Medium length haircuts are one of the most versatile options when it comes to hairstyling and fashion. Falling anywhere between the shoulders and the collarbone, these haircuts offer the perfect balance between long and short hair. They are easy to manage, can be styled in numerous ways, and work well with different hair textures and face shapes. Whether you’re looking for something polished and sleek or a more laid-back, textured style, medium length haircuts can be tailored to suit your preferences while keeping up with the latest fashion trends.
In this article, we’ll explore some popular medium length haircut styles and provide tips on how to style them for different occasions and hair types.
1. The Classic Bob
The bob is a timeless choice that works beautifully as a medium length haircut. This version typically falls right at or just above the shoulders, making it a flattering option for most face shapes. It offers a sleek and polished look when styled straight, but can easily transition to a more casual, wavy style when desired.
What makes the classic bob stand out is its versatility—it can be blunt, layered, or even slightly asymmetrical depending on your preference. A bob is perfect for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet chic haircut.
Styling Tips for the Classic Bob:
- Use a flat iron for a straight, sleek finish, ensuring that you apply heat protectant beforehand to avoid damage.
- To create soft waves, use a curling wand on small sections of hair, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural look.
- Add a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape while keeping the hair bouncy and full of movement.
2. Shaggy Medium Length Haircuts
Shag haircuts have been making a big comeback, and they work especially well for medium length hair. A shag cut is characterized by choppy, uneven layers that add volume and texture to the hair. This style is ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed, effortlessly cool look. Shaggy medium length haircuts are also great for adding fullness to fine or thin hair.
The beauty of the shag cut is that it enhances your hair’s natural texture, whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair. For those with thicker hair, the layers in a shag cut help lighten the load, making the hair more manageable.
Styling Tips for Shag Medium Length Haircuts:
- To enhance the texture, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair before blow-drying with a diffuser. This will give your hair a beachy, tousled appearance.
- If you have curly hair, scrunch a curl-enhancing cream into your locks to define the curls without weighing them down.
- For a voluminous look, tease the roots lightly with a fine-tooth comb and finish with a texturizing spray for extra lift.
3. The Long Bob (Lob)
A lob, or long bob, is a fantastic medium length haircut for those who want something a bit longer than the traditional bob. This style generally falls around the collarbone, providing more styling flexibility while still being relatively low-maintenance. A lob can be worn straight for a sleek, modern look, or styled with waves for a more casual, carefree vibe.
Lobs can be customized with layers, blunt ends, or side-swept bangs depending on your style preference. This cut is ideal for people who want the length of long hair but with the ease of shorter hair.
Styling Tips for Lob Haircuts:
- Create loose waves with a curling wand, then brush them out for a soft, romantic finish.
- For a polished look, blow-dry your hair straight using a paddle brush, applying a smoothing serum to the ends to prevent frizz.
- Part your hair in the middle for a symmetrical, modern appearance, or go for a deep side part to add volume at the roots.
4. Layered Medium Length Haircuts
Layered medium length haircuts are ideal for adding movement and dimension, especially for those with thicker hair. Layers work wonders for creating volume and lightening up the weight of the hair. Depending on how dramatic you want the layers, they can range from soft, subtle layers to more defined, choppy cuts.
Layered medium length haircuts also help in framing the face, making them suitable for nearly all face shapes. The layers soften angular features and add texture, making the overall style look more dynamic.
Styling Tips for Layered Medium Length Haircuts:
- Blow-dry your hair using a round brush to lift the layers and create more movement. Apply a volumizing mousse to the roots for extra lift.
- Use a curling iron to define the layers, curling the ends outward for a flirty, voluminous look.
- Apply a lightweight serum or leave-in conditioner to add shine without weighing down the layers.
5. Curtain Bangs with Medium Length Haircuts
Curtain bangs are a popular choice to pair with medium length haircuts. These soft, parted bangs frame the face and blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, making them a flattering option for many face shapes. Curtain bangs can add a touch of sophistication to your haircut, and they’re relatively easy to style as they grow out.
This style is ideal for those who want bangs but aren’t ready to commit to a blunt fringe. Curtain bangs give you the flexibility to wear your hair up or down, with the bangs always adding a polished element to the look.
Styling Tips for Curtain Bangs:
- Blow-dry the bangs with a round brush, curving them slightly away from the face to create volume and softness.
- Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the bangs in place while maintaining their natural movement.
- For a more relaxed look, let the bangs air-dry and apply a texturizing spray for a soft, tousled finish.
6. Textured Medium Length Haircuts with Side Part
For those looking to add some drama and volume, textured medium length haircuts with a side part are a great option. The side part gives the hair more height and depth, while the textured layers add body and movement. This style works well for both straight and wavy hair, and it can easily be adapted to different occasions—whether you’re going for a casual, everyday look or something more formal.
Styling Tips for Textured Medium Length Haircuts:
- Blow-dry your hair using a diffuser for natural waves, and scrunch the ends with your fingers to define the texture.
- Part your hair deeply on one side to create an asymmetrical look, giving the appearance of more volume on top.
- Add a shine-enhancing spray to give the textured layers a glossy finish.
Conclusion
Medium length haircuts offer the best of both worlds, combining the versatility of longer styles with the easy maintenance of shorter cuts. From classic bobs to layered lobs and shaggy styles, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you prefer sleek and polished or tousled and textured, medium length haircuts provide endless styling possibilities to suit your personality and lifestyle.
