30 Mid-Length Hairstyles for All Hair Types (2024)

30 Mid-Length Hairstyles for All Hair Types (1)

In This Article

Solange KnowlesOlivia PalermoKhloé KardashianJoan SmallsGwyneth PaltrowConstance WuLéa SeydouxVictoria BeckhamEmma StoneRosie Huntington-WhitelyAlexa ChungJennifer LopezZendayaTessa ThompsonJasmine Tookes

Gemma ChanMaisie WilliamsKarrueche TranLaura HarrierLady GagaLana CondorAna de ArmasLogan BrowningKeri RussellAlesha DixonNatasha LyonneKrysten RitterAmy AdamsPadma LakshmiDua Lipa

The days when you used to bemoan your hair being in that awkward mid-length stage are gone. We'd argue that the popularity for medium-length hairstyles all started with Jennifer Aniston's must-have "Rachel" cut in Friends, and we've now reached the peak with an abundance of people desperate for their ownshoulder-length look. And how do we know this? According to our beauty insiders, this hair length is one of the most requested looks in salons right now.

We spoke to leading hairstylists—Henna Khalid, Scott Ade, and Ahn Co Tran—about the trends they've seen and what their clients are asking for at the moment. But perhaps most importantly (because this is totally what we do, too), we wanted to know which celebrities their clients are bringing into the salon.

Keep scrolling to find out the current most popular mid-length hairstyles, and how to go after this look.

Meet the Expert

Scott Ade is a hairstylist at Larry King hair, with more than a decade of experience at John Frieda, and five years spent working atHershesons, along with countless fashion shows in London.
Anh Co Tran is the Global Creative Director for Milbon & expert celebrityhair stylistin Los Angeles.
Henna Khalid is a hair stylist that has experience working with a variety of hair textures and lengths.

01of 30

Solange Knowles

30 Mid-Length Hairstyles for All Hair Types (2)

With its brushed out and voluminous structure, Solange's mid-length hairstyle is a great option for curly or afro-textured hair. As for her violet haze lids, well, we say they're definitely worth giving a try too.

02of 30

Olivia Palermo

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Olivia Palermo's glossy, tousled tresses are paparazzi perfect. It should come as no surprise then that most of Khalid's clients reference her when they come into the salon. Overall, he is "seeing more and more mid-length styles" being requested.

03of 30

Khloé Kardashian

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But it's not just Palermo who is popular with clients. Khalid also reveals that Khloé Kardashian is being requested a lot. And the best way to get her look? We know thatJen Atkinregularly tends to the reality star's tresses, so we suggest investing in some of her Ouaihaircare products, such as the Volume Spray ($26).

Byrdie Tip

The longer your hair, the fatter your curling iron should be. A curling iron, clamp or not, is what you need in your hair tool arsenal. And if your goal is to look somewhat undone, always leave the ends out when curling.

04of 30

Joan Smalls

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Keeping with lived-in styles, this wavy, layered 'do on Joan Smalls is casual and cool. By tousling hair ever so slightly and curling waves outward, she achieves a look that is visually effortless—and classy (thanks to that red lip).

05of 30

Gwyneth Paltrow

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Everything we thought about the medium-length hairstyle trend—that it's especially popular with those who already have long hair but are fearful of going too short—is confirmed by Ade. Gwyneth Paltrow is a name that customers drop on the regular.

06of 30

Constance Wu

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We've made no secret of the fact that we love Constance Wuand her beauty looks. But her hair is also a winner, too. The slight curlmakes this cut wearable for any day or evening event as it can be dressed up or down.

07of 30

Léa Seydoux

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We've often lusted after Léa Seydoux's tousled blonde hair that rests on her shoulders. This is how French girls do mid-length. Francophile or not, you can't deny that the French know what they're doing when it comes to hair—among other things, we might add.

08of 30

Victoria Beckham

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It's no wonder Victoria Beckham was deemed Posh Spice, after all, she is the embodiment of elegance. Exhibit A: her iconic hairstyles. Ade reveals that "clients want a slightly '70s shape, such as the Lo-LA" as seen here on VB.

