Classic Medium Length Haircuts
These timeless medium hair styles for women never go out of fashion, offering sophisticated looks that work for any occasion.
1. The Classic Blunt Cut
This sophisticated shoulder-length cut features straight, even ends with no layers. Best suited for those with thicker hair, the blunt cut creates a sleek, polished look that pairs modern simplicity with timeless elegance. For the smoothest finish, apply John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Original Serum to damp hair before blow-drying straight. This style works beautifully on oval and heart-shaped faces.
2. The Long Bob (Lob)
The lob is a slightly longer version of the classic bob that just grazes the shoulders. Incredibly versatile, it works well with all hair textures from straight and fine to wavy and curly. This low-maintenance style offers the perfect balance between short and long hair, pairing the ease of shorter styles with the styling flexibility of longer locks. For added volume, try John Frieda’s Volume Lift Root Booster before blow-drying. Flattering for all face shapes.
3. Face-Framing Layers
Medium-length hair with face-framing layers adds softness and dimension, highlighting your cheekbones and jawline. These layers start around the chin and gradually blend into the rest of the hair, creating a flattering shape that suits various face shapes. This cut works well for all hair textures and is ideal if you want to inject structure and definition without sacrificing length. For extra shine, finish with John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Serum to smooth the layers.
Textured Medium Length Styles
Add movement and dimension to your medium hair with these beautifully textured styles.
4. The Modern Shag
The shag cut is a retro-inspired style that has made a major comeback. This shoulder-length haircut features choppy, layered sections that give hair a textured, messy look. Perfect for adding volume and movement, it’s ideal for those with thin or fine hair. The shag works especially well with wavy or curly hair but can be adapted for straight hair too. It’s a playful, rebellious cut that gives off a cool, rock ‘n’ roll vibe. For the perfect tousled texture, scrunch in John Frieda’s Dream Curls Curl Defining Cream while drying.
5. Textured Waves
Textured waves on shoulder-length hair create a beachy, carefree vibe that’s perfect for an effortlessly-chic look. This style features loose, tousled waves that can be achieved naturally or with heat styling. It’s ideal if you want a casual, low-maintenance look with plenty of movement and volume. The waves give the hair a lived-in feel, making it a great option for busy women. Keep your hair’s volume going all day by using John Frieda’s Volume Lift range, infused with Air-Silk Technology to effortlessly prep hair for light, full hairstyles.
6. Choppy Lob with Shaggy Layers
Shaggy layers of a choppy lob add depth and movement, giving the style lots of personality. This cut is great for anyone who wants a more laid-back and casual look. The choppy ends create texture and dimension, making it perfect for those who prefer an undone, effortless style. For extra texture and hold, spray John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Dream Curls Daily Styling Spray throughout your hair before styling. Works best for oval, heart, and diamond-shaped faces.
Medium Styles with Bangs
Fringe benefits! These medium hair styles for women incorporate various types of bangs to frame the face beautifully.
7. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are a fantastic addition to shoulder-length hair, offering a chic, face-framing look. The bangs are parted in the middle and blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, creating a soft, curving frame around the face. When paired with layered or textured shoulder-length hair, curtain fringes can soften facial features and add a bohemian, romantic feel. This cut is great for those who want to experiment with a fringe without fully committing to blunt, straight-across styles. To keep bangs smooth and frizz-free, apply a small amount of John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème.
8. Blunt Bangs
Have you thought about blunt bangs? This straight medium hairstyle could potentially drag your face down, but the bangs give it some lift and help frame the face perfectly. Straight and blunt bangs create a bold, eye-catching look that not everyone can pull off. But if you can, go for it! Bangs can make you look years younger and completely change your look, giving you a fresh, vibrant appearance. To keep bangs smooth and sleek, use John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. Best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces.
