The 60 Best Medium Length Haircuts
It's prime time for a shoulder length chop.
A renaissance is underway in the hair-length lexicon. Medium length hair once had a lackluster, status quo connotation—it was the choice cut for someone who simply couldn’t decide between ultra long and dramatically short hair. Then, something shifted. Enough celebrities and influencers have taken the shoulder length chop route to rewrite its definition. Nowadays, medium length hairstyles have a touch more edge than their predecessors. They’re cut on a slight angle for subtle movement; they’re offset with baby bangs for an alt-chic look; they’re gently curled for a tousled nineties vibe.
Take stock of all the ways that celebrities are wearing medium length hairstyles and you’ll want to reach for the shears: they’re that cool. Get up to speed with our favorite ways to wear a medium hair style ahead—then get to work on your own medium length look.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion channeling old Hollywood glam is simply everything. She wears her medium-length hair pinned back at the top and lets glossy, loose waves cascade down just past her shoulders.
Gemma Chan
Gemma Chan wears her medium-length hair down with loose waves at the end and a subtle side part.
Duckie Thot
Model Duckie Thot wears her curls with a deep side part and a medium lob for a structured yet voluminous look.
Dakota Johnson
If you don't want to commit to an intricate hair look but still style it in some small way, simply curl the ends of your hair like Dakota Johnson. It's a pulled together look that's still casual.
Normani
Normani proves why the "I-just-got-out-of-the-shower" look should be a go-to for everyone. Here, she wears her gelled hair in loose waves for a chic wet look we just love.
Ciara
This half-up, half-down look is an easy way to style any medium hair. Ciara gathers some hair in a small top knot at the crown and lets the rest of her hair fall in waves at her shoulders.
Sandra Oh
Wear your curls down and loose like Sandra Oh for added volume.
Padma Lakshmi
Add volume to straight hair with big curls. Padma Lakshmi keeps her curls loose for a more casual look.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez wears her blunt lob in a '90s inspired styled with bends at the ends.
Rihanna
Wear your curls like Rihanna and part right at the center.
Hailey Bieber
Take a cue from Hailey Bieber and set a deep part to your medium length hair to change up your look.
Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling wears her hair with a side part and mismatched waves at the end.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift wears her loose curls right past her shoulders. It's an especially great way to frame your face if you also have bangs.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian's middle part pushes her curled-in bob in modern territory. To replicate her silky shine, try a vegan shampoo with extra moisturizing properties.
Barbara Palvin
Curled-under ends are the ultimate nod to the '90s—and they're extra-gorgeous when styled as glossy as Palvin's.
Rachel Brosnahan
Headbands pack a one-two punch with medium length haircuts: They pull thick strands away from your face while adding a sixties-mod touch.
Ashley Graham
You might be tempted to straighten blunt ends—but as Ashley Graham shows, a little flip on a medium length cut makes the length more vibrant.
Sophie Turner
Pushed over one shoulder, Sophie Turner's medium length barrel waves have a hint of Old Hollywood glam.
Natalia Dyer
Cheat some extra length with a little inspiration from Natalia Dyer. A half ponytail tied at the crown of your head will hit just below your shoulders and have extra volume where it meets the untied section of hair.
Penelope Cruz
If you're growing out bangs, consider a trip to the salon for medium layers. They supply extra texture to Cruz's medium cut while making the bangs look less stark.
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