Medium-length hair is my sweet spot for women over 50—it’s long enough to feel feminine and versatile, but short enough to lift, refresh, and add movement where hair sometimes starts to feel heavy or flat.
Whether you love sleek and polished or soft waves and curls, these 45 medium-length hairstyles are cuts I constantly recommend in the salon because they flatter mature features, work with thinner or thicker strands, and are realistic for everyday life.
Why Medium Length Works So Well Over 50
- It lifts the face visually and keeps the ends looking healthy without feeling like a “big chop.”
- It’s long enough for quick waves, blowouts, and updos, but short enough to style in under 15 minutes.
- Layers, bangs, and soft shaping can bring back movement if your hair has thinned or gotten straighter over time.
A Few Styling Tips I Swear By
- Invest in a round brush and lightweight volumizing spray if you love bouncy blowouts and soft waves.
- Keep a 1–1.25‑inch curling iron or wand for ends‑only curls, flipped tips, and touchable waves.
- Use smoothing serum or light cream on the mid‑lengths and ends—not the roots—to keep things sleek without flattening your style.
#1. Medium Layered Cut with Soft Waves
When you want something dressy but not “formal curls,” soft waves on a layered medium cut are that perfect in‑between.
I love this look for adding freshness and movement without feeling overdone—you can wear it to brunch or a wedding and it just works.
Wrap mid‑length sections loosely around a curling iron, then brush them out for those airy, face‑softening waves.
#2. Mid-Length Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
A mid-length bob is ideal if you like shorter hair but still want enough length to play with.
Side‑swept bangs instantly soften the forehead and add a flirty, modern touch, while a bit of texture through the ends keeps the bob from feeling too stiff.
Ask your stylist for a bob that hits between chin and shoulder with lightly layered ends and a long, sweeping fringe.
#3. Classic Shoulder-Length Straight Cut
If you love a clean, simple look, a shoulder-length straight cut can be incredibly chic.
Straightened with a bit of smoothing product, it reads sleek, polished, and fashion‑forward—not basic.
Have your stylist cut it right at the shoulders and keep the outline sharp so the simplicity feels intentional.
#4. Feathered Mid-Length Hairstyle
Feathering is one of my favorite tricks for both fine and thick hair over 50.
On fine hair it adds the illusion of fullness, and on thick hair it removes bulk so everything feels lighter and more styled.
Blow‑dry with a round brush, flipping the layers away from your face to really show off that soft, feathery texture.
#5. Textured Medium Cut with Volume
If your hair has started to thin, a textured medium cut with built‑in volume can be a total confidence boost.
Layers and texturizing at the ends create the look of more density, especially around the bottom.
Use a volumizing mousse at the roots and a round brush to lift and plump everything up.
#6. Sleek Medium-Length Hair with Blunt Ends
Blunt ends on medium hair are excellent if your strands are naturally thicker and you want a strong, modern shape.
A straightener plus smoothing serum will give you that glassy, neat finish that feels very current.
This is a beautiful option if you like minimal layers and a bold, one‑length edge.
#7. Medium Haircut with Soft Curls
For a more romantic, ultra‑feminine vibe, soft curls on a medium cut are always a favorite of mine.
Naturally curly hair looks stunning with this length, but you can also create the look with your curling iron for special occasions.
Keep the curls loose and brushed out slightly so they feel soft and elegant rather than tight or formal.
#8. Angled Shoulder-Length Bob
An angled shoulder-length bob instantly adds a bit of edge and structure.
The longer front pieces visually slim and lengthen round or oval faces, while the back lifts for a subtle “push‑up” effect.
Wear it sleek for a sharper look or add volume at the crown if you like a little drama.
#9. Mid-Length Style with Slight Flip Ends
One of the fastest ways to refresh a mid-length cut is to just flip the ends.
That little kick at the bottom adds personality and movement without needing a totally new haircut.
Use a round brush or curling iron to bend the last inch or two of hair outward for a playful, light finish.
#10. Medium Choppy Layered Haircut
When you want maximum movement and a fun, youthful feel, choppy layers on medium hair are a great choice.
All those staggered pieces create built‑in volume and a flirty, “swishy” effect, especially on thicker hair.
Ask for visible, piecey layers and style with a light texturizing spray to show off the cut.
#11. Straight Medium Cut with Wispy Bangs
If you’ve been flirting with the idea of bangs, wispy ones are a soft, forgiving way to start.
On a straight medium cut, they skim the eyes and add a playful, delicate frame without feeling heavy or blunt.
Have your stylist keep them feathered and slightly longer at the sides so they blend easily into the rest of your hair.
#12. Medium Length Hair with Beachy Waves
Beachy waves are my go‑to summer look on medium hair, especially for vacations or weekends.
They’re loose, carefree, and give that effortless “I just came back from the coast” energy.
Use a curling wand or twist sections and let them cool, then break them up with your fingers and a bit of salt spray.