9. Side-Swept Bangs
Here’s a wavy hair look with side-swept bangs that’s both elegant and approachable. If you already have some natural wave in your hair, this is a very easy look to achieve. If your hair is straight, you can use a curling iron to get some beachy waves. Side-swept bangs are versatile and flattering for most face shapes, especially round faces as they create the illusion of length. For hold and definition, use John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl-Perfecting Spray on damp hair before styling.
Layered Medium Length Cuts
Layers add movement, volume, and dimension to medium hair styles for women, creating versatile looks for different hair types.
10. Long Layers
Claire Danes wears long blonde layers so well, and you can too! You can dress this hairstyle up or down, wear it curly or straight, or even go with an up-do. Long layers add subtle movement while maintaining the overall length and weight of the hair. This versatile cut works well for all hair types but is especially flattering for those with thick hair as it removes bulk without sacrificing length. For a smooth, polished finish, apply John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Styling Crème before blow-drying. Suits most face shapes, particularly oval and square.
11. Textured Layers
Textured layers add dimension and movement to the hair while retaining thickness. This style works perfectly for fine hair looking for some oomph. It’s just the style for those who want a laid-back cut that will look great, even on air-dried days. The varied lengths create visual interest and can be styled in numerous ways. For added texture and volume, spray John Frieda’s Volume Lift Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray at the roots before blow-drying. Ideal for oval, heart, and diamond-shaped faces.
12. The Rachel
Easygoing and relaxed, the Rachel cut has become a major hit in 2024. To tap into the right vibe, style for volume and curl the ends of the layers with a round brush, a straightener, or rollers. You may bend them toward or away from the face for a change. This iconic 90s-inspired cut features face-framing layers that add movement and volume. For the perfect finish, use John Frieda’s Volume Lift Root Booster at the crown and John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème on the ends. Best for square and oval face shapes.
Medium Bob Variations
The bob haircut offers endless possibilities at medium length, from asymmetrical cuts to wavy styles.
13. Asymmetrical Bob
The asymmetrical bob is a bold, modern twist on the classic bob. This shoulder-length cut is styled with one side of the hair slightly longer than the other, creating an edgy, fashion-forward look. The contrast between the lengths adds dimension and interest – it’s a great choice if you want to stand out with a unique, stylish cut. This cut works well with both straight and wavy hair and can be styled sleek for a sharp, angular look or with waves for a more relaxed feel. For a smooth, sleek finish, use John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. Best for oval and heart-shaped faces.
14. 90s Bob
The nostalgic yet chic bob silhouette that’s coming back into trend is modelled after our style icons of the 90s. With a slightly rounded shape, this cut is great for someone who wants to be creative and modern and still hold on to a touch of retro styling. The ends are typically curved under for a polished finish. For the perfect smooth, rounded look, apply John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Original Serum to damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush. Suits round, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
15. Wavy Lob
A middle part wavy lob brings balance and an edgeless feel to heart-shaped faces. Waves create volume around the chin area, thus balancing the wider forehead and a narrow jawline. It equips the look with elegance and ease of taking it from casual to classic. This versatile style works with natural waves or can be created with a curling iron. For defined, frizz-free waves, apply John Frieda’s Dream Curls Curl Defining Cream to damp hair before styling. Particularly flattering for heart-shaped and diamond faces.
Curly Medium Length Styles
Embrace your natural texture with these gorgeous medium hair styles for women with curly and wavy hair.
16. Curly Bob
Curly bobs give you playful volume and shape and flatter all face shapes. A great haircut for naturally curly hair; it really allows the texture and bounce to show off and creates an animated appearance. A good reason to bring out your natural curls and make a statement! This shoulder-length cut enhances your natural curl pattern while keeping the style manageable. For defined, frizz-free curls, scrunch John Frieda’s Dream Curls Curl Defining Cream into damp hair and allow to air dry or diffuse. Suitable for all face shapes.
