Style Hair 20 Classic Mid-Length Haircuts That Stand The Test Of Time By Jenna Sims Jenna Sims Jenna is a Senior Digital Editor for Southern Living and joined the team in 2014. She writes, produces, and assigns content with a focus on email growth and commerce content. She covers a range of topics in the lifestyle space from holiday gift guides to new product launches to tips for cooking with your air fryer. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on February 29, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: @CHRISGREENEHAIR While show-stopping short haircuts and luscious long locks come in and out of style, classic mid-length hairstyles stand the test of time. Just because they're classic doesn't mean these hairstyles for mid-length hair are boring. In fact, they're quite the opposite. Layers, fringe bangs, and angles add variety and personality to this low-maintenance length. These cuts are long enough to style for different occasions and pull back out of your face when necessary but short enough that you won't have to spend all day washing, drying, and straightening your hair to achieve the perfect look. If we haven't yet convinced you that it's the perfect length, read on to see our favorite classic mid-length haircuts. 01 of 20 Mid-Length Lob Instagram/thesalonpeople Let us introduce you to the lob, or long bob. This versatile hairstyle has loads of followers because it can be worn in so many ways. The bold angle proves that you don't need short hair to make a statement. 02 of 20 Wavy Bangs @slimcolor Short curtain bangs are the hallmark of this look. Combine them with descending waves and you'll have face-framing perfection. 03 of 20 Side-Part Curls leysahairandmakeup Learn to embrace curly hair with this timeless, voluminous look. Struggling to maintain the side part? Try DevaCurl's Ultra Defining Hair Gel — this writer swears by it. 04 of 20 Wind-Swept Layers @anjabee For a more dramatic swept look, create a gradient starting at your roots using a lightening spray. We recommend Sun Bum's Hair Lightener or John Frieda's Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray. 05 of 20 Wavy Swoop @anjabee Thanks to ambiguous waves, this cut effortlessly pulls off both casual and formal looks. Add a side part and layers and — voila! — the perfect look for all your day-to-day activities. 06 of 20 Uniform @suertyrrellstylist Hair care can be tough for thicker hair types. A mid-length cut like this one lightens the load of a thick head of hair while preserving volume. 07 of 20 Blunt Cut Instagram/@sam_salonzen This bold, low-maintenance cut provides a lot of sass with little effort. Blunt cuts may be straightforward, but you can change it up by rocking a deep side part or experimenting with length. A blunt cut can also make thin hair look thicker—and equally classic and cool. 08 of 20 Face-Framing Layers Instagram/@lindsaybermanhairdesign All layers add extra dimension and a curved element to otherwise pin-straight hair. Face-framing layers hit all the right spots, accentuating the cheekbones, chin, and collarbones. 09 of 20 Textured Layers Instagram/@jackie.ahrens.styles In this mid-length hairstyle, textured layers are used to create a tousled look that also makes the hair look full and thick. Try one of our favorite texture sprays for even more volume. 10 of 20 Long Bangs Instagram/@ceremonyportland Longer side bangs pop against a mid-length haircut. Sweep them away from the center for a retro vibe that feels just as fantastic today. 11 of 20 Long Layers Instagram/@jordansullivanhair Longer layers add dimension and volume to mid-length hair, especially with wavy hair. Even pin-straight hair will gain a bit of movement with low-maintenance long layers. 12 of 20 Wavy Middle Part Instagram/@kimberchapman_ For a middle part, we love mid-length strands just grazing the shoulders. Sun-kissed color on the tips of the hair advertises your fun-loving spirit. 13 of 20 Soft Lob Instagram/@tressesbybrenna If you want to try something new, but aren't ready to commit to a classic lob, you can choose a softer angle. Try pairing bangs with a lob to make more of a statement. 14 of 20 Flippy Layers Instagram/kyliecraighair Layers that flip at the ends add a sassy finish and extra volume to straight locks. To get this look, do your best sleek blowout and then clamp the bottom two inches of hair under or over with your curling iron, piece by piece until you've nailed the look you want. 15 of 20 Sleek Mid-Length Cut @chrisgreenehair This simple barely-layered cut by stylist Chris Greene is made extra sleek with smoothing hair oil. A side part boosts volume and accentuates all your best features. 16 of 20 Choppy Long Layers @chrisgreenehair Bells and whistles aren't needed here—just long, easygoing layers. Try making them choppy to add more volume and a bit of spice. 17 of 20 Naturally Curly Bangs Christine Doneé Wispy bangs add just enough oomph to this slightly shaggy cut. For a timeless look, let your curls assume their natural shape—knowing that you can always pull out your hair products to pump up the volume. 18 of 20 Middle Part With Curtain Bangs @jennychohair / Instagram Curtain bangs part to reveal your face in the most flattering way. This classic cut can be worn sleek or tousled, depending on the day. 19 of 20 Layered Lob @matthewjones_hairstylist Add layers to a long bob to lighten the load. This carefree hairstyle requires little upkeep to look gorgeous. 20 of 20 Beachy Waves Pinterest/Hairstyles Weekly This heavily layered cut will never look out of place—and a breezy day only adds to its charm. Golden highlights are a must for those locks. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit