Some might argue that shoulder-length hair is more of an in-between cut than a full-on style, but we totally disagree. Shoulder-length hair is sometimes thought of as a cut that’s halfway between short and long, but there’s a reason you see shoulder-grazing strands everywhere. Shoulder-length hairstyles are both functional and stylish, striking the perfect balance between the ease of a short cut and the versatility of a longer style.
Layers or no layers, bangs or no bangs? These are all decisions you can make to create the best shoulder-length hair look. Use these 22 stunning shoulder-length hairstyles as your ultimate inspiration the next time you visit the hair salon.
Blunt End
Natalie Ann Hair
This cut emphasizes simplicity, with blunt ends and minimal layers—you can choose a few layers to frame your face, but keeping them all the same length makes it easier to style and will make your ends look thickest.
Full Bang
Bobbie Elliot
The shoulder-length cut is simple, but stylish with plenty of bangs. This hairstyle has very few layers, which allows the bangs to shine. If you’re looking to change up your hairstyle for spring, bangs could be the answer.
Natural Volume
Jay Edwards
With compact curls like these, layering is essential to give volume and shape to your short cut, and for optimal volume, layers should start halfway down the hair shaft.
Airy texture
Hairy B Chrissy
A shoulder-length cut with plenty of layers will get you blown away in no time. Layers add movement to your everyday style and life to naturally flat hair.
Center-parted bangs
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This haircut uses bangs and layers to add more texture to this just-below-shoulder-length style. You can grow your bangs out to your cheekbones or close to your chin, depending on your preference.
Textured Side Sweep
Chris Jones
For those with wavy hair, this style will help give you the movement and wave look you want. The layers are a little shorter in the back, but there’s plenty of face-framing section too. When styling this cut, try using a bit of texture spray for added effect.
Side-swept bangs
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This old-fashioned shoulder-length cut has a strong early 2000s vibe, but the side-swept bangs are worth trying again, in our opinion. This shoulder-swept cut features bangs that reach below the eyebrows and down to the chin.
Deep Side Part
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For women with extremely thick hair, a deep side part may not seem necessary, but the volume a deep side part can provide is unmatched. A deep side part works well with most hair types.
Face Framing
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When you’re going for a medium-length cut, the key to creating definition is to frame your face without super short layers, which can be difficult to style. Match your layers with face-framing highlights.
Shag Cut
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This classic cut is back in a big way. We love the layers, bangs and overall shaggy feel. It’s always shoulder-length with layers just below eye level.
Grow out your bob
Nine Zero One
The style is longer than a traditional bob but shorter than her favorite lob, with the transition length being roughly a single length.
Side-swept shoulder cut
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Side swept bangs are always a classic choice for those who want to add a bit more interest to their usual shoulder cut style.
Relaxed Face Framing
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Asking for a face framing that falls over your collarbone will give you the look of side-swept bangs without being too overpowering. It pairs perfectly with short hair.
Voluminous curly cut
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Curly hair can really take center stage when you add lots of layers to give it volume and body, and it’s easy to add subtle bangs to make the most of your shag-inspired shape.
Textured Medium Cut
Becky Miller / @beckym_hair
Although center-parted hairstyles have become very popular in recent years, side-parted hairstyles never go out of style, especially if you want to add volume to your hair.
Modern Shag Cut
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For a simple shoulder cut, adding some layers and thinning bangs can create a dramatic look without spending a lot of time styling. Add layers from the middle of your hair.
Diagonal Balayage Bob
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An angled long bob can help you move between a short and medium cut while still maintaining volume, and you can finish it off with some “money piece” highlights around the face.
Curtain Lob Cut
Charlie and Cosalon
Curtain bangs are always coming back, and we’d never dismiss this trend made famous by Brigitte Bardot. Curtain bangs look great at any length, but they look especially great on shorter lengths.
A-line lob cut
Julie Facer / @headrushdesigns
There’s a difference between a stacked bob and an A-line bob: this A-line length means the back is shorter than the front, but the back isn’t stacked. As a result, it’s a slightly more understated way to try out the trend.
