Medium length hairstyles give you the most options. The hair is long enough to tie back and short enough to dry quickly, and it takes layers, bangs and waves well. Here are 14 cuts and styles for hair between the chin and the collarbone, with what to ask for.
Medium length hairstyles: what counts as medium
Medium length hair falls between the chin and just below the shoulders. Because it sits near the shoulders, the ends can flip out or tuck in, so ask the stylist to cut with that in mind. For men, see our guide to medium length haircuts for men.
Cuts with shape
1. Lob haircut
A long bob that grazes the shoulders.
- Who it suits: Every face shape and texture.
- How to ask: Ask for a blunt line or soft layers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
2. Shoulder-length hair
One length with blunt ends or soft layering.
- Who it suits: Every face shape.
- How to ask: Ask whether the ends should be blunt or layered.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
3. Italian bob
A fuller bob that reaches the neck.
- Who it suits: Medium to thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for internal layers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
4. Layered bob
A bob with soft layers.
- Who it suits: Thick and wavy hair.
- How to ask: Ask for layers that start at the chin.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
5. Long layers
Layers that fall below the chin.
- Who it suits: Medium to thick hair.
- How to ask: Keep the layers long to preserve weight.
- Upkeep: Trim every 10 to 12 weeks.
6. Face framing layers
Shorter pieces around the face.
- Who it suits: Any face shape.
- How to ask: Say where the shortest piece should start.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
7. Feathered hair
Layers flipped back and away from the face.
- Who it suits: Straight and wavy hair.
- How to ask: Ask for feathered layers and a round brush finish.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
Texture and attitude
8. Wolf cut
Choppy layers with volume at the crown.
- Who it suits: Wavy and curly hair.
- How to ask: Show a photo; it varies.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
9. Shag haircut
Heavy layers with a fringe.
- Who it suits: Wavy hair.
- How to ask: Ask for texture at the crown.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 weeks.
10. Hush cut
Wispy layers with light bangs.
- Who it suits: Straight and fine hair.
- How to ask: Ask for see-through layers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
11. Butterfly haircut
Short layers around the face over long layers.
- Who it suits: Medium to thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a butterfly cut with curtain bangs.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
12. Hime cut
Blunt sidelocks and a fringe over long hair.
- Who it suits: Straight hair.
- How to ask: Show a photo.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
13. Jellyfish haircut
A bob-length top tier over long hair.
- Who it suits: Straight hair.
- How to ask: Go to a stylist comfortable with disconnected cuts.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
14. Blowout
A smooth, voluminous finish with a round brush.
- Who it suits: Any texture.
- How to ask: Ask for a blowout after the cut.
- Upkeep: Lasts 3 to 5 days.
Choosing by hair type
Fine hair does best in a blunt lob or a bob with few layers. Thick hair needs layers to remove bulk. Wavy and curly hair looks best in a cut with shape that is trimmed dry. Straight hair shows a clean line well, so a blunt cut looks sharp. For more detail, see our guides to hairstyles for fine hair and hairstyles for wavy hair.
Preview your next cut
Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and compare up to four medium length cuts on your own face.
Related reading: short hairstyles for women, women's haircuts and hairstyles for long hair.
FAQ
What is the best medium length haircut?
A lob or a layered cut with face-framing pieces suits most people and is easy to style.
What medium length hairstyles work for thin hair?
A blunt lob or a collarbone cut with curtain bangs. Keep layers few so the ends stay full.
What medium length hairstyle suits a round face?
A lob below the jaw with long layers and side-swept bangs creates lengthening lines.
How often should I trim medium length hair?
Every 8 to 10 weeks to keep the shape, and a little sooner for blunt cuts.
