From just below the chin to the collarbone, medium length hairstyles are diverse and feminine. Neither too short to struggle with styling nor too long to tire of waxing, medium haircuts for women give freedom to play around with loose, half up/half down and updos. They're easy to maintain every day, and there's no problem putting your medium length hair in a ponytail when you head to the gym, but we really like wearing it loose to show off its natural splendor. Shoulder length hair is making waves in the beauty world and we can't help but love it. Check out our ultimate compilation of shoulder length hairstyles for women for some inspiration for your next hair makeover.
Tips for choosing medium length haircuts by hair type
When choosing hairstyles for medium hair, density and texture are the key factors to consider. Every hair type has its merits and demerits, and the latter can be even more pronounced with medium-length hair. Frizzy hair seems more difficult to manage than when styled in heavy, long curls, while thin curls can look flat compared to short, voluminous bob hairstyles. However, there is a medium cut for every hair type, and you can find clear evidence in the sliders below.
Shoulder length hairstyles for fine hair
Apparently, medium hairstyles for women with thin hair need to have that volume-boosting effect that the hair type usually lacks. Raised roots achieved through backcombing, layering or tousled styling work wonders on fine and thin hair. Don't miss your chance to add some depth with cool hair colors, including balayage and ombre. Make sure you choose the right styling products for your hair type, specially formulated to provide hold and texture without being overpowering. "I think if you have fine hair, you don't want to use anything really heavy," he saidTed Gibson, hair expert behind celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway, to Allure.
via @maxwellmathson
This fine wavy hair looks fuller and deeper thanks to the textured lob hairstyle and beautiful color transition from dark to light. That's when shoulder-length hair looks appealingly feminine and romantic.
via @brianaguilarhair
Want to add some volume to your thin, naturally straight hair? Get this: Straight hair can be given the volume it needs with a cool shag haircut like this, both layered and tousled, while paired with arched bangs.
via @silvesthairandbeauty
And this layered hairstyle is feathered and swept back to add movement and texture, while also featuring sophisticated highlights.
via @jisu_sunny
Blunt ends work great on fine, straight hair, adding weight and body. Just look at this simple yet chic lob with a soft, subtle bang.
via @carlosacastellanos
This airy bob suits round faces as this shoulder-length hairstyle combines the volume-giving and focus-shifting part with the balancing texture on the sides.
Shoulder length hairstyles for thick hair
Medium hairstyles for girls with thick hair should keep their great body but remove some excess weight that makes the look too heavy, shapeless and bushy. Also, we have to keep in mind that thick hair is not easy to style at home, so it would be nice to have something manageable. Choppy ends and layers are some of our favorite pro tricks to take out the excess weight, while feathered hairstyles are super helpful for lightening the look. Styling products are a must for thick hair, as the weight of the curl makes it difficult to texturize or curl.
via @harleydoeshair_
The choppy bob is simply the best shoulder length hairstyle to make thick hair lighter and more manageable. But this bob is characterized by its beautiful balayage creatively incorporated into the hairdo.
über @styled_by_carolynn
This hairstyle is anything but voluminous due to the layered cut chosen to remove unnecessary weight while leaving your shoulder length hair voluminous and bouncy.
via @salsalhair
Layers help structure curly hair that otherwise tends to be shapeless. We love the way this shoulder length hairstyle frames the face.
via @timm.morrison
Another genius way to manage your super thick shoulder length hair. See how this thick, coarse mane of hair is tamed with soft layers that take out the weight and a tousled styling that makes the natural texture pop.
via @thecurlninja
Anyone can enjoy the stunning volume of frizzy, shoulder-length hair when elegantly textured and subtly highlighted in tight curls.
