Looking for an easy way to change your style without making big haircuts? These haircuts are youthful and easy to maintain. These haircuts are all shoulder length, they include textured lobs, face framing layers, blunt cuts, and soft waves. These haircuts are great for all face shapes and hair textures. If you are wanting to add some volume, soften your look, or hide any thinning areas, this blog will help you get a cut and styling tips that work with your lifestyle.
While organizing the other day, I came across a big stack of old before and after polaroids from 2016. I noticed that most transformations that made my clients gasp, I had given them shoulder length hair. It wasn’t a pixie cut or waist length extensions. It was this length that was just around the collarbone where hair starts doing really interesting things. There is a reason I keep coming back to this length with clients and it’s not because you can play it safe, it’s the most versatile length that you can work with.
I think I’ve seen so many ways to style shoulder length hair, and each one is purposeful. With the same cut, one person can look like a chic French girl and another can look like a corporate executive. Good looks all around. It all comes down to how the hair falls in combination with your natural hair texture. If you are thinking about doing it or are already there and want to play within that style, I’ve created a lookbook of some of my favorite styles I find myself recommending often. I could talk forever about many of these looks but some, I would say just trust me and look at the picture. Everything is styled well and is worth your time.
#1: Sleek Mid-Length with Feathered Tips
What I appreciate the most about this is the calmness and how polished it looks without appearing contrived. There is a lot of harmony with this cut and that is actually more difficult to achieve than one might think. The feathered ends help avoid an appearance that is too blunt and heavy and the barely there flip is really pretty as it catches the light. This is one of those cuts that if you have straight hair of medium density, you can just wash and blow it out and look super pulled together in ten minutes. You will need to trim it regularly to maintain the look because if the ends look uneven it’s going to look bad.
#2: Flowing Chestnut Layers with a Sweeping Bang
I like this haircut because it is easy to maintain. The long layers look good because they aren’t just a chopped up mess, but they have good movement. The sweeping bangs are great for drawing focus to the eyes, and they also soften the look around the temples and cheeks. This style is great for medium to thick hair if you have good hair and want to feel revitalized. Someone with finer hair will have to put in a little more effort because they will probably have to use a volumizing mousse to achieve the same thickness as this cut is meant to not require a lot of styling. The right hair type means you will style this less.
#3: Raven Waves with a Soft, Piecey Fringe
The haircut seems to be experimenting with weight distribution, and I think it’s very cool. The layers look like they are removing bulk from mid lengths so the hair doesn’t sit there in a triangle shape. The ends also look to have enough density to give that satisfying swing. The fringe looks soft and effortless, but I know a lot of cutting went into that. If you have thick hair and have been annoyed with the heaviness, this is the picture you want to show your stylist. Add a bit of curl defining cream to damp hair and that’s all you need!
#4: Clean Chestnut Bob with Blunt Precision
I think this bob is beautiful. The blunt cut at the chin length creates the illusion of volume. The bob is a classic style and always looks good. The color is also done well. The root color is warm chestnut and there is a gradation from dark to warm chestnut at the ends. The color is done so there are no obvious highlights. This look can be expensive. The only downside is that if you don’t have naturally straight hair you will have to iron your hair to keep the bob sleek.
#5: Burgundy Waves with Wispy Bangs
I can tell this color looks good in person! Burgundy is one of those colors that looks great in pictures but even better in person, especially under natural light. The loose waves are also great because they will help to create some volume and those bangs will help to soften the overall look without being too much. I do think this is quite a color commitment considering how quickly burgundy tends to fade and how muddy it can look if your appointments are too spaced out, but it’ll be stunning when the color is fresh!
#6: Rich Chestnut with Soft, Lived-In Layers
I liked the color blending. This is not highlights or ombré. It is this really warm and seamless chestnut brown that looks like it grew out of your head and that is the best compliment to any color work. The layers are really soft and internal, not choppy and visible. This way you get all the movement and volume without the cut looking “layered” if that makes sense. This is one of those styles that may look simple in photos, but you can see how much time went into it in the chair. It’s great for medium density hair that just needs some life in it.
