Shoulder-length haircuts are the perfect balance of practicality and style, offering versatility for various face shapes, hair textures, and personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for an edgy look, a cute everyday style, or something more low-key, this length allows for endless creativity. Below, we explore shoulder-length haircut ideas that will inspire your next trip to the salon, all while being perfect summer hairstyles for medium hair.
Choppy Layers with Bangs
A choppy layered haircut combined with soft bangs is an ideal look for women who want an effortlessly edgy vibe without the high maintenance. This hairstyle adds volume and texture to thick hair, making it a go-to style for those who want to emphasize their hair’s natural movement. It’s a great fit for women aged 50 and above, giving off a youthful and fun vibe. Face shapes like oval and round benefit most from these layers as they provide dimension. As for eye color, soft bangs that frame the face look particularly stunning with bright blues or greens, offering a playful yet polished look. This cut is great for casual outings, but it can easily be styled for a night out or professional setting.
To achieve this look, your stylist will use thinning shears and razors to create soft, jagged layers. Blow-dry the bangs straight using a round brush, but leave the layers with a tousled, textured finish. For maintenance, use a texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, which will help to keep the layers looking voluminous. A sulfate-free shampoo is also crucial to prevent buildup.
Shoulder-Length Bob with Blunt Ends
The shoulder-length bob is a classic for a reason, but adding blunt ends makes it an updated and stylish choice for 2025. This cut gives off a sleek, low maintenance vibe, perfect for those who want to look put together with minimal effort. Women in their 60s love this style for its modern, timeless aesthetic. The blunt ends give the illusion of thicker hair, so it’s also ideal for those with thinner hair textures. This haircut pairs well with square or oval face shapes, elongating the neck and jawline for a sophisticated look. Bold lip colors complement the sharpness of this cut, making it ideal for both casual and formal settings.
Achieving this style involves precision cutting with scissors, leaving the ends crisp and uniform. It’s a wash-and-go style that requires very little heat styling, making it perfect for those who prefer low maintenance haircuts. To keep the blunt ends looking sharp, a regular trim every 6-8 weeks is necessary. Use a hydrating shampoo like Living Proof’s No Frizz Shampoo to maintain smoothness and reduce frizz.
Textured Shoulder-Length Shag
If you’re into retro styles with a modern twist, the textured shag is perfect for you. This cut incorporates heavy layers, giving off a messy, cute look that’s ideal for casual events or festivals. With its choppy texture and volume at the crown, this style suits square and heart-shaped faces. The volume at the top can balance out a strong jawline or high cheekbones. The shag also works beautifully with thick hair, as the layers help distribute volume and make the hair more manageable. Earth-toned makeup and minimal accessories pair well with the casual, effortless nature of this style.
To achieve this style, your stylist will use razors to create uneven layers throughout the hair, particularly focusing on the crown to add volume. For maintenance, a light curl cream like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream helps enhance the natural texture. To keep it looking fresh, scrunch your hair with a microfiber towel after washing and air dry.
Soft Waves with Subtle Layers
Soft waves with subtle layers are a great choice for those looking for a timeless and elegant cut. This style offers effortless glamour, perfect for both everyday wear and special events. It’s especially flattering for women over 50 who want a low maintenance yet stylish cut. Round or oval faces benefit most from this style as the layers frame the face beautifully. Paired with subtle highlights or balayage, this cut works well for any eye color and can be styled to look sleek or voluminous, depending on the occasion. It’s a versatile cut that allows you to switch from professional to playful with ease.
Creating these waves is simple with a curling wand and some heat protectant spray. After curling, brush out the waves with a wide-tooth comb for a soft, romantic finish. To maintain these summer hairstyles for medium hair, use a volumizing mousse like TRESemmé Volume Mousse and a sea salt spray to keep your waves bouncy and full of life.
Shoulder-Length Lob with Curtain Bangs
The shoulder-length lob with curtain bangs is the ultimate chic and laid-back style that has been trending for years. This look is fantastic for women of all ages, especially those in their 60s, who want something stylish but not overly dramatic. The curtain bangs gently frame the face, making this style ideal for round and oval face shapes. The lob is incredibly versatile; it can be worn sleek and straight for a more formal look, or tousled for an everyday vibe. This style works best with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair, but it can be styled to suit any texture. Brown eyes and earthy makeup tones complete this effortlessly cool look.
This cut is done using blunt scissors for the lob and then carefully thinning out the bangs to ensure they lay perfectly. Maintenance is simple: use a lightweight shine serum, like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum, to keep your hair looking sleek and hydrated. Curtain bangs require regular trims to keep them looking fresh.
Sleek Shoulder-Length Hair with a Deep Side Part
Sleek hair with a deep side part is a power look for professional or formal settings. The simplicity of this style exudes sophistication while the deep side part adds a subtle level of drama. This look is especially flattering for women aged 50 and above, as it offers a polished, mature appearance. It suits oval or diamond face shapes, emphasizing the cheekbones and elongating the neck. Brown or dark eyes pair beautifully with this style, adding depth to the overall look. The sleek finish makes this a perfect go-to for evening events or business meetings.
