How do you cut layers for medium-length hair?

Before adding layers to your cut, consider your hair type and texture since this will determine what type of layers will work best for you. And while you can try cutting face-framing layers yourself at home , it's recommended to have all other layers cut by a professional hairstylist. They will be able to cut strategic layers to best flatter you.

Does thick hair look good with layers?

Layers are great for thick tresses since they remove some density, thereby adding movement. Best of all? There are a lot of options for layering thick hair, from choppy layers to layers that are long and gradual.

Do layers look good on thin, fine hair?

In general, light layering, especially around the face, can flatter thin, fine hair. They do so by building volume and creating more depth. But be sure to avoid over-layering or creating choppy layers since this will remove much-needed volume from thin hair.

40 Chic Shoulder-Length Layered Haircuts For All Textures

Women with Medium-Length Layered Haircuts — Getty Images / @brycescarlett Instagram / Byrdie

Those who have chosen to grow out their trendy lob or blunt bob in favor of longer lengths know the difficulty in trying to style shoulder-grazing hair. It isn't quite short enough to embrace a voluminous pixie crop, and it isn't long enough to execute styles requiring added inches, like an iconic Ariana Grande-inspired, slicked-back high ponytail or a boho fishtail braid a la Blake Lively's signature hairstyles.

However, according to hair industry pros Adir Abergel and Anastasia Stylianou, layered, medium hair can be extremely versatile and fun to play with. By working in face-framing layers, adjusting your part, cutting in bangs, or styling it into an easy updo, you'll fall in love with your not-short, not-long hair in no time.

Below, we've rounded up 35 chic medium-length hairstyles for varying textures inspired by celebrities who wear them best.

Meet the Expert

Adir Abergel is a celebrity stylist and creative director at Virtue. His A-list clients include Charlize Theron, Rooney Mara, and Kristen Stewart, among others.
Anastasia Stylianou is an internationally acclaimed hairstylist and creative director. She is a specialist in curly hair.

01 of 40

Slicked and Swooped

Laura Harrier with slicked hair with swooped out ends — @renatocampora

Laura Harrier's mid-length hair is kept slicked to the sides and straight—save for the ends, which are swooped outward. Use a round brush to replicate the look by curling ends away from the face as you blow-dry.

02 of 40

Soft '60s-Inspired Bob

Menger Zhang with a 1960s inspired bob with bangs — @renatocamporo

Menger Zhang's soft 1960s-inspired bob is all about the slightly rounded bangs, which hit just above her brows. The ends are curled in ever-so-slightly, and the area surrounding her face is glossy and well-moisturized, with no trace of flyaways.

03 of 40

Air-Dried Texture with Shaggy Bangs

asian woman with cropped shaggy hair with bangs wearing a tie — @jennychohair / Instagram

This lob is all about the cut, with a shaggy fringe blending seamlessly into the rest of the hair. Ask your stylist to keep the fringe longer on the sides to replicate layers. To style, just air-dry and use texture spray.

04 of 40

Pinned-Back and Straight

Chanel Iman with pinned back straight hair — @chaneliman

For gorgeous volume like Chanel Iman's stick-straight, pinned-back hair. Add texture with a hearty dose of IGK Beach Club Texture Spray ($34). It adds a ton of mega-watt body without the crunch or stick.

05 of 40

Wavy Shag With Wide Curtain Bangs

Jenna Ortega with cropped shagy haircut with bangs — Amy Sussman / Staff / Getty Images

Jenna Ortega's hair is kept in a classic shag style. Here, the loose waves add to the casual nature of the style, with the bangs being styled wide to frame the face.

06 of 40

Classic Blowout

Kim kardashian with loose retro blonde blowout — @kimkardashian

Kim Kardashian shows us the versatility of layers. By blowing her ends outward, she not only showcases her layers but also creates fullness and body with a flirtatious finish.

