it except wear it down. If you believe this as well, I’m here to change your mind and show you these cute hairstyles for medium-length hair.
Different types of braids, beach waves, bow buns, pigtails… and the list goes on and on. But what matters the most is that each of these styles looks stunning on a medium cut.
7. Easy updos for medium-length hair
Speaking of common misconceptions… who told you that your hair must be long for you to have a perfect updo? These updos for medium-length hair are living proof that this can’t be further from the truth.
Many girls would chop off their long tresses in a minute if they weren’t worried about how they’d style their hair for weddings, proms, and other special occasions. But the good news is that you can have magnificent updos for those events with a medium cut, as well; you just have to find a skilled hairstylist. And make sure to show them these inspo pics.
Medium-Length Hair For Different Age Groups
Luckily, medium-length hair is not reserved for one age group only. In fact, this awesome cut has so many different options that women of all ages can find their perfect match.
20s-30s
If you’re in your 20s or 30s, this is the best time to go on a quest to find your perfect medium-length haircut. This means that you’re more than welcome to add some funky highlights to your tresses and play with shape. Experiment and see what you like the most, and more importantly, what looks the best on you. Choppy layers and asymmetrical cuts are calling your name.
Over 40
According to my experience, women in their 40s are most likely to chop off their long tresses and understand that medium length is the best thing they can give their hair. If you’re in this age group, it’s about time you do the same. Trust me, damaged split ends are everything but attractive and you don’t need waist-long hair to look younger.
Over 50
When you reach your 50s, you want a cut that makes you look respectable but also shows that you still have what it takes to look stylish. What better choice than medium-length hair?
By now, you’ve learned what suits you the best, so just go for it. If you have a wrinkled forehead, bangs might be an excellent choice.
See also: 25 Trendy Shoulder Length Hairstyles For Women Over 50
Over 60
Your locks are probably thinning by now so having too long hair doesn’t look as nice as it used to. The best way to give your tresses the illusion of volume and thickness is to go for a medium-length cut.
Ask your hairdresser to add some layers that will create extra movement and depth— which is exactly what your hair needs.
Over 70
When you reach a certain age, everyone expects you to shorten your hair completely. Even though there are tons of stunning short hairstyles for women over 70, don’t let anyone convince you that it’s the only choice of haircut you have.
Instead of blending into the masses, stand out with a medium-length cut. Choose a low-maintenance one, such as a choppy medium-length cut that requires minimum effort and makes you look younger than ever.
Medium Hair For Different Face Shapes
Your face shape is probably the number one thing you should keep in mind when choosing the right cut. So if you’re still not sure about the type of medium-length haircut that suits your face the best, stay with me.
Oval face
Having an oval face shape means that your cheekbones’ width is bigger than your forehead’s width. Actually, an oval face is considered to be the most attractive face shape by many.
If you have this face shape, you can consider yourself lucky because you look good with literally every cut in the world.
However, if you really want to spice things up, choose asymmetry. You can go with side bangs, an asymmetrical bob, or an off-center part. Don’t be scared of adding some fun to your hair!
Square face
A square face is all about the distinguished jawline and chin. It’s a pretty angular face shape, and that’s why you need a hairstyle to soften your facial features. And that is exactly where medium-length haircuts come to the rescue.
The number one thing you need is bouncy layers that will get the attention of your angular chin. Also, you can’t go wrong with a deep-side part, and an asymmetrical long bob. Make sure your hair is beneath the chin level because you need a style that elongates your face.
Round face
Is your face shorter than a classic oval face? Do you have a rounded jawline and chin? Do you have a wide hairline and soft features? It can only mean one thing: you have a round face shape. But what medium-length haircuts suit you the best?
Shoulder-length hairstyle with bangs should be your number one choice, no questions asked. But instead of going for classic, blunt bangs, choose curtain or baby bangs to reshape your face. In case you’re not a big fan of fringes, choose center-part face-framing layers instead.
Heart-shaped face
The name says pretty much everything: a heart-shaped face resembles a heart, meaning that the bottom half of your face is narrower than the upper part.
A medium-length haircut with side-swept bangs, shoulder-length shaggy cut, or a bob cut that doesn’t end right on the jawline suit best women with this face shape.
