While some people see medium-length hair as simple for styling, it actually takes the most effort to look intentional without taking a lot of time. With hair that length, you can’t put it in an obvious bun, and it’s also too long to do a simple jump and shake. There’s a weird in between, where people see you as really put together, or like you did not try at all. I get it, I have seen clients sit in my chair and say they wish they could grow it out or chop it all off. However, more often than not, the answer is not a dramatic length change. The answer is learning to accept that the look your hair lends you is not going to change for the time being, and embracing it instead of fighting against your length.
In my experience, women that appreciate their medium length hair the most are the ones that have established themselves one or two very basic styles that they can do with without much effort. A lot of hair cuts can include a a good amount of layering, and a good one will do a lot of the styling for you, while a bad one will leave all the work to you.
I had a client I worked with a long time ago who was ready to completely give up on her hair. At that point, it became evident that her layers were simply placed wrong for her hair texture.
We changed the layers by about one and a half inches and all of the sudden, she didn’t seem to have all of the issues she had been dealing with. When looking at the examples, think about how the different shapes seem to work in unison with the natural movement of your hair. These are the shapes that will be practical for you in real life, and not just for a picture.
#1: Rich Auburn Layers That Basically Style Themselves
This is one of those hairstyles that the color really does all the talking, and I mean that as a compliment. That auburn color really adds some nice dimension which makes a basic blowout look more expensive, and the layered technique is designed to give you movement without the ends looking too thin or scraggly. My favorite part about the cut is how nice it looks a few days later because those soft layers will settle into place really well as your hair relaxes. It can actually look better on days two and three than it does on day one. If your hair has a bit of natural body to it, just apply a lightweight styling cream to the mid-lengths and you should be good to go.
#2 That Glossy Lived-In Look with Just Enough Brightness Around the Face
This haircut at first looks very basic, though, I could go on and on because the detail that went into this is amazing. The highlights were done in a way that looks very soft, and instead of looking chunky, the highlights guide your attention to the hair that is light. The softer layers break up the bulk and show that the cut was designed to function with the waves the person has instead of against it. I will say that if you decide to go this route with the hair and highlights, you are going to have to come back every ten to twelve weeks to get touch ups, but the cut will still look good.
#3 Beachy Waves That Actually Take Some Work, But Worth It
You won’t get this style on your first attempt, and it takes plenty of time and practice. The waves need to be done in a specific way to look soft and loose, with a few straighter ends. This is something that will take time to get done and muscle memory will help with that. The soft and bouncy waves will stay all day, and this can be done with hair like that. The warm bronzy brown that reflects light is great considering that’s half the battle. Dry hair cannot hold the same bends and waves like soft, brushable hair can.
#4 Sleek Caramel-Kissed Straight Cut That Looks Expensive
I would say this style is for people who say they want to look put together with no work, and really mean it. It’s all one length, very straight, and sleek with ends that are absolutely perfect, and those caramel highlights are woven in so beautifully that it looks like really nice natural hair. The thing with haircuts like this is that they live and die by the condition of your ends. If you’re the type of person who goes 7-8 months between trims, this is not the style for you. But if you’re in the salon every 6 weeks at most to maintain your ends, then you will absolutely convince people that you have naturally beautiful hair.
#5 Wavy Layers with Soft Bangs That Give You a Whole Different Face
I always enjoy a good moment with bangs, and this one is nice because the bangs are soft, not thick and blunt like some can be. They blend into the layers of hair around the face which gives it a more natural feel without any lines showing. If you have been thinking about bangs, and are a little unsure, this is the style I would recommend the most because these vintage bangs grow out nicely and avoid the awful awkward stage. The rest of the hair has a lovely natural wave which I really like. The highlights are nice and give a little extra pop with out being obvious. If you have fine hair, I suggest a volumizing mousse at the roots for the first few hours to avoid flat hair.
#6 Clean Auburn Straight Cut That’s All About the Color
regular trim because with straight sleek hair the split ends are super obvious and you can’t hide them.
#7 Soft Brown Layers with That Natural Healthy Shine
The first thing that stands out here is shine, which means this person either has a naturally glassy shine to their hair or they’re using a really nice gloss treatment, and honestly, I’m a little jealous for either of those. The layers are soft, and they lay nicely, giving just enough movement to the hair to keep it from looking flat, but also not looking like she’s trying too hard to have a nice movement. This is one of those styles that does really well for pictures, but also looks great in real life on some random Tuesday, which I think is more important than a lot of people would give credit for. The rich brown colour is lovely on its own, but if you want to take it anywhere, it would be a whole new vibe with some subtle pieces framing the face.
#8 Lived-In Layers with That Perfect Sun-Kissed Thing
I love how your hair looks like you just got back from vacation with that perfect sun-kissed mess. The highlights are done beautifully, as if they were done in an actual sun. The feathered layers are great! Some styles really do look best with dirty, textured hair, and this one is definitely one of them! The shine and contrast of your highlights will blend beautifully with the dirty hair. Achieving this level of bend might take some work on straight hair, but if you have any wave, this will be super easy to maintain.
