79 Medium-length Layered Hairstyles To Light You Up (2024)

Not too long, not too short, sport your hair in perfect-size cuts for an ultra-glam appearance.

Reviewed by Andrea Claire, Hairstylist & Makeup Artist
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc
Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism)  • 

Gone are the days when medium-layered hair was considered basic. Medium-layered hairstyles have far more versatility than you think! You can style them fresh and natural, add curls, rock a ponytail, or wrap them in a textured bun. Layers help frame your face and bring out your features. It is important to get the layers right according to your face shape and hair texture.

Try out these layered hairstyles if you are looking for some chic hairstyles that are in trend for medium-length hair. Keep scrolling!

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Adding layers to all hair types gives the hair more depth and movement.
  • Apply a heat-protectant spray, serum or cream to protect your hair shaft and avoid frizz.
  • Trimming your hair every 6 to 8 weeks will help with the shape and maintenance of your layers.

79 Beautiful Medium-Length Layered Hairstyles In 2024

1. Long Bob With Caramel Highlights

Long-Bob-With-Caramel-Highlights
Image: Shutterstock

This layered lob with bouncy waves is perfect for thick and slightly wavy hair. The subtle side parts with caramel highlights add warmth to her face. The layers draw attention to the jawline and her smoldering eyes, and the hair ending in bouncy waves at the shoulder accentuates the sharp shoulder line.

2. Half Updo With Bangs

Half-Updo-With-Bangs
Image: Shutterstock

Bangs are the best accessory to add a fun flair to any hairstyle. A half updo means more layers, and the slight bouffant at the crown elongates the face. The blonde highlights concentrated around her face brightens her eyes and complexion.

3. Shoulder Down Layers

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The brilliant Felicity Jones is sporting layers that are cut from the shoulders down. This makes the rest of her hair look thicker and more voluminous. If you want style but simplicity, opt for this classy shoulder-length layered hair.

4. Fine-Ended Layers

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If your hair is shoulder-length and you already have layers, thinning them down at the ends is a great way to make your hair look fuller. Thinning the ends adds more depth to your hair, which makes it look thicker and more dimensional.

5. Curved-In Layers

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The lob is one of the most sought after haircuts. It’s neither too short nor too long. But, a plain lob can look drab over time. Jazz it up by adding in some layers from midway down. Then, with a round brush and a blowdryer, curve the ends of your hair inward. This will make your hair look fuller.

6. Thin Golden Layers

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Brie Larson sported this simple yet stylish layered cut at the premiere of August Osage County. If you have a wide face, this is the layered hairdo for you. The wavy layers fall near the cheeks, then curve out just below them. This draws attention toward the jawline.

7. Wispy Layers

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So, you recently got a blunt cut but want to jazz it up? Add some wispy layers in the front and the outer layers of your hair. This will make your hair look feathered but thick. Straighten out the hairstyle for the full Captain Marvel look.

8. Fine Wavy-Ended Layers

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Layers add a nice touch to waves, making them look fresh and perfect. If you have full cheeks, start your layers just at or below your jawline. This step will make your cheeks look slimmer.

9. Long Thin-Ended Layers

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Layers with wispy ends are a global phenomenon. The light tips of hair make the rest of your hair look voluminous. The wispy ends give your hair a sunkissed look, which adds warmth to a cold day.

10. Golden Beachy-Wave Layers

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We’ve all searched for the perfect beachy hairdo – one that flaunts your haircut, hair color, and texture. Gwyneth Paltrow has found it! Opt for face-framing layers and deep point cutting into the ends for movement, paired with shades of blonde highlights for contrast. You’ll be saying Surf’s Up in no time! Curl your hair with a large barrel iron to add some texture to your tresses.

11. Layered Lob Ombre

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Blunt layers are great for accentuating your jawline. But if you have a pointed jawline, I’d advise against it as they could make it look harsh. These layers are great for oval faces. If you have a heart-shaped face, it will bring out your jawline and conceal your wide forehead.

protip_icon Quick Tip
If you have a dark skin tone, dye your layered lob with the blend of copper and golden blondes. The warm shades complement the dark skin.

12. Perfect Curl Layers

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The length of these layers are perfect for hair that is not extremely curly. If you have wavy hair, apply some curl-defining cream and use a curling iron to amp up your hair texture.