Emma Stone

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While Emma Stone often changes up her hair color, she's quite the stickler for a medium-length cut. We're loving how she plays up wavy texture with this deep-parted side-swept wet-look that is all the rage.

10of 30

Rosie Huntington-Whitely

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When wondering how to ask for a medium-length hairstyle, Ade advises, "mid-length haircuts are generally left slightly longer in the front and kept squarer at the back—think Rosie Huntington-Whiteley." Although she's had some stunning hair moments, this is RHW's signature look that she comes back to time and time again.

11of 30

Alexa Chung

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Always the same length and always imitated, Alexa Chung's hair is the ultimateit-girl cut. If you're looking to add a fringe, but want to keep it low-maintenance, curtain bangs are the way to go. Add layers, but leave them slightly undone, to give off a not-trying-too-hard (read: cool-girl) vibe.

12of 30

Jennifer Lopez

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Jennifer Lopez turns up the notch on her diva meter with these big, bouncy curls. To get soft and defined tendrils—and keep frizz at bay—we suggest investing in a quality curl cream.

13of 30

Zendaya

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Yes, technically this style is a little shorter, but that's only because there's a curl in it. It's proof of the versatility a mid-length cut offers. And if we're being totally honest, '60s-inspired hairstyles hold a special place in our hearts, especially when worn by the lovely Zendaya.

14of 30

Tessa Thompson

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Switching up the part in your hair is an easy yet effective way of changing up your look. If you've got fine tresses, a side part like the one seen here on Tessa Thompson can add extra oomph to your mane.

15of 30

Jasmine Tookes

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Highlights serve to underscore the wavy texture of Jasmine Tookes' undulating 'do while simultaneously brightening her complexion. Layers add dimension and movement that enhance this flattering mid-length cut.

16of 30

Gemma Chan

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Although Gemma Chan has silky straight hair, she shows us how anyone can achieve the perfect waves, no matter your texture. We recommend a volumizing mousse and texturizing spray co*cktail to achieve her look.

17of 30

Maisie Williams

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Maisie Williams looks awesome with her accessorized pink lob and fringe combo. "The mid-length haircut is one that has been around for a while and is a great stepping stone for people who want to do something that feels a bit more risky/edgy with their hair, especially after a long spell of being committed to the long hair trend," explains Ade.

18of 30

Karrueche Tran

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Salt spray adds texture without any of the stickiness as Karrueche Tran can attest with this undone wavy number. According to Khalid, "Not many customers are really going for straight hair anymore. One of our most asked for styles is now the undone beach wave. This tends to suit and hold really well on mid-length hair."

Laura Harrier

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Laura Harrier nails the girl next door look with her gorgeous natural waves. If you're aiming to amp up texture but your hair is on the finer side, Tran recommends Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray ($28) to induce volume and add height to roots.

20of 30

Lady Gaga

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While we love Lady Gaga's daring 'dos, these effortless waves are simply stunning—not to mention the platinum and dark root pairing is undeniably in. The middle part helps to frame your face with the soft curls and long layers.

Byrdie Tip

Tran suggests mussing your hair by massaging the roots and scrunching with your hands—not a brush or a comb—in order to achieve a textured, lived-in look.

21of 30

Lana Condor

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Lana Condor looks rockstar-chic with her textured collarbone-grazing lob and party-ready eyes. Flip your hair to the side if you're feeling flirty and/or want an instant lift to liven limp strands.

22of 30

Ana de Armas

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Ana de Armas's glossy waves are pure perfection. Try incorporating long layers into your mid-length cut to encourage texture and movement. Tran suggests running OribeSupershine Moisturizing Cream ($52) through hair mid-shafts to ends.

23of 30

Logan Browning

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Can't decide whether to go chic and refined or natural and flirty? Then follow Logan Browning's lead and do both. The contrast of a sleek crown and voluminous curls makes for the ultimate half-up, half-down style.

24of 30

Keri Russell

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Keri Russell complements her heart-shaped face with a deep side part. The effect is one of beautiful cascading layers and body. Pair with a sexy smoky eye and you're ready for a night out.