To create this style, use a flat iron to straighten the hair and a rat-tail comb to achieve a precise deep side part. A smoothing serum like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum will help to maintain the sleekness and prevent flyaways. Minimal maintenance is required beyond keeping the hair hydrated with weekly conditioning treatments.
Shoulder-Length Layers with Side Bangs
Adding layers with side bangs creates a voluminous look that’s low maintenance and works for both casual and formal occasions. Women with round or oval faces can benefit from the face-framing effect of the bangs and layers, as they add depth and dimension to the face. The style is particularly appealing to those with thick hair, as the layers make it easier to manage without sacrificing volume. Blue and green eyes pop with this cut, making it a great choice for those who love to highlight their natural features. It’s also a versatile cut that can be styled in various ways.
To achieve this look, your stylist will create long layers throughout the hair and a sweeping side bang for added dimension. Blow-dry the bangs with a round brush for volume, and use a lightweight mousse to give the layers movement. Regular trims will keep the bangs in shape and prevent split ends. A dry shampoo like Batiste will help maintain freshness between washes.
Wavy Shoulder-Length Bob with Side Swept Bangs
The wavy shoulder-length bob with side-swept bangs is a cute option for those who want to combine softness with structure. The gentle waves add movement, while the side-swept bangs frame the face, making this an excellent choice for women with oval or heart-shaped faces. This look is perfect for both professional settings and casual outings, making it a versatile option for women of all ages, particularly those over 50. It’s also a great way to enhance thick hair, as the waves add texture without overwhelming the face.
To style this look, use a medium curling iron and focus on creating soft, loose waves. Brush out the curls for a more natural finish. The side-swept bangs can be blown out with a round brush to create volume and movement. For maintenance, use a light hairspray like L’Oreal Elnett Satin to keep the waves intact throughout the day.
Straight Shoulder-Length Cut with Blunt Bangs
The straight shoulder-length cut with blunt bangs is a bold and sophisticated choice for women who want to make a statement. This edgy look is great for both formal events and fashion-forward everyday wear. Women with oval or square face shapes will benefit most from the sharp lines of this style, which add definition to the jawline. The blunt bangs also draw attention to the eyes, making it a perfect style for those with bright eye colors, like blue or green. This style pairs well with bold makeup, enhancing the overall 2025 look.
Achieving this look requires precise scissor work to ensure that the bangs and ends are even and sharp. A straightener is essential for maintaining the sleek look, while a smoothing serum like Redken’s Frizz Dismiss helps eliminate frizz. To maintain the bluntness of the bangs, regular trims are required every 4-6 weeks.
Layered Lob with Feathered Ends
A layered lob with feathered ends is a soft and feminine hairstyle that offers an airy, carefree vibe. This cut works exceptionally well for women with thick hair, as the feathered ends reduce bulk while maintaining volume. It’s a great choice for women over 50 who want to keep their look youthful without too much styling effort. Oval and round face shapes benefit from the layers that create movement around the face, while the feathered ends soften the overall look. The style is versatile enough to transition from a casual day out to a more formal evening setting.
To achieve this cut, your stylist will use razors to feather out the ends and create layers that complement the natural shape of the hair. For maintenance, use a lightweight mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse to enhance texture, and a round brush to blow dry for added bounce. Regular trims every 8 weeks help keep the feathered ends looking fresh and prevent split ends.
Shoulder-Length Cut with Wispy Bangs
Wispy bangs paired with a shoulder-length cut offer a delicate, romantic style perfect for women who want a soft, cute look. This style suits a wide range of hair types, from fine to thick hair, and works well for women in their 60s who want to add a touch of lightness to their hairstyle. Wispy bangs are ideal for round and heart-shaped faces, as they create a soft, framing effect that balances facial features. The style can be dressed up for special occasions or worn casually, making it a versatile choice for any season.
To style, blow dry the bangs with a round brush, allowing them to fall naturally around the face. Use a straightener to smooth the rest of the hair, and apply a light shine serum like Kérastase Elixir Ultime to maintain a glossy finish. This low maintenance cut only requires occasional trims to keep the bangs in shape and prevent them from getting too long.
Curly Shoulder-Length Hair with Layers
Curly hair looks fantastic at shoulder length, especially when layers are added to enhance its natural bounce. This style is perfect for women with thick hair who want to embrace their natural curls while keeping them manageable. The layers prevent the hair from becoming too heavy at the ends, allowing the curls to maintain their shape and volume. Women over 50 can also benefit from this style, as it’s fun, youthful, and easy to manage. Square and oval faces work best with this look, as the layers help to frame the face and soften sharp angles.
To style, use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance curl definition. A curl-enhancing cream like DevaCurl SuperCream will help lock in moisture and define the curls without making them crunchy. Regular trims every 10 weeks keep the layers looking fresh and the curls in shape.
