I’m Lena, a professional hairstylist with over a decade behind the chair, and I’ve curated 28 salon-ready looks for medium-length hair that are both wearable and versatile. Medium-length hair — typically shoulder to collarbone — is a sweet spot that suits most face shapes and hair textures, from fine and straight to thick and wavy. In this post you’ll find cuts, layered styles, bobs, lob variations, soft waves, polished blowouts, and easy updos that translate beautifully from desk to date night. I’ll share practical styling tips I use on clients every day: quick drying and smoothing techniques, the right tools (round brush, paddle brush, blow dryer, 1–1.25” curling wand), product pairings (lightweight mousse, heat protectant, texture spray) and low-maintenance trimming schedules. Each style is paired with an image to inspire your next salon visit or at-home styling session — perfect whether you want a subtle refresh or a bold, modern change.
Textured Shoulder-Length Layered Lob with Face-Framing Curtain Bangs
This textured shoulder-length lob with soft face-framing curtain bangs suits fine to medium hair best but can be adapted for thicker textures. The cut uses long layers around the face and subtle internal texturing to deliver natural volume and movement—works well on straight to loose-wave hair. Styling technique: blow-dry with root lift using a round brush, directing layers away from the face; create loose, piecey bends with a 1 curling iron or flat iron for added shape, then tousle with fingers. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush (1.5–2), 1 curling iron or flat iron, sectioning clips, fine-tooth comb. Products required: volumizing mousse or root lift, heat protectant, light smoothing serum, sea-salt or texturizing spray, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — the cut requires an experienced stylist for balanced layering, but daily styling takes 10–15 minutes. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–10 weeks to keep bangs and layers fresh, use a weekly deep conditioner (and purple shampoo if blonde), refresh volume with dry shampoo, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Textured Shoulder-Length Lob with Curtain Fringe and Soft Waves
This textured shoulder-length lob with a soft curtain fringe is a versatile, salon-friendly cut that flatters most face shapes. Suitability: ideal for fine to medium hair to create movement and lift; thick hair benefits from internal layering and thinning; naturally wavy hair will require minimal styling, while straight hair needs thermal shaping. Styling technique: towel-dry hair, apply a root-lifting mousse, then blow-dry using a medium round brush to lift roots and shape the curtain fringe away from the face. Create loose, alternating bends with a 1 curling wand or a flat iron for that lived-in wave—leave ends slightly straighter for a modern edge. Tools needed: professional hairdryer, medium round brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: root-lift mousse or spray, heat protectant, texturizing/sea-salt spray, lightweight smoothing serum for ends, and light-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — about 10–15 minutes daily once cut is in place. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to keep layers and fringe fresh, use dry shampoo between washes, apply a deep-conditioning mask weekly, and avoid heavy products at the roots to preserve lift.
Soft Layered Shoulder-Length Cut with Face-Framing Layers
This soft, layered shoulder-length style works best on straight to wavy hair and medium to thick density; fine hair can wear it with added texture or light layering to avoid losing volume. The cut features long, face-framing layers and slightly feathered ends created with point-cutting and slide-cut techniques for weight removal and natural movement. Styling technique: work on damp hair—apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat-protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry using a medium (1.25–1.5) round brush, lifting at the crown and rolling the ends outwards to create that soft flip. Use a curling iron or flat iron to add loose bends away from the face for extra body, then tousle with fingers. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, medium round brush, 1–1.5 curling or flat iron, sectioning clips. Products required: volumizing mousse or root lift, heat protectant, light texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray, occasional deep conditioner. Difficulty: salon cut is moderate (best left to a stylist); daily styling is easy (10–15 minutes). Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks, refresh with dry shampoo between washes, and condition weekly to keep ends healthy.
Textured Shoulder-Length Lob with Soft Curtain Bangs — Tousled Waves
This textured shoulder-length lob with soft curtain bangs suits fine to medium hair best and can be adapted for thicker hair by removing weight with long layers. To style, start on damp hair: apply a lightweight heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to encourage natural body, directing the bangs away from the face. Use a 1-inch curling wand to create loose, alternating waves starting mid-shaft, leaving ends slightly straighter for an undone finish. Finger-tousle and finish with a sea-salt or texture spray for separation, then lock with a flexible-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle or diffuser, round brush, 1-inch curling wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light finishing cream or pomade, flexible hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium; expect 15–25 minutes. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks, use a weekly hydrating mask to prevent dryness, refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray between washes, and ask your stylist for face-framing layers and soft texturizing with shears.