17. Spiraled Natural Curls
Celebrate naturally curly hair with this gorgeous style. It’s one of our favourite medium-length hairstyles for textured hair! This shoulder-length cut with curly bangs and subtle blonde highlights enhances your natural curl pattern while keeping the style manageable. The key to this look is moisture and definition. Apply John Frieda’s Dream Curls Curl Defining Cream to soaking wet hair, then scrunch with a microfiber towel and either air dry or diffuse for the best results. Flattering for all face shapes.
18. Wavy Shag
A great cut for natural waves and texture is anything shaggy – think shaggy long bob, medium shag, or wolf haircut. Choppy and textured layers will help your natural hair texture to thrive, giving you a carefree and low-maintenance style. Air dry your locks or style them with a diffuser for the natural flow of wavy hair. For enhanced texture and definition, scrunch John Frieda’s Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse into damp hair before air-drying or diffusing. Works well for oval, heart, and diamond-shaped faces.
Straight Medium Length Styles
Sleek and sophisticated, these straight medium hair styles for women offer polished, low-maintenance options.
19. Sleek Straight Lob
Look effortlessly chic with this classic mid-length haircut. It’s ideal for anyone with straight hair who prefers to middle part their hair. This polished style features straight, smooth hair that falls just at the shoulders with blunt ends for a clean, sophisticated look. If your hair gets a bit poofy, spritz on heat protectant and gently run a straightener over your strands. Make sure to nourish your hair with John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to maintain your polished style and defend against damage. Best for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
20. Side-Parted Straight
A shoulder-length cut with a deep side part is a timeless, elegant style that can instantly add volume and drama to your look. This style works well with straight, wavy, or even curly hair, and it’s especially flattering for those with round or square face shapes. The side part draws attention to your cheekbones and can be flipped throughout the day to keep your style full of volume. Use John Frieda’s Volume Lift Root Booster to create texture and lift at your roots when styling in the morning. Particularly flattering for round and square faces.
21. Blunt Straight Cut
Opt for a blunt cut to create an illusion of thick, full hair. A blunt cutting gives a straight edge, and that straight edge creates an illusion of thicker, fuller hair. This style is excellent for people with fine hair who crave fullness and volume. The clean lines and even length create a sophisticated, polished look that works well in professional settings. For extra shine and smoothness, apply John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Original Serum before blow-drying straight. Best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces.
Coloured Medium Length Styles
Add dimension and visual interest to your medium hair with these stunning colour techniques.
22. Balayage Waves
Embrace a sun-kissed glow with this beachy style perfect for wavy hair. This lob with long layers, piecey ends, and brown-to-blonde balayage creates a natural-looking dimension that enhances the hair’s movement. The hand-painted highlights create a natural gradient from darker roots to lighter ends. For the perfect beachy waves, spritz your hair evenly with John Frieda’s Beach Blonde Sea Waves Salt Spray for texture and definition. Suitable for all face shapes and particularly flattering on warm skin tones.
23. Ombre Medium Cut
Jessica Alba knows how to wear ombre right. With subtle waves, a middle part and subtle lightening of the hair, this is one style definitely worth trying. She looks sophisticated enough for the red carpet, but it’s casual enough for everyday wear. This shoulder-length style features a gradual transition from darker roots to lighter ends, creating a bold yet natural-looking effect. To maintain the colour and prevent brassiness, use John Frieda’s Blonde Toners range. Works well for all face shapes and hair textures.
24. Face-Framing Highlights
I love this look of shorter in the back and long layers on the side. Not to mention the colour is stunning! This medium-length cut features brighter highlights around the face that create a flattering frame and brighten your complexion. The contrast between the lighter face-framing pieces and the base colour adds dimension and draws attention to your features. To maintain the brightness of your highlights and prevent brassiness, use John Frieda’s Violet Crush Purple Shampoo once a week. Flattering for all face shapes.
Vintage-Inspired Medium Styles
Channel retro vibes with these classic medium hair styles for women that have stood the test of time.
