From the bob to the bixie, short haircuts have become the style of choice in salons up and down the country. Though they all look incredible, they’re also pretty high maintenance.
For those who don’t like the idea of booking in for a monthly trim, a midi, shoulder-length cut might be your best bet. Far from mediocre, the in-between length isn’t only much easier to keep sharp — it’s also being touted as one of the biggest hair trends for 2026. “Mid-length cuts don’t have to feel like a long, grown-out bob,” says Jordan Jones, stylist and color technician at Taylor Taylor London. “This year, we’re being shown that they can be their own style with layers and careful shaping to create volume and movement, or shine and sophistication. If your bob has grown out and your hair has reached that awkward-length stage, or if you’ve got long locks and fancy a change without going super short, a trendy mid-length style is the cut for you.”
On Instagram, London’s most sought-after stylists The Hair Bros are also championing shoulder-length haircuts with curtain bangs, concave layers, and natural waves. It seems we’ve all got the same idea: Google search for shoulder-length haircuts has risen by 180% recently.
So which shoulder-length haircut will suit you best? Ahead, stylists reveal the biggest shoulder-length haircut trends that everyone can wear.
The Shoulder-Length Drape
Curtain bangs are going nowhere fast, but according to editorial hairstylist and presenter Neil Moodie, you might want to cancel your fringe trim, because it’s increasingly cool to let it grow out a little. “Grown-out curtain fringes are great and can make shoulder-length hair look more interesting,” he says. The more grown out the fringe, the easier it is to blend into the rest of your hair, particularly if you’re interested in getting a handful of layers to enhance volume and texture, like this style by hairstylist
Nicolas Flores.
The Jagged Lob
“As the bob and long bobs have been around for a while, I feel like fringes are making a comeback,” says Moodie. “The type of fringe I mean almost looks a bit homemade and very individual. It’s slightly jagged on the ends and a little uneven.” Take a cue from this choppy cut on Callan de Villiers by Cort Bray.
The Mane
You’ve heard of the wolf cut (a variation on the shag, occupying a space between wild and relaxed) but ‘the mane’ is a lot more voluminous. “This is super edgy with lots of texture and a heavy fringe that needs to be worn long and in the eyes so it has plenty of movement,” explains Jordan Jones, stylist and color technician at Taylor Taylor London. “The face-framing layers of this cut make it perfect for adding texture and volume to the hair while defining the face.”
So what should you ask for? “A choppy cut with plenty of layers that frame the face and create soft movement,” says Jones. “Think Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus’s shaggy ‘dos.” Jones says the look works well with any hair texture. “Sea salt products are a must-have to give an effortless, freshly tousled finishing touch.” Take inspiration from this look by Francesca Inverarity.
The Shoulder-Length Afro
“As we move into spring and summer, I think we’ll be seeing a lot more natural afro and curly hair in medium lengths,” says celebrity hairdresser Lorraine Dublin, much like this beautiful, fluffed-out afro on Diliana van Rijn. “In the colder months, hair thrives better in protective styles, so as the weather heats up, we’ll be seeing afro hair in its natural state — with bold colors, too.”
The Half Up, Half Down
“Another trend that will continue to be popular is the half-up, half-down style,” says Lorraine, “especially with hair extensions.” She continues: “You can add an ombre hair color to the ends and combine this with a natural, soft, body wave.” Gemma Murphy from Dylan Bradshaw, Dublin, totally nails the cute in-between style here.
The Collarbone Cut
“The collarbone cut is so popular right now,” says Tyler Moore, stylist at Live True London. He prefers a blunt edge and no layering, but the look works equally well with a little bit of texture. “This style can be paired with a fringe for an ultra chic look, and it works great on both straight and wavy or textured hair.” We love this look on Jessenia Robayo.
The Flip
The Hair Bros say a shoulder-length cut is its own style and that it’s important not to leave all of the hair one length. “This will end up looking heavy, as if it were a shorter bob. A middy haircut should be full of texture and life and feel fun and playful. It’s great for anyone who wants to cut their long hair short but isn’t quite ready to brave a bob.” Flip your hair to one side for more of a natural, lived-in feel, like this cut on Alexia Colombo. “As always, just a few products and some air should be enough to style this cut,” added The Hair Bros.
The ’90s Lob
The ’90s lob (aka long bob) is going to be everywhere again this year, says Tyler. “This is a layered, mid-length long bob à la Rachel from Friends. Think of it as a more retro twist on the wolf cut with slightly longer layers and a sleeker texture.” Dreamed up by @the.labartory on Instagram, this lob is both glossy and textured.
The Hi-Shine Lob
“Embrace modern glamour with a super blunt cut with clean, sharp lines,” says Jones, like this cut created by Emiliano Breit. “This style looks best when cut around the collarbone and is perfectly set off with mirror-shine hair.” This is all about the condition of your hair, so make sure to use hydrating and nourishing conditioners or oils to create a super sleek style. Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Original Hair Oil, is a favorite among stylists.
“If you are a brunette or darker, ask for a gloss color to add depth and shine,” adds Jones. “Even opting for a Brazilian blow-dry or straightening treatment will help to put the finishing touches on this look.”
Lived-In Lengths
“Why is shoulder-length hair commonly perceived to be bad?” wrote The Hair Bros on Instagram. “It’s not!” This modern shoulder-length cut by hairstylist Liam Russell on Ruby Tuesday Evers has inspired the Bros’ work in-salon over the past few months. The bedhead texture and mussed-up fringe give the medium length great shape.
The Top-Heavy Cut
The shag, the mullet, the shullet… Whatever you call the ‘00s most popular cut, it always seems to be evolving, as illustrated by Emily Kingston, stylist and colorist at Blue Tit Clapton. Proving the cut looks just as incredible on curly hair, the trick is to emphasize lots of volume around the top of the head and taper the lengths right down to the bottom so that hair sits just below the collarbone.
Flipped Side Bangs
The flipped side bang perfectly accentuates a shoulder-length cut, says Jones, like this style on Billie Brown. “Curtain bangs have moved on, and side bangs from the early ’00s are back. For fringe lovers who want a bit more excitement this year, this style flatters most face shapes and essentially frames the face with disconnected, slightly longer bangs. It’s not dramatic and easy to tuck behind your ear, pin to one side, or sweep across the forehead with a big, bouncy blow-dry.”
Jones says it looks great on wavy, thicker hair in particular, styled as if it’s been casually flipped over. “To keep it on trend, it’s best worn loose and tousled. Add spritzes of dry shampoo on the roots for second-day hair to amplify the volume and add a bit of texture.”
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