Hair that sits between the collarbone and shoulders tends to go flat at the crown and heavy at the ends by afternoon, and a few well-placed layers help with that. Most medium layered haircuts need only a round brush or some air-drying, plus a trim every six to eight weeks. The right cut depends on your texture, density and face shape.
1. Classic Medium Layers
Classic medium layers sit between the shoulders and collarbone, with the shortest layer at the chin. I hold sections out at 45 degrees and point cut the ends so the layers blend. It suits oval, round and heart faces and fine to thick hair. Blow-dry with a medium round brush and bend the ends under. It is the base for most medium layered haircuts. Trim every 8 weeks.
2. Medium Butterfly Cut
A medium butterfly cut stacks short layers at the cheekbones over longer layers that end at the collarbone. I cut the top layers by pulling hair forward to the face, then blend into the back. It suits medium to thick hair and oval or heart faces. Blow-dry with a large round brush and roll the front away. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair with layers that holds volume two days. Trim every 8 weeks.
3. Medium Shag
A medium shag uses razor-cut layers at the crown and around the face with a fringe. The length sits at the shoulders. It suits wavy and curly hair of medium density and oval or long faces. Air-dry with a sea salt spray or curl cream and scrunch. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that looks better on day two. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
4. Medium Wolf Cut
A medium wolf cut pairs short, choppy crown layers with a tapered, wispy length at the shoulders. I razor cut the top and leave the back longer. It suits thick, wavy hair and oval or heart faces. Scrunch in texture spray and diffuse. Avoid heavy oils. It is one of the edgier medium layered haircuts. Trim every 6 weeks to keep the shape.
5. Layered Lob
A layered lob falls between the chin and collarbone with long internal layers to remove bulk. I keep the perimeter almost blunt so the ends stay full. It suits fine to medium hair and oval, round and square faces. Wave the mid-lengths with a 1.25-inch iron and leave the ends straight. It is one of the most worn medium layered haircuts. Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
6. Shoulder-Length Layers With Curtain Bangs
Shoulder-length layers with curtain bangs connect a center-parted fringe to layers starting at the chin. I point cut the bangs so they blend down into the first layer. It suits oval, long and square faces and any density. Blow-dry the bangs with a small round brush. These hairstyles for medium length hair with layers need a bang trim every 4 weeks and a full trim every 8.
7. Medium Layers With Side-Swept Bangs
Medium layers with side-swept bangs angle the fringe across the forehead from a side part. I cut the bangs on a diagonal and blend them into layers at the cheekbone. It suits round, square and heart faces and medium to thick hair. Blow-dry the bangs across with a flat brush. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that grows out easily. Trim every 5 to 6 weeks.
8. Medium Layers With Wispy Bangs
Medium layers with wispy bangs pair a thin, point-cut fringe with layers starting at the jaw. The forehead shows through the bangs. It suits fine to medium hair and oval or long faces. Blow-dry the bangs flat with a small brush and the length with a round brush. A little dry shampoo keeps the bangs separated. Trim the bangs every 3 to 4 weeks.
9. Medium Layers With Blunt Bangs
Medium layers with blunt bangs pair a heavy fringe at the brow with soft layers through the back. I keep the bangs thick and the layers light so the cut stays balanced. It suits oval and oblong faces and straight hair of medium to thick density. Blow-dry the bangs down with a flat brush. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that needs regular bang trims, every 3 weeks.
10. Face-Framing Layers
Face-framing layers on medium hair start at the cheekbone and step down to the collarbone, while the back stays fuller. I cut them with the hair pulled forward and point cut the ends. It suits oval, round and heart faces and any density. Blow-dry the front pieces away from the face. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair with layers that refreshes a grown-out cut. Trim every 8 weeks.
11. Ghost Layers
Ghost layers are cut under the top section so medium hair looks one length on the surface. I lift the top layer away, cut the interior shorter, then let the top fall back. It removes bulk without visible steps. It suits thick hair and clients who like a blunt look. Blow-dry straight or add a loose wave. Trim the perimeter every 8 to 10 weeks.
