As the name implies, a mid-length haircut strikes a balance between short and long hair. It’s the perfect in-between length, typically falling anywhere from the shoulders to mid-chest. While “medium length” can mean different things to different people, this versatile style works for just about everyone.
Often viewed as an awkward stage—especially for those growing out a bob—mid-length haircuts have been underestimated. But this transitional length is anything but limiting. From sleek, polished looks to effortlessly tousled waves, it opens up a world of styling opportunities.
Ahead, we’ve curated 40 stunning mid-length haircuts that showcase just how chic and low-maintenance this length can be. Whether you’re embracing the in-between phase or simply craving a fresh new shoulder-grazing style, let these gorgeous examples inspire your next trip to the salon.
Bombshell curls aren’t reserved for long locks—they’re equally stunning on mid-length hair, adding volume, texture, and a touch of glamour to shoulder-grazing styles.
Incorporating heavy layering around the face can transform a simple mid-length haircut into a dynamic and purposeful style. These layers frame the face beautifully, accentuating your features while adding depth and movement to the hair. Whether you prefer soft, feathered layers for a natural look or bold, choppy layers for a more dramatic effect, this technique brings personality to your hairstyle. Plus, face-framing layers work well with various textures—enhancing curls, waves, or straight locks—making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to elevate their mid-length cut.
If you’re feeling uninspired while growing out a shorter haircut, adding a bold pop of color can instantly revive your style and make the process exciting. Vibrant hues like fiery red, electric blue, or pastel pink can turn your transitional length into a statement look. Even subtle touches, like a streak of color or an ombré effect, can bring new life to your hair. Experimenting with color not only keeps things interesting but also gives you the chance to express your personality and creativity while you wait for your desired length.
If you’re not ready to fully commit to an all-over bold hue, a two-tone color is the perfect compromise. This stylish approach allows you to combine two shades, creating depth and dimension in your hair. You could try contrasting colors, like platinum blonde and jet black for a dramatic look, or complementary tones, like caramel and chocolate brown, for a softer effect. Two-tone hair also opens the door for endless creativity, from peek-a-boo highlights to split-dye styles, letting you play with color without going all in. It’s a fun, low-commitment way to shake up your look while growing out your hair.
Alternatively, opting for a deeper hue is a more subtle and sophisticated approach to red hair. Shades like auburn, mahogany, or burgundy offer richness and warmth without the bold intensity of brighter reds. These tones are versatile and flattering on a wide range of skin tones, making them an excellent choice if you’re looking to experiment with color in a more understated way. Plus, deeper reds add depth and shine to your hair, enhancing your overall look while still making a chic statement. It’s a refined way to embrace red without going too bold.
Heavy side-swept bangs with tapered ends offer a modern, chic twist to a mid-to-long-length haircut. This style creates a soft, face-framing effect while maintaining a touch of drama. The sweeping bangs add movement and elegance, effortlessly blending into the longer layers of the hair. The tapered ends give the overall look a polished, refined feel, preventing it from appearing too blunt or heavy.
This versatile cut works well with various textures, from straight to wavy hair, and can be styled for casual or formal occasions. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to add dimension and interest to their hairstyle without sacrificing length.
Flicking the ends of your hair under is a simple yet effective way to transform a shoulder-length haircut into a polished bob. This styling trick creates the illusion of a shorter, sleeker cut while maintaining the versatility of medium-length hair.
By curving the ends inward, you add a touch of sophistication and structure, giving your style a classic yet contemporary vibe. It works especially well with layered cuts, enhancing the overall shape and adding dimension. Whether paired with a side part or a sleek middle part, this technique is perfect for elevating your look, whether you’re headed to the office or a night out.
A simple middle part is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Effortlessly chic and universally flattering, this sleek styling choice creates symmetry and frames the face beautifully.
Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, a middle part adds a sense of balance and polish to any look. It pairs perfectly with mid-length cuts, enhancing their natural elegance and versatility. From casual days to formal events, this understated style can adapt to any occasion, proving that sometimes the simplest choices make the biggest impact.
A heavy side part instantly elevates a shoulder-length haircut, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. This style creates dramatic volume on one side while softly framing the face, making it a go-to choice for those who love a bold yet refined look.
Perfect for both casual outings and formal occasions, a deep side part complements all hair textures, from sleek and straight to voluminous waves. Pair it with a glossy finish for a red-carpet vibe or tousled strands for a relaxed, chic aesthetic. It’s a simple adjustment that delivers maximum impact!
This collarbone-skimming medium-length haircut is the perfect blend of elegance and playfulness, beautifully framing the face with its wispy curly fringe. The soft, feathery bangs draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones while adding a touch of texture and movement to the overall look.
Ideal for wavy or curly hair, this cut brings a natural, effortless vibe that works equally well for casual days or dressed-up occasions. Pair it with a lightweight styling product to define the curls, and you’ll have a flattering, face-framing hairstyle that’s chic yet low-maintenance.
If your hair air-dries this effortlessly, we can’t help but be envious. The natural texture and flow create an effortlessly chic vibe that looks like you stepped straight out of a hair commercial.
This kind of air-dried perfection showcases the beauty of embracing your natural hair texture—whether it’s soft waves, loose curls, or sleek straight locks. To enhance the look, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or styling cream to damp hair and let it dry naturally. The result? A carefree, polished style that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.
Adding volume to a medium-length haircut instantly elevates the style, giving it a glamorous and bold appeal. Pair it with a smoldering smoky eye, and you’ve got a look that’s undeniably captivating and perfect for any occasion.
To achieve this voluminous effect, start by blow-drying your hair with a round brush to lift the roots. Add some texturizing spray or mousse for extra hold and bounce. If you’re after even more drama, soft curls or waves can amplify the volume further, creating a style that oozes sophistication and confidence.
While this haircut may lean towards longer lengths, it perfectly showcases how curtain bangs can bring a playful and romantic touch to any medium-length style. The softly parted fringe frames the face beautifully, blending seamlessly into the rest of the hair for an effortlessly chic look.
To style curtain bangs, blow-dry them with a round brush, angling them slightly away from your face to achieve that signature swoop. Pair this look with loose waves or straight locks for a versatile style that transitions easily from casual outings to elegant events. Curtain bangs truly add a whimsical, yet polished vibe to any medium-length haircut.
A bold, heavy fringe paired with blunt ends creates a strikingly full and polished mid-length haircut. The thick fringe draws attention to the eyes, while the blunt ends give the hair a structured, modern look that feels effortlessly chic. This combination is perfect for adding volume and density, especially to finer hair types.
Styling tip: Use a flat iron to ensure sleekness and precision at the ends, and add a touch of shine serum to enhance the overall look. Whether worn straight or with soft waves, this haircut delivers a timeless yet contemporary vibe that works beautifully for all occasions.
If you’re torn between the allure of short hair and the versatility of medium-length styles, a dramatic mullet is your ultimate solution. This edgy cut combines cropped, textured layers in the front with longer lengths in the back, offering a bold and stylish contrast. It’s the perfect mix of rock-and-roll coolness and modern sophistication.
Styling tip: Use a texturizing spray or pomade to define the shorter layers and enhance the overall shape, giving it that effortlessly undone vibe. Whether you keep it sleek or play up the texture for a messy look, a mullet ensures you’ll stand out with a haircut that’s both daring and fashion-forward.
Voluminous curls paired with a heavy side fringe elevate this shoulder-skimming haircut to a new level of elegance. The cascading curls bring fullness and texture, while the side-swept fringe frames the face beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication and charm.
Styling tip: Use a curling iron or hot rollers to create bouncy curls, then gently brush them out for a softer, more natural look. Finish with a lightweight hairspray to hold the shape while maintaining movement. This polished yet effortless style is perfect for both casual outings and special occasions.
