From Chic Lobs to Shoulder-Skimming Layers, These 26 Mid-Length Hairstyles Are So Versatile

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 Jourdan Dunn'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

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'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

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

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 retro bouncy cut?

The Best Styling Products for Mid-Length Hair

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.