Diamond-shaped face
How will you know that you have a diamond-shaped face? Its main characteristics are high and strong cheekbones slightly distanced from one another, with a narrow forehead and a small chin. And yes, it looks flattering when combined with a medium-length cut. But which one suits this face shape the best?
What you need is a hairstyle that will visually elongate your face and make it more balanced. Side-swept bangs and a classic long bob cut are always an excellent choice.
Long face
If you have a long face shape, you likely have an angular or slightly curvy chin. The rest of your face is of the same width, including your cheekbones, forehead, and jawline.
Instead of going for a straight medium-length haircut, girls with a long face should opt for waves, curls, or a shaggy hairstyle. All of these looks add volume to the sides of your face and therefore make it look wider than it actually is; which is exactly what you need to balance it.
Medium Hair For Different Hair Textures
It seems like we’ve covered all the things you should think about before choosing the right medium-length hairstyle. But wait, what about your hair texture? Isn’t it important as well? Absolutely yes!
Thin hair
It’s basic girl math, actually: if you have thin hair, you want to do everything in your power to give it the illusion of thickness and volume. And every hairstylist and hair expert will tell you the same: there is no better way to achieve this than by cutting it to medium-length. Long locks make your thin hair look even thinner, while medium-length gives it the desired result.
Here’s a pro tip: go for a butterfly medium-length cut or choose face-frames to create the much-needed movement in your hair.
Thick hair
I know what most people think: having thick hair is a gift from God. And it really is. Until you have to brush it, dry it, and literally wear it on your neck.
That is why you should get rid of those long tresses and choose a medium-length haircut. Get rid of the weight that is pulling your head down and making your locks less bulky. Here’s a pro tip: add bangs or an undercut for the best effect.
Fine hair
If you have fine hair, you simply must avoid cuts that require much maintenance. I’ll be honest with you: you’ll spend all of your time, money, and effort styling your hair and after spending a couple of hours out in humid weather, all of it will be in vain.
Instead, choose a low-maintenance medium-length haircut with a lot of movement that is pliable for styling. Of course, don’t forget to ask your hairdresser for a ton of layers that will feign thickness and volume.
Why Medium Is The Best Length?
More and more women around the world choose medium-length cuts as their go-to hairstyle. But why is that? Well, isn’t it obvious? It’s the best length that suits all age groups, hair textures, and face shapes. No, that’s not my personal opinion only. In fact, here are some reasons to support my claim:
1. It’s low-maintenance
Come on, it’s about time you admit it: you’re sick and tired of getting up at least an hour before work just to style your endlessly long hair. And don’t even get me started on the washing and blow-drying part. I mean, it’s like you have another human being to care for. And you’ve finally said enough.
There is no doubt about it: medium-length hair is low-maintenance. You can style it in just a few minutes at home, even if that includes flat ironing it, curling your tresses, or making a cute hairstyle or even an updo.
2. …but still feminine
But don’t worry, you won’t lose any bit of your femininity if you choose to chop off your locks. On the contrary, medium-length haircuts are likely to accentuate your beauty and your gorgeous face.
In most cases, mid-hair actually gives you a lady-like look. It makes you look more classy and elegant, and if those features aren’t feminine, I don’t know what is.
3. It’s a step towards healthier hair
Yes, there are some tricks to get thick and healthy hair. But I have to be honest with you and tell you that, at the end of the day, the journey almost always starts with cutting off those damaged split ends. You have to trim your hair on a regular basis for the new, healthy locks to start growing.
That is exactly why you should switch to medium-length haircuts. And if doesn’t convince you, I know what will: the fact that healthier hair looks more attractive.
4. Less product
When you have shorter hair, you need less product, the math is easy. That means less shampoo, less conditioner, less hair dye, less hair masks…
There are actually two upsides to this. First of all, you’ll save a lot of money. But also, you’ll let your scalp rest from the excessive amount of these products.
5. It’s trendy
Don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying that you should follow all fashion trends blindly. But the fact is that medium-length haircut is what all the “it” girls are rocking this season. Both the fashion and hair industries have gone crazy for it.
If Zendaya, Sophie Turner, Tessa Thompson, Michelle Obama, Victoria Beckham, Bella Hadid, Oprah, Margot Robbie, and many others can rock this cut, what’s stopping you?