25. 70s Feathered Cut
Look like the queen you are with luscious, voluminous locks. Classic 70’s feathered cuts will never go out of style. This shoulder-length feathered cut with caramel highlights and soft curtain bangs creates a retro-inspired look with modern appeal. The layers are cut to “feather” away from the face, creating movement and volume. For the perfect feathered effect, use a round brush to blow-dry the ends away from your face and finish with John Frieda’s Volume Lift Hairspray for all-day hold. Best for oval, heart, and square faces.
26. Bottleneck Bob
The benefit of the bottleneck hairstyle is that you can achieve it with the right styling, without cutting the face-framing bangs or layers. All you need is to get a middle part, bring the face-framing strands to the front, place a round brush over, and blow dry from the bottom while brushing hair to the front and upward, maintaining tension. This style works beautifully for balancing a round face or a larger forehead. For added hold and shine, finish with John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray. Particularly flattering for round and square faces.
27. 90s Flipped Ends
This chic, playful style featuring blunt ends is ideal for those with thick hair. Especially if you’re growing out your short hair, this medium-length haircut is a good transitional style. Add whimsy and bounce to your hair by blow-drying the ends with a round brush. Roll the brush up and away from your face to flip out the ends for that distinctive 90s look. For hold and shine, finish with John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray. Works well for oval, heart, and square faces.
Medium Styles for Fine Hair
These medium hair styles for women with fine or thin hair create the illusion of thickness and volume.
28. Volumized Layers
This medium length hairstyle has very short layers throughout the top, giving the hair tons of volume. It’s also heavy on the bangs and face framing layers. The varied layer lengths create the illusion of thickness and fullness, making this an ideal choice for those with fine or thin hair. For maximum volume, apply John Frieda’s Volume Lift Root Booster to damp roots before blow-drying upside down. Finish with a light mist of volumizing hairspray for all-day hold. Best for oval, heart, and diamond-shaped faces.
29. Blunt Collarbone Lob
This is one of the most flattering shoulder-length haircuts for fine hair! A versatile, tapered lob with minimal layering creates the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. The blunt ends create a strong line that makes hair appear thicker, while the collarbone length keeps the style light and manageable. This style is easy to maintain and can be worn straight for a sleek look or with gentle waves for added texture. Apply John Frieda’s Volume Lift Lightweight Mousse to damp hair before blow-drying for added body. Suits all face shapes.
30. Textured Crop
This hairstyle features a more choppy look. To achieve this, leave the very ends of your hair out of the curling iron so it does not curl under. Pull the curling iron through your hair and stop right before you get to the end, and then curl. Only leave it in for a few seconds and then tousle with your fingers to create light waves. The choppy, textured ends create the illusion of thickness and volume, making this an excellent choice for fine hair. For added texture, work John Frieda’s Volume Lift Texturizing Paste through dry hair, focusing on the ends. Flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.
Medium Styles for Thick Hair
Manage and enhance your thick locks with these flattering medium hair styles for women.
31. Layered Thick Hair
Try a layered cut to remove bulk and add movement. Layers thin out thick hair and keep it from appearing very heavy or boxy. This addition of lightness to the hair makes certain that the hair doesn’t engulf the face. The varied lengths create a cascading effect that enhances your hair’s natural texture while making it more manageable. For smooth, frizz-free layers, apply John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to damp hair before blow-drying. Works well for all face shapes but particularly flattering for round and square faces.
32. Hidden Undercut
For those with extremely thick hair, a hidden undercut can remove bulk without changing the overall appearance of your medium-length style. This technique involves shaving or closely cropping a section underneath the top layers, typically at the nape or sides, allowing the hair to lay flatter and be more manageable. When your hair is down, the undercut remains hidden, but you can show it off by wearing your hair up or to the side. Style the top layers with John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème for a smooth, polished finish. Suitable for all face shapes.
