Not too long, not too short, but just right. If Goldilocks had walked into a barbershop instead of a bear’s house, we can safely say she would have gone for a medium-length haircut. Sitting between long, flowing, cropped, and conservative, a medium length adds a bit of rock ‘n’ roll to your look without the risk of being mistaken for a woman from behind. Now is the time to take the plunge. Medium length has been popping up on the heads of some of the world’s most stylish people, and it will only make them more fashionable.
But where do you start? For those of us who are used to short back and side cuts, medium length can be scary. What are the styles? How do you style them? And how do you tell your barber what you want?
To answer all these questions and more, we’ve put everything you need to know about medium-length haircuts in one place. Check out our tips and browse our gallery to help you and your barber find the perfect one.
Medium Length Hair Terms
Before you get into medium-length haircuts, it’s good to know some barbershop lingo. Knowing these terms will help you tell your barber exactly what you want and make the process easier for both of you. Less guesswork means better results!
Choppy
Choppy means a specific cutting technique in which your stylist cuts chunks of hair in a defined but uneven or asymmetrical way. This technique is used on medium—to longer-length hair and is designed to create depth and texture, making the hair look more dynamic and alive.
Choppy Haircut Features
Defined but Uneven: Choppy means making deliberate cuts that result in different lengths throughout the hair. This creates movement and dimension, making the haircut look more interesting and less uniform.
Texture and Volume: Choppy cuts enhance the natural texture of hair by cutting out bulk and adding layers. This is great for those with fine or straight hair, as it can create the illusion of volume and fullness.
Versatility: Choppy haircuts can be adapted to any hair type and length. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, this technique can be tailored to your texture and give you a modern edge.
Styling: Choppy haircuts give you plenty of styling options. You can wear your hair messy for a relaxed, beachy look or slicked back for a more polished one. Choppy cuts are good for both casual and formal occasions.
Extra Info
Talking to Your Stylist: When you ask for a choppy haircut, bring reference photos to your appointment. This will help your stylist understand exactly what you want, and you’ll leave the salon with the haircut you envisioned.
Messy
Messy is a style intentionally styled to look rough, tousled, or undone. This is a carefree and relaxed look often referred to as “bed hair” or “beach hair.” It’s become a popular way to wear medium-length hair, and many love it.
Messy Haircut Features
Intentional Imperfection: A messy cut is all about imperfection. The goal is to look like you just rolled out of bed or spent the day at the beach. This adds character and individuality to your haircut.
Texture and Volume: Messy haircuts often have layers and textures that add to the undone look. This is great for those with fine or straight hair, as it can create the illusion of volume and movement.
Versatility: The messy look is very versatile and can be adapted to any hair type and length. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, this style can enhance your natural texture and give you a modern edge.
Taper
Taper is a popular barbering technique for medium-length haircuts. It involves blending two different lengths of hair to create a smooth transition from long to short. Tapers can be done with clippers, scissors, or a combination of both and give a polished and defined look.
Taper Features
Smooth Gradation: The main feature of a taper is the gradual change in length. The hair on the back and sides is cut shorter and blends into the longer hair on top, giving the overall haircut a clean and sleek look.
Versatility: Tapers can be used for any style and hair type. Whether you want a subtle taper for a more conservative look or a more extreme taper for a bold statement, this can be tailored to your preference.
Neat and Sleek: One of the benefits of a taper is the neat finish. This is great for both casual and formal occasions, as it adds a bit of sophistication to any haircut.
Fade
A fade is a styling technique in which hair is cut to different lengths using clippers set to different grades. It’s more commonly used on shorter hair but can add drama to medium-length hair, especially when combined with an undercut.
Fade Features
Shorter Transition: Unlike a taper with a smooth gradation of lengths, a fade has a shorter transition from short to long. This creates a dramatic contrast that can make the overall haircut look better.
Clipper Technique: Fades are done using clippers, which give precise control over the length of the hair. Barbers use different clipper guard settings to achieve the fade effect and to get a clean finish.
Dramatic Effect: Adding a fade to a medium-length haircut can add drama and sophistication. This is especially effective when paired with an undercut where the sides and back are faded, and the top is left longer. The result is a bold and attention-grabbing look.