#9 Medium Textured Waves That Frame Everything Just Right
I truly appreciate the haircut because the layers provide so much movement and texture. Most layered cuts do not get this balance and make the ends look too thin. People often go super aggressive with the layering and create volume on top but nothing on the bottom. In this cut, everything is distributed evenly and the natural waves are enhanced instead of reshaped which is my preference. This haircut style allows you to air dry your hair and with a little product you can be out the door fully styled.
#10 Soft Flowing Waves with Just Enough Highlight to Notice
With regards to the highlights, I would like to be specific. They are concentrated in the mid-lengths. Not at the roots or packed in the ends. This placement gives a natural beautiful depth to the wave pattern as the light sections catch and release, and in person it is very flattering and a bit hard to capture in a photo. The cut is very simple. A few gentle layers and some soft framing around the face, but it’s a really great base that will make the color work twice as hard. For someone who wants to ease into color, I would say this is a great option.
#11 Warm Caramel Waves That Work on So Many Skin Tones
Having cool skin often leads you to be recommended ash tones. However, I suggest you consider warm caramel highlights. These tones bring out your features in a way other tones cannot. I’ve done warm highlights on a lot of clients and almost all of them end up loving it more than they thought they would. The cut is functioning nicely as well, the layers create a lot of bounce, especially in the mid-lengths and the waves look effortless from a sea salt spray instead of a traditional curl. This will be especially flattering for thicker hair as the layers remove enough weight for the texture to breathe.
#12 Layered Waves with Bangs That Actually Work Together
Bangs can sometimes go sideways if the cut is not done right. What I really appreciate about this look is the overall neatness. These bangs are soft and blend into the layers when they need to, and they have enough structure to be able to sit on their own and form a nice frame around the forehead. The balayage is a nice added element, bringing some warmth without competing for attention, and is also very understated as it relates to the overall texture. I think I would classify this as a style that has higher maintenance than what it might look like. Those bangs do need a trim done every three to four weeks, and if you are someone who goes for an eight-week trim cycle, you might want to think about whether you want bangs or not. If you’re someone who likes to keep up with necessary maintenance, then this look will definitely be great.
#13 Auburn Waves with That Rich, Warm Depth
Auburn hair is one of my favorites because of the combination of mouth-watering reddish brown shades. They steer clear of the overly bright coppers that don’t suit everyone while still having a beautiful reddish hue. This gorgeous hue is complemented by the waves that make the color really pop. With each twist and turn of the hair, it brings out different tones in the color. Straightening auburn hair is a waste because so much of the hair’s color variations would just be concealed. For this look, a texturizing spray is a must. It will help define the waves and give the hair that more tousled, effortless look rather than a clean, polished look. I do have to be honest and say that auburn hair does tend to fade faster than other hair colors, so you’ll have to book more frequent color refresh appointments.
#14 Defined Curls with Layers That Actually Enhance the Pattern
Finding good hairstyles for curly hair can be a challenge. The trick to getting good layers is good volume. A good curly haircut adds volume, but not puffiness. This stylist did a wonderful job with the layering. The look is controlled, but still leaves space to move with the curls. The natural curl pattern guides the fall of the hairstyle. It looks like she used highlighting foils to add some dimension to the hair without having to shorten the curls. If your curls are loose like this hairstyle, try using a light mousse to help give some body to the hairstyle without adding heaviness.
#15 Warm Chocolate Base with Highlights That Look Like Actual Sunlight
I suggest this color combination all the time because it is so forgiving as it grows out. With the deep chocolate base, it then slowly fuses into the highlighted sections and you won’t have a solid line that makes you feel like you need to book an appointment to the salon in a rush. The waves definitely contribute a lot, because the movement lets you appreciate how the darker and lighter shades interplay, something that won’t be easily visible with straight hair. This cut has heavier layers than some of the other ones I’ve mentioned, which creates a lot of volume and fullness. If you’re working with thinner hair, you might want to modify the layering a bit, but for medium to thick hair, this is going to look incredibly substantial and healthy.
#16 Classic Medium Layers with Color That Moves
This haircut reflects how more understated, yet intentionally done techniques can be very effective. When the face framing layers are long enough to get tucked behind the ear, that also allow some hair to fall forward, and that is the type of versatility I really consider when cutting around the face. The highlights are subtle, not shouting ‘I just got highlights’, but rather just making the hair appear more dimensional than one solid color. Personally, I think this is an excellent cut for someone who is looking to add some shape and structure to the hair without losing any length. This is because the layering is really focusing on the perimeter and the face framing layers as opposed to removing any fullness.
#17 Warm Textured Waves That Look Like You Didn’t Even Try
I love this style of hair that you can say “I woke up like this,” because I feel that it achieves the perfect kind of effort that feels like no effort at all. I think that is the sweet spot for daily hair. The warm undertones in this color work a lot of magic, giving an almost honey touch that looks very natural and healthy. The subtle layers, and weight removal you describe, that allow for the waves are great. I feel it’s a common issue with medium length wavy hair that the layers are not enough, and ends get heavy and triangular. This hair type I think looks best throughout the week, and is probably best on days 1, 2, or 3 when the waves have relaxed a bit.