#7: Brunette Waves with That Natural, Undone Thing Going On
This hairstyle does an excellent job of letting the hair be itself instead of trying to force it into some other look. There is no fake styling or texture, everything is completely natural. The hair cut promotes a style that is very low maintenance and as such is a great choice. You will need to do some small things on the rare occasions when your hair is straighter than normal. You can use a curl enhancer and scrunch some damp hair to help achieve the look.
#8: Rustic Copper Layers with a Wispy Bang
I like this warm muted copper which does a good job of avoiding the redhead look. It has a warm sunkissed penny look which adds warmth to the whole look. The wispy bangs and layering give finer hair a fuller look and do most of the work. The length is perfect to be long enough to pull back and short enough to not have to think about it to wear it down. Make sure you discuss a color depositing shampoo with your stylist to help stretch the time between appointments since copper colors do fade.
#9: Sleek Black Shoulder-Length with Quiet Layers
Long dark hair can sometimes appear flat, but with this particular style, it’s guaranteed to keep things fresh. These layers may be soft enough to go unnoticed, but they give some definition around the face that single-length hair just can’t do. It is a finished and mature look that is so simple to achieve, even more so if you have naturally straight hair. Also, I should point out that if you are solid black dyeing to cover gray hair, just know that the regrowth will be very noticeable and you will have to maintain that.
#10: Deep Chocolate Straight Cut with Face-Framing Pieces
When you get cuts like this, people start saying things like, “your hair looks really healthy” which is the kind of compliment that rules. The deep chocolate colour is rich and softened with the shorter framing pieces. The natural sweep on the forehead keeps it soft and relaxed. If your hair is medium to thick and behaves, this is a wash and go situation most days as long as you stay on top of trims to keep those ends straight and clean.
#11: Warm Chestnut Waves That Frame Everything Beautifully
The waves in this cut embrace the cheekbones and jaw nicely, giving an overall flattering look to the face. I know that’s vague, but you’ll understand when you see it in the chair. The layers are slightly graduated, so some volume will build at the crown without being puffy or mushroom shaped, which is the common fear with layers on finer hair. The chestnut color adds warmth and works with a lot of different skin tones. It is not maintenance free and will take some effort to keep the waves looking intentional instead of messy, but the effort-to-result ratio is excellent.
#12: Brunette Bob with Warm Caramel Pieces
The most effective way to achieve that sun-kissed holiday glow without needing to go on holiday is to add caramel highlights on a brunette base. This bob is slightly asymmetrical which gives it a modern look without feeling too edgy. Plus the caramel highlights are designed to reflect light around the face and brighten the overall complexion. With more layered ends it gives the appearance of all fluff and allows for more styling versatility which you can choose to either have it straight and sleek, or add some waves, or even run a comb through it to create that messy bed head look. It’s a lovely easily maintained hairstyle that is ideal for a day at work and a night out on the weekend.
#13: Center-Parted Lob with a Gentle Wave
Many find middle parts intimidating but it’s clearly not the case for you. I really enjoy this modern clean way to style a lob. This soft wave + middle part combo really has that nice cool French vibe. This is the type of cut that looks best with slightly messy, air-dried hair. It’s also really easy to dress this up in about 15 minutes with a round brush. If you have medium to thick hair, this is the cut for you, but if you have fine hair, you might want to add some layers to create more volume. If that is the case, make sure to mention that to your stylist when you show them the picture.
#14: Feathered Black Bob with Soft, Airy Layers
The feathering technique is what I love most about this cut. It helps the color stay lighter in feel, despite how rich and deep it is. Often, black hair can feel one-dimensional, but the layers can break this up and create movement that captures light and gives the hair a beautiful shine. There is a lot of talking to be done by the shape of this bob, which is what makes it low maintenance in terms of styling. It will just need regular trims to keep the shape, otherwise once it starts to grow out, it will dramatically change the silhouette. If you’ve been wanting to go black, a cut like this is perfect as it will let the hair look more dimensional rather than flat.
