18 medium hair Hairstyles That Are Trending Everywhere Right Now

The Modern Shag

Think the shag is a relic of the 70s? Think again. The modern shag has been completely reinvented. This version is all about softness and wearability. It features heavily textured layers, curtain bangs that blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, and a generally piece-y, undone finish. The key is in the details: choppy ends and lots of internal layers to remove weight and create unbelievable volume and movement. It’s a perfect cut for fine hair that needs a boost or thick hair that needs to be tamed with style.

The Blunt Lob

For those who love a clean, sharp, and sophisticated look, the blunt lob is a timeless trend that continues to dominate. This cut is characterized by a single, unbroken line at the ends, creating a powerful and polished silhouette. The lack of layers makes the hair look incredibly thick and healthy. You can wear it perfectly straight for a high-impact look or add some loose waves for a touch of softness. It’s a style that exudes confidence and works with virtually any hair type.

Curtain Bangs with Face-Framing Layers

If you’re not ready for a full haircut change but want a significant style update, curtain bangs are your answer. These bangs are longer in the center and shorter on the sides, gracefully framing the face like, you guessed it, a pair of curtains. Paired with soft, face-framing layers throughout your medium length, this style adds instant dimension and a flirtatious, retro-modern vibe. They are remarkably low-maintenance and can be styled to the side or blown out for a full, bouncy effect.

The Wolf Cut

A rebellious offspring of the shag and the mullet, the wolf cut took social media by storm and isn’t going anywhere. This cut is all about extreme texture and volume. It features short, heavily layered top sections that cascade into longer, shaggier layers underneath. The result is a wild, untamed, and fiercely fashionable look. It’s ideal for those who want to make a statement and aren’t afraid of a little styling product and a diffuser.

Soft, Effortless Waves

Sometimes, the best style is the most natural-looking one. Soft, effortless waves are the go-to for a reason. This isn’t about perfect, uniform curls; it’s about creating a loose, beachy texture that looks like you woke up like this. Achieve this look with a large-barrel curling wand, braiding damp hair overnight, or simply using a texturizing spray on your natural waves. It’s the perfect complement to any medium cut, adding romance and movement without looking overdone.

The Italian Bob

Hailing from the fashion capitals of Milan and Rome, the Italian Bob is the epitome of chic. This cut sits neatly at the jawline or just below, often with a slight inward curve. What sets it apart is its innate sense of la dolce vita—it’s polished yet perfectly imperfect. It’s usually worn with a bit of natural texture and volume, as if you’ve just ridden through the city on a Vescooter. It’s a powerful, confident cut that draws attention to your neck and jawline.

The Bottleneck Bob

A creative twist on the classic bob, the bottleneck bob features an interesting shape: shorter in the back and longer in the front. The graduated length creates a beautiful neckline while the longer front pieces offer versatility for styling. It’s a geometric and artistic cut that feels both classic and avant-garde. This style is fantastic for showcasing statement earrings and highlighting your collarbone.

90s Blowout

Nostalgia is a powerful force in fashion, and the 90s blowout is back with a vengeance. Think of the supermodels of the era—sleek, bouncy, voluminous hair with a brilliant shine. This style is all about the finish: smooth roots, a rounded shape, and ends that flip under or out. It requires a round brush and a good blow dryer, but the result is a head-turning, glamorous look that never fails to impress.

Layered Curls and Waves

If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, the right cut can be transformative. Strategic layers are essential for medium-length curly hair. They remove bulk, define your curl pattern, and add shape and movement. The goal is a harmonious, balanced silhouette where each curl can spring to life. Ask your stylist for layers that work with your specific curl type, from loose waves to tight coils, to enhance your natural texture beautifully.

The Octopus Cut

Another internet sensation, the octopus cut, is a playful and edgy take on medium hair. The shape is inspired by, well, an octopus—shorter, more rounded layers on top and through the mid-lengths that taper out to longer, separate pieces at the ends, resembling tentacles. It’s a voluminous and artistic cut that creates a lot of visual interest and is perfect for those with a bold personal style.

Sleek and Straight

In a world of texture and layers, sometimes the most powerful statement is sleek, pin-straight hair. This look is minimalist, modern, and incredibly chic. It requires a good flat iron and a heat protectant to achieve a glass-like shine and flawless finish. A center part amplifies the modern feel, while a deep side part adds a touch of classic Hollywood glamour. This style showcases the health and quality of your hair like no other.

The Box Bob

For a truly architectural look, the box bob is a standout. This cut is all about sharp, precise lines and a solid, geometric form. It’s typically a one-length cut (sometimes with very subtle internal texturizing) that creates a strong, square shape around the head. It’s a bold, fashion-forward choice that commands attention and looks incredible on straight, thick hair.

Half-Up, Half-Down with Texture

This isn’t just your basic high school hairstyle. The half-up, half-down ‘do has been upgraded. The trend now is to pair it with a textured cut, like a shag or wolf cut. Instead of a sleek top knot, the top section is loosely gathered, allowing the layers and bangs to fall freely. It’s a practical style that keeps hair out of your face while still showing off your beautiful cut and color. Add a few face-framing pieces pulled out for a soft, romantic effect.

The Wavy Bob with Side Part

A deep side part can completely change the vibe of a wavy bob. This style feels incredibly sophisticated and a little bit retro. The deep part creates instant volume at the roots, and when paired with soft, undone waves, it strikes the perfect balance between polished and relaxed. It’s a red-carpet favorite for a reason—it’s flattering, elegant, and surprisingly easy to style.

Bubble Braids

When you want a fun, playful, and totally Instagram-worthy look, bubble braids are the way to go. This style involves creating one or two ponytails and then tying small elastics down the length of the tail, pinching each section to form a “bubble.” It works wonderfully on medium hair, adding a unique textural element and a pop of youthful energy to your look.

The Mixie (The Mullet-Bob Hybrid)

For the truly adventurous, the Mixie offers a bold fusion. It combines the short, structured front of a bob with the longer, layered back of a mullet. The result is a dramatic, high-fashion look that is short and business-like in the front and a party in the back. It’s a statement-making cut that celebrates individuality and non-conformity.

Accessorized Styles: Claws and Scarves

Never underestimate the power of accessories. Dressing up a simple medium hairstyle is a huge trend. A statement claw clip can instantly elevate a messy bun or a twisted updo into a chic, effortless style. Similarly, tying a silky scarf around your head as a headband or incorporating it into a braid adds a touch of color, pattern, and vintage flair. It’s a quick and easy way to refresh your look without any commitment.

Lived-In Color with a Great Cut

Finally, the best haircut can be amplified by the right color. Lived-in color techniques like balayage, sombre, and root melting are perfectly suited for medium hair. These low-maintenance color styles grow out gracefully and add incredible depth and dimension to your layers. The soft, blended highlights catch the light and make every layer of your haircut pop, creating a look that is both expensive and effortless.

Find Your Next Signature Style

With so many incredible trends to choose from, medium hair is far from boring. It’s a canvas for self-expression, from the sharp and sophisticated blunt lob to the wild and free wolf cut. The key to choosing the right style is to consider your hair texture, your face shape, and, most importantly, your personal style and maintenance preferences.