13. Light Curly Layers

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Layers with curls at the end can make your jawline appear softer than it is. If you have a square- or diamond-shaped face, consider this layered hairstyle. The curls add volume to make your hair look fuller and can be very flattering on your face

14. Jaw-Framing Layers

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Jenna Coleman has stunning brown hair, but here she has lightened it with a gentle kiss of blonde highlights. For accentuated movement in color, get layers cut to complement the style for an effortless look .

15. Naturally Wavy Layers

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These standard layers help add volume and texture to the hair. If you have straight hair but your cheeks are the fullest part of your face, consider styling your hair slightly wavy. This step will make your hair look fuller.

16. Waterfall Layers

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These long layers give added movement to hair that is styled with smooth waves. Wavy hairstyles will also last longer with layers since the weight taken out of the hair can’t weigh it down. Make sure the waves are defined but not too crisp. Begin curling your hair from halfway down. This will make the waves look more natural.

17. Curly-Ended Layers

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Billie Piper is known for her bangs and slightly wavy locks. But, this look just makes her shine! The curly-ended layers bring out her jawline. The lighter highlights make her stunning eyes pop. The deep side parting finishes off this look perfectly.

18. V-Layers

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The V- layered cut is one of the most sought-after hairstyles all over the globe. The best thing about this hairstyle is that it is voluminous below the chin, which makes your face appear smaller than it is while accentuating your facial features.

19. Face-Framing Layers

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If you want style without taking away too much of your hair length, this hairstyle is for you. This is a super stylish way to frame your face. This point and slide-cut layered haircut is easy to style at home. Flip your hair over and blow dry the roots and underneath of your hair. Then flip up and blow dry the layers inward with a 45 mm round brush.

20. Blonde Wavy Layers

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Wavy blonde layers look incredibly stunning. The layers will chisel the lower half of your face. These standard layers help add volume and texture to your hair. If you have straight hair but your cheeks are the fullest part of your face, consider styling your hair slightly wavy. This step will give your hair look fuller.

21. Sharp Face-Framing Layers

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If you have full cheeks, get layers that begin below the chin. The ends of the layers will accentuate your jawline while the hair near your face will cover the width of the cheeks and make them look thinner.

22. Sharp V Layers

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This layered hairstyle looks incredible. The layered cut is for straight, thick hair. It shows off the straight hair texture well, making your hair look lush. Try a high ponytail with this hairstyle, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

23. Bleached Blonde Layers

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When The Big Bang Theory first aired, Penny’s golden locks were the clear winner (apart from those four lovable nerds). It’s no secret that Kaley Cuoco has incredible hair, but the layers make her medium-length hair shine even more. 

24. Smooth Layers

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Smooth layers that flow from bangs through the length of your hair are the perfect way to make a professional style statement. It lends you an oomph to your fashion and the thin ends will make the rest of your hair appear thick.

25. Subtle Layers

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Notice how the layers are there but don’t take all the attention? Instead, the focus is on Karen Fukuhara’s face. If you have a face shape that you want to flaunt, this is one of the best layered looks to do so.

26. Fierce Layers

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It’s no secret that if you want your hair to look thicker or bouncier, curls are the way to go. But, adding layers to the mix makes your hair look fuller. Curl your hair in big rolls but small sections to add volume at the ends.

27. U Layers

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The U-cut is known as being a “Plain Jane” type of hairstyle. But, the scales can be raised by adding layers to it. Style it in a deep side parting to help frame your face.

28. All-Rounder Layers

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I like to call this the all-rounder layered cut. This is perfect and simple for the college-going girl who does it all: acing her tests and playing sports. However, I wouldn’t recommend this hairstyle if you have thin hair.

29. Highlighted Layers

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If you already have layers, add some highlights to really bring them out. Apart from just being fun, highlights help in framing your face. Pick shades that are a few shades lighter than your natural hair color and see the magic work!

30. Softly Feathered Layers

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If you have fine hair, this is a great way to make it look thick. Ask your hairstylist for layers with softly feathered ends. Then, curl your hair in big sections with a curling iron for about five seconds to achieve those stunning curls.

31. Heavy Curved Layers

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This hairstyle is achieved with a round brush and a blowdryer. Curve the ends of your layers with the round brush and set them in place with the blowdryer. Opt for lighter highlights to flaunt those layers and waves. This hairstyle accentuates your facial features.

32. Hermoine’s Wavy Layers

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You have the perfect wavy hair but are wondering how to flaunt it? Add in some layers – it’s a game-changer. Not only will your waves fall like a waterfall, but it will also accentuate your hair texture beautifully.

