From Chic Lobs to Shoulder-Skimming Layers, These 26 Mid-Length Hairstyles Are So Versatile
This low-maintenance style works for every hair type, as these mid-length celebrity cuts prove.
From elfin bobs and pixie cuts to long layers and statement ponytails, there's plenty of hair inspiration out there right now that has me veering between wanting to chop all my hair off and growing it out long on a daily basis. However, obsessing over the two extremes has meant I've been totally overlooking how stylish mid-length hair can look. In fact, the lob (a longer-length bob) might just be the perfect compromise between long and short hair.
What Is A Mid-Length Cut?
"The lob is a classic. It works with so many different hair types and face shapes, hence its popularity," explains Krysia Eddery, expert hairstylist and owner of Aveda concept salon, Perfectly Posh. "The mid-length is really quite forgiving—there aren't many face shapes that it won't sit well with." And with celebrities from Hailey Bieber to Jourdan Dunn embracing the lob—as well as lots of our fashion friends—it's easy to see why mid-length hair is so appealing.
And the lob isn't the only mid-length hairstyle we should be looking out for this year. There's another popular look for—the shag. "Reminiscent of '70s hairstyles, this style is very relaxed, unkempt and slightly dishevelled," says Eddery. The key is layering to create that movement and texture naturally. Also, mid-length styles that feature fringes or micro-bangs are very popular. This adds an instant edge to your style and frames certain face shapes beautifully."
How to Look After Mid-Length Hair
As for maintaining your mid-length hairstyle, it might look relaxed, but it's key to visit a salon for regular trims to keep your style from growing out too long. "This will also eliminate any dry, damaged ends, which can split and cause you to need a bigger chop each time you visit the hairdresser," suggests Eddery. "In addition, treat yourself to a hydrating mask once per week to inject moisture back into your hair and ensure it remains healthy and shiny."
But before you head off to the hairdresser, keep scrolling for 26 celebrities with incredible mid-length hairstyles.
26 of the Best Mid-Length Hairstyles
1. Long Layers
Typically associated with longer lengths, layered hairstyles look so chic on shoulder-length hair as demonstrated by Elsa Hosk's bouncy cut.
2. Beach Waves
Simone Ashley's glossy side-swept curls have so much glamorous volume.
3. Shoulder Cut
The queen of the mid-length cut, Alexa Chung's shoulder-skimming strands have been upgrade for spring here with a cool monochrome bandana.
4. Ringlet Curls
Emma Laird's perfectly defined ringlets are like something out of a fairytale.
5. Flicked-Out Ends
Margaret Qualley's shiny blow-dry and flicked-out ends oozes retro glamour.
6. Tendril Curls
Chase Infiniti's high-definition curls look so cool with a few carefree tendrils left loose at the front.
7. Centre-Parted
There's something about a centre part that looks so good with a mid-length style as shown by Jorja Smith's curly cut.
8. Relaxed Lob
Hailey Bieber comes back to a mid-length hairstyle time and time again, and it's no wonder when it looks this good.
9. Mermaid Waves
If your hair is naturally straight or only slightly wavy, then a hair waver tool will help you recreate Emily Ratajkowski's style.
10. Feathered Fringe
This combination of soft, feathery fringe and shoulder-skimming style looks so good on Ella Purnell.
11. Shoulder-Length Curls
If a shoulder-length cut keeps curls looking as bouncy and defined as Tessa Thompson's then sign us up.
12. '90s Layers
From the poker-straight strands to the sharply cut layers, Rita Ora's mid-length style is a '90s throwback in the best way.
13. Collarbone Curls
Jourdan Dunn
Collarbone-grazing curls are our new favourite thing, courtesy of Jourdan Dunn.
14. Honey Hues
Honey balayage is going to be huge this spring and works so well with Rachel Anne Sennott's simple lob.
15. Beaded Braids
Yara Shahidi
Yara's beaded braids are a match made in heaven for her mid-length style.
16. Textured Shag
A shag haircut always looks effortlessly cool, and Alexa Demi's textured one nails the timeless look.
17. Caramel Layers
Warmer hues like caramel bronde work so well with a shoulder-length style like Meghann Fahy's as they're equally low-maintenance. Effortlessly chic.
18. Italian Lob
Last summer's Riveria bob was a relaxed, laidback take on a classic chin-length cut, and Ariana Greenblatt's style is like the grown-out version of that.
19. Half-Up, Half-Down
If you don't love the feeling of hair hanging on your shoulders then Nico Parker's half-up, half-down style makes the perfect everyday styling option.
20. Twisted Up
Laura Harrier
The great thing about a mid-length hairstyle is that it's low-maintenance enough for every day but can look red carpet–ready like Laura's twisted-back style.
21. Ghost Waves
The perfect spring/summer look comes via Jodie Comer's effortless ghost waves.
22. Baby Braids
Why not frame your mid-length hairstyle with the cutest pair of baby braids like Gemma Chan?
23. Grown Out Lengths
Just on the cusp of a mid-length haircut, Lily James's longer layers prove that the beauty of this hairstyle lies in the fact that it looks just as good fresh from the salon as it does a few weeks later.
24. Big Blowout
Olivia Munn
Pass me the Dyson Airwrap. I'm head over heels for Olivia Munn's glam mid-length waves.
25. Side Swept
Sharp, sleek and side parted, Sophie Turner's structured hairstyle is so chic.
26. Soft Waves
How pretty is Maya Jama's bouncy cut?
The Best Styling Products for Mid-Length Hair
The quickest, easiest way to add shine and sleekness.
Gently dry, create bouncy blowouts and style curls without heat damage using this multi-styler.
If your hair is thick, you may notice roots lacking volume as it grows longer. This weightless mousse will add bounce back instantly.
Bond-repairing hair treatments are one of the best (and expert-approved) ways to keep on top of hair health and this cult one from K18 delivers from first use.
Since longer hair is prone to breakage, this smoothing treatment will keep ends strong and shiny between cuts.
Protect hair growth and scalp health while drying your mid-length style thanks to this ultra-gentle hairdryer. And the gorgeous new colour for summer means it looks beautiful too.
