Let’s be honest: Medium-length haircuts get a bad rap. Often, we treat mid-length hairstyles as if they’re a burden on us. “It’s at that awkward length at the moment,” we say. For some time, medium-length haircuts have been considered (dare we say it) a little dated. Here at Who What Wear, however, we like to see the potential in everything and have concluded that we’ve been sat on mid-length styles for too long. In fact, we’d go as far to say medium-length cuts are back. Short hair can be high-maintenance, and long hair can prove a pain, so in theory, medium-length haircuts should be the crowd favourite—and they’re becoming increasingly popular.
Forget blunt chops and shapeless mops. The midi cut can be cooler than you ever believed, especially in 2023. “A lot of current medium-length haircuts are taking a ’70s outline at the moment—where the back section is being left slightly longer to create more of a shag style,” says Paul Percival, hairstylist and co-founder of Percy & Reed. The secret to a great medium-length cut, Percival adds, is in how it is shaped around the face. “If you can incorporate a DIY-looking fringe, or maybe some lighter tones through the front sections, you can lift the whole look. Increase movement by embracing natural texture, using sea salt and volumising sprays to help,” he adds.
If you’re in the market for a change of hairstyle, keep scrolling for 18 medium-length haircuts that just might persuade you to go for the chop.
Alexa Chung’s waved lob has reached icon status and has barely changed over the years, proving just how timeless this cut really is.
We can’t get enough of the fine ribbons of highlights that give this style a super-fresh look for summer.
Notice how Kaia Gerber’s undone waves lend themselves to the face-framing layers, giving this medium-length cut a cool, modern twist.
Mid-length hairstyles never look cooler than when they’re styled out in a grungy way with a choppy fringe, à la Sadie Stanley.
There’s something wonderfully S Club 7 about Laura Harrier’s sleek, glossy cut. The shaping and feathering around the front keep things looking cool and fresh rather than boring and dated.
The wolf cut was a lot; we get it. But Nicola Peltz’s wearable take on the trend is sitting front and centre of our shag-hairstyle inspo board.
Keep curls looking light and weightless by incorporating subtle layers throughout and around the face.
HoYeon Jung’s choppy mid-length cut is absolute hair goals. The gloss! The shape! The undone waves! We want it all.
There’s something enticingly retro about Sophie Turner’s voluminous medium-length cut. It could be the perfectly blow-dried ends, the short face framers or the honey blonde. Whatever it is, we want in.
The best thing about medium-length cuts is just how versatile they can be—whether you want a super-glam finish or a more effortless, beachy look like Gemma Chan’s.
Brie Larson’s medium-length style perfectly shows how a midi cut can be elevated with some subtle texture. If you have straight hair, a quick blast with some texturising spray and sweeping your hair over to the side could be all it takes to elevate your style.
If your hair is naturally thick, take weight out of your medium-length style by opting for a fringed, shag style. We can’t get enough of this ’70s style from Bryce Dallas Howard.
Keep coils and curls looking hydrated and defined with a curl cream to really allow layers to pop in medium-length cuts.
A traditional shag cut might seem a little daunting for those who aren’t used to having heavily layered hair. If that’s you, why not opt for a softer take on the trend and go for a grown-out look like Georgia May Jagger’s?
We’re blinded by the healthy shine of Jodie Comer’s feathered lengths. Some expensive-looking highlights styled into a middle parting with sharp shaping around the face is a recipe for delight.
Wet-look hair is everywhere right now, and Simone Ashley’s medium-length, curly style is one of the best looks we’ve seen.
Curtain bangs aren’t going anywhere for the season ahead, and we’re taking this picture of Ella Purnell straight down to the salon.
If you’re concerned that a medium-length haircut might be playing it a bit safe, take notes from Florence Pugh and experiment with colour and texture.
If your hair is wavy, curly or coily, this curl gel-cream helps to lock in hydration and hold curl pattern for stunning definition.
Prime hair for heat styling with this shine-boosting balm. Just smooth through towel-dried lengths and style as usual for extra hold and definition.
If you want your medium-length haircut to look cool and effortless, reach for an air-dry cream, like this one from JVN, to keep hair looking smooth without the need for a hair dryer.
This hair product really does what it says on the tin. Whether you’re looking to add some hold to waves, create shine or slick down face framers, this styling cream has you covered.
Creating texture in mid-length styles couldn’t be easier thanks to this cult, editor-favourite texturising spray.
Celebrity hairstylists (Kardashian and J.Lo fave Chris Appleton is a big fan) swear by this spray for mirror-like gloss and shine.
If you’re after a medium-length haircut that’s full of texture, it’s important to keep ends nourished with a moisturising oil like this one (which also smells absolutely divine).
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