33. Blonde Balayage Layers

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Being brunette is awesome, but I’m sure you’ll like to see what you look like blonde. Instead of opting for a full hair change, try this blonde balayage. The best thing about it is that since it is a lighter shade than brown, you can color it back if it doesn’t work out! But to be on the safe side, check with a hairstylist which blonde shade will suit your skin’s undertone.

34. Blonde Highlighted Layers

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If you have layers and want to flaunt them, blonde highlights  are the way to go. Opt for a shade that’s close to your hair color and goes with your skin’s undertone. Straighten your hair and strut about like Olivia!

35. Loose Wavy Dimensional Layers

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Wrap your layered hair in a curling iron and twirl it down your hair to recreate this wavy magic. Opt for lighter highlights at the bottom to flaunt those layers and waves. This accentuates your facial features.

36. Espresso Balayage Layers

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Espresso is God’s gift to mankind. It’s all coffee, and that’s what makes it so delicious. Get your hair colored in an espresso brown shade to carry that feeling with you everywhere you go.

37. Strawberry Layers

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Layers can be accentuated with color. I would suggest getting your hair colored first and then getting it cut in layers. This way, you’ll be able to really enhance the layers.

38. Stairwell Layers

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Heavy curly layers at the bottom make your jawline appear soft and wide. They also make your hair look thicker at the ends, which will make your face seem thinner than it is. You can rock a ponytail like never before with this hairstyle.

39. Brownish Blonde Layers

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When you have light brown hair, most women tend to opt for a blonde change. Take a unique path and let your inner warrior out with this orange ombre. The orange hues go well with the light brown top. It will bring your hair back to life.

40. Silky Straight Layers

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Emma Stone looks stunning in any hairstyle, and she proves it here with this medium-length hair look. Her platinum blonde hair has been cut in shallow layers and styled with side-swept bangs to give her a preppy look.

41. Side Parting

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A side parting can make your hair look flat if you don’t have thick hair. But if you do have thick hair, the side parting is your trusted companion. It balances out any uneven facial features and flaunts your layers.

42. Modern Jane Layers

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The modern, simple Jane. No girl is without a sense of style, and this proves it. Simple, subtle layers at the end make her hair look lush and voluminous. Add in the curls to make your hair look glossier and fuller.

43. Thickening Layers

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Layers for thin-haired women mean disaster most of the time because it can make their hair look stringy and ratty. Opt for thick layers that are feathered at the end. Use a volumizing spray or dry shampoo to add texture and volume to your layers. Get regular trims as this will keep your layers looking fresh.

44. Platinum Layers

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Platinum hair is stunning! It’s all the rage right now. It looks almost white with a hint of blonde. Check with your hairstylist if your skin’s undertone works with this color. Opt for thin layers below your jawline to help streamline your face.

45. Bronde Layers

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Bronde is one of the few colors hairstylists can’t stop talking about. The roots are dark while the shade becomes lighter as it reaches the end. Notice how just the ends are feathered. This will make your medium-length hair appear thicker.

46. Beautiful Layers

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If you ever need a good hairstyle for your medium-length hair, check out Rose Byrne’s looks. They look sophisticated and elegant while still being perfect for the beach. Here, the layers are concentrated at the hair tips. They’ve been feathered neatly to flaunt her hair’s thickness.

47. Balayage Layers

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A balayage layered haircut is superb for face-framing. The dark roots make your face look longer while the layers cover a large forehead and broad cheeks. The layers just below the jawline streamline it while the blonde shade softens it.

protip_icon Quick Tip
If you have brown hair, you can dye it in a soft-amber chocolate shade (tiger eye). It complements the warm skin tone. It also looks good on people with brown or green eyes.

48. Sculpted Layers

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Sculpted waves are the best red carpet look. But, did you know that you can enhance your waves with layers? They also help in framing your face and adding depth and dimension to your tresses.

49. Long Face-Framing Layers

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Notice how Rose’s layers are at the front, right near her face? This is for framing her face. Rose Byrne has a slightly large forehead that she usually covers with bangs. She draws attention to her flawless jawline with layers. The layers also bring her eyes, nose, and mouth into the limelight.

50. Parted Layers

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If you love layers but want to take a new approach to them, opt for a different parting. If your hair naturally parts in the middle, opt for a side parting. This will make your hair look fuller and thicker.

51. Heavy Layers

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Curl your hair in big sections using a straightener to obtain this stunning look. The layers blend in perfectly to volumize your hair and draw attention to your face shape. Go fora smokey eye makeup look to bring out your eyes.