Types of Fades
There are different types of fades:
Low Fade: Starts just above the ears, low-key transition.
Mid Fade: Starts at the temples, with a balanced look.
High Fade: Starts higher up the head, with more contrast.
Undercut
The undercut is a classic haircut that’s been around for decades but has become one of the biggest hair trends of the last 10 years. This bold style involves cutting the back and sides short and leaving the top longer. The undercut gives a dramatic contrast that can be customized to your personal style.
Undercut Features
Short Sides and Back: In an undercut, the hair on the sides and back is cut very short, often with clippers. This gives a clean and defined look and emphasizes the longer hair on top. The contrast between the lengths gives the haircut a modern touch.
Longer Hair on Top: The hair on top is left much longer, so there are many styling options. This length can be styled in many ways, slicked back, messy, or textured, giving versatility and personal expression.
With a Taper: The undercut is often paired with a taper, in which the hair gradually shortens as it goes down the sides and back. This gives a smooth transition and a clean finish to the overall look.
Disconnected Style: You can also wear the undercut disconnected, with a more pronounced separation between the short sides and the long top. This gives a bolder and more dramatic look and more styling options.
Medium Length Haircut For Your Face Shape
Not everyone’s face shape suits every haircut, and this is especially true for medium-length cuts. A haircut that looks great on one person might not look the same on another. To make sure you look your best, you need to consider your face shape when choosing a medium-length haircut.
Long Face and Big Forehead
If you have a long face and a big forehead, you’ll want to avoid styles that brush the hair up and back off the face. Instead, go for textured styles with a fringe. A fringe can break up the length of your face, draw attention away from the forehead, and make your face look more balanced. By not adding height, you’ll flatter your features and get better proportions.
Round Face
For round faces, the opposite applies. Lofty cuts with length on top, like brush-ups and messy, tied-back styles, can help balance out the round face by adding height. This added verticality gives the illusion of a longer face, which can be very flattering. To enhance the effect, keep the sides short and neat to maintain a clean silhouette.
Heart Shaped Face
If you have a heart-shaped face, you should avoid hairstyles that draw attention to the forehead. Pompadours and quiffs can accentuate this area, which might not be the most flattering. Instead, go for loose, messy styles that add volume and texture without focusing on the forehead. This will give your features a more balanced look.
Oval Face
You’re lucky if you have an oval face, as you can pull off most medium-length cuts. This face shape is considered versatile and balanced, so most medium-length cuts will suit you. But still, choose styles that suit your personal style and hair type. Try out different looks, from textured layers to sleek styles, as you’ll probably get many options.
Medium Length Haircut Trends
Keep It Loose
In the world of short hair, the military-inspired high and tight cut has been making a comeback, with style icons like David Beckham leading the pack. But when it comes to medium-length hair, the trend shifts dramatically to a more relaxed and effortless look. The focus is on keeping it low and loose.
Loose Curls
Loose curls are a great way to add texture and movement to medium-length hair. They look laid-back but polished. To achieve loose curls, use a curling wand or a texturizing spray to enhance your natural waves. The result is a carefree look that’s both stylish and accessible.
Loose Quiffs
The loose quiff is another medium-length haircut trend. Unlike the structured quiffs of the past, the loose quiff is more relaxed. This style allows volume at the front and a soft, tousled look. To create a loose quiff, use a lightweight styling product to add lift and texture without weighing the hair down.
Casual Strands
Strands hanging nonchalantly over the forehead like Alex Turner’s signature look are also in. This adds coolness and nonchalance to your appearance. To get this look, simply let some longer strands fall naturally over your forehead, and you’re good to go.
Cool Guy Look
Whatever the style, the overall vibe of these trends is a cool guy. The focus is on natural and effortless styles, with a bit of length to enhance the appearance. This is perfect for those who want to express themselves while looking stylish.
Off Your Face
Wearing your hair up and off the face is one of the best ways to style medium-length hair. This shows off your features and adds a touch of sophistication to your look. Classic cuts that fit this trend are pompadour, quiff, and slick back.
Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic haircut with volume at the front and hair styled up and back. This creates a sharp silhouette and can be adapted to any hair type. To get a pompadour, use a strong-hold styling product to add lift and hold throughout the day.