Textured Shoulder-Length Lob with Soft Face-Framing Layers
This shoulder-length, textured lob with soft face-framing layers suits fine, medium and slightly thick hair and flatters straight to naturally wavy textures. The cut uses internal thinning and blunt ends to create body and movement without bulk for finer hair, while layers remove weight in thicker hair. Styling technique: start with towel-dried hair and apply a root-lifting mousse. Blow-dry using a medium round brush to lift the roots and smooth ends, drying sections upward for volume. Add loose bends with a 1 curling wand or flat iron, alternating directions for a natural, tousled finish. Finish by raking in a salt or texturizing spray and smoothing ends with a pea-sized amount of lightweight cream or serum. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron, clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: root-lift mousse, heat protectant, texturizing/salt spray, light serum, flexible hairspray, dry shampoo. Difficulty level: moderate — takes 15-30 minutes to recreate at home. Maintenance: trim every 6-8 weeks, use hydrating shampoo/conditioner, deep-condition monthly, and refresh second-day hair with dry shampoo and texture spray.
Textured Chin-Length Bob with Soft Side-Swept Fringe
This chin-length textured bob with a soft side-swept fringe suits fine to medium hair best, but can be tailored for thicker hair by adding longer, graduated layers. Styling starts with a root-lifting product on damp hair (volumizing mousse or root spray), then blow-dry with a medium round brush to create lift at the roots and a gentle bend at the ends. For added movement, use a 1 curling iron or flat iron to alternate loose bends away from the face, finishing with finger-combing to keep texture natural. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, 1 curling iron or flat iron, sectioning clips, and a vent brush for quick touch-ups. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root boost, lightweight cream or texturizing paste, sea-salt or dry-texture spray, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — roughly 15–25 minutes once you master the blowout. Maintenance: salon trims every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape, weekly deep-conditioning for shine, dry shampoo between washes to preserve volume, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Long Textured Layers with Curtain Fringe — Tousled Copper Waves
This long, layered style with a soft curtain fringe and relaxed, tousled waves works best on medium to thick hair and naturally wavy textures. Fine hair can achieve the same movement with strategic layering, root-lifting products and a light-density texturizer. Start with a salon cut that removes bulk and creates face-framing pieces. For styling, work a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse through damp hair, then blow-dry using a round brush for lift or a diffuser to enhance natural wave. Wrap 1–1.25
Textured Shoulder-Length Shag with Curtain Bangs
This textured shoulder-length shag with soft curtain bangs flatters fine-to-medium hair and works well on natural waves or straight hair that wants added body. The cut features graduated layers around the face, razored ends for movement, and long, parted bangs to soften the forehead. Styling technique: work with damp hair—apply a root-lifting mousse, blow-dry using a medium round brush to create lift at the crown, then use a 1 curling wand to add loose S-shaped bends through mid-lengths and ends. Alternate curl direction for a lived-in texture and finish by tousling with fingers. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, medium round brush, 1 curling wand (or flat iron for bends), and sectioning clips; in-salon cutting requires sharp shears and thinning shears. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt or texture spray, lightweight pomade or cream for ends, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: medium—cutting precision is best left to a stylist; daily styling is manageable. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape and bangs, use sulfate-free shampoo, deep-condition weekly, and refresh with dry shampoo or texture spray between washes.
Textured Shoulder-Length Bob with Soft Curtain Bangs
This textured shoulder-length bob with soft curtain bangs suits fine to medium hair best but can be adapted for thicker hair with additional layering. Start with a blunt, collarbone-length cut and long, face-framing curtain bangs; a few internal layers or point-cut ends add movement without losing body. For styling, towel-dry hair and work a small amount of volumizing mousse or root-lift through the roots, then apply a heat protectant. Blow-dry with a medium round brush to create lift at the crown and smooth the bangs. Use a 1 curling wand or flat iron to create loose, alternating waves through mid-lengths to ends, then rake through with fingers. Finish with a light sea-salt or texturizing spray for separation and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Tools: hairdryer, medium round brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips. Products: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, texturizing spray, lightweight serum, flexible hairspray. Difficulty: Intermediate (10–20 minutes daily). Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, bangs every 3–4 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning and occasional dry shampoo to refresh texture.