07 of 40

Textured Shoulder-Length Bob

Hailey Bieber debuts her new bobbed haircut — @haileybieber

We can't stop thinking about how perfect Hailey Bieber's haircut is. Abergel agrees: "This textured shoulder-length bob is flattering for almost everyone and it will always be in style." He adds, "Breaking down the texture on a shoulder-length bob makes it modern."

08 of 40

Choppy Bob

Kerry Washington's choppy bob works with her natural texture. Just air-dry the look and scrunch in a texturizing product with your fingers. We love the addition of a side part, which keeps the look from feeling too casual.

09 of 40

Wispy Bangs

January Jones looks California cool with her wavy blonde mane and long, wispy bangs that evoke brushstrokes. Choppy ends add texture, which results in a more lived-in finish.

Byrdie Tip

Consider your hair texture when deciding whether you want a cut that's blunt or one with texture. Blunt cuts work well with fine hair since they add structure and fullness while those with thick tresses may want to opt for a textured style to remove weight and create movement.

10 of 40

Choppy Shag

woman with blonde wavy shaggy hair and butterfly tattoo on her arm — @stephengarrison / Instagram

This choppy shag with face-framing layers is pure rock and roll but with a feminine flair. "To style this effortless look daily, use Virtue Texturizing Spray ($40) to add definition and movement," says Abergel.

11 of 40

Layered with Texture

Christina Ricci with a blunt and choppy shag haircut — @anhcotran / Instagram

From chin-length bobs to jet-black hair color, Christina Ricci always keeps us on our toes when it comes to her ever-evolving locks. We especially love this layered and choppy take.

12 of 40

Side Part with Beach Waves

Chrissy Teigen wavy highlighted mid-length hair — Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

We'd be silly to say that we don't unabashedly drool over Chrissy Teigen's otherworldly cheekbones. And though it does seem impossible, her flattering length and beach wave layers only make them look better.

13 of 40

Tight Coils

Zendaya seems to have never met a cut or style she didn't like—or that didn't suit her. "I’ve always been a huge fan of embracing your natural texture. Bangs look so chic, worn curly and natural," says Abergel. Stylianou adds, "If you're a natural babe and you just want your curls to look effortless and healthy like Zendaya’s, I recommend paying extra attention to your curly hair routine." As to what exactly that entails, she says, "Invest in a microfiber towel, a silk pillowcase, and oiling and treating your hair regularly."

14 of 40

Subtle and Highlighted

blonde woman with caramel highlights a subtle shag haircut — @nikkilee901 / Instagram

If you want to upgrade your medium-length locks with a bit of edge, look no further than this sophisticated and subtle layered look. The model's layered, wispy ends pair brilliantly with waves, while the color mixes platinum and caramel for added dimension.

15 of 40

Collarbone-Length with Volume

Miranda Kerr medium-length hair — Don Arnold / Getty Images

We can't get Miranda Kerr's collarbone-length cut out of our minds—or our hair inspiration boards. Long, polished layers add extra volume and dimension to her shiny locks. The effect is fun and flirtatious.

16 of 40

Face-Framing Layers with Dimension

woman with brown layers and highlights and wavy hair — @mizzchoi / Instagram

Here, we see pretty face-framing layers offset by dimensional chocolate- and caramel-hued highlights. The medium-length hits just right.

17 of 40

Retro Waves

With a sleek nod to old Hollywood glamour, Laura Harrier wears her layers with flattering waves inspired by Veronica Lake. However, her shorter length gives the iconic style a refreshing update. "Ask your stylist to always add Olapex when lightening your hair to avoid breakage," recommends Stylianou. "Another top tip to keep hair looking clean and not brassy is to use a toning mask, Christophe Robin Baby Blonde ($53) is my favorite."

18 of 40

Asymmetrical Half-Bob

Thandie Newton asymmetrical haircut — Vera Anderson / WireImage / Getty Images

Can't decide on a length? Then why not go asymmetrical with a half bob, half shoulder-length cut like Thandie Newton. To score her effortless waves, we recommend investing in a sea salt spray.

