60 Fun and Flattering Medium Hairstyles for Women

Medium hairstyles for women are among the most versatile, because “medium” can mean so many things! Not only that, but it’s also the most common hair length. However, the styles a woman with medium length hair can pull off are anything but average. To take advantage of all that potential, a willingness to experiment is a must. Maybe it’s time to snag some style inspo and transform those medium-length locks into a fresh new signature ‘do.

Medium Hairstyles for Women – New and Popular Ideas

In the gallery below you’ll find everyone’s favorites – hairstyles we come across looking through popular hair and beauty blogs. There are also some fresh ideas, you’ll be tempted to try.

#1: Feathered Mid-Length Style

Instagram / @armineh_capelli

For some, wearing hair in downdos is a scary thought because hair tends to look flat and boring. If this sounds like you, a longer mid-length cut that can easily be styled straight is the right one for you. Cut feathered layers to add extra texture, keeping some shorter ones around the crown.

#2: Bobbed Volume with Highlights

This is more of a variation of traditional bobs thanks to the layering. It’s almost a shag, except that it’s smooth and softly rounded, not tousled and messy. Basically, this involves just one layer of layers that bobs softly over the bottom.

#3: Long Disconnected Bob with Highlights

Gone are the days when bobs would be prim and proper. Today’s bobs embrace choppy layers and modern dye jobs. One of fun hairstyles to play around with is the faded-out highlights that are a new take on the ombré style. Cut choppy layers into a long bob for the ultimate A-lister hairdo.

Instagram / @hairbykimtran

#4: Centre-Parted Disheveled Blonde Bob

With medium hairstyles, you can easily part your hair down the middle without it looking flat and dull. Style your locks in messy, uneven waves for an effortlessly undone vibe. Top off the hairdo with a fresh and cool blonde color to add some brightness to your hair.

Instagram / @anhcotran

#5: Messy Wavy Lob with Disconnected Ends

If you’re new to the mid-length hair world, one of the best options here is the long bob. You won’t have to deal with the upkeep of super short hair, but you can still enjoy the fun, carefree nature of the cut. Opt for disconnected ends to amp up the texture and volume of your style.

Instagram / @romeufelipe

#6: One-Length Medium Cut with Feathered Layers

Here’s a cute idea of medium length haircuts for women who seek a carefree and sophisticated appearance. Feathered layers swirl around the head creating texture and movement for straight hair. Hitting just below the shoulders, the all-one-length lob can be parted on the side or down the middle.

Instagram / @priscilla_does_your_hair

#7: Voluminous Messy Extra Long Bob

Medium haircuts for women lend themselves well to amped up volume or lift. If you’re not ready for the traditional bob, try a lob; you can anytime go shorter if you wish so. Using a curling iron or large hot rollers, create these swooping, messy waves that will last you all day long.

Instagram / @romeufelipe

#8: Medium Blonde Hairstyle with V-cut Layers

Want something a little smoother? Angled, v-cut layers look great when styled straight and will make your cut unbelievably low-maintenance. If your color is starting to look a little dull, liven your hairdo up with sandy blonde highlights mixed with a lighter shade on the top layers of your hair.

Instagram / @by_linds

#9: Straight Wispy Chocolate Brown Bob

If you have fine straight hair, add some excitement and bounce to your strands with a simple smooth bob that barely grazes the shoulders. Razored or point-cut ends bring interest to one-length hairstyles.

Instagram / @anhcotran

#10: Wavy Angled Blonde Combover Lob

Sassy and sexy, a shoulder-length combover lob is the perfect choice when you want an easy-to-manage hairstyle that will show off the angles of your jawline. The wavy tendrils can be tucked behind one ear or easily swept up and pinned in a pompadour style.

Instagram / @rafaelbertolucci1

#11: Wavy Caramel Balayage Lob

The lob continues to be the most stylish cut for women, making mid length hair highly requested at salons everywhere. Worn with balayage coloring, it becomes the epitome of an up-to-date ‘do — soft caramel, in particular, is the perfect shade to brighten any face.

Instagram / @mmseportfolio

#12: Rounded A-Line Lob

If you’re looking for polished hair cuts, you really can’t go wrong with a rounded long bob. Keep the sections of your hair that are closest to your face longer than the rest for a nice angled yet softened shape. This also allows you to cut long side bangs to frame your face.

Instagram / @priss_duarte

#13: Cute Side-Parted Ash Brown Bob

Medium haircuts for women can be simple and sporty, as shown here by this side-parted ash brown bob. For an extra face-framing touch, tuck a couple of strands behind one ear to perfectly balance the long peek-a-boo bangs on the other side.

