You're gonna want to copy these looks ASAP.
For the longest time, mid-length hair was just seen as a growing-out phase you had to endure until you either chopped off your hair again or grew it out completely. But in recent years, the medium-length cut, which falls between the tops of your shoulders just below your collarbones, has risen in popularity with hairstylists and celebs, thanks to the fact that it truly looks good on everyone, and because it’s so dang versatile.
So whether you're currently stuck in the mid-length phase or looking to cut your hair a bit shorter, rest assured: There are infinite cuts and styles you can try with it. Below, 15 of them to prove it.
1
Straight and Sleek
To make your haircut appear less like you’re growing it out and more like an actual style, as seen on Lucy Hale, schedule trims every six weeks to keep your ends looking fresh and blunt (which, in turn, will help prevent breakage).
2
With Fluttery Bangs
Choppy cuts are clearly having a moment this spring (lookin' at you, Karlie Kloss), and if you want to take the trend up a notch, ask your stylist to add some soft, textured bangs, like Tami Williams's, that fall over your eyebrows and frame your face.
3
A Piece-y Updo
With a mid-length cut like Vanessa Hudgens's, you can scoop your hair into an updo and still have some loose, face-framing pieces.
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4
An Ultra-High Half-Ponytail
If your shorter pieces in the back aren't quite long enough for an ultra-high ponytail (sad times), wear half of it up, instead, like Jasmine Sanders.
5
A Half-Up Bun
Hairstylist Justine Marjan says mid-length cuts are the best for showing off your outfit, and a cool half-bun like Yara Shahidi's makes the look even more fashion forward.
6
A Textured Ponytail
Medium-length hair only looks short—Nina Dobrev's textured cut is actually still long enough to pull into a ponytail.
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7
Textured Waves
Adding a little wave and texture to your cut will make your hair appear slightly shorter and more layered, without you actually having to cut it. Check out Lana Condor's win-win situation.
8
A Wet Look
The only way possible to make a wet style look even cooler is to pair it with a shoulder-grazing cut. And with a length like Selena Gomez's, you don't need to worry about styling creams and oils ruining your top.
9
A Low Half-Ponytail
Half-up doesn’t have to mean super high. Wear your half-pony low against the nape of your neck, like Olivia Holt's, for a totally different (yet just as cool) style.
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10
Twisted and Pinned Back
Olivia Culpo's twist-and-pin look is an old favorite for growing out bangs. Swap out your plain bobby pins for trendy jeweled barrettes to make the style even more of a look.
11
A Braided Updo
Braids, while slightly trickier to create than ponytails, are still possible for shoulder-length hair. If Aimee Song's boho braids are your thing, create a tight braid then gently tug at your short layers and flyaways for a little added texture.
12
Double Buns
Another variation of the half-up style, these braided double buns with bows are made cute, not cutesy, thanks to the textured, mid-length cut.
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13
Parted and Clipped
Not a pro at styling your own hair? Anybody can snap a clip, and that’s all it takes to cop Kendall Jenner's nostalgic hairstyle on days when you have literally no idea how to style your short hair.
14
Glam Waves
Tight ringlets can turn your lob into a bob real fast, but a few strokes of a paddle brush is all it takes to loosen the curl into Sophie Turner's soft, glam wave.
15
Flipped Out
It’s amazing what a flick of a straightener can do for your overall hair vibe. Switch it up from your usual stick-straight style with Zoey Deutch's ‘60s look.
Brooke Shunatona
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
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