Shoulder length curly hairstyles
Many girls with curly hair tend to avoid neck length haircuts, believing that shorter hair looks frizzier and is more difficult to style. It's true up to a point, as longer locks are heavier and the weight helps tame bushy hair. Still, mid-length is no forbidden ground for curly-decked ladies when haircuts are properly shaped and curls are nicely textured. Her goal is to avoid the triangle shape often formed by shoulder-length cuts and bring out the best in the texture you were born with. From dry cutting to straight cutting, today we have a nice range of techniques aimed at making curly shoulder-length hair bouncy.
via @hairbycuba
This layered hairstyle lets the tight curls shine, cascading over the forehead and framing the face beautifully.
via @faithincurls
If your hair is naturally curly, shaping is key to your vibrant look. Consider curly shoulder-length hairstyles like this one: they're spot on and completely remove any triangle effect.
via @sunflowersandscissors
Layered and fantastically shaped, this thick curly mane shows off plenty of texture and body while still feeling airy. The perfect style to tame your curly shoulder length hair!
via @iam.maia.studio
Shoulder-length haircuts also take larger curls well. Wear this bob messy but cleanly structured with minimal layering.
via @stylebystace
Looking for a way to combine wavy hair and a shoulder length hairstyle? Check out a round haircut with looser curls: it can be a great option for wavy, frizzy hair - it's easy to manage and looks cool.
Identify shoulder hairstyles by color
You probably already have the idea that a color scheme and a haircut work together. And here is your chance to steal a ready made look from our selection of cute midi hairstyles. But first consider your complexion. How? “Adjectives used to describe skin are similar to adjectives used to describe hair color. If you have a warm, golden or olive skin undertone, opt for shades with similar tones - this will make it easy to find the right shade. If you have a cool skin tone, the color you need for your hair is usually described the same way on the package: cool or iridescent,” according to the famous coloristKari Huegelsaid in her interview with Forbes. And now go!
via @hairbyallybarone
Shadow roots, delicate highlights and soft layers around the face make medium length hairstyles like this blonde lob sparkle with elegance.
via @hirohair
In contrast, this dark lob with long choppy layers looks fashionably backwards with its beachy waves and sun-kissed curls.
via @hairbynoora
And this is another exciting shoulder-length hair idea: a textured lob that any brunette can bookmark - balayage + toning with a few shades.
via @the_blondologist
Blondes can have impressive highlights too with this fabulous array of matching and contrasting shades playing through a simple lob cut.
via @nealmhair
Why not consider shoulder length hairstyles for women plus daring colors? This lob suits the display of any bold color scheme, including this gunmetal gray that fades into the choppy cut.
Guide to medium length haircuts by face shape
Hair experts have debunked many myths about "forbidden" hairstyles for certain face types. Actually if you want a haircut you can have it provided your face flattering elements are properly incorporated. "Simply adding chunky, face-framing layers will soften a long/square face by creating broader points of interest," he saysMirza Batanović, Style Director at Eufora International, on Refinary29. An asymmetrical haircut or an upside-down bob works well for heart-shaped faces by shifting focus away from the small chin, especially when paired with diagonal bangs. Shaggy hairstyles and arched or baby bangs help balance out wide faces, both round and square. And a blunt cut is not forbidden on long faces when it comes to a lob with long bangs. More secrets to come! Stay with us to read how well medium length hairstyles can complement different face shapes.
via @beckym_hair
Shoulder length haircuts are a surefire way to create a lengthening effect for a round face, especially when coupled with a side parting and texture along the cheeks.
via @stephanyvanstone
The asymmetrical baby bangs add sophisticated geometry to the square face, while the length, straightening and layering serve to hide the heavy jawline.
via @buddywporter
This is our favorite shoulder length hairstyles for women with oval faces. Oval faces look great with a center parting, and the shoulder-swept bob is just the right length to avoid a mismatch.
via @salsalhair
This long face doesn't appear too narrow as the layers and waves on the sides add volume, not to mention the airy feel of this shoulder length hairstyle.
via @geodesic_hair
Another example of how a shoulder length hairstyle can perfectly balance your face shape. The long, side-swept bang shifts the focus from the pointed chin of this heart-shaped face to its upper part. With this, the layers around the face frame it nicely without pulling it down.