Wavy Lob with Side-Swept Bangs
The wavy lob with side-swept bangs is a modern and effortless style that suits a variety of face shapes, especially oval and round. This style is perfect for women looking for summer hairstyles for medium hair, as the waves give a carefree beachy vibe. The side-swept bangs add a touch of softness, while the waves provide texture and volume. It’s an ideal option for women with thick hair as the waves help reduce bulk and create movement. This style works well for both casual and formal events, making it a versatile choice for busy lifestyles.
To create the waves, use a curling wand on random sections of your hair, alternating directions for a more natural finish. A texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray will give your waves a beachy look. For maintenance, regular trims keep the ends looking healthy, while a light mousse can help maintain volume throughout the day.
Straight Shoulder-Length Cut with Side Part
A straight, shoulder-length cut with a side part is a sleek and timeless option that exudes sophistication. This style is great for those seeking a low maintenance look that can be dressed up or down. The side part adds a bit of flair to an otherwise simple cut, and it’s especially flattering for women with round or square faces. Women over 60 will appreciate the simplicity and elegance of this style, as it requires minimal upkeep but still looks polished. Pairing it with neutral or bold makeup can change the entire vibe, making it a versatile option for various occasions.
To style, use a flat iron to achieve a smooth, sleek finish. A heat protectant spray, such as CHI 44 Iron Guard, is essential to prevent heat damage. To keep the hair looking sleek between washes, use a dry shampoo and lightweight serum for added shine.
Blunt Shoulder-Length Cut with Middle Part
The blunt shoulder-length cut with a middle part is a striking and edgy hairstyle that’s ideal for women who prefer a minimalist approach to their hair. The blunt ends give this style a clean, polished look, while the middle part adds symmetry. This cut is especially flattering for women with oval or square face shapes, as the bluntness of the ends helps balance facial features. Women in their 50s and 60s will appreciate the simplicity and elegance of this look, which pairs well with both casual and professional outfits.
To style, use a straightener to create a sleek, smooth finish. A shine-enhancing serum like Redken Shine Flash is a great option for keeping the hair looking glossy and frizz-free. This style is low maintenance, requiring only occasional trims to maintain the blunt ends.
Shaggy Shoulder-Length Cut with Choppy Bangs
The shaggy shoulder-length cut with choppy bangs is a fun, cute look that’s ideal for women who want something playful yet manageable. This cut adds texture and volume, making it a great choice for women with thick hair. Choppy bangs give the cut an edgy feel, while the layers create movement and dimension. It’s a youthful, fresh look that works well for casual settings and can easily be styled for more formal events. Women with heart or square-shaped faces benefit from this cut as it softens the jawline and adds a whimsical touch to the overall look.
To style, apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and blow dry using a round brush for volume. The choppy bangs can be styled with a small amount of pomade for a tousled effect. This cut requires regular trims to keep the bangs in shape, but overall it’s relatively low maintenance.
Voluminous Shoulder-Length Cut with Flicked-Out Ends
For women who love a bit of retro flair, a voluminous shoulder-length cut with flicked-out ends is a stylish option. This cut is perfect for summer hairstyles for medium hair, adding a touch of vintage-inspired elegance to your look. The flicked-out ends add movement and fun to the style, making it perfect for both casual and formal settings. Women with oval or heart-shaped faces benefit most from this look, as the flicked ends help balance out facial proportions. Pair this style with bold eyeliner or a red lip for a truly glamorous effect.
To create this look, use a round brush while blow-drying to flick out the ends. A volumizing mousse will help add body to the roots, while a medium-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray 25 will keep the flicks in place. For maintenance, regular trims are essential to keep the ends sharp and prevent them from curling inwards.
Asymmetrical Shoulder-Length Bob
The asymmetrical shoulder-length bob is an edgy and daring option for women who want to stand out. With one side slightly longer than the other, this style creates a modern and stylish look that’s perfect for 2025. This cut is especially flattering for women with oval or square face shapes, as the asymmetry adds interest and balances the features. It’s a great style for those with thick hair, as the length difference helps reduce bulk while keeping the hair looking sleek. It’s a versatile look that works for both casual and formal occasions, making it a go-to for women with busy lifestyles.
To style, use a straightener to achieve a sleek finish on both sides, and use a shine serum like Kérastase Elixir Ultime to keep the hair glossy. The asymmetrical bob requires regular trims to maintain the length difference and keep the cut looking fresh.
Conclusion
Shoulder-length haircuts offer endless possibilities, from sleek and edgy to soft and cute. These styles are perfect for women of all ages, and many are low maintenance, making them ideal for busy schedules. Try out one of these versatile cuts and let us know in the comments which style suits you best. Feel free to share your favorite shoulder-length hairstyle tips!
I’m Yevgenia Kopenko, a hairstylist with over 10 years of experience in creating beautiful haircuts and hairstyles. On my blog, I share a wide range of styling ideas, from the latest trends to timeless classics. My goal is to inspire and connect with women who love expressing themselves through their hair. Join me as we explore the art of hairstyling and discover new ways to elevate your look.