medium hairstyles 31 Medium-Length Layered Haircuts for Body and Movement

Torn between short hair and long hair? Medium layered hair could the happy-medium you’re looking for. Medium-length layered haircuts not only work wonders to help create movement, volume, and texture—they also frame and define your face. That being said, it’s no surprise that medium-length layered hair is trending this year. Not sure if long layers on medium hair will complement your look? Here are 31 medium-length layered hairstyles (including a layered lob style) that are perfect for your 2020 mane makeover. After reading, we have a feeling you’ll be booking it to the salon pronto!

1. SHOULDER-GRAZING SHAG

If you’re the kind of person who likes to take risks (with your beauty routine, that is), then give an edgy shag haircut a try. A shaggy hairstyle that just touches your shoulders works on a range of hair types, including both thin and thick hair. Shag haircuts, which have a total rock ‘n’ roll vibe, are marked by lots and lots of layers—specifically near the crown of your head—as well as choppy ends. To style your cut, add an egg-sized amount of a volumizing hair mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, to damp hair and let your mane air dry. 

2. WATERFALL LAYERS

Now that you have retro styles on your mind, you may want to give waterfall layers a go! This hairstyle, where the layers cascade like waves, will give the mid-lengths of your hair a boost of body for a mane that will have you looking selfie-ready in no time. 

3. LAYERED LOB

Ah, the lob (a.k.a. long bob): You can’t get much trendier than this medium-length haircut! You probably recognize this haircut, as plenty of your fave celebs have been seen sporting it over the last few years. The lob is flattering on almost all face shapes and hair textures, so it’s easy to understand why it’s so popular. Ask your stylist to cut your lob at either your shoulders, just above, or just below.

If you’re a fan of sleek styles, apply a hair cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Frizz Vanisher Cream, to damp hair, then blow-dry with a paddle brush to style. Easy, peasy!

4. FEATHERED LAYERS WITH A SIDE PART

Ready to do your medium layered hair justice? A side part with feathered layers will do the trick. Not only are feathered hairstyles trending, but this soft, layered cut will give the ends of your hair gorgeous shape for a look that’s defined and unique. Create a deep side part and mist a volumizing spray over your strands to liven up your mane. 

5. CHOPPY LAYERS WITH BANGS

Speaking of low-maintenance haircuts, choppy layers and bangs are definitely worth a try. Since this haircut plays to your love of texture, pairing it with face-framing bangs, like curtain bangs, is great for achieving even more definition and movement.

6. LONG U-SHAPE BOB

For those who love to experiment with different haircut shapes, you may want to give the U-shape bob haircut a try. From the layered lengths to the rounded finish, everything about this medium-length layered haircut is perfect. The layers will sit right above your shoulders for a statement-making look.

7. ASYMMETRICAL LONG BOB WITH WAVES

Dare to go bold with your medium-length layered hairstyle? An asymmetrical lob with waves is a great way to do so. This haircut sports strands that are longer on one side than the other for the perfect amount of edge and sass. The difference in length plays well with various textures and when styled right is seriously trendsetting. To style, use a small amount of curl mousse to liven up your natural texture. 

8. LIVED-IN WAVY LAYERS

For this medium-length haircut, your stylist should cut choppy layers throughout your mane to help enhance your hair’s natural texture. The best part about this haircut is that it was basically made for air-dried hair. To get an effortless beach wave look, apply a dollop of curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, scrunch, air dry, and go!

9. CURLY LAYERS

One of the best ways to complement your in-between length is to play with curls. An excellent opting for adding some life to your medium layered hairstyle, curly textures flirt with shape and movement for a mane that demands attention. Whether you have naturally curly hair or add ringlets throughout your mane with the help of a curling iron, this style will be equally stunning.

10. TOUSLED TAPERED STRANDS

Another medium-length layered style we love? Tousled tapered strands! It’s a bit of a tongue twister, but this look adds bounce and weight to your hair that won’t go unnoticed. We also adore the tapered detailing as it removes bulk from your mane, making it an ideal cut for those with thick locks.

11. TRIANGLE LAYERS

Instead of keeping things simple with classic layers, why not mix things up with triangle layers? This cut is all about keeping the ends of your hair one length while the top layer of hair emulates a triangle shape. A great way to step outside of the box of traditional medium-length layered haircuts, this layered hairstyle will give your mane the tune-up it needs.

12. SUPER-SOFT LAYERS WITH BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

If blunt haircuts are not exactly your speed, then opt for soft, understated layers instead. Soft layers blend seamlessly into your hair for subtle movement. But why stop there? How about pairing your new medium-length haircut with a new hair color, like balayage highlights, which are low-maintenance just like this cut.

Balayage is a freehanded highlighting technique where individual strands are colored for a natural-looking finish. Keep in mind that balayage highlights require bleaching—and the darker your starting shade, the more work that may be required to lighten your hair. To style, apply a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Thermal Smoother Cream, then blow-dry and curl with a large-barrel curling iron.

13. LONG BOB WITH CHOPPY LAYERS

When paired with choppy layers, a long bob is a great pick for those with medium-length locks, especially if you have thin or fine hair. Choppy layers help add much-needed texture to thin strands. To play up the texture even more, spritz the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray onto roots as the last step in your routine. 

