One cut I often recommend for my clients is medium-length layered hair. It has great versatility because it suits comfortably and takes less effort as hair changes in one’s 40s. When I say layered hair, I’m not referring to the old adage that layers add volume. I am speaking to layers that are done with intention and purpose, as opposed to having the person feel like they put in too much effort to get a desired look.
With one of my clients, I had the pleasure of watching her grow out a pixie for two years and I remember thinking, “She is going to cut it again”. She had a lot of frustration as her hair reached that “awkward” point and seemed to not do anything. However, once we added face-framing layers and a few inner layers to help create movement, it completely transformed her look. The change was so drastic that she exclaimed, “Oh, that’s my hair!” Yes, it does look like a different hairstyle, but the new structure was the right length to suit her. That is also what medium-length layered hair does. It doesn’t change your essence, it brings it back to life. There are many medium-length layered looks to choose from and I encourage people to experiment.
#1: Chestnut Layers with a Wispy Curtain Fringe
This is the style that incudes layers and feathery bangs and looks effortless. The medium-length bangs are very free flowing and move as they please. So it takes a lot of skill to create this look. If you end up losing some volume in your hair as it grows out, these layers are the ideal solution to create the illusion of fullness without over-thinning. The layers end in a nice chestnut color, while sun-kissed pieces are naturally scattered around the mid-lengths. Hang bangs are not one of those styles where you can just get up and go; To put in a minimal 3 minutes of effort and have control over its movement, you will need to use a round brush to style them.
#2 Polished Chocolate Layers for a Quiet Refresh
The same person is shown in this before and after picture. The mirror image used the same hair length and color, however, the addition of some layers adds a refreshing look to it. The layers were cut to give a look of effortlessness, with the natural way the hair falls. nThe chocolate-brown color warms up her complexion without the super commited grays. Like a touch up. This is the hairstyle I would suggest to someone who says they want to change, but can’t explain how. You used to straightening, consider this a part of your routine because it requires a blow-dry to achieve the smooth finish on the hair.
#3 Walnut Waves at Shoulder Length
The softness of the cut is impressive. The layering is done in a gentle manner so that the face is framed at the cheeks and the length hits at the shoulder is very pretty and more flattering than a shorter or longer cut would be. The walnut color is rich but not too heavy. If you do not enjoy styling the hair too much, it will likely look good with a little bit of texturizing spray, but the waves will probably fall out before you know it.
#4 Caramel-Kissed Layers with Textured Ends
This haircut speaks for itself, especially with the color work! The way the caramel color transitions into her natural brown makes the whole look super dimensional. Usually you would need to add depth with way more layers, but these textured ends keep everything from being too styled or stiff. The whole look gives off an effortless vibe, and that’s the point! If you color your hair like this, be prepared for maintenance. Toning appointments will be a must along with a color-safe shampoo. In the end, it will be worth it because your hair will have an incredible warmth and richness that will define your face in the best way in natural light.
#5 Tousled Brunette Waves with Sun-Kissed Dimension
This hairstyle is so effortless that it can be pulled together without thinking about it, and still looks amazing. The highlights make the hair look alive, and the sun-kissed look is always coming from a vacation. This style is great for fine, straight hair, especially since the waves add volume that straight hair won’t have. For a fresh look, you can leave it pretty much untouched with the exception of using a curling iron to touch up the waves if you want, and that will give you a more polished look between washes.
#6 Blonde Balayage on a Soft Medium Bob
I appreciate all the feedback, and I will use it moving forward. I’m glad the length works for you, as it’s the sweet spot for most of my clients. It’s a good balance because you get to that level. You have a lot of hair, and then it’s long enough to feel like a lot of hair but not so long that it’s going to be hard to manage. The balayage is quite intentional and soft so that she looks natural and not overly done. The soft waves are doing a lot of work and she looks so much softer without looking like she’s trying to look younger, which is so nice to see. Overall this length feels best for most of my clients, giving them that balance because it’s long enough to feel like a lot of hair, but not so long that it’s going to be hard to manage. This cut will give you more visual weight than you actually have, which is a genuine advantage. It will all stay in place, but maintaining the bend is more of a five-minute commitment, not a production.
#7 Textured Brunette Bob with a Soft Fringe
This specific style gives me good feelings because it hits the right balance of being put together and being casual. Bangs are long enough to be pushed to the side if you’re feeling lazy one day, and the messy ends mean you’ll never get bored of wearing it one way. And with some texture paste, you’re all done! Plus the multidimensional brunette color keeps from being flat and boring. And the depth looks good and adds some intentionality. The best part is, the bangs will need a trim about every 3-4 weeks which is probably the most commitment you’ll have to make with this style.
