I like to recommend shoulder-length cuts. They are not a fad or a seasonal trend. This length works for so many people. The hair behaves differently at shoulder length. It’s not too little to feel like a change and not too much to be watching six inches drop.
I once had a client who had been growing her hair for three years. She walked in saying she felt blah, so we went with shoulder length and some light layering. It was surprising to see her tear up. Usually, I see a lot of people long hair, but she felt like herself again. It’s the simplicity that works with this length. It works with so many hair types and textures. This cut is for everyone. Check out these pictures of some of my clients. I can’t wait to create these styles on my next client.
#1: From Flat and Shapeless to Full, Bouncy Layers
Here is a before-and-after picture that I absolutely love. Some of you might think the transformation isn’t too impressive, but it is all about the right layers. Her hair is lively now, before it was just hanging there. Nothing bad, but nothing good. It took some mid-length layers to create fullness around the face, and give her an amazing look. If your hair goes flat by noon, this cut is what you need. To get that look, all you have to do is put a lightweight volumizing mousse through damp hair before you blow dry it. To be honest, this cut will still look great if you just air dry it. It is a low maintenance the cut that does most of the work for you.
#2: Wavy Tousled Bob with Bangs That Actually Work
When I get requests for wavy bobs and bangs, I get a little scared. But this is a perfect example of how to do it correctly! The waves create a ‘lived-in’ look, like she just got out of bed and they fell perfectly. Also, the bangs are soft enough to not affect the overall texture of the hair. This style is ideal for people with medium to thick hair because those textures are going to create the look without it being stringy. If you have really thick hair and it is super straight, that probably means you will have to curl it every single day. Also, if you are picky about bangs, they are going to need a trim every 3 weeks. If you don’t mind, this will look great as it grows out.
#3: That Perfect Jet-Black Blunt Cut
It’s difficult to maintain straight blunt cuts and keep hair a deep black but this example is stunning. The owner has thick straight hair which looks beautifully polished and gives the cut an effortless look. The color is deep and even throughout which gives the hair a liquid appearance. Movement comes purely from the color. If your natural shade is a few levels lighter than this, you will need to book regular touch-ups. If your natural color is darker than this then you are in the wash and go zone and will enjoy easy mornings.
#4: Rich Chocolate One-Length with Feathered Ends
This is the style I envision for a client who wants to look polished without having to put in any effort with their hair in the mornings. Most of the length is cut to the same point, with only a little layering at the bottom to prevent the cut from feeling bottom heavy. The chocolate brown color provides most of the value in the style because if the hair was just one solid brown color, it would look a lot cheaper. With this length, you will start to see damage at the ends fairly quickly. I suggest coming in for a trim every 6 to 8 weeks before the ends get too scraggly. You will have very low maintenance with this style; all you have to do is brush it, and you will be good to go!
#5: Blunt Black Bob with the Most Precise Bangs
This bob may look difficult, but, everything other than the neck is simple. This bob is easy and almost styles itself on straight, fine hair. The bangs, however, will require some more commitment. Bangs were cut super angled, and she may need them to be kept that way, so if you want it this precise, you will have to do some bang trimming every few weeks. The black is simple, and I LOVE the way it makes the whole thing feel really intentional and editorial. The only product requirement I’d give you is a good color-safe shampoo. You can use it to keep that black from fading and going muddy.
#6: Ash-Blonde Lob with That Perfectly Undone Texture
I love how flattering this hair length is! Ash-blonde hair is stunning. The tousled waves look amazing and are so effortless, perfect movement! The layers give volume and are placed just right around the top and face to give that lift to fine hair that tends to go flat. Now, ash tones can be a bit high-maintenance, but it really brightens up people’s faces! Your color definitely will let you know if you have appointments pushed back, and it can become brassy. But if you keep up with your appts, this color is brightening and beautiful on all skin tones!
#7: Caramel-Kissed Cascading Waves
I am really drawn to the details in this color. It’s not as simple as just caramel highlights thrown on top. There’s a gradient effect that captures the waves in a way that draws the eye deeper and more interesting as they move. This layered cut is ideal for medium to thick hair because it has the density to support all that movement. The layers direct the volume into something more purposeful as opposed to chaotic. I can imagine this being great for someone with natural waves who just needs a cut that will let it do its thing. The caramel tones will warm up over time so periodic gloss treatments will help keep it fresh. I appreciate the grow-out as it is pretty forgiving.