52. Sharp Defined Layers

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Just got a new hair color and want to flaunt it? Layers are the way to go. Opt for heavy, sharply cut layers that pack on each other. Style this cut in a deep side parting to give your hair a voluminous lift at the top.

53. One-Sided Curled Layers

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It’s no secret that layers help give your hair a thicker look. But if you really want volume, keep your layered ends long and soft. This will make the top of your hair look thick and deep. By curling your hair on one side, you can add contrast to this hairstyle.

54. Feathered Thin Layers

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Feathered ends can amp up the volume and thickness of your locks. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself! Using the point-cut method, thin out the ends of your hair. If you have layers, thin those ends out as well.

55. Tapered Ends

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Lili Reinhart has stunning blonde hair! It’s enhanced even more with the finely tapered layers. It makes her hair look more voluminous. Coupled with the overgrown bangs, this is the perfect hairstyle for those chill days.

56. Soft Layers

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Layers are a girl’s best friend. Every girl wants stylish and bouncy hair, which can be achieved with layers. The feathered ends make the rest of her hair look thicker and more voluminous too. 

57. Subtle Two Layers

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Whoever knew that all it took to jazz up your hairstyle was two layers? A quick fix! I like how the first layer has been cut into a V. This is also knownas the dissociated layers hairstyle.

58. Golden Layers

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Gold is the color of queens! It symbolizes richness and prosperity. It can also make your hair look thick and lush. This is because when it is coupled with brown hair, it adds depth and dimension to your locks.

59. Thick Layers On Fine Hair

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If you have fine hair, this hairstyle is a godsend for you! It looks stylish without loosing too much thickness. It frames the jawline well. This layered hairstyle is brilliant for those messy hairdos.

60. Lob Layers

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The lob is one of the most sought-after hairstyles. It’s very stylish and made for shoulder-length hair. You can add some beauty and texture to your hair by adding layers and a nice sunkissed color.

61. Wispy-Ended Layers

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Layers with wispy ends are a global phenomenon. The light tips of hair make the rest of your hair look voluminous. The wispy ends give your hair a sunkissed look that adds a hint of youthful freshness to your hair.

62. Sunkissed Layers

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Beachy or sunkissed hair has been in demand for a really long time. It’s no surprise since it’s the perfect summer vacay look. The key to achieving the perfect beachy hair look is loose waves and layers.

63. Contrast Layers

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If you really want to accentuate your natural hair color, think contrasts. Check out how the natural brown shines when paired with some blonde tips. You don’t need to go for an ombre, just some simple highlighted tips will do the trick.

64. Heavy Multi-Layers

Medium length heavy-layered hairstyle
Image: Freepik.com

Heavy multi-layers work well with thick hair. If you really want them to stand out, get them cut sharp and well-defined. Pair these layers with a U- or V-cut to finish off the look!

65. Natural Hollywood Layers

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Medium-length hair is perfect for Hollywood curls. If your hair is too short, the hairstyle looks incomplete, but if your hair is too long, your hair needs to be folded. With medium-length hair, once the locks are curled, they become shorter. This makes it the perfect length for this look.

66. Summer Layers

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Summer is that one season when we all want to dress up. It’s summer vacay time, after all! Try this layered cut where the ends are thinned out. This layered cut mimics the shag cut, except the layers start shorter in the front and get a little longer at the back.

67. Ombre Lob Layers

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This subtle ombre is the perfect color blend for medium-length layered hair. It makes Jlo’s hair look fuller and healthier here. The best way to style this cut is with lots of texturizing spray and a middle parting.

68. Beach Layers

Image: Getty

Beachy hair is the shizz! That comes as no surprise since it’s the perfect summer vacay look. The key to achieving the perfect beachy hair look is styling it wavy. You can get your hair colored in a balayage to make the most of this look.

69. Heavy Bottom Layers

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Heavy layers at the bottom accentuate your jawline. They also make your hair look thick at the ends, which makes your face seem thinner in comparison. This is a haircut that looks great when styled in updos.

70. Naturally Flowing Layers

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Layers can be accentuated with color. Add multiple shades of the same color to give your hair dimension and texture. Be very careful when picking a color as it can add more depth and gloss to your hair. 

71. Contrast Balayage Layers

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A balayage layered haircut is superb for face-framing. The dark roots make your face look longer while the layers cover a large forehead and broad cheeks. This is also the best haircut for anyone who has a boho-chic sense of style.