This hairstyle perfectly showcases a curly fringe that transitions seamlessly into the lengths, creating a cohesive and natural flow. The graduated curls around the face frame it beautifully while maintaining a soft, effortless vibe.
Styling tip: To achieve this look, define the curls with a curl-enhancing cream or mousse and diffuse dry for a bouncy finish. Trim the fringe to match the natural curl pattern, ensuring it blends smoothly into the rest of the hair. This style is ideal for embracing your curls while keeping them chic and manageable.
Adding a fringe to a shoulder-length haircut instantly elevates the style, making it feel more purposeful and polished. Whether it’s blunt, wispy, or curtain-style, a fringe creates a focal point that frames the face beautifully and adds personality to the overall look.
Styling tip: Choose a fringe style that complements your face shape and hair texture. For example, a blunt fringe works well for straight hair, while curtain bangs suit wavy textures. Pair your fringe with subtle layers for a cohesive, intentional aesthetic that exudes confidence and style.
The bell-bottom bob has taken center stage as one of 2024’s most talked-about haircut trends, offering a retro yet modern vibe. If you love the concept but prefer more length, the longer version is just as chic and versatile. This extended style delivers the signature flared-out ends of the bell-bottom bob while providing the ease and elegance of a mid-length cut.
Styling tip: Use a round brush and a blow dryer to create the flared effect at the ends, or opt for a flat iron twist for a sleeker finish. This look pairs beautifully with a middle part for a retro aesthetic or a side part for added drama.
Classic waves never go out of style, and they pair beautifully with a mid-length haircut. This timeless look adds effortless elegance and movement to shoulder-skimming hair, making it perfect for any occasion—from casual outings to formal events.
To achieve these waves, use a curling iron or wand with a medium barrel for soft, natural-looking curls. Brush them out gently for a polished, relaxed finish, and add a light mist of texturizing spray for extra hold and dimension. Whether paired with a middle part for a balanced look or a deep side part for a touch of glamour, classic waves are always a winning choice.
A collarbone-length haircut strikes the perfect balance for those who want the freshness of shorter hair without fully committing to a style above the shoulders. This versatile length allows for plenty of styling options while still maintaining a sense of elegance and femininity.
It’s a universally flattering choice that frames the face beautifully and works well with a variety of hair textures, from straight and sleek to wavy and voluminous. Plus, the length offers enough room for playful updos, half-up styles, or casual beachy waves. Whether you’re transitioning from long locks or testing the waters before going shorter, a collarbone-length haircut is a chic and practical choice.
Wispy curls bring an air of effortless chic to medium-length haircuts, making them a timeless and versatile choice. These soft, delicate curls add texture and movement, creating a look that’s both stylish and relaxed.
Perfect for any occasion, wispy curls work well with shoulder-length hair to enhance its natural volume and dimension. Whether styled casually for a day out or dressed up for an evening event, this look exudes understated elegance. Pair it with face-framing layers or a light fringe for an even more polished, ethereal vibe.
Side fringes will always be in style, as far as we’re concerned, but to achieve this look, you can forego the snip and simply style the front section of hair to sit over the brow for a similar effect.
Keeping your fringe and ends blunt is a simple yet effective way to add fullness and structure to a mid-length haircut. The sharp, clean lines of a blunt cut create the illusion of thicker, healthier hair, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance volume without compromising on length.
This style works especially well with straight or slightly wavy hair, as the blunt edges draw attention to the hair’s natural shine and texture. Pair it with a bold, full fringe for a statement-making look, or opt for a softer, tapered fringe to keep things balanced. Either way, this approach ensures your mid-length haircut looks intentional, polished, and effortlessly chic.
In our opinion, a mid-length balayage is an effortlessly timeless hairstyle that never goes out of fashion. The natural, hand-painted highlights add depth, dimension, and a sun-kissed glow to medium-length hair, making it look vibrant and dynamic without appearing overdone.