Textured Medium Shag with Soft Curtain Bangs
This effortless shag features mid-length layers and wispy curtain bangs for a lived-in, tousled finish. Suitability: ideal for medium to thick hair and natural waves; fine hair benefits from strategic layering and root-lifting; very curly hair will require smoothing or looser curl definition. Styling technique: start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at roots, rough-dry upside down to build lift, then use a round brush to smooth bangs and feather layers. Create soft bends with a 25–32mm curling wand or a flat iron, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly undone. Tools needed: hairdryer with concentrator, round brush, 25–32mm curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light matte paste or cream for piecey ends, flexible-hold hairspray, dry shampoo. Difficulty level: easy–medium—about 10–20 minutes once layered correctly. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to preserve shape and bangs, refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, avoid heavy conditioners at roots, and request texturizing shears in-salon to keep movement.
Textured Shoulder-Length Wavy Bob with Soft Layers
Salon-ready textured shoulder-length wavy bob ideal for clients seeking low-maintenance volume. Suitable for fine to medium hair (thick hair benefits from heavier layering), this cut uses soft face-framing layers and blunt ends to create body. To style: towel-dry, apply a golf-ball-sized volume mousse at roots and a heat protectant through lengths. Blow-dry with a medium round brush lifting at the crown for 5–8 minutes, then create loose waves with a 1 curling wand or flat iron — wrap alternating sections away/toward the face and leave ends out for a modern, undone finish. Tools: blow-dryer, medium round brush, 1 curling wand or straightener, clips, wide-tooth comb. Products: volumizing mousse, thermal protectant, sea-salt or texture spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate; expect 15–30 minutes depending on hair density. Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks to preserve shape, weekly deep conditioning for color-treated or dry hair, refresh day-two texture with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Textured Chin-Length Bob with Soft Curtain Bangs
This textured chin-length bob with soft curtain bangs suits straight to wavy hair and fine-to-medium densities; very thick hair benefits from internal thinning or razor texturizing. The salon cut uses graduated, face-framing layers and feathered bangs to create movement and a slightly undone silhouette. To style: towel-dry, apply a lightweight root-lift mousse and heat protectant, then blow-dry with a medium round brush or diffuser for natural body. Add loose bends by wrapping 1
Textured Wavy Layered Bob — Tousled Chin-Length Cut
This tousled, layered chin‑length bob suits naturally wavy to medium‑thick hair and can be adapted for finer hair with softer layering and root lift. The salon cut uses short internal layers and face‑framing pieces to create movement and a slightly side‑swept fringe for effortless volume. Styling technique: start on towel‑dried hair with a lightweight leave‑in and heat protectant. Work a curl cream or sea‑salt spray through mid‑lengths and ends, then diffuse on low‑medium heat while scrunching with your fingers to enhance natural wave. For added definition, wrap random sections around a 1
Shoulder-Length Layered Shag with Side-Swept Bangs and Textured Waves
This shoulder-length layered shag with soft side-swept bangs offers natural movement and volume while framing the face. Suitability: ideal for fine to medium hair to add body and lift, also works for thicker hair when weight is removed with layering; not recommended for very tight curls without additional cutting techniques. Styling technique: hair is cut with graduated layers and light razor/texturizing at the ends to create separation. To style, apply a volumizing mousse at the roots, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then create loose S-waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand or smooth bends with a flat iron. Finish by finger-combing and scrunching with a sea-salt or texturizing spray. Tools needed: hairdryer with nozzle, round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron or flat iron, sectioning clips, diffuser (for waves). Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum, dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic blowout and wave technique. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks, use color-safe care for dyed red tones, weekly deep conditioning, refresh with dry shampoo and re-texturize roots and ends on day two.