25of 30

Alesha Dixon

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Apart from being universally flattering, the lob is also incredibly versatile. It's long enough to throw into an updo, but can also be worn down and styled to fit any occasion. Alesha Dixon opts for a sleek and sculpted look with a berrylicious lip.

26of 30

Natasha Lyonne

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Call it pizazz, but Natasha Lyonne has that special something about her that just draws you in. Her strawberry blonde hair—soft, airy, and tousled—keeps you there.

27of 30

Krysten Ritter

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Krysten Ritter's jet black hair is head-turning, especially against her fair complexion. Curtain bangs add a little something-something to this raven-haired beauty's mid-length cut.

28of 30

Amy Adams

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Amy Adams oozes old Hollywood with her loose, side-swept curls. If you have fine hair and need more volume at the roots, Tran advises teasing with the ComclTangle tee*zer ($25) or applying OribeApres Beach Wave and Shine ($44) to lift hair.

29of 30

Padma Lakshmi

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Not too long and not too short, a medium-length cut is Padma Lakshmi's preferred style—and it's not hard to know why. She looks like a work of art in this middle-parted blunt cut (the interplay of pink and red accents might also have something to do with it). Tran says to apply OribeBalm d'Or Heat Styling Shield($45) to damp hair to smooth and protect lustrous locks.

Byrdie Tip

If want this sleek and shiny look, but your hair has some curl to it—you may need to use a flat iron to achieve this style. Make sure you spray on a heat protectant to try to prevent damage.

30of 30

Dua Lipa

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Wondering how to style medium-length hair to get those perfect beachy waves? Tran let us in on his secrets: Roughly blow dry hair about 75 percent(more or less depending on the hair's texture), then work in one-inch horizontal sections when curling hair, starting from the bottom up. For fine hair that needs volume, Tran swears by Shu UemuraTexturizing Spray ($42).

FAQ

What mid-length hairstyle is best for a round face?
Medium length hair looks great on any face shape, including round faces. Part your hair down the middle or have a deep side part to best flatter round faces. Use a root-boosting spray at your crown to create lots of volume on top to further elongate and slim your face.
What medium-length haircut is best for thin hair?
Mid-length hair is a great length for thin hair, as longer hair tends to look stringy, while super short hair can look sparse. A blunt cut helps maintain the thickness of your hair. If you opt for layers, keep them light or subtle and just around your face to create volume and movement.
How can I get beachy waves in my mid-length hair?
If you have a wavy texture already, spray in some salt spray or curl boosting spray and blow dry with a diffuser, scrunching with your hands as you dry. If you have straight hair, use a curling iron with a larger barrel (around 1.25 inches) to create loose, undone beachy waves.

60 Shoulder-Length Hairstyles We're Adding to Our Mood Boards

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

According to our beauty insiders, medium-length hairstyles are currently one of the most requested looks in salons. Leading hairstylists, including Henna Khalid, Scott Ade, and Ahn Co Tran, have shared their insights on the current trends and the celebrities that their clients often reference for inspiration [[1]].

Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles' mid-length hairstyle is a great option for curly or afro-textured hair. The brushed-out and voluminous structure of her hair is a popular choice [[1]].

Olivia Palermo

Olivia Palermo's glossy and tousled tresses are often referenced by clients. Her hairstyle is paparazzi perfect and serves as inspiration for many [[1]].

Khloé Kardashian

Khloé Kardashian is another celebrity whose mid-length hairstyle is frequently requested. To achieve her look, it is suggested to try some of Jen Atkin's Ouai haircare products, such as the Volume Spray [[1]].

Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls' wavy and layered mid-length hairstyle is casual and cool. By tousling the hair slightly and curling the waves outward, a visually effortless and classy look can be achieved [[1]].

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow is a name that customers often mention when discussing medium-length hairstyles. This confirms the trend that those with long hair who are hesitant to go too short are opting for medium-length cuts [[1]].

Constance Wu

Constance Wu's slight curl makes her mid-length cut wearable for any day or evening event. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion [[1]].

Léa Seydoux

Léa Seydoux's tousled blonde hair that rests on her shoulders represents the French approach to mid-length hairstyles. The French are known for their expertise in hair, among other things [[1]].

