If you’re navigating the in-between phase of growing out shorter hair or maintaining shoulder-length strands, you may be searching for fresh styling inspiration. Medium-length hair sits at a sweet spot—not short enough to be a bob or pixie but not quite long enough for high ponytails or elaborate braids. Fortunately, the versatility of this length allows for a wide range of stunning styles.
The key to chic medium-length hair is a good cut, layered to enhance movement, volume, or texture, and a touch of creativity with styling. From face-framing strands to bold bangs, there’s a look for every hair type and personal style. We’ve gathered 55 ideas inspired by celebrities and curated tips from top hairstylists to help you master medium-length hair.
1. Old Hollywood Blowout
Zendaya channels timeless glamour with a side-part blowout reminiscent of Old Hollywood. To achieve this sultry look, set your hair with rollers and finish with a texture spray like Drybar Triple Sec 3-In-1 Finishing Spray to lock in the volume.
2. Flirty Fringe
Hoyeon Jung’s choppy cut with wispy bangs strikes a balance between edgy and playful. According to Fitzsimons, starting with the right product is essential: “Apply a volume-boosting spray to towel-dried hair to enhance natural volume and curls before using heat tools.”
3. Wavy Lob
Maggie Keating’s layered, curly lob is the epitome of effortless chic. Use a medium-width curling iron and brush through with a wide-tooth comb for soft waves. Don’t forget a heat protectant like Mermade Mist 2.0 for a polished finish.
4. Face-Framing Layers
Hilary Duff’s bright blonde locks feature layers that frame her face beautifully. To recreate this style, lightly curl your hair with a flat iron, bending it at the ends for a soft, natural wave.
5. Middle-Parted Coils
Quinta Brunson proves that a middle part is universally flattering, regardless of texture. Her natural coils offer volume and structure, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
6. Bombshell Curls
Eva Mendes exudes old-school glamour with her voluminous, collarbone-length curls. Achieve this look by wrapping large sections of hair around a curling iron and brushing through for a soft finish.
7. Braid-Out Blonde
Jessica Biel’s effortless, textured waves are perfect for straight-haired beauties. Fitzsimons suggests braiding damp hair the night before for natural-looking waves. Finish with a texture spray for definition.
8. Braided Layers with Beads
Tiffany Battle embraces her textured braids with multicolored beads, adding a playful twist to her layered look. Fitzsimons recommends a moisturizing serum to smooth flyaways and enhance shine.
9. Soft Balayage Waves
Sophia Bush’s sun-kissed brunette waves are timeless and easy to maintain. Use a large curling iron and gently finger-comb the curls for an effortless, tousled finish.
10. Voluminous Fringe
Natasha Liu Bordizzo’s layered haircut with bangs adds drama and texture. To style, tease the roots slightly after blow-drying, then curl sections in alternating directions for a piecey, voluminous effect.
11. Parted Waves
Sydney Sweeney gives us 1970s vibes with her middle-parted golden waves. For this look, use a curling iron to curl towards your face, focusing on the ends to create a soft, vintage finish.
12. Shaped Curly Cut
Yara Shahidi’s voluminous curls are cut to frame her face beautifully. Layers are key to achieving this structured, flattering look.
13. Side-Swept Waves
Priyanka Chopra’s thick, dark waves look stunning with a side-swept part. Use a one-inch curling iron and style your waves to fall naturally to one side.
14. Vintage Blowout
Samara Weaving’s ginger hair is styled into a voluminous vintage blowout with curtain bangs. Blow-dry with a round brush to lift the roots and flip the ends slightly outward.
15. Spiral Curls
Alanna Arrington’s defined spiral curls add texture and elegance. For natural curls, use a curl-defining cream and a thin curling wand to enhance and shape each ringlet.
16. The Rachel Redux
Jennifer Aniston’s updated version of her iconic 1990s “Rachel” cut features soft layers that frame the face. Use a volumizing spray and a round brush for this timeless look.
17. Air-Dried Shag
Shanina Shaik’s loose curls and side part exemplify a modern shag for curly hair. Ask your stylist for textured layers to give your cut an effortless, rock-and-roll vibe.
18. 1960s Lob
Emma Roberts’ straight lob gets a retro touch with a half-up, half-down updo. Add soft waves throughout the length for a playful nod to 1960s style.
19. Casual Blowout
Jamie Chung’s fine hair looks fuller with a casual blowout. Use a texturizing spray for volume and a straightener to add slight bends for movement.
20. Side-Swept Bangs
Helena Christensen’s layered cut with side-swept bangs is timeless. Blow-dry your hair while wrapping sections around a brush for a soft curl effect. Try heated rollers for extra lift.
21. Naturally Wavy
Liu Wen’s loose waves showcase her natural texture. Apply a root lifter for volume and use a small curling iron for added definition.
22. Curtain Bangs
Rachel McAdams’ mid-length layered haircut with curtain bangs is a perfect way to highlight balayage. Blow-dry your bangs away from your face with a round brush and volumizing spray like Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist to recreate this look.