72. Curly Bronde Layers

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This is another bronde look that will make people shower you with compliments. The medium-length layers are elevated by this color blend. Curl your hair to finish off this gorgeous look.

73. Dimensional Brown Layers

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Your shoulder-length layered lob can be spiced up with a multi-dimensional brown color blend. It will add depth and shine to your tresses. Part your hair roughly on one side before heading out.

74. Textured Layers

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A textured and layered cut is one of the best options for medium-length hair. Add some deep highlights to add more dimension to your locks. Curl your hair in thin veils to recreate Priyanka’s flawless look.

75. Voluminous Layers

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Margot Robbie has beautiful blonde hair, and this style shows us how minimalist hairdos are all we need. You can see layers at the end. This gives her hair more volume and bounce.

76. Defined Wavy Layers

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Sophie Turner looks like a goddess with this hairstyle. Her medium-length hair has been cut in some basic layers and styled in big curls to create this glamorous look. The sweep to one side only elevates this look.

77. Standard Layers

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These standard layers are great for anyone who has fine-textured hair. They jazz up your hair look with going too over the top. The key is to concentrate the layers in the lower half of your hair.

78. Medium-Length Bohemian Layers

A medium-length bohemian hairstyle
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Jennifer Aniston’s medium-length bohemian hair featured subtle waves that exuded an effortless, laid-back charm. The iconic hairstyle became a symbol of relaxed boho-chic with a twist, blending sophistication with a touch of carefree, making it a beloved hair trend that remains popular to this day. The best thing about it is that you can style it however you want, with twists, braids, and numerous hair accessories!

79. Collarbone-Length Waves

Collarbone length wavy hair
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Zoe Saldana’s collarbone-length wavy hair embodies elegance and simplicity in one breath. The gentle waves gracefully frame her face, exuding a natural and relaxed vibe. This versatile hairstyle is perfect whether it’s a casual day out or a red carpet event. It complements various occasions with grace.

Infographic: 7 Effortless Layered Hairdos For Medium-Length Hair

Contrary to popular belief, layered hairstyles can be versatile when styled right. Whether it’s an office party, a picnic day, or a formal evening, you can rock your medium-length tresses with minimal effort. To help you out, we have rounded up the top 7 medium layered haircuts. Check out the infographic below to learn more!

7 effortless hairdos for medium length hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Consider your face shape to perfectly pair your medium-length hair with bangs. Some bang styles work better with certain face shapes than others. However, if you have an oval face shape, all bang styles suit your face shape. Scroll up to know which bang style suits your face shape, and select your favorite medium-length hairstyle with bangs from our list. If you feel adventurous and don’t want to go to the salon, you can also try cutting your bangs. But follow the instructions properly to avoid any mishaps. If you want to try bangs but do not want to cut your tresses, you can try the faux bangs look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What products should I use for a medium-length layered hairstyle?

For a medium-length layered hairstyle, use hair products like volumizers, dry shampoo, and hair serums to add more bounce, texture, and shine to your medium-length layered hair.

Are there any tips for styling a medium-length layered hairstyle?

A few tips to style a medium-length layered hairstyle is to use some texturizing product and a heat protectant before styling it using a blow dryer for a natural, wavy look.

What are some easy ways to add volume to a medium-length layered hairstyle?

One of the easy ways to add volume to a medium-length hairstyle is to use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner paired with other lightweight products to avoid matted hair.

What tips do you have for keeping my medium-length layered hairstyle looking fresh?

To keep your medium-length hairstyle looking fresh, use products that make your hair look shiny and bouncy rather than heavy and matted. Use serums to add moisture and spray some dry shampoo on the scalp to remove any greasiness.

What techniques should I use to create curls and waves with my medium-length layered hairstyle?

To create curls and waves with your medium-length layered hairstyle, use heat-styling products. You can also use hair rollers and curl your hair by rolling up sections from the bottom up and securing them with a bobby pin.

Key Takeaways

  • Medium-layered hairstyles are versatile and can be styled in a ponytail, bun, or curls.
  • These hairstyles have a face-framing effect and when combined with highlights add dimension to the mane.
  • The long layered bob with caramel highlights is one of the most popular medium-layered hairstyles, as it accentuates the jawline.
  • Those with square or diamond face shapes can opt for hairstyles such as layers with curls that can help to flatter their features.
Medium-Length Layered Hairstyles

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the ultimate collection of stunning shoulder-length haircuts for women in the fabulous video below. Get inspired and find the perfect cut to effortlessly elevate your style!

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