12. Choppy Medium Layers
Choppy medium layers are point cut deeply into the ends so the hair separates into pieces. I cut the shortest layer at the chin. It suits medium to thick hair, straight or wavy, and square or oval faces. Twist small sections with a flat iron and finish with a texture paste. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that hides uneven growth. Trim every 8 weeks.
13. Razor-Cut Medium Layers
Razor-cut medium layers have soft, tapered ends that move more than scissor-cut layers. I slide the razor down each section from mid-length. It suits medium to thick straight or wavy hair, but not frizz-prone curls. Use a smoothing serum and air-dry or blow-dry. Ask for a fresh blade at every cut. Trim every 8 weeks so the ends do not look thin.
14. Feathered Medium Layers
Feathered medium layers angle back and away from the face, a 1970s cut. I razor cut the front sections so the ends feather. It suits straight to wavy hair of medium density and oval or heart faces. Blow-dry each section back with a round brush and set with hairspray. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair with layers that suits a big blowout. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
15. Medium V-Cut Layers
Medium V-cut layers shape the back of a collarbone-length cut into a soft point. I cut the perimeter on a diagonal from each side to the center and add layers on top. It takes weight from the sides. It suits thick, straight or wavy hair. Wear it sleek to show the shape. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that looks best from behind. Trim every 8 weeks.
16. Rounded U-Cut Layers
Rounded U-cut layers curve the back of medium hair into a soft line instead of a point. I combine the curved perimeter with long internal layers for movement. It suits medium to thick hair that looks heavy at the ends. Blow-dry with a paddle brush and finish with a light oil. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that grows out cleanly. Trim every 10 weeks.
17. Concave Layered Cut
A concave layered cut is shorter at the back and longer toward the face, with a curved line from nape to collarbone. I use graduation in the back and long layers in front. It suits straight hair of fine to medium density and oval or round faces. Blow-dry smooth with a paddle brush. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that adds shape at the back. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
18. Flipped Medium Layers
Flipped medium layers turn the ends outward at the shoulders. I keep the perimeter slightly blunt so the flip holds and add layers from the chin. It suits straight and slightly wavy hair of medium to thick density and round or oval faces. Blow-dry with a round brush rolled out at the ends, then set with hairspray. Trim every 8 weeks so the ends stay crisp.
19. Blowout Layers
Blowout layers are cut for a big round-brush finish, with the shortest layer at the chin and longer layers to the collarbone. It suits medium to thick hair and oval or square faces. Blow-dry with a large round brush, then set in Velcro rollers for 10 minutes. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair with layers that lasts three days. Trim every 8 weeks.
20. Medium Octopus Cut
A medium octopus cut stacks short layers at the crown over thin, longer layers below that end at the shoulders. I razor cut the crown and point cut the lengths. It suits medium to thick straight or wavy hair. Blow-dry the crown with a round brush and leave the ends piecey. It is one of the bolder medium layered haircuts. Trim every 6 weeks.
21. Medium Hush Cut
A medium hush cut is a Korean layered cut with wispy layers around the face and neck. I razor cut lightly so the hair looks airy. It suits fine to medium straight hair and oval or round faces. Air-dry or blow-dry with a round brush and add a lightweight serum. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair with layers that needs little styling. Trim every 8 weeks.
22. Medium Layers for Fine Hair
Medium layers for fine hair are kept few and long so the ends stay full. I start the shortest layer at the chin and keep the perimeter blunt. Point cut lightly instead of razoring. Use a volumizing mousse at the roots and blow-dry upside down. It is one of the safest medium layered haircuts for low density. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
23. Medium Layers for Thick Hair
Medium layers for thick hair remove weight so the cut does not puff out into a triangle. I use slide cutting and texturizing shears through the interior and keep the perimeter strong. It suits oval and square faces. Blow-dry with a smoothing cream. These medium layered haircuts cut drying time noticeably. Trim every 8 weeks and debulk every other visit.