This versatile coloring technique works beautifully with mid-length cuts because it accentuates layers, movement, and texture. Whether you choose soft caramel tones, cool ash hues, or warm honey shades, a balayage complements every hair type and personal style. Pair it with loose waves or a sleek, straight finish to fully showcase the seamless blend of colors.
If you’re a fan of medium-length shag haircuts and crave volume at the crown, embracing your natural curls is the perfect way to achieve this effortlessly chic style. The shag cut, with its choppy layers and face-framing pieces, works beautifully with curls to create a textured, voluminous look that feels modern and carefree.
To enhance the volume on top, use lightweight curl-enhancing products like mousse or a styling cream, and scrunch your curls upward as they dry. The combination of the layered cut and natural curl pattern adds dimension and movement, giving your hair that enviable “undone but polished” vibe. Whether you’re rocking tight ringlets or loose waves, a shag haircut will highlight your natural texture while keeping your look edgy and fresh.
A deep side part paired with sleek, poker-straight strands adds a bold, edgy flair to this shoulder-length haircut. The sharp lines created by the part and the smooth texture of the hair emphasize structure and sophistication, giving the style a high-fashion, runway-ready feel.
To achieve this look, start by creating a precise side part, using a fine-tooth comb for accuracy. Straighten your hair with a flat iron, ensuring each section is smooth and polished. Finish with a shine-enhancing serum or spray for that mirror-like gloss. This hairstyle is perfect for making a statement, whether you’re heading to a formal event or simply want to exude confidence in your everyday look.
This dreamy, ethereal haircut is the perfect blend of softness and sophistication, achieved with a copper-toned curtain fringe and delicately layered face-framing strands. The copper hue adds warmth and radiance, while the curtain bangs gracefully part to highlight your features, creating a flattering and timeless look.
The soft layers around the face add dimension and movement, giving the cut a natural flow that feels effortlessly chic. Ideal for those who want a versatile style, this haircut works beautifully with straight, wavy, or even loosely curled textures. Pair it with subtle makeup for a natural vibe or glam it up with bold lips and eyes for a more striking effect.
A fringe has the magical ability to transform any haircut, adding depth and personality to your style. To recreate this look, request a soft, brow-skimming fringe that gently tapers at the sides. This subtle graduation seamlessly blends into the rest of your hair, framing your face beautifully and adding a touch of sophistication.
The soft fringe creates a versatile and flattering effect, making it perfect for all face shapes. Whether you wear your hair straight, wavy, or curled, this fringe can add charm to any medium-length hairstyle. For styling, keep it lightly textured for an effortless feel or sleek and polished for a more refined look.
Tucking your hair behind one ear is a simple yet elegant styling trick that instantly adds glamour to relaxed waves. This understated move not only frames your face beautifully but also creates an asymmetrical effect that draws attention to your features, like your cheekbones or jawline.
Pair this look with soft, voluminous waves for a romantic vibe, or keep it sleek for a more polished finish. Add a statement earring or subtle makeup for a touch of sophistication, making it the perfect style for casual outings or formal events alike.
This chic style hovers just above the shoulders but leans into mid-length territory with its subtly tapered ends. The tapering adds a touch of elegance, creating a soft, natural flow that beautifully frames the neck and jawline.
The versatility of this cut allows for endless styling options—whether you prefer sleek, straight strands for a polished look or tousled waves for effortless charm. Perfect for those transitioning from shorter hair, this length strikes the ideal balance between modern sophistication and easy maintenance.
A subtle curtain fringe paired with delicate face-framing layers makes this mid-length haircut incredibly versatile. The soft fringe gently parts to highlight your features, while the layers add movement and dimension, ensuring your hair looks effortlessly styled whether worn up or down.
