Medium-length hair is one of the most popular choices out there—for good reason. It’s versatile, manageable, and works with just about every texture. But not all mid-length styles are doing you favors. Some cuts can weigh your hair down, make your face look longer or wider than it is, or just feel… dated.
The good news? A few small changes can make a big difference. If your current style feels a little flat or like it’s stuck in the past, you’re not alone. Here are 9 medium hairstyles that might be holding you back—and 9 fresh, flattering alternatives that are worth a second look.
Avoid: The Flat Ironed Bob
The flat ironed bob, with its pin-straight and lifeless appearance, can often seem uninteresting and outdated.
The lack of volume might make your hair look thin and unimpressive.
Consider how it fails to add any dimension to your face, often leaving a dull impression.
Try: The Textured Lob
The textured lob, full of waves and movement, brings life to your hair with a modern flair.
This style adds much-needed volume and can flatter various face shapes with its gentle layers.
The playful nature of the textured lob makes it a trendy and versatile choice.
Avoid: The Overly Layered Cut
Overly layered cuts can result in a choppy and uneven look that lacks cohesion.
This style often leads to a messier appearance, making it hard to manage.
The excessive layers can further make your hair thinner and more unmanageable.
Try: The Subtle Layered Cut
Subtle layers can provide a harmonious blend of style and manageability.
This approach retains the length while adding depth and volume without overwhelming your natural hair texture.
The understated elegance of subtle layers allows for easy maintenance and versatility.
Avoid: The Heavy Bangs
Heavy bangs can often overshadow your facial features and give an outdated vibe.
They tend to dominate your face, especially if not styled correctly.
The heaviness of the bangs can also be cumbersome, requiring constant upkeep and styling.
Try: The Wispy Bangs
Wispy bangs bring a refreshing and modern twist to your hairstyle.
They frame the face without overwhelming your features, offering a soft, feminine touch.
With minimal upkeep, wispy bangs easily adapt to various styles and occasions.
Avoid: The Permed Waves
Permed waves can appear stiff and overly styled, reminiscent of bygone eras.
This hairstyle lacks the natural flow and effortless beauty of more modern waves.
The rigidity of permed waves often fails to capture a current and flattering look.
Try: The Beachy Waves
Beachy waves provide an effortlessly chic and natural appearance.
This style mimics the carefree look achieved after a day by the sea, full of bounce and texture.
The relaxed, casual nature of beachy waves makes them a timeless choice for many.
Avoid: The Blunt Cut
Blunt cuts, with their rigid lines and lack of movement, can seem harsh and unfriendly.
They provide little in terms of volume or softness.
The bluntness often doesn’t flatter the natural contours of your face, leading to a blocky appearance.
Avoid: The Slicked Back Look
The slicked back look can convey a severe and overly formal appearance.
It often lacks the warmth and approachability of softer styles.
This style may be suitable for certain events but can come across as too rigid for everyday wear.
Try: The Voluminous Blowout
The voluminous blowout, with its full-bodied look, exudes confidence and style.
This approach enhances natural volume and gives hair a healthy shine.
The dynamic and lively essence of a voluminous blowout makes it a fabulous everyday choice.
Avoid: The Asymmetric Bob
The asymmetric bob can create an unbalanced and uneven appearance.
This style might seem edgy but often lacks the classic appeal of more symmetrical options.
The irregularity of the asymmetric bob can be difficult to maintain and style daily.
Try: The Symmetrical Bob
The symmetrical bob offers a polished and timeless look with balance and precision.
Its classic shape flatters a wide range of face shapes and is easy to maintain.
The elegance and simplicity of a symmetrical bob make it a versatile choice for many.
Avoid: The Feathered Cut
Feathered cuts can seem dated, reminiscent of past decades and overly styled.
This style often adds unnecessary fussiness and volume where it’s not needed.
The feathered look may not suit all hair types, leading to an unflattering result.
Try: The Sleek Layered Cut
Sleek layered cuts offer a smooth and contemporary twist, replacing the dated feathered style.
The layers add depth without excessive volume, suiting a variety of hair textures.
The modern and streamlined appearance of sleek layers enhances sophistication and grace.
Avoid: The Curled Ends
Curled ends can appear overly styled and somewhat unnatural, reminiscent of old-fashioned looks.
This style often lacks the fluidity and natural appearance of more modern alternatives.
The stiffness of curled ends might not complement all face shapes or personal styles.
Try: The Natural Waves
Natural waves provide a free-flowing and effortless look that embraces your hair’s natural texture.
They evoke a sense of relaxed beauty, suitable for various occasions and outfits.
The simplicity and grace of natural waves make them a favorite among those seeking an understated elegance.