Instagram / @yunuskarat

#14: Medium Hairstyle with Swoopy Layers

Shoulder length hairstyles often need well-shaped layers in order to create a nice, smooth flow in your hair. For a rounded shape, opt for side bangs and swooping layers that fall right at your shoulders. You can even add in highlights for some extra dimension that enhances the dynamic effect from layers.

Instagram / @hairby.ashleypac

#15: Shoulder-Skimming Caramel Balayage Lob

Chocolate and caramel balayage adds flavor to every mane. Placed miscellaneously, the lighter streaks highlight mid length hair, bringing an extra dose of freshness and dimension to the lob. Make sure to lighten strands that fall close to cheeks for a more luminous complexion.

Instagram / @hairbykatlin

#16: Medium Shag Hairstyle for Thick Hair

Layers benefit dense locks and create a fundamental structure. Shag cuts work well for medium length hair, giving off the appearance of controlled chaos. Also, this ‘do suits women who work in a professional environment and don’t like too short cuts.

Instagram / @niquestudio11

#17: Provocative Black and Blonde Bob

Experimenting with shoulder length hair, take a walk on the wild side by showing off dark roots and contrasting them with platinum or ash blonde lengths. This midi style is for bold ladies who like to capture attention.

Instagram / @yokii.san

#18: Caramel and Strawberry Blonde Balayage

Here’s another example of how beautiful balayage can be for medium hair. Caramel and strawberry blend to make a gorgeous medley, great for those who appreciate unique combos.

Instagram / @askforamy

#19: Tousled Layered Blonde Balayage Lob

An edgier take on the lob is created through layered cuts, bleached locks and tousled styles. With the said trio, your morning styling routine can be minimized, because here imperfection is the aim.

Instagram / @alchemyxartistry

#20: Golden and Platinum Balayage Lob

There are so many medium length hairstyles to choose from, the only question lies in deciding which cut and color combination is right for you. Golden and platinum is a fresh and stylish duo, so it’s a safe bet for any lady who has always wanted to see if they (blondes) really have more fun…

Instagram / @maeipaint

#21: Medium Blonde Hairstyle with Bright Highlights

If you’ve been blessed with wavy or curly hair, try a lob with random layers. The ash brown base color with bright blonde highlights adds a dash of femininity and dresses up the playful, sporty hairstyle.

Instagram / @maxwellmathson

#22: Brown Style with Bangs and Caramel Highlights

Calling all our brunette babes! Add some dimension to your brown hair cuts by subtly highlighting your base (but sticking to the same color family). Top off the new style with bangs — a sweet addition to any midi haircut!

Instagram / @salsalhair

#23: Shattered Blonde Shag with Flyaways

Get inspired by Kaley Cuoco and J.Lo, and embrace a star-studded hairstyle that’s trendy and easy to manage. The center-parted shattered shag with wispy flyaways is a great choice for straight, medium-length hair that can hold a slight wave.

Instagram / @kategracie_chelseahair

#24: Blonde A-line Lob with Face-Framing Layers

Haircuts for women who want to keep their hair at the shoulder length work best when bangs are involved. Get a cute accent and cut side bangs that easily flow across the main stream of your locks. Add in blonde highlights to top off this sweet hairdo and style with a straightener or a curling iron — the choice is yours!

Instagram / @sidvisage

#25: Cute Medium Hairstyle with Flipped Ends

Looking for a style that’s a little bit longer? Let your hair stay past your shoulders and cut long angled bangs. Textured ends can be curled or flipped up for a gorgeous style full of depth and energy.

Instagram / @paulolinn

#26: Wavy Shaggy Blonde Balayage Lob

Is it a lob or a shag? Actually, it’s both, and it’s one of our favorite shoulder length hairstyles for women. Center-parted, with a tomboy tousled finish, the piece-y honey blonde locks graze the cheekbones and chin, landing squarely at the top of the shoulders.

Instagram / @donovanmillshair

#27: Dimensional Blonde Balayage Bob

Finding the right hairstyles for women with graying hair can be daunting, but a good way to ease into the transition is with chunky ash blonde highlights. Coordinate the blonde shade with your layers for an interesting two-toned look. Style your hair straight and enjoy a sleek hairdo all day long.

Instagram / @catherinelovescolor

#28: Medium Style with Long Feathered Layers

Hairstyles with longer layers and bangs are great for anyone looking for a cut with little upkeep. You can opt for no layers at all, but in order to give your hair movement and texture, try long, feathered layers. You will have a lasting hairdo that looks great.

Instagram / @hairmeroar

#29: Caramel Blonde Layered Bob

Medium hair styles for straight hair also need some layers for a boost of visual interest. If you like this look, layered bobs can be done on any hair type, but suit naturally straighter strands best.

