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Shoulder-length hairstyles remain one of the most versatile and flattering choices, offering endless options for every hair type, face shape, and personal style. From sleek and blunt cuts to layered and textured finishes, this length continues to evolve with modern trends. Read on as Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf, shares her expert insight into the most popular shoulder-length hairstyles to inspire your next salon visit.
1. Lob
The long bob is a classic look that just skims the shoulders. It’s longer than the classic bob, but still brings a charming, modern edge that works beautifully on almost everyone. You can wear a bob blunt for a sharp look, or add layers for movement - whether you have straight or wavy locks, this style is sure to suit you.
To create this look, visit your local salon who will be able to tailor the style to you. When it comes to styling, our GLOW Super Shine Micro Mist can give your lob the ultimate polished finish - just shake well and spray over dry hair for a weightless gloss that doesn’t leave behind any greasiness or residue. Take a look at more specialised solutions: Hair Shine Products
Image Credit: Pinterest @theazureglam
2. Wolf cut
The Wolf Cut boldly blends together the Shag and the Mullet to create a unique style. This look can be cut to shoulder length, and is identifiable by layers at the crown of the head, and wispy bangs to frame the face. It creates natural volume and movement, creating an undone, rock-chic finish that looks great on wavy or curly hair.
As with any cut, we’d recommend that you visit your local salon to achieve it. Once you’ve secured the style, our TEXTURE Dry Texture & Finishing Spray can help you take it to the next level, giving your locks buildable shape. This product gives the effect of backcomb, but takes much less effort - just spray section-by-section and brush out at the end of the day.
Image Credit: Pinterest @julliasousa
3. Textured layers
Textured layers can add dimension and volume to medium-length hair. This helps hair fall more naturally, creating gentle separation. This style works especially well with waves and blow-dries, whilst balancing thicker hair and giving finer hair a fuller, lifted appearance.
To keep your textured hair looking and feeling healthy, we’d recommend using nourishing hair products like our HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. These solutions deeply hydrate locks, leaving them soft and shiny, as well as taming flyaways. This is especially crucial for layers, where there are many different lengths of hair to keep under control and frizz free. Learn more about our professional range: Frizzy Hair Products
Image Credit: Pinterest @Eliza_b444
4. Butterfly cut
The Butterfly Cut can transform medium length to long hair into luscious, wispy layers. The name comes from locks of hair spreading out like butterfly wings in flight, characterised by volume and dimension. Long and short cuts combine, with shorter layers around the face and longer layers towards the back of your hair, to create the illusion of full length.
Butterfly cuts naturally add volume to your locks, but our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner is essential for adding extra body and bounce. These solutions work by gently lifting the hair, without leaving behind build-up for a glossy finish. Learn more about our curated selection of products: Volumising Hair Products
Image Credit: Pinterest @itsalithompson
5. Blunt shoulder cut
The blunt shoulder cut is all about clean and simple lines, with minimal layering. The hair is cut straight across at the back to create a bold, strong shape that leaves impact. It’s usually worn in a sleek, straight style so that the blunt cut clearly stands out and has the full desired effect. Blunt cuts also make locks look thicker and healthier, perfect for fine hair.
To style this look, turn to straighteners. Before you use heat styling, apply a protective spray like our GUARD Heat Protection Spray which can withstand heat of up to 220°C. This solution is especially useful for fine hair, as it prevents dryness and breakage, whilst also giving a glossy, vibrant finish. Browse more of our specialised products: Fine Hair Products
Image Credit: Pinterest @WomenLifeStyleBlog
6. Shaggy layers
Shaggy layers are one of the stand-out cuts of the year according to 2026 Hair Trends. Soft blended layers come together to enhance natural texture and bring an effortless, relaxed vibe to medium length styles. These are best styled with a messy blow dry for a cool, undone finish that looks carefree.
To maintain this style, we’d recommend turning to our HERØ Ionic Technology Hair Dryer to blow out your layers one section at a time. Before drying, spritz your hair with our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist, which cuts down drying time by up to 50% and forms a protective layer against heat. Brush as you blow to create the signature flick at the end of your shaggy locks. Browse our specialised range: Blow Dry Hair Products
Image Credit: Pinterest @yourmyhairstyle
7. Mullet
The modern mullet has recently made a comeback from the ‘80’s and it’s here to stay. Today’s mullet is much less dramatic than the mullets of the past, but retains the impact - using soft and subtle blending to add edge without being too overpowering. Short layers at the front and long layers at the back of the hair shape the style, making it a firm favourite for medium length cuts.
Our UPLIFT Volumising Mist is ideal to help maintain your mullet’s volume, expertly formulated to give your roots an instant lift, boost volume and give long-lasting style. This can be used on the finest locks, making the mullet easy to maintain for a range of hair types - just mist on hair before blow-drying.
Image Credit: Pinterest @annevdva
8. Asymmetrical bob
An asymmetrical bob adds instant interest to mid-length locks. With one side longer than the other, it creates a dynamic and unusual shape that is particularly popular with Women Over 50. The style can be worn sleek for a sharp finish, or textured for a softer vibe - ideal for anyone who wants a twist on the classic bob.
This style draws people’s eye towards it, so it’s important that it always looks flawless. Our HYDRATE Leave-In Conditioning Spray reduces frizz and restores moisture to your locks, leaving them looking soft, smooth and shiny. evenly spritz throughout damp hair before blow-drying and then style as you please.
Image Credit: Pinterest @hadviser_com
9. Beach waves
Beach waves are a styling choice that perfectly complements shoulder-length hair. Loose, soft waves add volume and texture for a gorgeous finish. This style enhances layers, highlights colour and gives hair a natural appearance - it’s one of the most popular ways to wear medium-length hair for a reason!
Our VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil is key to achieving that natural glow that beach waves are so renowned for. This lightweight oil absorbs into your tresses instantly, leaving hair silky, glossy and protected - even shielding against sun damage, making it perfect for this summer look. Learn more about how to achieve beach waves in our guide: How to Get Beach Waves
Image Credit: Pinterest @oleksiiweb
10. Medium length side part
A mid-length shoulder-length haircut with a side parting is a timeless way to show off your style. Side parts help to create instant volume at your roots, whilst still helping to softly frame your face. This style works well with straight hair, loose curls, or waves that can move easily from day to night.
To maintain this style, turn to a hair mask like our HYDRATE Moisture Mask. This solution is perfect for keeping your locks nourished, as well as working to control frizz and add shine. Just apply a small amount to clean, damp hair, and leave on for as little as 5 minutes before washing out.
Image Credit: Pinterest @jassemienaaa
Medium length haircuts for women combine versatility, style, and practicality. From sleek lobs to layered and textured cuts, this length suits a wide range of hair types, face shapes, and personal styles. With the right cut and finish, shoulder-length hair can feel modern, flattering, and easy to maintain. Discover the full Neäl & Wølf collection to maintain your styles perfectly: All Products
