20 Medium-Length Hairstyles That Are Trending Right Now
Medium-length hair is having a major moment. It’s the sweet spot of hairstyling—long enough to pull into a ponytail, yet short enough to feel fresh, modern, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to chop off your long locks or grow out a pixie, this length offers a canvas for endless creativity. Right now, the trends are all about texture, movement, and personal expression, moving away from overly polished looks to styles that feel lived-in and effortlessly cool.
The Modern Shag
The shag haircut has evolved into the undisputed champion of cool-girl hair. This version is softer and more wearable than its rock-and-roll predecessor. Think cascading layers, plenty of texture, and curtain bangs that frame the face beautifully. It’s a cut that celebrates natural wave and volume, requiring minimal styling for maximum impact. The key is in the strategic, feathered layers that remove weight and create a silhouette full of movement.

The Blunt Lob
For those who love a clean, graphic line, the blunt lob (long bob) is a perennial trend that feels sharper than ever. Cut to a uniform length anywhere between the chin and collarbone, this style is striking in its simplicity. It works brilliantly on straight hair, creating a sleek, polished look, but also adds incredible density and body to finer hair types. The blunt ends catch the light, making hair look incredibly healthy and shiny.

The Curtain Bangs Revival
While not a full haircut on its own, curtain bangs are the accessory transformin*g countless medium-length styles. Parted down the middle and grazing the cheekbones, these bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair. They soften facial features, add a touch of retro romance, and are remarkably low-maintenance compared to their fuller counterparts. Pair them with everything from a lob to layered waves.

The Wavy Bob with Face-Framing Layers
This is the ultimate effortlessly chic hairstyle. The cut is a bob or lob with long, soft layers concentrated around the front. When styled with loose, undone waves, it creates a beautiful, face-framing effect that brightens the complexion and adds dimension. It’s a universally flattering style that works on straight hair that’s waved with a curling iron, as well as on naturally wavy or curly hair.

The Italian Bob
Borrowing from iconic European style, the Italian Bob is a chin-length cut that’s bold, geometric, and slightly inverted (shorter in the back, longer at the front). It’s often worn with a deep side part and has a slight bend or flick at the ends. This cut exudes confidence and sophistication, demanding attention with its strong shape. It’s perfect for those with thick, straight hair who want a statement look.

The Mullet-Inspired Shag
For the fashion-forward, the mullet’s influence is undeniable. This trend takes the ”business in the front, party in the back” ethos and refines it. The modern version features shorter, textured layers around the crown and face, with longer, shaggier layers in the back. It’s a rebellious, edgy cut that’s surprisingly versatile and full of personality.

The Collarbone-Length Butterfly Cut
Inspired by the viral haircut trend, the butterfly cut focuses on creating light, airy layers that lift and float like wings. The shortest layers start around the mouth or chin level, removing bulk from the mid-lengths and ends. This creates incredible volume and movement, especially when hair is curled or waved. It’s a dream cut for those with fine or medium-density hair seeking a voluminous, romantic look.

The Sleek and Straight Center-Parted Bob
Minimalism is back. This trend is all about high-shine, health-focused hair. A perfectly straight, medium-length bob (often a lob) with a sharp center part looks incredibly modern and luxurious. The focus is on impeccable cut and supreme condition—think glass-like shine and not a single hair out of place. It’s a powerful, clean aesthetic that speaks for itself.

The Textured French Bob
The French Bob is the epitome of Parisian nonchalance. Typically cut between the chin and jawline, it’s characterized by its slightly uneven, textured ends and full, brow-skimming bangs. The charm lies in its imperfection—it’s meant to look slightly tousled, as if you just ran your fingers through it. It’s a low-fuss, high-style cut that works beautifully on both straight and wavy textures.

The Long-Layered Blowout
Sometimes, the trend is in the style, not just the cut. The classic blowout, perfected on medium-length hair, is a timeless trend that always feels luxurious. Think smooth roots, bouncy ends, and a rounded, voluminous silhouette. It’s a glamorous, red-carpet-ready look that celebrates the hair’s natural body and swing. This style works best on hair with some baseline layers to enhance the bounce.