14. A-LINE LOB

One of the best medium layered haircuts of 2020? The A-line lob! This stunning haircut features strands that are shorter at the back and gradually get longer as you reach the front of your head. Providing your mane with effortless movement, you’ll look like you stepped off the runway with every hair flip. We also dig that this ‘do flatters most face shapes and textures. 

15. JAGGED LOB

A slight variation of the choppy lob, the jagged lob features layers that are slightly uneven for a messy yet uniform finish. A great way to give your mane a more textured look with tons of body, this cut is a surefire way to elevate your style. And if you want to take your texture to new heights, define your jagged layers with a quick mist of texturizing spray.

16. STACKED LOB

The stacked lob is in high demand and for good reason. This on-trend medium layered haircut features stacked layers at the back of your head, with longer layers at the front to give your strands effortless movement. Whether you’re working with straight hair or curly hair, this haircut looks good on all textures.

17. FACE-FRAMING LOB WITH CURLS

There’s no denying that layered strands are gorgeous, but there’s something about a face-framing lob with curls that tips the scale. With soft curls directed away from the face, this medium layered hairstyle pairs well with thin hair, adding gorgeous body and volume. 

18. BLUNT CUT 

In the mood for a haircut that’s stylish and easy to maintain? It’s time to get acquainted with the blunt cut. This modern hairstyle is guaranteed to earn you compliments. A versatile option for all hair types, it’s easy to see why it’s a go-to pick among medium-length layered hairstyles.

19. STEP CUT

Game for giving your medium-length hair a retro touch? Allow us to point you in the direction of the step cut. This haircut consists of two layers: one that sits above the shoulders and another that falls a few inches below. As a result, these layers do not blend, giving your strands plenty of definition. 

20. TWO LAYERED HAIRCUT WITH BANGS

For a flirty look, consider a two-layered haircut with bangs. With noticeable layers that shape your face and add body to your strands, this cut won’t disappoint. You can also ask your stylist to give you curtain bangs to amp up the cool-girl aesthetic.

21. V-SHAPE HAIRCUT

V-shaped haircuts will never go out of style. With various layers coming together to form a ‘V’ shaped point, they’re a great option for creating the illusion of length, even if you only have medium-length hair. Plus, you can easily style your strands in multiple ways, allowing for plenty of versatility. And of course, you can count on giving your mane tons of movement with this cut!

22. LAYERED INVERTED LOB

Similar to the popular stacked bob, a layered inverted lob features a tapered back and stacked layers, creating a curvier look at the back. Like many medium layered hair options, this cut can be customized. Whether you prefer subtle blended layers or more defined ones, this hairstyle will give your strands volume and a natural bounce. 

23. MEDIUM LAYERS WITH FLIPPED ENDS

One of the easiest ways to give a retro hairstyle a 2020 revamp is to try medium layers with flipped ends. This vintage-inspired cut has your layers fall below the shoulders, with the ends flipped up for a flirty touch. 

24. FEATHERED LAYERS WITH BANGS

If feathered layers piqued your interest but a deep side part isn’t quite your style, perhaps you’d like to pair the cut with bangs. This ‘do combines textured layers with a side-swept bang that will draw the eye to your facial features. To style, all you need is a touch of hair mousse or pomade to highlight your texture.

25. RAZOR CUT LOB

Want to give your lob some wispy texture? You may want to turn your attention to the razor cut lob. Known to give hair a soft and volumized look, you could say this cut is the best of both worlds. Even better, it works well with fine hair types. 

26. LOB WITH FACE-FRAMING LAYERS

A lob with face-framing layers will always be chic in our book! There’s just something about the way this haircut complements your face shape while drawing attention to your features that we can’t get enough of. We’d consider it a go-to option for a medium layered hairstyle that’s truly timeless. 

27. MESSY LAYERED LOB WITH A CENTER PART

Ready to add another medium-length layered hairstyle to your hair lookbook? Look no further than a messy lob paired with a center part. The true epitome of carefree styling, this haircut is ideal for those who find themselves constantly pressed for time. All you need is a texturizing spray in the morning, and you’re out the door.

28. TEXTURED MEDIUM-LENGTH BOB

When body and movement is the ultimate goal for your hairstyle, you need to rely on a haircut that makes it oh-so-easy to achieve. Textured medium-length bobs, we’re looking at you! A variation of the traditional bob hairstyle, this cut makes texture the star of the show. What’s not to love? Define your strands with texturizing spray or boost your curls with mousse for a head-turning look. 

29. SIDE PART LOB WITH FINELY CHOPPED ENDS

Love the edgy vibes of a chopped haircut? The side part lob with finely chopped ends may be just what you need. This haircut adds weight toward the top and mid-lengths of your hair for a full and volumized cut, making it another great option for those with fine hair.

30. ROUNDED LOB

A rounded lob is another winner when it comes to medium layered hairstyles. Naturally working to flatter your face while pumping your strands full of volume, this haircut will always be a prime pick. 

31. LAYERS WITH A CENTER PART AND SOFT TAPERED ENDS

Last but certainly not least, consider pairing a center part with layers and tapered ends. This low maintenance style works with your natural texture for a super flattering option that will look great on everyone. It’s a great choice for those who aren’t quite ready to step outside of their comfort zone when making the chop.

Next up: Want more medium-length haircut inspiration? Head on over to our article, The 40 Best Hairstyles and Haircuts for Medium-Length Hair, for your next cut or style idea.