23. Diffused Curls
Logan Browning’s layered curly fro is both chic and bold. Prep your hair with curl-defining products, then use a diffuser on the cool setting to enhance the shape and definition of your natural curls.
24. Beachy Waves
Kristin Cavallari’s golden beach waves evoke a sunny, relaxed vibe. Use a large curling wand to curl sections in alternating directions, then tousle with your fingers and apply a dry shampoo for added volume at the roots.
25. Slicked and Swooped
Laura Harrier’s sleek hairstyle features swooped-out ends for a vintage flair. Blow-dry your hair with a round brush, curling the ends outward as you go for a polished, timeless look.
26. Classic Bob
Hailey Bieber’s textured shoulder-length bob is a modern classic. Abergel recommends breaking down the texture with a texturizing cream to create a soft and tousled finish.
27. Straight Side Part
Olivia Munn’s caramel-highlighted hair is sleek and sophisticated with a deep side part. Blow-dry focusing on the roots, then straighten and smooth flyaways with a heat protectant spray.
28. 1960s Bob Cut
Menger Zhang’s retro-inspired bob features soft, rounded edges and face-framing bangs. Style the ends to curl gently inward, creating a chic, vintage vibe.
29. Choppy Shag
This 1970s-inspired choppy shag combines texture and movement. Use a texturizing spray to add volume and emphasize the rock-and-roll aesthetic of this layered cut.
30. Wispy Bangs
January Jones embraces a relaxed, everyday look with her wavy mane and wispy bangs. Her choppy layers add lightness and movement, making this an ideal choice for casual styling.
31. Slicked-Back Blowout
Winnie Harlow’s Old Hollywood-inspired slicked-back blowout is glamorous yet modern. Use heated rollers to set the style and finish with a shine spray for added luster.
32. Side-Swept Fringe
Jennifer Garner’s rich chestnut hair looks elegant with side-swept bangs and soft layers. Keep layers at varying lengths to create texture and movement.
33. Wavy Shag with Curtain Bangs
Jenna Ortega’s tousled shag features loose waves and feathery bangs. Slightly part your bangs for a face-framing effect that complements the layers.
34. Tight Coils
Zendaya’s tight, voluminous coils celebrate natural texture. Keep curls moisturized with a curl cream and enhance their definition with a diffuser attachment on low heat.
35. Face-Framing Lob
Barbara Palvin’s glossy lob features face-framing layers for added structure. Flip the ends inward with a flat iron for fullness and body, ideal for thinner hair.
36. Middle-Part Lob
Lucy Hale’s middle-part lob is styled using the bend method, where a flat iron creates subtle, natural-looking bends. This effortless style is modern and chic.
37. Deep Side Part
Constance Wu transforms choppy layers into a romantic look with waves and a pinned-back strand. Add texture with a deep side part and accessorize with decorative pins.
38. Wet-Look Waves
Normani embraces wet-look waves with a gel and cream product combo. This styling technique gives a sleek, high-shine finish while defining waves or curls.
39. Subtle Swoops
Kirsten Dunst’s medium-length cut features swooped-out curls at the ends for a bouncy, elegant finish. This style elongates the silhouette of shorter medium-length hair.
40. Timeless Elegance
Aja Naomi King’s glossy waves are soft, romantic, and timeless. Curl your ends and add gentle movement near your face for a polished and graceful look.
41. Hollywood Side Part
Emma Watson wears a deep side part tucked behind one ear for a sleek, glamorous effect. This hairstyle transitions easily from daytime chic to evening elegance.
42. Dimensional Layers
Shay Mitchell’s medium-length cut incorporates layers of varying lengths for a dimensional, textured look. Add shine spray to highlight the layers and create depth.
43. Brow-Grazing Bangs
Sydney Sweeney’s wispy bangs nod to the 1960s with their soft, elongated style. These bangs work beautifully on fine hair and blend seamlessly into longer layers.
44. Asymmetrical Bob Cut
Thandiwe Newton’s asymmetrical bob is a bold, avant-garde choice. Use sea salt spray to create waves that enhance the asymmetry and add a casual, textured finish.
45. Straight Layers with Blunt Bangs
This choppy, layered haircut with bold bangs is pure rock-and-roll energy. Add a texturizing cream to emphasize the edgy feel of this style.
46. Curls with Fringe
This layered, medium-length cut combines soft curls with a full fringe. Keep your hair hydrated and defined with curl creams to maintain this voluminous style.
47. Pinned-Back with a Side Part
Chanel Iman’s pinned-back look is ideal for casual styling. Slick your edges and secure the side sections with decorative pins for a polished finish.
48. Side-Swept Volume
Miranda Kerr’s highlighted hair features voluminous, side-swept strands. This look adds depth and dimension, making it perfect for formal or casual settings.
49. Tight Natural Curls
Parisa Fitz-Henley’s soft layers enhance her natural curls. Weekly moisturizing treatments keep curls defined and healthy, while Olaplex treatments maintain elasticity.
50. Wavy Layers
Adriana Lima’s thick, wavy hair benefits from medium-length layers that reduce weight while maintaining volume. Use a round brush for soft, sculpted waves.