#15: Feathered Burgundy Bob with Textured Ends
I am thoroughly enjoying this burgundy. The tone is both eye-catching and easy to pull off. The solid pigment is counter-balanced by the lightweight, floating feel of the layered ends. The texture at the ends of the bob breaks up the line of the cut so it doesn’t look helmety and it gives that lived-in look that is nice for someone wanting to keep their hair looking fresh. Finer hair really benefits from this type of layering as it gives the appearance of so much more hair than you have. The upkeep for this color really is quite demanding so keep that in mind when assessing how often you will want to come in.
#16: Sleek Brunette with Barely-There Feathered Ends
This cut is ideal if you want something simple and easy with no dialogue on styling. It is a rich chocolate chin-length cut with soft end feathers that evokes movement, not much. This cut is the ultimate, classic white, simple, and flattering. This style is suitable for all hair types but if you have medium to fine hair, this will be the most low maintenance hair cut. You could wash and blow dry it and be set to go. If your hair is coarser or thicker, you should consult with your hairdresser to remove some bulk so that your hair hangs the way you want. This is one of several suggestions you might want to ask to achieve the desired effect.
#17: Chestnut Tumble with an Easy Fringe
I keep coming back to this photo because the fringe is really fascinating. It’s long enough to mix in with the rest of the hair when it’s pushed to the side, but it’s short enough to act as bangs if it’s worn forward. I think that kind of versatility is very underappreciated. The waves look loose and messy, as though she slept in braids and then shook it out. This is a great way to get this type of texture without using heat. It will give a similar look if a lightweight styling cream is applied to damp hair, the hair is braided, and then let out in the morning. The chestnut color has a warm tone to it, but it has no red, which keeps it natural.
#18: Balayage Waves at Shoulder Length
The balayage looks extremely natural, without the stripe effect some balayages have, and gives the impression that her hair has lightened naturally, as if it has been sun kissed. Tracking down a colorist who understands the more skilled hand painting techniques is definitely worth it. The color looks really dimensional because of the waves and the light and dark color shifts as the hair moves, which is the whole idea of balayage. Most of the way there will be getting styling a sea salt spray and some scrunching on damp hair. This will be best on medium to thick hair because there is enough density for the waves to hold their shape.
#19: Rounded Bob with a Quiet Side Bang
I truly mean it in the best way possible — this is the kind of cut that looks almost mathematically precise. It is so clean, and the side bangs sweeping across the forehead just enough to finish the look really nice, and really adds to the no fuss element of it. On straight and medium density hair, this cut may just be a set it and forget it scenario, which a lot of people want. But, the shape of this cut is going to need some maintenance. As a rounded bob grows out, it will no longer be rounded, so if you want to keep that clean rounded bob shape, be prepared to get trims every 5-6 weeks.
#20: Soft Curls with a Side-Swept Fringe
I love that these are soft, and romantic curls, and not prom curls. They are soft and bouncy, and the side bangs are so cute and add sweetness to this style. If your hair is already somewhat wavy or curly, this look is pretty easy since you are enhancing your existing texture. If you have really straight hair, you are going to need to curl your hair every single morning (you’ll probably need some light hairspray) to keep it organized, especially in humid weather. But the end result is gorgeous!
#21: Caramel-Toned Layers with Feathered Movement
The color palette of this cut combines warm golds with cool, mid-range shades for a natural, sun-kissed look. The hair ends are texturally frayed, while mid-lengths are volumized by the feathery cut which prevents the look from becoming too thin or scraggly. Framing effects can be especially nice on oval or heart-shaped faces as the layers that wrap around the jawline do the most to open up the face. Perhaps this style best demonstrates the synergy between cut and color. Either one changed would impact the entire look.
#22: Balayage Shoulder Sweep with Curled Ends
The way the dark roots smoothly gradient into light ends is stunning and the curls at the ends of the hair are face framing. I think the most eye catching element of this style of balayage is the dimension it creates. The way the color is placed gives the illusion of thickness and movement all on its own, even before you curl the hair. If your hair is on the thinner side, this is a clever way to achieve volume without sacrificing any length. Just be sure to keep the lighter ends from getting dry and brassy, a good purple shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment should be in your routine.