Instagram / @beckybromleyhair

#30: Medium Hairstyle with Backswept Layers

To really get a volumized and texturized style, cut a shoulder-length hairdo with at least three different levels of layers. Use a curling iron to get your hair into the perfect wind-swept style. With colored or highlighted hair, don’t be afraid to let your roots show through for added depth.

Instagram / @sidvisage

#31: Messy Chocolate Lob with Caramel Highlights

Upgrading medium length hairstyles with messy waves or curls is the ultimate go-to for busy women. A long bob won’t take long to style, so you’ll never have to go another day without a great hairdo. Place caramel highlights sparsely throughout your hair for pops of color.

Instagram / @texturedbymeg

#32: Long Tousled Lob with Root Fade

Medium haircuts for women mesh seamlessly with root fades, as both benefit the ‘in-between’ length. Neither short, nor long, outgrown, but still intentional, fashionable, and modern. Tousle your lob for a lovely casual look.

Instagram / @chelscaruso

#33: Medium Ash Blonde Shag with Bangs

Shags are inherently a more alternative cut, and pairing it with an ashy tone takes the hairdo to the next level. Plenty of layers with razored ends and heavy bangs complement an edgier wardrobe.

Instagram / @buddywporter

#34: Medium Layered Golden Blonde Hairstyle

Midi cuts are extra sweet in golden blonde hues. A layered cut offers loads of diversity as your entire look can change depending on how the layers are styled. Curl the ends (using your flat iron or a curling wand) for a ladylike, bouncy ‘do.

Instagram / @leenahairartist

#35: Wavy Layered Hairstyle for Dimensional Balayage

Dimension is taken to the next level in shoulder length hairstyles like this one. Irregular waves enhance the color job and give even more depth to the highlighted hair.

Instagram / @shellsbells__423

#36: Choppy Blonde Bob

Medium length hairstyles for women can be edgy – who says they can’t? This choppy bob is on the shorter side of medium. The uneven, deliberately jagged layers are everything, they’re the highlight of the entire hairstyle. Women who are looking for a fun, youthful ‘do may consider copying this cut.

#37: Straight Bronde Bob Blowout

There’s just something so sleek and sultry about blown out medium cuts! The look is sharper than long hair that has a blowout. Update your favorite bob with a fresh hair color idea, like silver highlights in bronde hair, to bring it closer to perfection.

Instagram / @styles.by.sarah

#38: Medium Bedhead Waves

Look at all that texture and body, isn’t it enviable? This ‘do is purposely messy, so its styling is fast but always gorgeous. The layers are subtle and long, but they still add so much movement. The cinnamon highlights are worth stealing!

#39: Lob with Face Frame Layers and Bangs

Feathered edges of the cut are excellent at making shoulder length hair less harsh and more feminine. Sparse, long bangs that start further back from your forehead are also ultra dainty!

Instagram / @caitycaatt

#40: Blunt Bob with Long Angled Bangs

Just when you thought your fine short to medium hair was doomed to be dull and boring, enter a fantastic blunt bob with added angled layers. Wispy, chin-length bangs frame the face, and a slight tease on the crown gives it a bit of height.

Instagram / @ktpaezhair

#41: Angled Lob with Long Choppy Layers

With a lob, you don’t want to make your layers too short, or you’ll have too much of a stacked shape. For those ladies with a naturally wavy texture, it’s best to think on the longer side when it comes to cutting different levels of layers into your hair, but you can use an angled cut for more structure.

Instagram / @kristen.lumiere

#42: Soft Blunt Blowout Hairstyle

No one has the time to blowout their hair everyday, but with the help of this cute shoulder-length cut, you can make your styled hair last longer. A reasonable way to put highlights in your hair is to mix warm and cool shades of the chosen color for truly dimensional results.

Instagram / @by_linds

#43: Messy Angled Subtly Highlighted Lob

With medium haircuts, there are so many small details that go into a hairstyle and make it a statement ‘do. For example, cutting your ends at an angle gives the style a subtle shape change that makes your locks look all the more interesting. Add caramel brown highlights to your ends to brighten the overall color.

Instagram / @davidmuzichuk

#44: Medium Wispy Caramel Blonde Hairstyle

Nothing says “classy” better than a longish mid-length hairstyle for straight wispy hair. Caramel tones blend into the creamy blonde base for a soft and feminine hair color solution. The slightly feathered, off-center bangs add an air of mystery when you let them tumble in front of your eyes.

Instagram / @graysontroy

#45: Shaggy Honey Blonde Lob

Take a cue from the ‘70s and let your loose waves hang down with shaggy layers. Amp up the cut with thin honey blonde highlights, and don’t be afraid to style the hairdo in messy waves.