#8: Icy Blonde with Lived-In Roots
Rooted color is smart because you won’t have to fight your natural color every four weeks. Instead, you can work with it! The transition from dark roots to icy blonde is seamless and looks intentional, which is what we are going for. The blunt cut adds the illusion of thickness to fine and medium hair. It also looks clean and modern! Regular toning will be required to keep your blonde from yellowing. Unfortunately, that is the price we pay for icy colors. However, the roots allow you to go longer between full color appointments, so that kind of balances it out. If you don’t want to spend a ton of time at the salon, this is a great way to go blonde!
#9: Deep Black Midi Cut with a Hint of Wave
Thank you for that covering. The colors and waves are not too dramatic, and the wave adds personality, making it less bland and more corporate. I recommend it a lot as it is a deep black which works on all skin tones. The subtle layering around the face is doing quiet work softening things without being too obvious about it. If you have medium to thick hair and want something polished, whether you blow it out or let it air dry, this is a great option. It is as easy as it gets. The dark color will need refreshing once you start seeing it go dull, but otherwise this is about as easy as it gets.
#10: Warm Auburn Layers with Soft Movement
This auburn shade is stunning! Imagine all the compliments you’ll get. With thick hair like this, the layers will create a beautiful cascading effect with a lot of movement, changing color at the ends and roots. It will all feel so seasonally rich! If your hair is straight, then you will have to curl some of the ends with a curling iron. If you have some waves, this will be styled effortless. The biggest commitment here is the color. Auburn is one of the shades that fades the quickest, so you’ll definitely want to invest in a color depositing conditioner to keep it fresh in between appointments!
#11: Copper Waves and a Side-Swept Bang That Just Works
The effortless look is amazing. Waves are styled in a perfect yet imperfect way. Soft bangs are iconic and really complete the look. The copper color used here radiates warmth and richness. The layers will give your medium to thick hair volume in all the right areas, helping the texture and ensuring the hair doesn’t look flat. Styling is super easy; a little texturizing spray and some scrunching will have you done in seconds. The copper tones are gorgeous! Expect to keep up with salon visits every few weeks to maintain that vibrant color; it will definitely be worth it to keep it looking stunning in natural light.
#12: Chestnut Bob with Layers That Frame Without Trying Too Hard
Many different things are going on in this style, and they’re easy to miss at first glance. Although very subtle, the face-framing layers will help to define the jaw and soften the look, which a blunt bob would only amplify. The chestnut hue looks naturally deep with a “just got my hair colored” aesthetic; I think a lot of people ask for a color like this without even realizing it. On medium to thick hair, this will feel very manageable and natural. The hair will just work with you, and the only real homework I’d give you is to keep up with trims because the ends can look tired pretty quickly.
#13: Soft Balayage with Feathered, Airy Ends
The balayage looks like it has been kissed by the sun, which is what good balayage should feel like. The cut is special because the feathered ends keep every thing light and airy so it doesn’t get heavy and boxy, especially at the shoulders because it can look like a helmet if you’re not careful. For medium density hair, this is a great low effort style because you can just let it be and the cut and color will do the work. Of course, you’ll need to refresh the color eventually, but with good grow-out, balayage is great so you’ve got plenty of runway in between appointments.
#14: Cool Platinum Blonde Straight Bob with a Modern Edge
This specific type of platinum hair looks really cool, almost warm. It looks warm because it shows a lot of intent, and gives off the energy of “I know exactly what I’m doing.” The cut looks clean because it is straight across and feels more severe. The texture at the ends, though, breaks that up so it doesn’t look too wiggy, which is an issue that happens with platinum with everything getting too perfect. The hair is medium density, so that subtle graduation at the back is going to add some nice volume, and it won’t lay too flat. That is a detail that most people won’t realize matters that much. The truth of platinum hair is that you will have to go to the salon a lot, and that is a fact. If you are willing to do so, the look will pay off a lot. It will be modern and striking. Also, for those going this light with their hair, there is a definite bond repair treatment that will keep your hair feeling good. To not have it feel like straw is honestly half the battle.
#15: Simple Chestnut Layers That Let Your Hair Just Be
Sometimes the best thing a haircut can do is step out of the picture and let the hair do the talking, and that is exactly what is happening here. The color is a warm and rich chestnut and while the layers are practically non-existent, it still looks nice. Out of all the haircuts on this list, I would say that this one has the least amount of maintenance. This style is a total winner for straight hair of medium density. You could literally just wash it and let it dry. With this hairstyle, don’t use too much hair product or style it too often, or it would lose the simplicity that makes it special. If you are a fidgeter when it comes to hairstyles and have been jumping around from trend to trend and you are actually tired, then this is the winner that finally lets you breathe. Sometimes that is all you need, it’s soft and beautiful.
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.