19 of 40

Varied Layers

Shay Mitchell wavy layered medium-length hair — Taylor Hill / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Shay Mitchell is never short of head-turning hair moments. Here, her layers are dispersed throughout to give her mane a fresh, dimensional touch. As for her secret to great hair? For starters, try ditching your blow-dryer.

20 of 40

Natural Curls

Parisa Fitz-Henley naturally curly shoulder-length hair — Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Actress Parisa Fitz-Henley embraces her natural texture and lets her curls just be. Her soft layers lend form and style to her 'do, which is important when working with curly natural texture. To keep curls nourished, Stylianou swears by Olaplex treatments. "Do this on a weekly basis, leave overnight to get maximum effects, and apply Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil ($9) to your roots," she instructs.

Byrdie Tip

If you're looking for the perfect antidote to unpredictable strands—that is also au naturel—then give these DIY curl cream recipes a shot.

21 of 40

Thick Layers with Waves

Adriana Lima thick, wavy mid-length hair — Ben Gabbe / Getty Images

Brazilian bombshell Adriana Lima pulls off this layered, wavy style without trying. If you've got thick tresses, layers are a surefire way to remove some weight while adding softness and movement.

22 of 40

Air-Dried Shag

Shanina Shaik medium curly hair — Michael Stewart / Getty Images

Shanina Shaik complements her just-to-the-shoulder cut with gorgeously defined curls, shine, and a dramatic side part. "The shag is making a huge comeback with many celebrities. The modern-day shag has an effortless, rock-and-roll feel to it. It’s all about the cut when it comes to achieving the perfect shag. Ask your stylist to give you a modern shag with tons of texture to frame your face softly," says Abergel.

23 of 40

Big Barrel Curls

Gal Gadot wavy medium-length hair — John Shearer / Getty Images

Leave it to Wonder Woman to blow us away with her luscious, big barrel curls. For a sheeny finish, apply a gloss-inducing product like Chi Enviro Smoothing Shine Spray ($15).

24 of 40

Side-Swept Bang With Waves

Jennifer Garner with layered hair and side swept bangs — @jennychohair / Instagram

Jennifer Garner's rich chestnut hair looks great when worn in wavy layers with a side-swept fringe. Keep the layers at varying length, to add interest.

25 of 40

Cascading Waves

Gemma Chan with a lob haircut — @gemmachan

Mid-length cascading undulations look lovely on Gemma Chan. To get her loose waves, opt for a 1.5-inch wand like Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand ($33). And if you're looking for more ways to style center-parted hair, look no further than Kendall Jenner.

26 of 40

Deep Side Part with Texture

Constance Wu wavy, choppy layered lob — Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images

Constance Wu shows us how a wave can take choppy layers from edgy to romantic. Finish off with a deep side part and pin back a few strands with your hair accessory of choice.

27 of 40

Wet-Look Waves

Normani wet, wavy medium-length waves — Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Wet-look hair, whether worn slicked-back or side-parted, is trending thanks to its many celebrity wearers. Normani opts for a curly version, which is softer than its straight counterpart. Use a gel and cream product combo to not only give strands that wet finish and shine but also much-needed definition.

28 of 40

Tousled With Length

Taraji P. Henson attends the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. ( — Jon Kopaloff / Stringer / Getty Images

Famously known for experimenting with her strands, we applaud Taraji P. Henson for this mermaid-worthy look. Abergel comments, "This length looks great on anyone. It’s lower maintenance, fresh, and youthful." To get the tousled look, he recommends using a Marcel Iron ($44) and alternating the curl pattern.

29 of 40

Lob with Fringe

Asian woman with long shaggy hair and wide bangs — @mizzchoi / Instagram

This look modernizes a classic medium-length mane with feathery layers, texture, and a full-on fringe. Use a shine cream to ensure the look stays well-hydrated.

