Mid-length hairstyles we love
Thinking of going midi? Here are 6 of the coolest cuts and styles to try now.
Mid-length hairstyles are having somewhat of a moment. Modern, cool and alluringly practical (just about long enough to pull back into a ponytail), it’s the ideal length for those who want the best of both worlds – and well, who doesn’t?
Falling somewhere between the jawline and the collarbone, midi hair requires minimum maintenance, and there’s no such thing as having to deal with that awkward in-between stage (bonus!). But what we really love about it is that it just feels so fresh, so now, and, of course, so manageable – which is what we multitasking women on the go all want, right?
Style and substance: the mid-length hairstyle promises you both. But if you still need convincing, or help deciding which to go for, look no further than our roundup of the coolest cuts and styles below.
6 Mid-length hairstyles we love
1. The graduated lob
What is it?: A low bob, cut longer at the front and shorter at the back, the graduated lob can have a subtle or extreme effect, depending on what you ask for. Our preference – and the more modern option – is to keep the graduation effect subtle. The aim is not necessarily to achieve a distinct contrast in length between front and back (unless that’s what you want!), but to create a much softer effect that benefits your hair’s shape and prevents it from flicking out where the ends meet your shoulders.
Who it’s good for: Women who have naturally wavy hair, or who often like to wear theirs in soft, tousled waves. Especially flattering for rounder and square face shapes, this graduated mid-length cut is also a great option for trialing a shorter style for those still in two minds about making such a dramatic change in length.
2. The minimalist blunt cut
What is it?: A simple classic hairstyle that’s equal in length all the way around, a blunt midi cut is great for those who want to add weight, volume and a pinch of grown-up cool.
Who it’s good for: Those who love to experiment, or constantly change up their parting. A blunt mid-length haircut is great with a centre parting if a casual, daytime-appropriate look is what you’re after; for evening, or more formal occasions, add drama by sweeping it over to one side. See Elizabeth Olsen and Lottie Moss (Kate’s younger sister), who are brilliant advocates of this cool, minimalist style for reference. Being one of the most malleable mid-length options, it works well for those who have thin to medium hair that’s either naturally wavy or straight.
3. Effortless textured layers
What is it?: A slightly longer mid-length cut with a mixture of short and long layers built in to help create movement.
Who it’s good for: Anyone with fine to medium hair will love this haircut, favoured by the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Karlie Kloss. Having multiple textures worked into the layers not only creates the illusion of volume and movement – which is essential for making the mid-length cut work for those with finer locks – but it helps add a fun, youthful vibe, too.
Tip: To give your layers extra texture and movement, spray your hair with the Toni&Guy Casual Rough Texturiser (£7.49*) after styling.
4. Perfectly coiffed Hollywood glamour
What is it?: More of a style than a cut, this sophisticated look refers to a much neater, more polished way of wearing your mid-length hairstyle. Involving precise curling techniques and lots of hairspray, it’s the perfect way glamorise your tresses for a special occasion or after dark.
Who it’s good for: It works for most cuts, but particularly well on mid-length styles with longer layers built in. Take inspiration from Kerry Washington, Leighton Meester, and Taylor Swift (pre-bob!), who have really nailed this sophisticated, grown-up look on the red carpet in the past.
5. Sexy bed head textures
What is it?: This look is all about amping up the texture and enhancing that natural, undone aesthetic which perfectly complements the effortlessness and low-maintenance nature of a mid-length cut. With her softly tousled waves and lived-in kinks, It girl Alexa Chung truly embodies this look.
Who it’s good for: Those with fine to medium hair, and who are blessed with natural waves but are lacking movement and texture. If you love half-drying or air-drying your locks, and salt spray is your beauty arsenal’s best friend, this sexy bed head midi style with a polished edge is definitely for you.
Tip: The VO5 Give Me Texture Rough & Sexy Sea Salt Spray (£3.99*) works a charm for creating lived-in bed head textures.
6. Youthful choppy layers and fringes
What is it?: This is as stylised and as fashion-forward as a midi haircut can get. Adding choppy layers and a fringe to your cut can also help give it more definition, resulting in a playful, yet put-together look. For brilliant examples, see Suki Waterhouse and Emma Stone.
Who it’s good for: Those who want to add a youthful edge to their look. Piecey layers can help remove excess weight from the bottom, which is great if you have thick, unruly hair. As for the bangs, well, if you’ve got the face for it, then why not? Find out what fringes might suit your face shape!
Need more mid-length hairstyles inspiration? Here are 5 cool looks you can wear from day to night!
*RRPs are Unilever suggested retail prices only, it is at the discretion of the individual retailers to set the actual price.