Slick Back
The slick back is a classic and polished look that involves combing the hair back from the face. It is perfect for formal occasions or work, as it looks confident and sophisticated. To get a slick back, use a pomade or gel to keep the hair in place and sleek.
Mid-Century Madness
While menswear has been having a 90s revival for a few years now, the world of hair is firmly in the 1950s. This decade is making a comeback, and mid-century haircuts are taking over barbershops and style enthusiasts. From super tight fades with polished side parts to lazily brushed-back pompadours, these retro cuts dominate the conversation and set the trends.
Mid-Century Haircut Features
Super-Tight Fades: One key feature of this trend is the super-tight fade. This involves closely cropped sides that create a sharp contrast with the longer hair on top. The fade can be tailored to any height from low to high, so you can personalize it while still looking 1950s.
Polished Side Partings: A polished side part is a mid-century haircut staple. This clean and structured look adds sophistication and glamour to the overall style. The side part can be paired with any length on top, from short to medium, and is often styled with a strong hold product to keep it in place throughout the day.
Why Mid-Century Styles Are Back?
Timeless: Mid-century haircuts are stylish and timeless. They don’t follow trends and fads. They are classic, so they can be worn by men of all ages, making them a popular choice for those who want to look sophisticated.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Vibe: These haircuts are full of rock ‘n’ roll attitude. They’re rebellious and individual. The connection to 1950s icons like Elvis Presley and James Dean adds to their cool and cultural value.
Barbershop Banter: The mid-century haircut revival has sparked debate in barbershops, with clients and barbers sharing their favorite styles and techniques. This has led to a resurgence of classic barbering skills, so these timeless cuts are being executed with precision and panache.
Maintenance & Styling
A mid-length cut requires effort, but it all starts in the barber’s chair. To keep your style looking sharp and stylish, you should get tips and advice from the barber cutting your hair. They can give you specific advice based on your hair type and the style you’ve chosen, but there are some general maintenance and styling essentials you should keep in mind.
Tools for Maintenance
Vented Brush: A vented brush is perfect for mid-length hair as it allows for better airflow when blow drying. This reduces drying time and adds volume to your style. Look for a brush with flexible bristles to minimize damage and breakage.
Good Blow Dryer: A good blow dryer is essential for styling mid-length hair. Use it to add volume and shape to your style. When blow drying, aim the nozzle down the hair shaft to smooth the cuticles and reduce frizz.
Pomade or Wax: Choose between pomade and wax, depending on the finish you want. Pomade gives a shiny, slick finish, perfect for polished styles like pompadours or slick backs. Wax gives a matte finish and is great for textured, messy looks. Try both and see what works best for your style.
Sea Salt Spray: Sea salt spray is great for adding texture and a beachy feel to mid-length hair. It enhances natural waves and gives hair a relaxed, messy look. Spray on damp hair and scrunch for an undone look.
Comb: A good comb is essential for styling and maintaining your mid-length cut. Use it to create clean partings or to smooth down flyaways. A wide-tooth comb is perfect for detangling without breakage.
Regular Barbershop Visits
You should visit the barbershop regularly to keep your mid-length style in check. Go every 4-6 weeks, and you can get a quick trim and tidy up any areas that need attention so that your style stays fresh and groomed.
Major Medium-Length Haircuts For Men
Wavy Mop
The wavy mop has become popular in recent years, partly due to style icons like Timothée Chalamet and Dev Patel. This laid-back, stylish cut is all about texture, volume, and length, so it’s perfect for those who want to look relaxed and fashionable.
Wavy Mop Features
Goldilocks Length: The wavy mop is in the perfect “Goldilocks” zone—not too long or too short. This mid-length cut is versatile enough to style but still casual.
Texture and Volume: The wavy mop is all about texture and volume. The cut enhances the natural waves in the hair, giving it a dynamic look. This style works best with thick, wavy hair, as the natural texture adds depth and character.
Who It’s For?
Best for Wavy Hair: A wavy mop is perfect for thick wavy hair. The natural waves give this style volume and texture.
Thinning Hair: If your hair is thinning, don’t be afraid of this style. With the right products, like sea salt spray, you can still get a wavy mop that looks full and healthy. The key is to focus on texture and movement.