30 of 40

Face-Framing Glossy Lob

Barbara Palvin glossy lob with face-framing layers — Victor Chavez / Getty Images

Hungarian model Barbara Palvin's glossy lob comes complete with face-framing layers. Fine-haired girls take note: Flipping ends inward is a fast and easy way to create fullness and body.

31 of 40

Romantic Waves

With a fiery red mane like Christina Hendricks, it would seem that any cut or style would look good against this color canvas. Her loose, romantic curls are feminine, sophisticated, and can be achieved with retro rollers.

32 of 40

Tapered Lob

Chic and sophisticated, Winnie Harlow's long-layered tapered lob is stunning. The subtle ombré effect adds dimension to an otherwise sleek and classic style.

33 of 40

Layers with Roots

Rose Byrne textured blonde lob with dark roots — George Pimentel / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Equal parts chic and equal parts grunge, Aussie actress Rose Byrne brings two seemingly opposite styles together in this layered look. Her brassy blonde color adds a nice contrast to her dark roots. Add a slight wave to give limp strands a boost of volume.

34 of 40

Soft, Glossy Curls

Aja Naomi King glossy wavy shoulder-length hair — Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Soft, glossy curls that hit at the collarbone are elegant, not to mention simple to replicate.

35 of 40

Retro Wave with Dark Roots

Natalia Dyer deep side-parted shoulder-length wavy hair — Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Natalia Dyer of Stranger Things modernizes this sleek retro wave by leaving her roots dark. Her deep side-part is flattering for heart-shaped faces since it works to create facial symmetry and balance.

36 of 40

Subtle Swoops

Kirsten Dunst with a blonde medium length cut, with swooped curly ends. — @brycescarlett / Instagram

This polished, lived-in look on Kirsten Dunst is an excellent styling choice for those on the shorter spectrum of medium-length hair. The hair subtly curls at the ends, which creates a rounded, slightly bouncy, elongated finish.

37 of 40

Tucked Behind the Ear

Changing how your hair lies is a simple way to change your style. Here, Emma Watson creates a deep side part, tucks her bangs behind one ear, and lets her hair cascade down her right shoulder. It's right on par with the glamorous looks we've seen her rock before.

38 of 40

Brow-Grazing Bangs

Sydney Sweeney in a '70s wispy fringe — @sydney_sweeney

Sydney Sweeney's long wispy bangs give a mod, '60s-inspired vibe. Elongated bangs extending ever so slightly over the brows give lots of versatility, working especially well with finer hair to be swept off to the side, worn as is, or blended into longer layers as hair grows.

39 of 40

S-Shaped Waves

Mandy Moore with loose, s-shaped waved medium length hair. — @nikkilee901 / Instagram

To add body and texture to medium length hair, all you need is a flat iron (and a really great heat protectant, of course). Create small bends in your hair that resemble a "S" shape when looked at from the side, working your way down towards the ends. Pro tip: the closer together you create the bends, the tighter the curl will appear.

40 of 40

Middle-Parted Coils

Quinta Brunson with medium length, coiled hair parted down the middle. — Getty

Whether you have naturally curly hair or are rocking extensions, you can achieve a sleek middle part like Quinta Brunson's. For extra definition with a lightweight hold that allows for movement, pick up Mielle Organics' Honey & Ginger Styling Gel ($15).

FAQ

How do you cut layers for medium-length hair?

Before adding layers to your cut, consider your hair type and texture since this will determine what type of layers will work best for you. And while you can try cutting face-framing layers yourself at home, it's recommended to have all other layers cut by a professional hairstylist. They will be able to cut strategic layers to best flatter you.
Does thick hair look good with layers?

Layers are great for thick tresses since they remove some density, thereby adding movement. Best of all? There are a lot of options for layering thick hair, from choppy layers to layers that are long and gradual.
Do layers look good on thin, fine hair?

In general, light layering, especially around the face, can flatter thin, fine hair. They do so by building volume and creating more depth. But be sure to avoid over-layering or creating choppy layers since this will remove much-needed volume from thin hair.

51 Medium-Length Hairstyles That Are Easy and Effortless