33. A-Line Cut
An A-line cut, shorter in the back and gradually longer toward the front, helps distribute the weight of thick hair more evenly. This creates a flattering shape that prevents the back from appearing too bulky while framing the face beautifully. The angled cut adds movement and dimension to thick hair, making it appear lighter and more manageable. For a sleek, polished finish, apply John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Original Serum to damp hair before blow-drying straight. Best for oval, heart, and diamond-shaped faces.
Medium Styles for Different Face Shapes
Find the perfect medium hair style for women based on your unique face shape.
34. Elongating Cut for Round Faces
The sharp lines and polished finish of a sleek bob make a brilliant contrast on round features, counteracting the excessive cuteness and bringing a slimming effect. This is a haircut that is timeless – surely chic and sophisticated for varied professional and casual occasions. Layers ending under the chin give round faces an illusion of length, and with the same snip of the shear, it also keeps depth in the hair. For a sleek finish that helps elongate your face, apply John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum before blow-drying straight.
35. Softening Waves for Square Faces
Soft waves will flatter square face shapes and add a very romantic element to any look. You can create waves by using a curling iron or simply by braiding your damp hair overnight. This hair style adds movement and texturing to the hair, allowing it to look full of body and volume. It’s a go-to for creating a feminine, relaxed look that softens angular jawlines. For defined, frizz-free waves, apply John Frieda’s Dream Curls Curl Defining Cream to damp hair before styling with a curling iron or air-drying.
36. Balancing Cut for Heart Faces
A middle part wavy lob brings balance and an edgeless feel to heart-shaped faces. Waves create volume around the chin area, thus balancing the wider forehead and a narrow jawline. It equips the look with elegance and ease of taking it from casual to classic. The chin-length layers add fullness at the jawline, creating a more balanced appearance. For perfect waves that add volume where you need it, apply John Frieda’s Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse to damp hair before styling with a curling iron or diffusing.
Styling Tips for Medium Length Hair
Make the most of your medium hair style with these professional styling techniques and product recommendations.
Blow-Drying Tips
- Use a round brush to add volume at the roots and smoothness to the lengths
- For more lift, rough-dry with your head upside down
- Finish with a cool blast of air to set your style and add shine
- Try John Frieda’s Volume Lift Root Booster for extra volume at the crown
Curling Techniques
- For loose waves, wrap hair around the barrel and hold for just a few seconds
- Alternate the direction of curls for a more natural look
- Let curls cool completely before brushing or finger-combing
- Finish with John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray for hold without stiffness
Smoothing Methods
- Apply heat protectant before using flat irons or blow-dryers
- Work in small sections when straightening for best results
- Use John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Original Serum for smooth, frizz-free results
- Finish with a lightweight shine spray for a polished look
Updo Ideas
- Try messy buns, half-updos, or ponytails for everyday wear
- Incorporate braids and twists to add interest and texture
- Use John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème to smooth flyaways
- Secure styles with bobby pins that match your hair colour for a seamless look
Ready to Transform Your Medium-Length Hair?
Discover John Frieda’s complete range of styling products specially formulated to enhance your medium hairstyle. From volume-boosting mousses to frizz-fighting serums, find everything you need for salon-worthy results at home.
Embrace Your Perfect Medium Length Style
Medium hair styles for women offer unparalleled versatility and suit virtually every face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. Whether you prefer sleek and straight, tousled and textured, or curly and voluminous, there’s a medium-length cut that will enhance your natural beauty and simplify your styling routine. The beauty of shoulder-length hair is that it can be tailored to any situation—professional enough for the office, yet easily styled for casual weekends or special occasions.
Remember that the right products make all the difference in maintaining your medium-length style. John Frieda’s range of targeted hair care solutions can help you achieve salon-quality results at home, whether you’re fighting frizz, boosting volume, or enhancing your natural texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styling techniques and accessories to get the most out of your medium-length cut. With the right care and styling, your medium hair will be your most versatile and flattering asset.