24. Medium Layers for Curly Hair
Medium layers on curly hair are cut dry, curl by curl, so the shape stays rounded. I add shorter pieces around the face and at the crown so curls stack. It suits 3A to 3C curls of medium to thick density. Apply a curl cream and gel to soaking-wet hair and diffuse. Refresh with water on day two. Trim every 10 to 12 weeks.
25. Medium Layers for Wavy Hair
Medium layers on wavy hair help the wave pattern show instead of falling flat. I cut longer layers through the back and shorter ones from the cheekbones down. It suits 2A to 2C waves of any density. Scrunch in a light mousse and air-dry. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair with layers that needs no heat. Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
26. Medium Layers for Straight Hair
Medium layers on straight hair need soft point cutting so the steps do not show. I start the first layer at the chin and keep the rest long. It suits fine to medium straight hair and oval or long faces. Blow-dry with a paddle brush and bend the ends with a round brush. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that looks sleek daily. Trim every 8 weeks.
27. Medium Layers on Natural Coily Hair
Medium layers on natural coily hair are shaped dry so I can see shrinkage. I cut rounded sections and keep the layers longer than on wavy hair. It suits 4A to 4C hair of medium to thick density. Wear it in a wash-and-go with gel or as a twist-out. Deep condition weekly. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that holds shape between trims. Trim every 12 weeks.
28. Medium Layers for Round Faces
For round faces, I start the shortest layer below the chin so it does not add width at the cheeks. A side part and long face-framing pieces lengthen the face. Keep volume at the crown, not the sides. It suits straight to wavy hair of any density. These medium layered haircuts work best blow-dried smooth with a round brush. Trim every 8 weeks.
29. Medium Layers for Oval Faces
Oval faces can wear any layer length, so I base the cut on hair type. Thick hair takes shorter layers at the cheekbones, fine hair gets fewer, longer layers. A center part shows the symmetry. Style with a round-brush blowout or loose waves from a 1.25-inch iron. Hairstyles for medium length hair with layers on oval faces need a trim every 8 weeks.
30. Medium Layers for Square Faces
For square faces, I cut soft, wispy layers that fall past the jaw to round off the corners. Avoid blunt jaw-length lines. Curtain or side-swept bangs soften the forehead. It suits medium to thick hair, straight or wavy. Style with loose waves that move away from the face and finish with a light texture spray. These medium layered haircuts need a trim every 8 weeks.
31. Medium Layers for Heart-Shaped Faces
For heart-shaped faces, I add fullness from the jaw down to balance a wider forehead. Layers start at the chin and sit heavier toward the ends. Side-swept bangs reduce forehead width. It suits fine to thick hair. Curl the ends outward at the jaw. Avoid height at the crown. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that balances a narrow chin. Trim every 8 weeks.
32. Medium Layers for Oblong Faces
For oblong faces, I keep medium hair at the shoulders and add layers at the cheekbones for width. Bangs shorten the face visually. It suits wavy and straight hair of medium to thick density. Style with waves at the sides and volume at the cheekbones. These hairstyles for medium length hair with layers work better than long hair on a long face. Trim every 8 weeks.
33. Medium Layers for Diamond Faces
For diamond faces, I add width at the forehead and jaw to balance wide cheekbones. Curtain bangs cover the narrow forehead and layers flare out at the jaw. It suits medium to thick hair. Avoid volume at the cheekbones. Curl the ends outward with a round brush. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that softens high cheekbones. Trim every 8 weeks.
34. Medium Layers for Women Over 40
For women over 40, medium layers that start at the cheekbones lift the face and hide thinning at the ends. I keep the perimeter blunt and the layers soft. It suits fine to medium hair of any texture. Add a gloss treatment every 6 weeks for shine. Blow-dry with a round brush. These medium layered haircuts look polished with little effort. Trim every 8 weeks.