#13. Mid-Length Cut with Deep Side Part
If you want instant drama without cutting anything, a deep side part is your best friend.
Shifting your part creates extra lift at the front and changes the entire balance of your face in seconds.
This works beautifully on sleek styles, waves, or curls—no salon visit required.
#14. Shoulder-Length Layered Cut with Fringe
When shoulder-length hair starts to feel flat, layers plus a fringe are what I reach for.
The layers add depth and body (especially helpful for finer strands), while the fringe brings a fun, youthful touch.
Ask for soft, blended bangs and not‑too‑short layers to keep everything light and flattering.
#15. Medium Straight Hair with Tapered Ends
If you love straight hair but worry it looks plain, tapering the ends makes a huge difference.
Softer, narrower tips give your hair more movement and shape without visible layers.
This is perfect if you want something sleek and clean that still feels alive and swingy.
#16. Mid-Length Wavy Cut with Center Part
A center part with waves gives that easy, balanced, modern look.
You can lean into your natural texture or create waves with a curling iron; either way the middle part adds symmetry and structure.
I like this for anyone who wants a relaxed silhouette that still frames the face beautifully.
#17. Shoulder-Length Cut with Undercut Layers
Undercut layers are one of my favorite “hidden volume” tricks.
Instead of obvious surface layers, the hair is cut underneath to remove bulk and build shape that you only really see when it moves.
This is fantastic if you want all the benefits of layers without a choppy or overly layered look.
#18. Medium Length Hair with Soft Bangs
Soft bangs paired with a medium cut are such an ageless combination.
They gently frame your features and add a sweet, approachable feel without stealing the show.
Keep the rest of the hair loose—straight, wavy, or curly—and let the bangs be the soft finishing touch.
#19. Medium Bob with Rounded Ends
A medium bob with rounded ends is one of my favorite face‑framing shapes over 50.
The end curve hugs your jawline and cheekbones, putting your features front and center in a very flattering way.
Blow‑dry with a round brush, rolling the hair under so the ends tuck in and finish the frame.
#20. Shoulder-Length Hair with Layered Ends
If you’re completely unsure where to start, shoulder-length hair with layered ends is a safe, universally flattering option.
The length works on almost every face shape, and the little bit of layering keeps the ends from looking heavy.
It’s simple, pretty, and easy to adapt—straight, wavy, curled, or air‑dried.
#21. Medium Cut with Gently Tousled Layers
Gently tousled layers give that relaxed, off‑duty feel without looking messy.
They add movement and texture, but the overall cut still reads neat and put‑together.
Spray on a texturizing product and scrunch with your hands to get that soft, undone finish.
#22. Mid-Length Sleek Hair with Side Bangs
If your hair is naturally straight, a mid-length sleek cut with side bangs can look incredibly chic.
The side bangs bring softness and motion around the face while the rest stays smooth and shiny.
Use a round brush at the front and a dryer to flip the fringe slightly under and back.
#23. Straight Medium Hair with Feathered Layers
Feathered layers on straight hair really come to life with the right blowout.
They create light, airy body and a beautiful flow from root to tip.
Blow‑dry section by section with a round brush, lifting and turning away from your face to emphasize each feathered piece.
#24. Shoulder-Length Wavy Bob
If you have natural wave, a shoulder-length bob lets that texture shine without much work.
The length keeps it manageable while still giving enough space for the wave pattern to form.
Use a curl‑enhancing cream or mousse to encourage definition and prevent frizz.
#25. Medium Hair with Flip-Out Styling
Flipped‑out ends give medium hair a playful, slightly retro charm.
They add a sense of lift and youthfulness, which many of my over‑50 clients adore.
Just bend the last inch of hair outward with a round brush or iron, and set with a light hairspray.
#26. Shoulder-Length Layered Cut with Side Part
A shoulder-length layered cut becomes instantly more interesting with a soft side part.
The part shifts volume and can visually balance features, while the layers keep everything light and airy.
This is a lovely everyday style that still feels styled and intentional.
#27. Medium Cut with Gradual Layers
Gradual layers are perfect if you have thicker hair and want movement without a choppy look.
The layers transition gently from shorter to longer, creating a flowing, dimensional shape.
Ask for soft, cascading layers rather than heavy, step‑like ones so everything blends.
#28. Mid-Length Soft Curly Hair with Layers
If you have natural curls, a mid-length cut with layers can completely transform how they behave.
Taking off some length and adding shape helps your curl pattern pop and makes styling so much easier.
Layers remove weight and give your curls room to bounce instead of dragging down.
#29. Straight Mid-Length Cut with Slight Curl at Ends
For straight hair that needs just a hint of movement, curl only the ends.
That subtle bend adds softness and interest without committing to a full curly style.
A quick pass with a curling iron on the bottom few inches is all it takes.