Trendy shoulder length layered hairstyles
From fine hair to thick manes, layers can't be beat when you want texture, movement, fullness or an airy feel. They create a stylish shape for ringlets and keep them from looking floor-heavy, and they serve to frame different faces favorably and balance their features. While we've mostly seen low-key layers in line with the "undone" trend over the past few years, it seems things are about to change in 2023. "Where before we saw unkempt, messy hair, now we will, I think, straighter, straighter, shinier and shinier hair will be popular again, whether it's through wavy, curly or straight hairstyles."Cheryl Munoz, Style Director at Daniel Galvin, opposite Elle. Well, we have both options in our collection of layered shoulder length hairstyles for women to cater to all needs.
via @gma_styles
These long layers are flipped out to give the lob a great twist and create movement that pairs very well with the clear color.
via @manely.molly
Choppy layers look hot and add volume, and these are beautifully textured, tousled and toned to play with the natural warm tones of shoulder-length hair.
via @donovanmillshair
What an effortless touch to achieve with razor-sharp short layers that stand out with the contrasting color scheme!
via @huesbygabrielle
Wavy hair is in! Relaxed, layered and curled - this soft wavy hairstyle is not an obvious choice for an African American girl, but both the coloring and the styling are striking.
via @tomsmithhd
This medium length haircut reminds us of the gorgeous swoopy effect that face frames can have. And it's killer when the highlights are placed correctly.
Gorgeous shoulder length bob haircuts for 2023
A shoulder-length bob is a heavenly option for those who don't want to go longer due to hair damage or demanding maintenance, but still want their tresses to be long enough for a variety of styling. Since there are different long bob hairstyles for every taste, finding a trendy cut based on your hair/face type as well as your lifestyle is a breeze. “You get the best of both worlds with a long bob because it looks great straightened (like Kate Bosworth's mane) but it also looks amazingly heavily textured (like Bella Hadid's hair) that can resemble beach waves when done differently says celebrity hairdresserHarry Joshto Cosmopolitan.
via @hairbyamandablass
This angled bob features a soft shape and stylishly textured curls that are slightly longer at the front. A great option for shoulder length hair.
via @juliesomer
To make an asymmetrical bob look sassy, ask for these cool pointed front strands that contrast with the round brushed sides.
via @curlsbylish
This curly bob is carefully carved to enhance the natural curl and remove some volume, then styled in a messy way to create the floppy look.
via @anhcotran
If you have a thick mane, shoulder length bob hairstyles with layers are the way to go! Thick hair often calls for weight loss, and the layered bob hits the mark, adding plenty of texture and movement. And yes, this coloring works great with wavy hair.
via @tyler_the_hairstylist
Shoulder length choppy hairstyles are perfect when you want an upbeat hairstyle. This vibrant choppy bob with blunt bangs proves that ombré is pretty much on par with the balayage from the previous photo and the straight bangs are as good as the side-swept option.
The most popular medium haircuts with bangs
Whatever your texture – thin or thick, curly, straight or wavy hair – bangs can add spice to your shoulder-length hair. Pieces of fringe are great for heart-shaped faces, curtain bangs flatter oval faces, and side-swept strands are one-size-fits-all alternatives. "I'm obsessed with baby/micro fringe," says the famous hairstylistChristoph Naselito Harper Bazaar and recommends it whenever you want to open up your face and add a modern touch to your hairstyle. Some hair experts suggest choosing bangs that match the texture of your hairstyle, others opt for contrasting fringes — and we've got excellent illustrations for both approaches
via @caraisacat
These deep straight bangs are nicely textured to complement the stunning orange bob with pink blinks.
via @youbeautyloungeak
For fine, shoulder-length hair, side-swept bangs help create volume, especially when paired with layers around the face. Just like this ash blonde lob!
via @mariohenriqueoficial
The medium-length hairstyle features breezy long bangs to accentuate the cheeks, while the side parting adds to the elevated bodice.
via @silva.friseur
Do you want to add a romantic vibe to your shoulder length hair? This bushy curly hair looks touchable and flirty with its tight curls that cascade down to the lashes.
via @alchemyorlando
But who said a wavy cut can't go with straight bangs? Check out these statement baby bangs that create an even more amazing contrast with messy shoulder-length hair.
via @timm.morrison
These arched bangs complement the layered razor-sharp lob perfectly. It completely mimics the texture and blends with the curls framing the face. A gorgeous solution for shoulder length hair
via @nicolekeenen
via @sidvisage
And this is where movement comes from – the side-swept fringes blending with the angled layers styled backwards, on the backdrop of the top-shoulder bob that curls forward.
via @jordanraehair
In most cases, it is possible to arrange your shoulder-length hair into a chick updo. Obviously, bangs look great with various updos, including this heavy straight pony that draws attention to the eyes and thick lashes.
via @studioalessandranunes
Obviously, bangs look great with various updos, including this heavy straight pony that draws attention to the eyes and thick lashes.