Instagram / @christinesilvermancolor

#46: Curly Messy Bronde Lob

Medium length hairstyles for women come in all shapes and textures, as can be seen in this photo. The back of this lob is just a teeny bit shorter than the sides. The messy locks are easy to style; just a shake of the head and a little teasing in the crown and you’re all set to go!

Instagram / @thebraidedblondee

#47: Extra Voluminous Messy Lob

The key to waking up everyday with voluminous hair is finding a nice textured cut and a quality texturizing spray. A long bob with irregular layers will have this effect on your hair, and to get the appearance of even more lift, keep your locks in messy waves.

Instagram / @maggiemh

#48: Medium Chestnut Brown Shag

A tomboy shag is a great option if you are trying to grow your hair out from short to medium. The wispy and uneven razored layers keep the cut edgy and modern. The side-swept bangs that touch the eyebrows add a sultry feel.

Instagram / @salsalhair

#49: Mid-Length Razored Black and Brown Hairstyle

A razored shag is a popular way to wear your medium hair as you transition from short to long hair lengths. Ask your stylist to part it on the side and to work with your natural waves to ensure they curve around your cheekbones and frame your face nicely.

Instagram / @jinniejinniedc

#50: Center-Parted Dark Chocolate Brown Shag

If you have super-straight thick hair, it can easily be shaped into this chic medium hairstyle for women. Textured lobs provide a variety of styling options where you can switch the parts, pull your hair up or wear it down in different textures from straight to curly.

Instagram / @salsalhair

#51: Medium Length Layered Bob

This bobbed cut is all about the subtle angle and choppy layers. Texture is important to carry off this kind of cut, even if it requires a curling iron or some blow dry magic. Keep the layers razor cut and tousled for a deliberately messy ‘do.

#52: Medium Short Shag

Thanks to the layers and angles, this shaggy bob is both medium and short. There are all sorts of levels within this cut, which gives it plenty of movement and keeps it lightweight. It’s easy to see why this is a sought-after choice for both younger and older women.

#53: Blonde Layered Bob with Lowlights

Here’s a ‘do that’s favored by ladies on the go thanks to its effortless upkeep. Styling is a breeze, but have a blow dryer and a round brush close to hand. A spritz of hairspray will keep those feathered layers held back.

#54: Face-Framing Layered Cut

Looking for timeless medium length hairstyles for women over 40? Don’t be afraid to keep it on the longer side of mid-length. Ask for layers that frame the face, just like these. Notice how the cut sharpens the chin and creates some beautiful angles to flatter the face. The soft side-swept layers in front can double as long bangs, too.

#55: Bob Cut with Wispy Layers

Medium length haircuts for women pair beautifully with ombre and balayage. Elevate the glamor of your bob with swoopy layers strewn around the coif. If you have naturally straight locks, this is a low maintenance look with a personal touch.

Instagram / @parrucchieridelcorso

#56: Long Bob with Subtle Layers

Women’s medium haircuts for brunettes can be enlivened with a simple addition of light layers and color. You don’t have to go crazy with all the shades of the rainbow, but just a touch of honey highlights will add depth to your dark locks. Play it up even more with subtle layers around the ends of your strands.

Instagram / @stephengarrison

#57: Warm Toned Wavy Bronde Bob

Why choose one or two shades when you can indulge in a plethora of them! Compiling a wide range of hues brings intrigue and sophistication to your hairdo and makes for a great color solution if your want to amp up simple womens haircuts.

Instagram / @kimjettehair

#58: Angled Mid-Length Hairstyle

The longest bob is still ranked as a medium length hairstyle. This is the ideal length to showcase an angular cut that can be worn loose or pulled up into an updo. Elevate its sleek appeal with a platinum balayage.

Instagram / @rafaelbertolucci1

#59: Softly Layered Caramel Blonde Lob

If messy manes aren’t your cup of tea, go for a structured, layered lob. The pristine quality of medium haircuts with organized layers suit ladies preferring picture-perfect hairdos. When packed with wispy ends, however, the lob is softened and made look more delicate.

Instagram / @thescissorsammurai

#60: Caramel and Blonde Blend for Messy Layers

Unevenly cut strands and ribbons of color guarantee a fuller hairstyle with movement and dimension. When styled messy-chic, an effortless girl-next-door vibe is easily achievable.

Instagram / @lookdujour_ca

Versatility is the main characteristic of many medium hairstyles for women. Playing around with length, layering, shape, and styling finishes opens up a world of chic creative hairdos. What’s the best medium length look of the bunch?