#18 Textured Lob with Bangs That Draw You Right to the Eyes
I love cutting hair into a lob, and shoulder/above length is great! There’s something about this length that feels different than having longer hair. Also, I love this look because it’s got nice chop at the end that adds texture rather than a boring blunt cut. The bangs are sup cut and not too thick, and they sit at the brow to really pop the eyes! I feel like this specific style of lob and bangs suits smaller features really well because it greats a good frame and still subtle overall. I love the minimal styling here because when the shape is right, it’s just the cut you don’t need to do much else. A dry texture spray and you’re good to go!
#19 Face-Framing Layers That Open Everything Up
The framing layers in this haircut are definitely working, as they start high enough to create shape around the cheekbones and jaw, instead of just hanging there, which is one of my biggest pet peeves with layers. The overall length is medium, nothing too dramatic, but the way the layers are graduated gives it a more dynamic silhouette than you’d expect. The balayage is soft and natural which I think is the right call here as with this much layering, the color needs to be soft otherwise it starts looking too busy. This is a haircut that will need a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the layers looking fresh, but in between appointments it’s going to be one of those wash-and-go situations that actually works.
#20 Wavy Lob with Highlights That Add Depth Without Drama
This sort of haircut always works as a repeatable example because it balances the needs of the client who wants something a bit different but doesn’t want a big change, and the familiarity of a lob as a length keeps the client comfortable. The colour enhancements of the highlights are not integral to the change, but rather more about enhancing what is already there naturally, The main thing is the texture, and in this case, the waves are loose and a bit messy, which keeps it from being dated, and gives it a modern look. If you have fine hair, this length is actually going to be a benefit to you because it keeps the hair from being overly weighed down by longer hair, and I think you could just put a little product in damp hair and let it air dry, and if the look is a bit too messy you can always have to diffused it and you’re basically looking at this.
#21 Caramel-Toned Layers with That Warm, Glowy Thing
When the hair is cut in layers it gives a further effect around the face that makes the skin look soft and supple, like it is glowing and younger. I always tell my customers the best hair colour can be more complimentary than makeup. These layers fall to create a beautiful cascading effect throughout the waves that makes the hair look more interesting without going over the top. It’s a beautiful cut for medium to thick hair in particular. The layers remove just enough bulk so that the hair still maintains the thick fullness. If you’re looking for a warmer colour for the season then this is a good reference to bring to your stylist.
#22 Warm Auburn Texture with Bangs That Soften Everything
This style’s warm auburn color is amazing! The richness of the color comes alive in the sun and from every angle looks different. For this reason, I love recommending reds and auburn tones to people when their hair color seems boring. The bangs are soft and slightly parted which creates a more relaxed look than a blunt fringe and they blend in so well with the hair. A wave in the mid-lengths adds so much personality to this cut. For those who have been sporting the same style for a while, these bangs and added texture will reset the look beautifully without being too extreme.
#23 Medium Curly Cut That Lets Your Natural Texture Shine
This cut will change how you see natural curls. These curls are real and will be over-styled, which is always my goal. The intentionally placed balayage color rests on the curls and enhances the dimension of each individual spiral instead of just flattening it to one color. Once you find your curl routine, this look will be easy to maintain for medium to thick hair. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to experiment with different types of hold levels to find the right product that defines without the crunch. That really makes all the difference.
#24 Textured Waves with Highlights That Catch Every Bit of Light
This hairstyle makes the waves and highlights look nice! The way the color is used makes it look cool when the hair moves. The cut has soft layers of medium length which you’ve probably seen and they did it really well with all of the hair in place. I’d recommend a nice hydrating cream for this texture so the waves aren’t stiff and it’s soft and touchable. Keeping moisture in the hair is a good way to prevent the frizzy halo that can happen with highlighted hair, so it’s a good idea to hydrate.
#25 Soft Balayage Waves That Look Effortless in the Best Way
I would show this style to someone who said, “I want something easy and pretty” because that is exactly what it is. The balayage is gorgeously blended and starts a few inches from the roots, so it grows out pleasantly and doesn’t require constant upkeep. That is something I really like to consider, as I know not everyone wants to sit in the salon every six weeks. The waves are loose and look effortless, like the type that happen when you sleep braid your hair or twist it around a big barrel curling iron for just a few seconds per section (yes, those drops of water are straight up!). It is classy without being too over the top or gaudy. This is low maintenance, high impact hair and I think more people should do this instead of chasing trendy styles that need a photoshoot and fall apart by noon.
#26 Natural Waves with Warm Highlights That Just Work
The most striking feature of this cut is how natural everything looks. The waves look just underdone enough for the hair to look its best, while the highlights look warm and blended, and could even be mistaken for natural lightening. That really is the goal in my opinion – to create a hair colour that has people asking, “what did you do to your hair?!” in the best way possible. The layers are shaped and the length is right in that versatile sweet spot where hair can be pulled up or left down. That’s what most of us actually need from our hair at the end of the day.
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