Textured Layered Bob with Soft Curtain Bangs
Salon-ready textured layered bob with soft curtain bangs — ideal for straight to wavy hair and fine-to-medium densities. The cut uses graduated layers around the face to create movement and a slightly undone, tousled finish that also works for thicker hair when layers are thinned. Styling technique: towel-dry damp hair, apply a volumizing mousse at roots and a light sea-salt spray mid-lengths to ends. Blow-dry with a medium round brush or diffuser, directing bangs forward and smoothing them with short strokes. For definition, use a flat iron or small-barrel wand to bend ends outward and add subtle waves through layers. Tools needed: blow dryer, medium round brush, flat iron or 25–32mm curling wand, tail comb, and sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a tiny amount of smoothing serum for shine. Difficulty: easy–moderate for daily styling; precision cutting requires a professional. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks, refresh bangs every 3–4 weeks, use gentle sulfate-free shampoo, occasional deep-conditioning mask, and dry shampoo to extend styling between washes.
Layered Shoulder-Length Cut with Tousled Waves and Curtain Fringe
This layered shoulder‑length cut with soft, tousled waves and a curtain fringe is ideal for fine to medium hair and can be adapted for thicker textures by adding more internal layers. The shape creates natural volume and movement, flattering oval, heart and round faces. Styling technique: apply a root‑lifting mousse to damp hair, blow‑dry with a medium round brush to smooth and build body, then wrap 1–1.25 sections around a curling wand for 5–8 seconds, alternating direction and leaving the ends a touch straighter for a lived‑in look. Finger‑comb and finish with a texturizing or sea‑salt spray to separate pieces, then mist with a light‑hold hairspray and smooth ends with a small amount of serum. Tools needed: hairdryer, medium round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand (or flat iron), sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum. Difficulty level: easy–intermediate (15–30 minutes). Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, use sulfate‑free moisturizing shampoo/conditioner, deep‑condition weekly, and refresh texture between washes with dry shampoo or a light mist.
Long Layered Shag with Side-Swept Fringe — Textured Medium-Brown Waves
Suitable for straight to wavy hair and fine to medium density, this long layered shag with a side-swept fringe creates natural movement without bulk. The cut is achieved with long, graduated layers and point-cut or razor-textured ends to remove weight and produce feathered tips; a slightly longer, side-swept fringe blends into the layers to soften the face. Styling involves a root-lift blowout with a medium round brush, followed by loose flicks with a 1 curling iron or flat iron to enhance texture. Essential tools: hairdryer with concentrator nozzle, medium round brush, 1 curling/flat iron, texturizing shears and sectioning clips. Recommended products: lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, heat protectant, sea-salt or texture spray for piecey separation, a small amount of smoothing serum on ends, and a light-hold hairspray to finish. Difficulty: easy–moderate — straightforward once you master the blow-dry and soft flicking technique. Maintenance: trim every 8–10 weeks to keep the layering sharp, use sulfate-free shampoo and weekly deep-conditioning, refresh second-day hair with dry shampoo and texture spray, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Textured Shoulder-Length Shag with Soft Curtain Bangs
This relaxed, layered shag with soft curtain bangs works especially well on wavy to loose-curly hair and on fine to medium textures that need added body; thick hair can also wear it if weight is removed with strategic thinning. Cut uses short, face-framing layers and point-cut ends to create movement and a soft fringe that blends into the sides. To style: start on towel-dried hair with a lightweight mousse or root-lifting spray, then apply a heat protectant. Rough-dry with fingers or a diffuser to enhance natural wave, or use a blow-dryer and medium round brush to shape the bangs. Define a few pieces with a 1
Medium Layered Shag with Curtain Bangs and Feathered Ends
This medium-length layered shag with curtain bangs suits straight to gently wavy hair and medium hair density best; fine hair benefits from added layering and root-lifting products, while very curly hair will need smoothing for this look. Cut features graduated face-framing layers and soft, feathered ends to create natural movement and volume around the cheekbones. Styling technique: towel-dry, apply a volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, then blow-dry in sections with a large round brush to bend ends outward and shape the curtain bangs. For definition, smooth mid-lengths and flip ends with a 1–1.25” round brush or use a flat iron/curling iron to add subtle bends. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, sectioning clips, 1”–1.25” flat or curling iron. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root spray, smoothing serum, texturizing spray for separation, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires round-brush technique and sectioning. Maintenance tips: trim layers and bangs every 6–10 weeks, use sulfate-free shampoo, weekly deep condition, refresh volume with dry shampoo, and protect from frequent high heat.
