Medium Length Hair Doesn't Have to Be Awkward—These 8 Haircuts Are Proof

There’s the edgy allure of a cropped ‘do and the glamour of a long, flowing mane, but the middle ground doesn’t get enough credit for its beauty. Though sometimes considered an awkward “in-between,” medium-length haircuts are often incredibly flattering and even style forward. To prove our point, we consulted with celebrity stylists about their favorite medium-length hairstyles that are full-on gorgeous. So whether you’re transitioning from one length to the other or simply want to switch up your current medium-length cut, you’ll find inspiration from here.

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The Blunt Lob
You’ve heard of the blunt bob, but what about a blunt lob? The perfect medium-length haircut, this style “typically sits around the collarbone with no layers and keeps the ends blunt and sharp” says Jenna Spino, hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “This cut looks great styled sleek and straight, showing off the sharp bottom line.”

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Old Money Lob
While the "old money" bob sits just above the chin, the lob grazes the shoulder blades and rests just below them. The goal: polished volume. "This is a classic take on a blunt bob," says Kayla Lofaro, hairstylist and owner of the Discotheque salon in Los Angeles, Calif. "It has movement, which can be accomplished by using a volumizing mousse and a big round brush. It's a truly timeless haircut!"

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French Girl Midi
For some Parisian chicness, try on the French Girl midi—a medium-length twist on the very trendy Parisian Bob). "This year’s French-inspired midi cut takes cues from the iconic muses of 1960s Paris—like Jane Birkin, Françoise Hardy, and Anna Karina—with its soft structure, long curtain or full fringe, and a subtly rounded silhouette that skims the shoulders," says Ashley Streicher, hairstylist and collective member at R+Co. " It’s clean and feminine, with a touch of flirtatious drama."

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Textured, Mid-Length Hairstyle
Whether you want to lean into your natural texture or add a bit more movement to your mane, a shaggy mid-length style is a great go-to. Spino says this layered and textured cut creates a low-key “messy” look. “I can be a wash and go cut, or it can also be styled with a curling iron or waver.” Keep the ends out for a more beachy look and finish with a texture spray for more dimension.

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Marquise Midi
Like so many other trends from the '70s, marquise layers are enjoying a return in today's modern age and incorporating them into a medium-length hairstyle makes perfect sense, says Katelyn Ellsworth, hairstylist and founder at The Roslyn in San Diego, Calif. It gets its name because it creates the shape of a marquise-cut gemstone. "It is textured slightly at the ends and has a thin frame of layers that start around the cheekbone area," she says. Wispy fringe is optional, but a fun option for the warmer months.

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Medium Shag
If you really like a textured look then the retro-modern shag is the way to go. This new spin on an old favorite has been enjoying quite a bit of time in the spotlight for its lived-in appeal. "The shag is an edgy haircut perfect for someone with thicker hair that still wants length," Lofaro says. "This is a very low maintenance style that could be achieved by air drying or styling with a 1 inch round brush."

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Grown Out Box Bob
Last season’s sharp bob has eased into something more relaxed—a mid-length version that hits just at the collarbone. "The shape retains a defined outline, but now with softened edges and gentle internal layers for subtle movement. It’s sleek, but not severe," Streicher says. If you're transitioning to longer hair, ask your stylist to keep the lengths long and remove some of the sharpness from the bob. Customized layers can give it a more personalized touch.

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Longer Layers
Yes, you can have medium-length hair with longer layers, too. The idea is to incorporate the layers in the lower portion and to customize the look to your face shape and hair texture. Spino says, “This cut is a more classic look that sits at the shoulders with some layers for movement. Style with a blow dryer and round brush, style it straighter, or opt for a more voluminous look.”