This cut is perfect for those seeking a balance between chic and practical—it transitions seamlessly from casual to formal occasions. Whether you’re rocking a sleek ponytail, a tousled bun, or leaving your hair loose, this style guarantees a polished, put-together look with minimal effort.
Opting for a shoulder-length haircut that’s all one length is a great way to create the illusion of fullness around the face. The uniform length helps the hair appear thicker and denser, making it ideal for anyone with fine or thinning hair.
This minimalist approach delivers a sleek and polished finish, offering a timeless and sophisticated style that requires minimal maintenance. Whether styled straight, in soft waves, or with a natural texture, this cut effortlessly frames the face and enhances your features.
In 2024, curled ends are making a major comeback, adding a playful and bouncy touch to mid-length haircuts. This nostalgic yet modern trend brings movement and life to the hair, creating a polished yet approachable style that suits any occasion.
Whether achieved with a curling iron, a round brush during a blowout, or simply by using hot rollers, curled ends can instantly elevate a medium-length haircut. Pair this look with soft layers or a sleek middle part for a contemporary twist on a classic favorite. It’s a versatile style that flatters all face shapes and adds a touch of glamour to everyday hair.
This retro-rocker look is all about effortless cool, achieved with curls that are gently pushed back from the face to create a windswept effect. The result is a style that feels both relaxed and intentional, perfect for adding a touch of edge to mid-length hair.
To replicate this vibe, focus on creating soft curls with a bit of volume at the roots, then use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to push them back for that undone, breezy feel. A light texturizing spray or mousse can help hold the shape while maintaining the carefree essence of the style. It’s a look that exudes confidence and individuality.
Slightly layered ends bring a subtle, delicate softness to this medium-length haircut, making it perfect for those who want a touch of texture without sacrificing fullness. The layers create gentle movement and flow, giving the cut an effortlessly polished appearance while framing the face beautifully.
This versatile style works well with both straight and wavy textures, and it’s ideal for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet chic look. To style, enhance the natural layers with a light curling iron or leave them as-is for an easy, lived-in vibe. Add a bit of smoothing serum to the ends for a glossy finish.
To achieve this elegant and polished look, ask your stylist to cut your hair to a uniform length. This creates a solid base that enhances the definition of your curls, making them appear more structured and striking.
For styling, focus on achieving super defined curls. Use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse on damp hair, then either twist small sections with your fingers or use a curling iron with a small barrel for precision. Finish with a lightweight shine spray to add gloss and prevent frizz. The result is a beautifully uniform, eye-catching style that’s both sophisticated and timeless.
If your hair is on the finer or thinner side, asking for a blunt cut will give the illusion of volume.
No one rocks a curly shoulder-length haircut quite like Tracee Ellis Ross. Her signature style consistently exudes confidence and elegance, but we especially admire how she incorporates feathered ends into her look. The feathered ends give her curls a light, airy feel that enhances their natural bounce while adding a touch of softness to the overall shape.
This timeless haircut works beautifully for those with natural curls who want a polished yet effortless look. To achieve a similar effect, ask your stylist to focus on light layering at the ends to create that feathered finish. Pair it with a moisturizing curl cream or gel to define your curls and keep them looking shiny and hydrated. This is proof that shoulder-length haircuts can be both bold and incredibly chic.
Photo: Myung J. Chun via Getty Images
No one rocks a curly shoulder-length haircut quite like Tracee Ellis Ross. Her signature style consistently exudes confidence and elegance, but we especially admire how she incorporates feathered ends into her look. The feathered ends give her curls a light, airy feel that enhances their natural bounce while adding a touch of softness to the overall shape.
This timeless haircut works beautifully for those with natural curls who want a polished yet effortless look. To achieve a similar effect, ask your stylist to focus on light layering at the ends to create that feathered finish. Pair it with a moisturizing curl cream or gel to define your curls and keep them looking shiny and hydrated. This is proof that shoulder-length haircuts can be both bold and incredibly chic.