Textured Shoulder-Length Lob with Side-Swept Layers
This textured shoulder-length lob is ideal for fine to medium hair and works well on thicker hair when layered to remove bulk. The cut features soft, face-framing layers and a long side-swept fringe that adds movement and width control for oval, heart, and round face shapes. To style: towel-dry and apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through mid-lengths and ends. Rough-dry with your fingers or a round brush for added lift at the crown, then use a 1 curling wand or flat iron to create loose bends (alternate directions for a lived-in look). Finish by scrunching in a salt-infused texturizing spray and lightly separating pieces with fingers. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, light styling cream (for smoothing), salt spray or texture spray, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — basic blow-dry and wand skills. Maintenance: salon trims every 6–8 weeks to keep shape, weekly deep-conditioning for ends, use dry shampoo between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Textured Shoulder-Length Lob with Soft Fringe and Beachy Waves
This shoulder-length textured lob with a soft, slightly feathered fringe works well for straight to wavy hair and adapts nicely to fine, medium, or thick densities with tailored layering. In the salon I create long, face-framing layers and blunt-but-feathered bangs to give movement without losing weight. To style, towel-dry and apply a heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots; blow-dry using a medium round brush to smooth the fringe and boost root lift. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand to form loose, alternating-direction waves, leaving the very ends out for a modern, lived-in finish. Tools: blow dryer, medium round brush, curling wand, clips and a wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, mousse or root lift, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a drop of smoothing oil for ends. Difficulty: moderate — basic blow-dry and wand technique required. Maintenance: trim bangs every 4–6 weeks and the lob every 8–12 weeks, use a weekly deep conditioner, refresh texture between washes with water + texturizer or dry shampoo, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz.
Textured Shoulder-Length Shag with Wispy Curtain Bangs
This shoulder-grazing shag with soft, wispy curtain bangs works well on fine to medium hair and can be adapted for thicker hair by removing bulk with internal thinning. The salon cut uses short, face-framing layers and point-cut bangs for movement and a lived-in finish. Styling technique: towel-dry and apply a light mousse or sea-salt spray, then diffuse while scrunching to enhance natural waves; for straighter textures, create loose S-shaped waves with a 25–32 mm curling wand, alternating directions and leaving the ends relaxed. Tools needed: hairdryer with diffuser, 25–32 mm curling wand, round brush (small for bangs), flat iron (for quick bends), and wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray, light texturizing spray, smoothing cream for ends, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty level: easy–moderate (salon-friendly, home styling takes ~10–20 minutes). Maintenance tips: trim bangs and refresh layers every 6–8 weeks, use a weekly conditioning mask to prevent frizz, revive texture with a few spritzes of sea-salt spray and diffuser on damp hair, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.
Textured Angled Blonde Bob with Face‑Framing Layers
This modern angled bob features soft, face‑framing layers and a long side‑swept fringe — ideal for clients seeking volume and movement. Hair type suitability: best on fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair; can be adapted for thicker hair by reducing bulk with internal layering; not recommended for very tight curls without smoothing. Styling technique: towel dry, apply a root‑lift mousse, then blow‑dry with a 1–1.5
Textured Tousled Chin-Length Wavy Bob with Curtain Layers
This chin-length wavy bob with soft curtain layers works well on fine to medium hair and can be adapted for thicker hair by removing bulk. The cut uses graduated, face-framing layers to create natural movement and volume at the ends. To style, apply a lightweight mousse or root-lift to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots for body. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand or a flat iron, wrapping alternating sections away from the face and leaving the ends slightly undone. Finger-comb and finish with a sea-salt or texture spray for definition and a light-hold hairspray to set. Essential tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand or flat iron, clips, and a wide-tooth comb. Essential products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift, texturizer/salt spray, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy to moderate — achievable at home in 15–25 minutes once practiced. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape, use dry shampoo between washes to preserve texture, and deep-condition weekly to keep ends healthy.
