Samantha Holender
Whether you’re toying with the idea of cutting off some major inches or are growing out a short hairstyle, we have some really good news: The options for medium-length hair are quite literally endless. Because regardless of your color or texture, there’s a shoulder-grazing look out there that’ll work perfectly with your face shape and bone structure. The best medium-length hairstyles range from blunt lobs to choppy, face-framing shags, and styling options run the gamut too. You can rock box braids, pull your hair into a low ponytail, add in some beachy waves—the list goes on.
Not sure how to get your search started? Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up 50 of the best shoulder-length celebrity hairstyles for your screenshotting pleasure. From Yara Shahidi’s curly hair and middle part to Jennifer Lawrence’s unbelievably chic ponytail, celebs are the ultimate source of hair inspiration. So without further ado, keep scrolling to check out the best medium-length hairstyles in Hollywood.
Sophie Turner's Tumble of Curls
When in doubt, throw your hair over your shoulder and give the ends a quick curl. The soft bends will create a pretty spiral that catches the light juuuuust right. This is also ideal for thin hair, as the twist gives the illusion of density.
Chrissy Teigen's Feathered Bangs
Blunt, thick bangs can look (and feel) heavy when paired with a shoulder-length cut, but Teigen's piece-y bangs stay soft and fluttery, thanks to the graduated layers framing her face.
Corinne Bailey Rae's Stunning Natural Style
Looking for something low maintenance? Try a natural style like twist-outs, braid-outs, or bantu knots. Post-shower, gently wring out any excess water in your hair. Then, wrap your hair in a microfiber towel for five minutes. When the time is up, apply your leave-in conditioner throughout and proceed with your twists or braids.
Yara Shahidi's Curly Middle Part
Don't let curly hair scare you from embracing a middle part. Center parts look great with all textures, as they automatically draw attention to your face ,while giving you crazy good volume.
Keri Russell's Bouncy Waves
Russell has maintained some of the best hair on TV since her Felicity days, but it's her bouncy waves that have us wondering what gravity-defying trick she has up her sleeve. Her hairstylist, Brian Magallones, said he relies on volumizing spray for the added bounce. As for the waves? He curls them in two-inch sections and pins them to her scalp while they cool for some added staying power.
Zendaya's Brushed-Out Waves
Zendaya's waves look like she just rolled out of bed in the '50s—and we mean that in the best way possible. For the most authentic finish, blow-out your hair and, while it's still warm, wrap two-inch pieces of hair around jumbo velcro rollers for 30 minutes. Spritz with hairspray, unravel, and then brush through your curls with a boar-bristle brush.
Jennifer Lawrence's Piece-y Ponytail
Adding dimension to a shoulder-length style has just as much to do with color as it does styling. Case in point? JLaw's balayage. The brighter face-framing pieces not only draw attention to her jawline, but they also make a statement when her hair is pulled into an updo.
Constance Wu's Sleek Lob
If you're trying to channel the '90s, take a page out of Wu's playbook. Her curled-at-the-ends lob is a modern spin on the throwback style—and looks great on every face shape. Longer layers will be most flattering on round and oval face shapes, while choppier cuts work well with square face shapes.
Dita von Teese's Satiny Retro Vibe
Von Teese has the pin-up look down. Her secrets to that shiny, satiny, wavy finish? Hair masks, barrel rollers, setting spray, and a really excellent cut, sans layers.
Sienna Miller's Beachy Waves
If you can't actually soak up some naturally salty texture from a beach vacation this summer, recreate the look by spritzing sea salt spray on stick-straight hair.
Thandie Newton's Voluminous Curls
The Westworld star shows us how to wear picked-out, fluffy disco curls like a boss (pssst: It's all about the umbrella technique).
Kerry Washington's Perfect Ponytail
May we all observe a moment of silence for this perfectly smooth and voluminous ponytail. Want to get the look at home? Slick back your hair into a tight ponytail, then gently tug at the hair on the crown of your head to loosen the ponytail and create volume. Twist random sections of hair around a curling iron, brush them out, and go forth into your dreamy, picturesque future.
Keira's Knightley's Thick Bangs
Bangs are all the rage right now—and no one rocks the look better than Knightley. We love this look for all hair types, but curly or wavy girls might want to take this cut *extra* seriously. A simple swipe of a straightening iron through your bangs will instantly give you a polished look.