The best hairstyle ideas for medium haircuts
When choosing your own perfect hairstyle, don't forget that "middle length" is a loose concept. Opt for a cut shorter than shoulder height if your hair is damaged or brittle as this will help get rid of split ends. "If a person's hair is prone to frizz, it's best to keep the hair on the longer side of medium. The longer and heavier the hair, the more controlled it is,” it recommendsSam Burnett, UK-based celebrity hairstylist, in his comments on Marie Claire. And we've got a pretty selection of mid-length hairstyles from below the chin to almost under the armpits to guide you through the selection process.
via @mariohenriqueoficial
We absolutely love this shoulder length hair. It's easy to pull off an edgy look with this lively textured lob with a cute warm to cool balayage.
via @salsalhair
Check out this shag bob with frowning bangs that lengthen on the sides and melt into face-framing curls.
via @dnosalon
This choppy hairstyle is slightly angled to show off a geometric shape while the thick shoulder-length hair is lightened.
via @andremarins
Looking for a shoulder length hair idea with a flirty feel? Then what about flip hairstyles that resemble this cheeky layered and feathered blonde bob? Not to mention that styling is a breeze: all you need is a blow dryer and a round brush.
via @styles.by.sarah
However, one-length hairstyles are no less hot, radiating with elegance and rich in highlights. If you want something classy for your shoulder length hair, this can be the best choice.
via @hotsaucehair
Popular on short to medium length hairstyles, the choppy bob looks great on both blonde and dark shoulder-length hair thanks to its touchable feel.
via @colorbystephanie
When choosing between medium to long options, consider this multi-dimensional hairstyle with feathered layers at the ends and a natural balayage. Feathered edges are great for making shoulder-length hair more feminine.
via @dbksalonyorkmills
Opt for a longer version of the A-line bob with tapered ends and contrasting highlights for added mood. We love this blowout!
über @styled_by_carolynn
Many modern wedge-inspired hairstyles have a shorter back and longer strands on top that are raised to add volume to shoulder-length hair. By the way, you don't need to use an iron - a blow dryer and a round brush are the perfect combination to create those soft waves.
via @hairbymeaganhannon
A little waves, some chaos and blunt ends? The sky is the limit for blending lines, shapes, colors and textures when creating a custom bob hairstyle.
via @styledbylizsustaita
Meet one of the best ever shoulder length hairstyles for women with thin hair. This messy textured bob is a real deal for fine, wavy hair, and it's a breeze to maintain.
via @accomando
If you are looking for a sophisticated look, be inspired by this perfect shape, elevated bodice and elegant side curls that are half loose and half tucked behind the ear.
via @salsalhair
This under the shoulder hairstyle is styled effortlessly in loose textured waves to reveal its swing.
via @avantgardepga
Do you want to add a bit of glamor to your shoulder length hair? Go for this quirky hairstyle with bouncy curls and eye-catching highlights.
via @hairbymikaylaz
These soft waves beautifully showcase the delicate color transition while maintaining a smooth and shiny touch.
All in all, shoulder length hair looks amazing on women of all ages. It works well with any hair type, a variety of face shapes, and is easy to maintain. Hopefully you have enough front and back view illustrations of different medium haircuts to make up your mind. Don't miss the advice of hair professionals, but dare to experiment with shapes, colors and textures to find your own style. At the end of the day, that's what trendsetters do and how new hairstyles (or blasts from the past) are born. But if that's not your thing, then take the photo you like to your barber and discuss how to customize the shoulder length hairstyle to suit your individuality.