Long Layered Blowout with Face‑Framing Curtain Layers
This medium-to-long layered cut with soft, face‑framing curtain layers works best on medium to thick hair and on fine hair when paired with volumizing products or subtle layering. In the salon, the cut is established with long layers and texturizing shears at the ends to create movement and reduce bulk. For styling, work on towel‑damp hair: apply a root‑lift spray or lightweight mousse, a heat protectant, then rough‑dry to 70% with your fingers to build volume. Finish with a large (1.5–2 ) round brush for a smooth blowout — wrap sections around the brush and use the dryer’s nozzle, then cool to set. For added bend, gently curl mid‑lengths with a 1–1.25 curling iron and brush out for soft waves. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, sectioning clips, curling iron or flat iron, paddle brush. Products: volumizing shampoo/conditioner, mousse/root lift, heat protectant, light serum or shine spray, dry shampoo, medium‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires a professional cut and basic blowout skills. Maintenance: trims every 8–10 weeks, weekly deep conditioning, sleep on silk, and refresh shape with dry shampoo and a quick warm iron pass.
Shoulder-Length Textured Bob with Curtain Face-Framing Layers
An airy, shoulder-length layered bob with soft curtain bangs and tousled waves that add instant movement and face framing. This style suits fine to medium hair (for volume) and can be adapted for thicker hair by adding longer, weight-reducing layers. The cut uses graduated layers around the face and textured ends to avoid a heavy silhouette. Technique: start on damp hair with a root-lifting mousse, blow-dry using a medium round brush to create root lift and shape the curtain layers. Section hair and create alternating loose bends with a 1 curling wand or a flat iron, allowing ends to remain slightly undone. Finger-comb for separation and finish with a lightweight texturizing spray. Tools: blow dryer, medium round brush, 1 curling wand or straightener, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: medium — requires basic heat styling and sectioning. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks to keep shape, use color-safe and hydrating treatments for blonde, refresh second-day volume with dry shampoo, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Textured Shoulder-Length Lob with Face-Framing Layers and Soft Waves
This textured shoulder-length lob with face-framing layers works best on straight to wavy hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve similar volume with lighter layering and product, while very curly hair will benefit from a controlled blowout first. Stylist technique: cut into a blunt-ish lob with soft, graduated face-framing layers and subtle point cutting at the ends to remove weight. Style by rough-drying with fingers for lift at the crown, then create 1–2 inch loose waves with a 1 curling wand or flat iron, alternating directions for natural movement and leaving the last inch straighter for a lived-in finish. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush (medium), 1 curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products: lightweight mousse or root-lift spray on damp hair, heat protectant, sea-salt or texture spray to tousle, smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice or quick in-salon styling. Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning, refresh day-two texture with dry shampoo and mist of salt spray, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
Textured Wavy Chin-Length Bob with Side-Swept Fringe
This chin-length textured bob with a side-swept fringe suits fine to medium hair best and can be adapted for thicker hair by adding longer, weight-reducing layers. The salon cut uses graduated layering and point-cut ends to create natural movement and soft texture; request slightly longer front pieces to frame the face. To style, towel-dry hair and apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a medium round brush or diffuser, lifting at the roots for volume. Create loose, undone waves with a 1 curling wand or flat iron (alternate directions for a lived-in look), then tousle with a sea-salt or texturizing spray and finish with a light-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer, medium round brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips and a wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, light hairspray and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–moderate for daily styling; the initial cut benefits from an experienced stylist. Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning, refresh with dry shampoo between washes and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Choosing the right medium-length hairstyle is about balancing your face shape, natural texture, and daily routine. As a stylist, I always recommend starting with a consultation: tell your stylist how much daily styling time you have, show photos from the 28 looks here, and be honest about your hair’s density and cowlicks. For care, schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to keep layers fresh and ends healthy, use sulfate-free shampoo, a lightweight conditioner, and a weekly nourishing mask if your hair is colored or heat-styled. Keep a heat protectant and a texture spray on hand for quick styling, and experiment with part changes or a subtle trim before committing to dramatic length changes. If you’re unsure, try a long lob or face-framing layers — they’re forgiving and easy to style. Book a professional blowout or a consult to personalize any look; small tweaks from a pro make big, wearable differences. — Lena, stylist