The Wispy Mid-Length Cut
This style is all about softness and airiness. The cut features delicate, wispy ends and feathered layers throughout. It avoids any harsh lines, creating a ethereal, almost diffused effect around the face and shoulders. It’s an incredibly feminine and gentle look, ideal for those with fine hair or anyone wanting to soften their features. It often pairs beautifully with wispy, piecey bangs.

The Box Bob
A close cousin to the blunt bob, the Box Bob is defined by its strong, square shape. It’s cut with precision to create a clean, linear silhouette that often follows the jawline. The color is often a single, solid shade to emphasize the graphic shape. This is a bold, architectural cut that makes a strong style statement and highlights a beautiful jawline.

The Tousled Mid-Length Waves
This isn’t so much a specific cut as it is the most desired finish for medium hair right now. The goal is “I woke up like this” texture—soft, touchable waves with a bit of separation and grit. Achieved with a curling wand, braids, or texturizing products, this style works on almost any medium-length cut, from blunt to heavily layered. It’s the go-to for a casual yet put-together everyday look.

The Asymmetrical Bob
For those who crave drama, the asymmetrical bob delivers. With a distinct difference in length from one side to the other—often several inches—this cut is dynamic and eye-catching. It can be styled sleek for a modern edge or textured for a more rock-and-roll vibe. It’s a fantastic way to accentuate facial features and express individuality.

The Layered Lob with Balayage
This combination is a perennial favorite for a reason. A layered lob provides the perfect canvas for balayage—the hand-painted highlighting technique that creates a soft, sun-kissed gradient. The layers help the color melt seamlessly from dark to light, adding incredible depth and dimension. It’s a low-maintenance color-and-cut duo that grows out beautifully.

The Modern Pageboy
A nostalgic nod with a contemporary twist, the modern pageboy features a rounded, helmet-like shape with turned-under ends. It’s often cut with a full fringe (bangs) and sits at the jawline. Today’s version is less rigid, often seen with a side part and a slightly undone finish. It’s a chic, retro-inspired option that feels fresh again.

The Shaggy Wolf Cut
If the mullet and the shag had a love child, it would be the wolf cut. This wildly popular style is characterized by its heavy, dramatic layers and voluminous crown. It’s choppy, textured, and intentionally messy, with lots of fringe and personality. It’s the ultimate statement cut for those who want to embrace maximum texture and a fearless attitude.

The Slicked-Back Wet Look
Again, a styling trend that’s dominating. On a medium-length blunt or layered cut, the slicked-back wet look is the pinnacle of cool. Using strong-hold gel or pomade, hair is combed back tightly from the face, creating a glossy, sculptural effect. It’s a bold, runway-inspired look that turns medium hair into a high-fashion accessory.

The A-Line Bob
A classic that never fades, the A-Line Bob is cut so that the back is significantly shorter than the front, creating a beautiful angled silhouette that resembles the letter “A.” It’s a flattering cut that naturally draws the eye downward, elongating the neck. It can be worn sleek or textured, but its defining characteristic is that elegant, graduated line.

The Curly Mid-Length Cut with Layers
Finally, a celebration of natural texture! This trend is about cutting medium-length curly hair with strategic, shape-enhancing layers that remove bulk, encourage curl definition, and add bounce. The goal is a rounded, balanced shape that allows curls to spring freely at different lengths. It’s a cut that prioritizes the health and natural pattern of curly hair.

Finding Your Perfect Medium-Length Style
With so many stunning options, choosing the right medium-length hairstyle comes down to your personal style, hair texture, and lifestyle. Consider how much time you want to spend styling, and bring inspiration photos to your stylist for a collaborative consultation. The beauty of medium hair lies in its adaptability—it can be the most flattering and fun length to experiment with.
Remember, a great cut is the foundation. Pair it with the right products for your hair type, and don’t be afraid to play with styling techniques. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a blunt lob or the free-spirited texture of a shag, there’s a trending medium-length style waiting to become your new signature look.
Ready for the chop? Book that salon appointment and step into the season with a fresh, fashionable ‘do that perfectly captures the vibrant energy of today’s hair trends.