35. Medium Layers for Women Over 50
For women over 50, I keep medium layers at the shoulders with lift at the crown and soft face-framing pieces. Point cutting keeps the ends light. It suits gray, blended and colored hair of fine to medium density. Use a purple shampoo on gray hair. Blow-dry with a round brush for volume. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the ends healthy.
36. Medium Layers for Women Over 60
For women over 60, a chin-to-shoulder layered cut with crown lift is easy to style. I use light graduation at the nape and point cut the top. It suits fine hair and gray blending. Use a volumizing mousse and a round brush, or air-dry with a light texture cream. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair with layers that dries quickly. Trim every 6 weeks.
37. Medium Layers With Balayage
Balayage on medium layered hair shows off the cut, since each layer catches a different tone. I paint lightener on the surface and ends after cutting. It suits brunette and dark blonde bases and any face shape. Use a purple shampoo once a week. Tone every 8 weeks and refresh the balayage every 3 to 4 months. These medium layered haircuts grow out softly.
38. Medium Layers With Money Piece Highlights
Money piece highlights brighten the two front sections and work best with face-framing layers. I cut the layers first, then lighten the front from root to tip, two or three shades lighter. It suits warm and neutral skin tones. Style the front pieces with a round brush. These hairstyles for medium length hair with layers need a root touch-up every 6 to 8 weeks.
39. Copper Medium Layers
Copper color on medium layered hair shows the shape of every layer because red reflects light. I cut the layers first, then color from root to end. It suits fair to medium skin with warm undertones. Wash with cool water and a color-depositing conditioner. Refresh the gloss every 6 weeks. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that shows color well. Trim every 8 weeks.
40. Ash Blonde Medium Layers
Ash blonde on medium layers gives a cool, smoky tone that shows the separation between layers. I lift the hair and tone it with a blue-violet gloss. It suits cool and neutral skin tones. Use a purple shampoo twice a week and a bond-building treatment monthly. Blow-dry on low heat. Tone every 6 weeks and touch up roots every 8.
41. Medium Layers With a Deep Side Part
A deep side part with medium layers adds volume on one side and covers part of the forehead. I cut the face-framing layers with the hair in the side part so they fall correctly. It suits round, square and heart faces and medium to thick hair. Blow-dry the part over with a round brush. It is one of the medium layered haircuts that adds height. Trim every 8 weeks.
42. Medium Layers With a Middle Part
Medium layers with a middle part keep the cut symmetrical, with matching face-framing pieces on both sides. I cut the front with the hair parted at the center. It suits oval, heart and diamond faces and any hair type. Blow-dry straight or set loose waves. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair with layers that grows out evenly. Trim every 8 weeks.
43. Low-Maintenance Medium Layers
Low-maintenance medium layers are cut to grow out evenly for months between visits. I keep the layers long, starting at the collarbone, and soften the perimeter with point cutting. It suits any texture of medium to thick density. Air-dry with a leave-in cream and scrunch. Pair with lived-in color like balayage. These medium layered haircuts can go 4 months between trims.
44. Medium Layers With Beach Waves
Beach waves show medium layers more than a straight finish. I cut layers with point cutting so the waves separate. It suits fine to thick straight or wavy hair. Wrap two-inch sections around a 1-inch flat iron, leave the ends out and finish with a texture spray. It is one of the hairstyles for medium length hair with layers that lasts two days with dry shampoo. Trim every 8 weeks.
Medium hair is where layers do the most work, because a few grams taken from the crown stop the collarbone-length cut from sitting flat by afternoon. I cut the longest layers last and watch the movement in a hand mirror, not just the wall one. A round-brush lift at the roots is the only styling most of these need. oval face haircuts stay the shape I get asked about most, and the same length rules apply whether the cut is curly or straight.
Medium hair is where layers do the most work, because a few grams taken from the crown stop the collarbone-length cut from sitting flat by afternoon. I cut the longest layers last and watch the movement in a hand mirror, not just the wall one. A round-brush lift at the roots is the only styling most of these need. oval face haircuts stay the shape I get asked about most, and the same length rules apply whether the cut is curly or straight.