#23: Structured Ebony Bob with Graduated Layering
This haircut is serious, in the best way possible. The graduated layers give a design shape along the jawline that opens up the neck area. The ebony shade helps to accentuate and contrast every single line in the cut — and every detail is visible. Because of this, the execution must be perfect, and it definitely is. This bob gives off the energy of” I’m a put together person” which is honestly why a good haircut holds so much value. This is ideal for those with medium to thick hair, as this is what will best hold the structure. If this haircut is calling to you, be sure to communicate to your stylist that they should be comfortable with graduated cutting, because that is the most important aspect of this cut.
#24: Chocolate Shag with Bangs That Swoop
Shags are no longer a dated style. They are an excellent consideration for a current haircut. The nice and modern look has great focus from the swoop bangs. Also, she has kept it simple with a chocolate hair color rather than going too crazy with other colors. This haircut’s versatility is phenomenal as it can suit almost any face shape. No particular bone structure is required to pull off this cut. Prepare to manage the layers as they grow because a quality texturizing spray will be your best friend with this look.
#25: Tousled Waves with an Easy Side-Swept Bang
To be fair, she probably just got out of bed, did a little peek-and-go with her hair, and walked right out, which, let’s be honest, is what we all want to do. The waves in her hair give her that ‘I totally got up like this’ look. The haircut and the length are purposeful. The bangs are side swept, which shows the forehead, but without having to commit to a full bangs situation. This is a great tester to see if you might want to get bangs but aren’t sure. If your hair is straight, like, you absolutely will need a texturizing spray and some bedhead to create some waves, and then let it dry in a diffuser.
#26: Warm Caramel Streaks Through a Shoulder-Length Bob
This bob is beautiful! The streaks are nice and evenly placed- not done randomly. They highlight the bob to look more expensive and high-end, and not just an average highlight. The caramel placement brightens up faces and nobody gets washed out! She has a nice blunt cut with enough texture at the ends so it doesn’t look too harsh. If you’re bringing this pic to the salon, ask for a blunt cut with long internal layers and a demi-perm on the streaks so they naturally fade. That way you don’t have to deal with a boxy growth line. The blunt perimeter is going to give that density illusion especially well on medium to fine hair.
#27: Chestnut Waves with Lighter Pieces for Dimension
One side is cut longer than the other, creating an asymmetrical style which makes it look effortless and cool, unlike a perfectly symmetrical cut. The base of the hair is a chestnut color and the highlights framing the face break up the color and add dimension, without being overtly obvious. The waves were created using a larger curling iron and the hair is nice and loose. It doesn’t look like average standard should-length hair, and it really shows the worth of all the time and effort it takes to keep the waves looking fresh and stylish.
#28: Soft Blonde Bob with a Rooty Grow-Out
I like the intentional root shadow on the blonde bob because it means your regrowth will just blend into the look instead of announcing itself three weeks after your appointment. I wish more people did this with blonds because it looks so much more interesting than a solid platinum blonde. I love the movement the layers provide without sacrificing shape to the bob. The end result is a soft blond look that is very wearable and requires little maintenance. You will need a toning shampoo to keep your color because the light pieces will get brassy, but with this root touch ups technique, you’ve bought yourself a lot of time.
#29: Brunette Waves with Sun-Kissed Highlights
The best part about this is the vibe it gives off; like she spent a summer outside and got some natural lift in her hair. Instead of looking like someone spent three hours at a salon on her hair, she looks like someone spent three hours at a salon on her hair. The highlights are soft and lightly placed so they aren’t chunky, and they work really well with the layered waves because every time the hair curves, you catch a different shade reflecting light. The combination of this length and the layers creates a lot of movement with medium to thick hair without the cut looking too ‘done.’ This style is versatile enough that second and third day hair looks better than freshly styled hair. To keep the style working for you, a trim every 6-8 weeks is recommended.
#30: Tousled Copper Bob with Soft Body
Copper hair color is trending. It offers warmth and richness unmatched by most other colors in the color spectrum. The softer, muted finish is less formal and does a good job balancing the color’s inherent boldness. To achieve the best collaboration between the color and the hairstyle, a more relaxed approach to hair design is essential. Subtle layers are a great option to provide flow that prevents a block shape, and avoids looking overly styled. Textured hair can be achieved without excessive heat styling. For those with straight hair it’s as easy as a quick spritz of texturizing spray on damp hair and a quick scrunch.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.