24 Medium Length Haircut Ideas
Let’s be real—medium-length hair is like the Goldilocks of haircuts. Not too short, not too long, just right.
You can curl it, straighten it, braid it, toss it in a bun, or let it do its thing.
If you’ve been scrolling Instagram at 2 a.m. wondering whether to go shorter or keep your length, maybe the answer is somewhere in the middle (literally).
I’ve been in the “mid-length” club for years, and trust me—once you go medium, it’s hard to look back.
So, here are 24 medium length haircut ideas to make you want to call your stylist faster than you can say “just a trim.”
1. The Blunt Lob
Straight edges, zero layers, maximum chic.
If you want polished but still modern, a blunt lob hits the sweet spot. It frames the face beautifully and works for both straight and wavy hair.
Bonus: It grows out really well, so you can go a little longer between salon visits (your wallet will thank you).
2. Layered Shoulder Cut
If volume is your love language, go for soft layers starting around your cheekbones. They add movement and keep hair from looking like a helmet (because nobody wants that).
3. Shaggy Waves
Think 70s rockstar—but in a “I still go to brunch” way. A shag cut with tousled waves screams effortless cool. Works wonders if you have naturally wavy or slightly messy hair.
4. Side-Swept Bangs with Medium Layers
You know that mysterious girl in a movie who’s always walking around with wind in her hair? Yeah, that’s the vibe. Side bangs add softness without the “bang regret” commitment.
5. Collarbone Cut with Face-Framing Layers
Pro tip: The collarbone length is universally flattering. Add subtle face-framing layers and it instantly makes your cheekbones pop.
6. Textured Lob with Beach Waves
This one is beach girl meets boardroom. Perfect for people who want a little undone texture but still need it to look presentable for work.
7. Curtain Bangs + Mid-Length Cut
Curtain bangs are the “I just woke up like this” of hair trends. Pair them with a shoulder-length cut, and you’re officially a Pinterest mood board.
8. Sleek Straight Mid-Length
When you want a no-nonsense, power-hair day, straight and shiny is the way to go. This look says “I have my life together” (even if your laundry pile says otherwise).
9. Wavy Lob with Choppy Ends
If you want something fun and flirty, choppy ends are your BFF. They make your hair look lighter and more dynamic without losing that mid-length structure.
10. The Modern Rachel
Yes, that Rachel from Friends—but updated. Softer layers, a little less 90s volume, and you’ve got a modern take on an iconic cut.
11. Shoulder-Length with Balayage
Balayage isn’t just about color—it changes how your cut looks, too. Mid-length hair with soft highlights adds depth and makes it look like you’ve spent weeks in the sun (minus the UV damage).
12. Angled Lob
Shorter in the back, longer in the front. This cut adds instant drama without going full high-fashion runway. It’s like eyeliner for your hair—sharp but subtle.
13. Shoulder-Length with Blunt Bangs
Feeling bold? Go for straight-across bangs. It’s a statement look, but when paired with medium hair, it’s less “intense musician” and more “artsy cool.”
14. Layered Cut with Loose Curls
If you’ve got naturally curly hair, this is a game-changer. Layers keep the curls bouncy and prevent the dreaded triangle shape (you know the one).
15. Lob with a Middle Part
The middle part has made a huge comeback (sorry, millennials). A sleek middle-part lob can make your features look more symmetrical and your selfies way more TikTok-worthy.
16. The Flipped-Out Ends
Hello, retro vibes. Flipping the ends out instantly makes your medium-length hair look playful. Think 60s mod, but modernized.
17. Messy Waves + Layers
Some people spend hours perfecting this “messy” look. Others (lucky ones) wake up like it. Either way, layered messy waves are casual yet stunning.
18. Shoulder-Length with Shadow Root
A shadow root means less maintenance between dye jobs, and it adds dimension to your cut. Perfect if you want to stretch your color appointments.
19. Rounded Shoulder-Length Bob
This cut curves under slightly, giving a soft, almost vintage vibe. It’s ideal for thicker hair that needs some shape.
20. The Long Bob with Micro Layers
Micro layers = barely noticeable but totally effective. They keep the hair light without sacrificing the blunt look.
21. Tousled Shoulder Cut with Highlights
Subtle highlights + loose waves = summer in haircut form. Perfect for vacation hair without, you know, the actual vacation.
22. Side-Part with Loose Layers
The side part is classic for a reason. Pair it with soft layers and it instantly adds movement and dimension.
23. Sleek Shoulder-Length with Tucked Sides
Sleek hair tucked behind your ears looks effortlessly chic. Add a bold lip and boom—instant date-night ready.
24. The “French Girl” Mid-Length
Soft, airy, a little undone—this is the cut Parisians swear by. Think natural waves, wispy ends, and a carefree attitude.
Tips for Choosing Your Medium Length Haircut
- Face shape matters: Oval? Go wild. Round? Add layers. Square? Soften with waves.
- Texture counts: Fine hair loves blunt cuts, thick hair thrives with layers.
- Maintenance reality check: Be honest about how much time you actually want to spend styling.
- Styling tools: A good flat iron and curling wand will make medium-length hair sing.
Why Medium Length Hair Is the Best of Both Worlds
Medium hair is basically the cool older sibling of short and long hair—it’s versatile, flattering, and doesn’t require a half-hour arm workout to style (looking at you, waist-length hair). It works for almost every face shape and can go from elegant to casual in under five minutes.
Plus, you can switch up your look without the commitment anxiety that comes with chopping off too much or growing it out forever. IMO, it’s the ultimate hair sweet spot.
Final Take
If you’re in the mood for a change but don’t want to commit to drastic, a medium length haircut is where it’s at. From sleek lobs to shaggy layers, there’s something in this list that’ll make you want to screenshot it and text it to your stylist ASAP.