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham, known as Posh Spice, is often referenced by clients who want a slightly '70s shape for their mid-length hair. The Lo-LA style, as seen on Beckham, is a popular choice [[1]].

Emma Stone

Emma Stone is known for her medium-length cut and often plays up wavy texture with deep-parted side-swept wet-look hairstyles. This style is currently trending [[1]].

Rosie Huntington-Whitely

Rosie Huntington-Whitely's mid-length hairstyle is characterized by leaving the hair slightly longer in the front and keeping it squarer at the back. This style is a signature look for her and serves as inspiration for many [[1]].

Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung's hair is often imitated and is considered the ultimate it-girl cut. Curtain bangs and slightly undone layers contribute to the cool-girl vibe of this hairstyle [[1]].

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez often sports big, bouncy curls that add a touch of diva to her mid-length hairstyle. To achieve soft and defined tendrils, a quality curl cream is recommended [[1]].

Zendaya

Zendaya's mid-length hairstyle is technically a little shorter, but it showcases the versatility that a mid-length cut offers. This '60s-inspired hairstyle is visually appealing and holds a special place in many hearts [[1]].

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson demonstrates how switching up the part in your hair can easily change your look. A side part like the one she sports adds extra volume to fine tresses [[1]].

Jasmine Tookes

Jasmine Tookes' mid-length hairstyle is enhanced by highlights that underscore the wavy texture of her hair. Layers add dimension and movement to this flattering cut [[1]].

Gemma Chan

Gemma Chan's silky straight hair showcases how anyone can achieve perfect waves, regardless of their hair texture. A volumizing mousse and texturizing spray can help achieve this look [[1]].

Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams rocks an accessorized pink lob and fringe combo. The mid-length haircut is a great stepping stone for those who want to try something more edgy with their hair after a long spell of having long hair [[1]].

Karrueche Tran

Karrueche Tran's undone wavy hairstyle is achieved with the help of salt spray. Straight hair is less popular now, and the undone beach wave style is often requested for mid-length hair [[1]].

Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier's natural waves give her a girl-next-door look. For those with finer hair aiming to add texture, a texturizing hair spray can help achieve volume and height at the roots [[1]].

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga's effortless waves are simply stunning, and the platinum and dark root pairing is undeniably in. To achieve a textured, lived-in look, it is recommended to muss the hair by massaging the roots and scrunching with your hands [[1]].

Lana Condor

Lana Condor's textured collarbone-grazing lob and party-ready eyes give her a rockstar-chic look. Flipping the hair to the side can instantly lift limp strands and add a flirty touch [[1]].

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas's glossy waves are achieved by incorporating long layers into her mid-length cut. Using a moisturizing cream can help achieve a lustrous look [[1]].

Logan Browning

Logan Browning showcases a chic and refined style with a sleek crown and voluminous curls. This half-up, half-down style is perfect for those who can't decide between two looks [[1]].

Keri Russell

Keri Russell complements her heart-shaped face with a deep side part and cascading layers. This hairstyle can be paired with a smoky eye for a night out [[1]].

Alesha Dixon

The lob is universally flattering and incredibly versatile. It can be worn up or down for any occasion. Alesha Dixon opts for a sleek and sculpted look with a berrylicious lip [[1]].

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne's strawberry blonde hair is soft, airy, and tousled. This hairstyle has a certain pizazz that draws attention [[1]].

Krysten Ritter

Krysten Ritter's jet black hair and curtain bangs make her mid-length cut stand out. The contrast adds a unique touch to her overall look [[1]].

Amy Adams

Amy Adams exudes old Hollywood glamour with her loose, side-swept curls. For those with fine hair, teasing at the roots or using a wave-enhancing product can add volume [[1]].

Padma Lakshmi

Padma Lakshmi prefers a medium-length cut, and her middle-parted blunt cut is a work of art. To achieve a sleek and shiny look, a heat styling shield can be applied to damp hair [[1]].

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa's perfect beachy waves can be achieved by blow-drying the hair and curling it in one-inch horizontal sections. For fine hair that needs volume, a texturizing spray can be used [[1]].

For more inspiration and information on medium-length hairstyles, you can refer to the full article.