#8 Auburn Waves at Medium Length
With the warmer tones in trend, here’s the perfect opportunity! The hair is auburn, but there’s enough depth in the color that it will go with most skin tones. Also, at this length, the hair flows nicely to show off that depth. Plus the waves are loose and look pretty effortless. You can totally mimic this look by braiding your hair when it’s damp overnight, or by using a large-barrel curling iron, and doing about 2 passes. Honestly, out of this collection, this is one of the most low maintenance looks. It’s a great option if you want a general change to your look with out adding more steps to your routine.
#9 Warm Chestnut with Soft Side-Swept Bangs
These bangs pull their weight and do it with class. They are side swept, and not blunt, so they flow with the hair as opposed to just sitting there like a foreign object on your forehead. The warm chestnut color is one of those shades that suit virtually everyone, and I don’t say that often because I don’t believe it often. The bottom half has placed waves to retain volume where it counts but without increasing bulk at the crown. If your hair is medium to thick, this cut will fall into place with relatively little effort. On wash days a lightweight mouse and a diffuser will get you there.
#10 Brunette Blending Layers with Natural Movement
What I like best about this haircut is the subtle asymmetry because it makes the cut a little more interesting but not too crazy. The blended layers create movement in the mid-lengths that looks effortless when really it takes a lot of planning. The warm highlights in the chocolate base give it a healthy quality that isn’t overdone which is the exact effect we are going for. This haircut does require some effort to maintain the wave definition so if you are someone who prefers to air dry it may go flat by day two. The color is low commitment when compared to going full blonde so that’s a plus.
#11 Auburn Shag with Easy Texture
A shag haircut that touches the shoulders is one of the most flattering styles for women in their 40s. Unlike other shags that might look like they are trying too hard, this one has the opposite effect. Because of the soft texture and slightly messy look, this style is very appropriate for office environments. Also, the warm, bright, and natural looking auburn shade is a nice complement to the skin and will not look costume-like. In addition, this color will do wonders for your eyes if they are green or hazel. The downside to this shade, however, is that auburn tends to fade quicker than other colors, so you’ll need to visit the salon every five to six weeks to keep the color looking fresh. In my opinion, this maintenance is worth it.
#12 Glossy Cinnamon with Flowing Movement
Healthy hair always enhances haircuts, and looking at this hair, it’s clear that the shine is doing at least half the job. Hair like this really gives the cut flowing movement that can be felt from the picture. The cinnamon color looks amazing! It has just the right warmth and cinnamon undertones. I recommend this color for people with golden or olive undertones in their skin because it enhances and gives more energy to those tones. The layers will need to be shaped every 8 weeks to maintain the definition. This is a style that doesn’t need much work from you as long as you have the right attitude. For those with thicker hair, you will notice that these layers also help to get rid of some of the weight that can make medium length hair cumbersome.
#13 Chestnut Curls with Layered Volume
This haircut will help you if you have hair that naturally waves or curls. The layers are meant to allow each individual curl to form individually, and this will create volume and dimension without the extra bulk that is typical of layered curly hair. It also ayuda a beclear the face and soften sharp features, which is a nice extra. Lightweight curling creams that add definition without the crunchy feeling work best. These curls look great when you let them be and don’t touch them too much.
#14 Chocolate Layers with Face-Framing Precision
This hairstyle features chin-length layers in the front. This length draws the eye towards the cheekbones while creating a unique frame that longer, one-length hair fails to achieve. The rest of the layers fall into soft, natural-looking waves, which is always the goal. This option works particularly well for fine hair, as the added layers create the appearance of more texture and movement, making the hair look fuller. The chocolate brown color is classic for a reason. It is sophisticated, and on top of that, it is lower maintenance than lighter shades. It gives off a polished look without any effort.
#15 Copper-and-Blonde Tapered Bob
I love the authenticity of this cut! The undercolor copper is super unique and the blonde highlights are strategically placed to catch the light and brighten your face. The tapered shape keeps it current and the feathered ends soften it so it’s not too harsh. This is where the commitment will come in. You will have two colors that will shift and grow out, so regular appointments are part of the deal. Of course, if you love sitting in my chair every six weeks, and want a style that speaks, this most certainly does!
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