Natural Mid Length Afro
Some may opt for an ultra-manicured look, but embracing your natural texture is often the way to go. The natural mid-length afro is a great example. Style icons like Donald Glover show us the beauty of natural hair. This style celebrates your curls while still looking polished.
Natural Mid Length Afro Features
Emphasis on Natural Texture: The natural mid-length afro emphasizes your natural hair texture. This style lets your curls take center stage without too much manipulation.
Slight Taper on Sides and Back: To keep it neat and groomed, the back and sides are tapered slightly. This taper adds structure to the style, focusing on the curls on top and giving a clean finish.
Barbering: For the best results, you need to go to a barber who specializes in afro hair. They understand the texture of textured hair and can give you a cut that enhances your natural shape and volume.
Braids
Braids have been a trend for years and have existed for centuries across many cultures. Modern icons like Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, and Lewis Hamilton have brought braids back into the mainstream.
Braids Features
Cultural Significance: Braids are not just hairstyles; they carry deep cultural significance in many communities. Throughout history, they have been used to express identity, heritage, and personal style. Braids allow you to connect with that tradition while being an individual.
Versatile Styling: One of the best things about braids is their versatility. You can wear them loose and messy for a relaxed look or tighter styles like cornrows close to the head. You can also experiment with different patterns and designs your barber can create for a personal touch.
Modern Influences: The current braids trend has been influenced by many celebrities and artists. Their boldness has inspired many to try it out, and it’s now a popular choice for those who want to make a statement.
Side Part
The classic side part with a short back and sides is timeless but can sometimes look stodgy or formal. To keep this style fresh for the 21st century, wear it loose and laid back. This modern take on the side part is relaxed and effortless but still has the classic roots.
Side Part Features
Longish Hair on Top: For a modern side part, the hair on top should be longish, so you have versatility in styling. This length gives you enough room to create a defined part that is still manageable and stylish. I find a bit of length on top gives you more styling options, whether you want to keep it sleek or tousled.
Loose and Laid Back: Instead of a rigid polished look, go for a more relaxed finish. Use your fingers to loosely comb the hair into a side parting, and you’ll get a natural and effortless vibe. This way, the style feels fresh, modern, and perfect for everyday wear. I love how this relaxed style can go from a casual day out to a more formal occasion with just a quick touch-up.
Tapered Back and Sides: For the back and sides, a taper is a great option for mid-length hair. This creates a smooth transition from the longer hair on top to the shorter hair below, which looks clean and polished without being too formal. I like how a taper adds a bit of sophistication to the style, and it’s suitable for many occasions.
Fade for a Modern Twist: If you want to give the classic side part a modern twist, go for a fade instead of a taper. A fade creates a sharper contrast between the lengths and gives the style a modern edge. I think a fade really makes the style pop and feel fresh.
Straight and Layered
For those with fine, straight hair, the straight and layered style is a great option. This style is on the longer end of mid-length hair and is almost shoulder-length. Despite the length, it’s low maintenance and perfect for everyday wear.
Straight and Layered Features
Almost Shoulder Length: This style is defined by its length just above or at the shoulders. I find this length gives you a great balance of versatility and manageability. You have many styling options without the hassle of too much maintenance.
Loose Middle Parting: The hair is worn with a loose middle parting, which gives the overall look a relaxed and effortless vibe. This parting frames the face nicely and accentuates your features. I like how a middle part can create symmetry and is suitable for many face shapes.
Straight and Tucked: The hair can hang straight down or be tucked behind the ears for a more polished look. Tucking the hair adds some sophistication and is perfect for casual and formal occasions. I switch between the two depending on my plans for the day.
Layers for Depth and Texture: Layers are essential for this style as they give depth and texture and prevent the hair from looking flat and lifeless. Layers also add movement to the hair, and I recommend discussing with your barber how many layers to add depending on your hair type and desired look.
Minimal Styling Products: One of the best things about the straight and layered style is that it requires minimal styling products. A light leave-in conditioner or a small amount of styling cream can help maintain the style without weighing the hair down. I find that keeping products to a minimum allows the hair’s natural texture to show through, which is especially important for fine hair.