#30. Medium Layered Bob with Texture
A medium layered bob with extra texture is the definition of easy, go‑anywhere hair.
Layers boost the body, and added texture keeps the style from falling flat during the day.
You can wear it smooth for work or rough it up with texturizing spray for the weekend.
#31. Shoulder-Length Hair with Subtle Waves
For dates, dinners, or evenings out, subtle waves on shoulder-length hair are always a win.
They’re romantic and soft without feeling over‑styled or “pageant.”
Curl larger sections and then brush through for that diffused, touchable look.
#32. Medium Length Cut with Face-Framing Layers
Face-framing layers are one of the easiest ways to highlight your best features.
They soften the area around your cheeks and jaw and work especially well on round and oval faces.
Ask your stylist to start the shortest pieces around your cheekbones or jawline, depending on what you want to emphasize.
#33. Mid-Length Hair with Voluminous Curls
If you have naturally tight curls, a mid-length cut is fantastic for creating controlled, intentional volume.
Shortening the length helps the curls stack and “puff” in all the right places.
Use curl cream and a diffuser to keep the shape big, bouncy, and defined.
#34. Shoulder-Length Straight Cut with Asymmetrical Bangs
Asymmetrical bangs are a great trick for making straight hair feel modern and interesting.
They add a little “razzle‑dazzle” to a sleek shoulder-length cut without needing layers or curls.
Have one side slightly longer than the other for that subtle, stylish twist.
#35. Medium Wavy Hair with Layered Bangs
If you love volume and a bit of drama, medium waves with layered bangs deliver both.
The waves bring softness and movement, while the bangs add height and frame the eyes beautifully.
Blow‑dry the fringe with a round brush, then add loose waves throughout the rest.
#36. Mid-Length Blunt Cut with Soft Waves
A blunt cut at mid‑length gives instant volume at the bottom, and soft waves layered over that feel incredibly romantic.
It’s a lovely balance of structure and softness in one hairstyle.
I often recommend this for special events when you want your hair to look full but still delicate.
#37. Shoulder-Length Hair with Tousled Layers
Shoulder-length hair with tousled layers is my go‑to “everyday, but cute” look.
The layers keep things light, and a little scrunching with texturizing product gives that relaxed, stylish vibe.
Perfect for errands, lunches, or casual days where you still want to feel put together.
#38. Medium Length Straight Hair with Rounded Layers
Rounded layers on medium straight hair create a refined, professional shape with real volume.
The layers build a soft, rounded silhouette that falls gracefully around your face.
If you like a businesslike, polished aesthetic, this is a beautiful choice.
#39. Mid-Length Hair with Swooping Layers
Swooping layers add a lighter, more carefree feeling to mid-length hair.
They look especially stunning when you style them with curls or waves, because each “swoop” catches the light and movement.
This is one I recommend if you like a little drama but still want something easy to manage.
#40. Medium Layered Hair with Gentle Curls
Gentle curls on a layered medium cut are perfect for formal occasions or evenings out.
They bring a soft, romantic dimension to the layers and photograph beautifully.
Curl away from your face and keep the pieces fairly large so it looks flowy, not tight.
#41. Shoulder-Length Sleek Bob with Side Swept Fringe
A sleek shoulder-length bob with a side-swept fringe is one of those “instant chic” hairstyles.
Straightening the hair keeps the shape clean, while the fringe breaks up the severity and adds subtle sexiness.
This cut is easy to maintain and always looks deliberate—even on busy mornings.
#42. Mid-Length Hair with Soft Flip and Layers
Soft flips and layers give you a flirty, casual, very wearable style.
The ends curl gently away from the face, while the internal layers create movement and lightness.
You can achieve this quickly at home with a curling iron and a bit of flexible hairspray.
#43. Medium Length Cut with Natural Waves
If you have any natural bend or wave in your hair, this is your sign to embrace it.
A medium cut that works with your natural texture looks timeless and effortless, especially over 50.
Use a lightweight cream or mousse, scrunch, and let your waves air‑dry for that elegant, low‑key finish.
#44. Shoulder-Length Straight Hair with Textured Ends
When straight, shoulder-length hair feels a bit lifeless, texturing the ends can transform it.
Softly chipped or sliced tips add movement and interest while keeping the main shape sleek.
It’s a subtle tweak that makes your hair look styled, not just “grown out.”
#45. Medium Hair with Loose Curls and Layered Bangs
Medium hair with loose curls and layered bangs has such a fresh, youthful silhouette.
The loose curls feel romantic and full, while the layered bangs add lift and keep the overall look vibrant.
This is a wonderful choice if you want your hairstyle to quietly take a few years off your face.
Quick Maintenance Notes for Medium-Length Hair Over 50
Plan on trims every 6–8 weeks to keep your ends sharp and your layers sitting where they should.
At home, focus your styling energy on the front—bangs, face‑framing pieces, and the top few layers—because polishing just those areas can make the entire cut look freshly done.