15 medium hairstyle Hairstyles That Are Trending Everywhere Right Now
There’s a sweet spot in the world of hair, a length that offers the perfect balance of versatility and style. We’re talking about medium hairstyles, the glorious territory that grazes your shoulders and collarbones. It’s long enough to pull into a ponytail but short enough to hold a shape and make a statement. If you’re feeling stuck in a hair rut or simply ready for a refresh, you’ve come to the right place.
This season is all about personality and texture. Gone are the days of one-length, overly polished locks. The trends are embracing movement, face-framing layers, and a healthy dose of effortless cool. Whether you have pin-straight strands, bouncy curls, or something wonderfully wavy in between, there’s a trending medium cut waiting for you. Let’s dive into the 15 medium hairstyles that are taking over our feeds and inspiring salon appointments everywhere.
1. The Modern Shag
If there’s one cut that defines the current era, it’s the modern shag. This isn’t your grandmother’s shag; today’s version is softer, more tailored, and incredibly versatile. Characterized by its choppy, layered ends, plenty of texture, and often paired with curtain bangs, this cut is a masterpiece of effortless cool. It works beautifully with natural waves and adds incredible volume to finer hair types. The key is in the details—razored ends and disconnected layers that create a rock-and-roll vibe that’s surprisingly easy to maintain.
2. The Collarbone Bob
The bob is a classic, but the collarbone bob is its most flattering and contemporary iteration. Hitting right at the collarbone, this length is universally appealing, elongating the neck and framing the face beautifully. It’s the perfect compromise for those who want to go shorter without a dramatic chop. You can wear it blunt for a sleek, polished look or add subtle layers for movement. It looks incredible styled straight, with a slight bend at the ends, or with loose beachy waves.
3. Curtain Bangs on Medium Hair
Sometimes, the biggest transformation comes from the smallest change. Curtain bangs are the accessory your medium-length hair has been waiting for. These face-framing layers part effortlessly in the middle, sweeping down to graze your cheekbones. They are soft, flattering on almost every face shape, and instantly give off a vintage, French-girl vibe. The best part? They grow out gracefully, blending seamlessly with the rest of your hair.
4. The Wavy Lob with Face-Framing Pieces
The Lob, or long bob, continues to reign supreme, and its wavy version is a timeless trend. This style is all about softness and dimension. Imagine loose, undone waves from the mid-lengths to the ends, combined with strategic, face-framing layers that start around the chin. This technique brightens up the complexion and adds a youthful touch. It’s a low-maintenance, high-impact style that looks like you just came from a day at the beach.
5. The Blunt Cut with Baby Bangs
For those who dare to be different, the combination of a sharp, blunt medium cut and baby bangs is a fashion-forward statement. This look is bold, artistic, and incredibly chic. The heavy, clean line of the blunt cut provides a solid foundation, while the short, wispy bangs add an element of playful edge. This style works best on straight or slightly wavy hair and commands attention.
6. The Butterfly Cut
Soaring in popularity, the butterfly cut is a layered masterpiece designed to create volume and movement. The name comes from the way the shorter, interior layers create a “wing-like” effect, lifting the hair at the crown while the longer layers flow underneath. It’s a technical cut that results in a beautifully airy and textured look, perfect for those with medium to thick hair who want to reduce bulk without sacrificing body.
7. The Textured Bob with Wispy Ends
This is the cool-girl bob. Instead of a solid, heavy line, the textured bob features ends that are point-cut or razored to create a soft, feathered, and wispy finish. This break in the line prevents the hair from looking helmet-like and adds a touch of casual, lived-in texture. It’s a fantastic cut for adding the illusion of volume to fine or flat hair and looks amazing with a texturizing spray.
8. The Octopus Cut
Quirky by name and cool by nature, the octopus cut is a close relative of the shag and the mullet. It’s defined by its short, stacked layers in the back that gradually get longer towards the front, creating a tentacle-like shape. This cut is all about volume at the crown and perimeter with a slim, face-framing silhouette. It’s a bold, artistic choice for anyone looking to make a serious style statement.
9. Medium Hair with Money Pieces
Why dye your whole head when you can just frame the masterpiece? The money piece trend involves dramatically lightening the front sections of your hair that frame your face. On medium hair, this creates a stunning, sun-kissed effect that brightens your entire look. It’s a lower-commitment way to experiment with color and adds incredible depth and dimension to any medium cut, from bobs to shags.
10. The Bowl Cut Revival
Yes, you read that right. The bowl cut is back, but in a much more sophisticated and wearable way. The modern bowl cut features a strong, rounded line, but it’s often softened with subtle texture, a wispy fringe, or combined with shaggy layers in the back. It’s a graphic, architectural cut that celebrates a bold, uniform shape and is perfect for those with a strong personal style.
11. The Soft, Layered Cut for Curly Hair
For those with natural curls, the right medium cut can be transformative. The goal is to enhance your curl pattern and eliminate bulk. This is achieved through expert layering that follows the natural shape of the curls. Layers are cut into the hair while dry to ensure each curl falls perfectly, resulting in a bouncy, defined, and voluminous shape that is full of life and easy to manage.
12. The Slicked-Back Wet Look
It’s not just about the cut—it’s about the style. The slicked-back wet look is a major trend on runways and red carpets. On medium-length hair, this style is incredibly chic and modern. Using a strong-hold gel or cream, the hair is combed back neatly from the face, creating a glossy, sculptural effect. It’s the ultimate way to elevate a simple medium cut into a high-fashion statement.
13. The Blunt Lob with a Hidden Undercut
For the ultimate surprise element, the blunt lob with a hidden undercut is a showstopper. From the top, it looks like a classic, sharp lob. But when you lift up the top layer, a shaved or intricately designed undercut is revealed. It’s a perfect style for those who love a blend of classic and edgy, offering a cool secret that’s all your own.
14. The ’70s-Inspired Feathered Layers
Nostalgia is a powerful force in beauty, and the feathered layers of the 1970s are making a major comeback. Think Farrah Fawcett, but softer. This style features long, outward-facing layers that are brushed away from the face, creating incredible volume and a sunburst effect. It’s a romantic and glamorous look that works wonderfully with side parts and adds a dramatic flair to medium hair.
15. The Modern Mullet
Before you shudder, hear us out. The modern mullet has been polished and perfected for today’s aesthetic. The formula is “business in the front, party in the back,” but now it’s more about a shaggy, textured front with a noticeably shorter, layered back. It’s a rebellious, confident cut that’s been embraced by the fashion set for its undeniable cool factor and unique shape.
Find Your Perfect Medium Look
The world of medium hairstyles is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every personality and hair type. From the timeless elegance of a collarbone bob to the rebellious spirit of a modern mullet, these trends are all about expressing yourself. The best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and authentically you. So, take this inspiration, book that salon appointment, and get ready to turn heads with your fresh, on-trend medium ‘do.
