Shoulder-length hair can sometimes feel like the worst of both worlds: not long enough to do fun styles, and too short to just wash-and-go. Luckily, with a bit of styling prowess or a quick trim, you can up your hair game and start loving this fun, flirty mid-length look once again!
Ready to make a statement? Try the blunt cut with a side part! This style is versatile, chic, and can be worn both casually and at formal events. The side part adds a touch of elegance, while the blunt ends give a bold, modern look.
A blunt cut is a great choice if you want to make very fine hair look thicker.
If you've been toying with the idea of full bangs but aren't ready to make the big chop, side bangs could be a stylish compromise. Keeping the bangs long with feathered ends and sweeping them to the side looks elegant for everyday wear and helps to add extra volume if your hair is fine.
Flicked ends are a fabulous way to add some movement and playfulness to your shoulder-length hair. Simply curl the ends away from your face for a touch of bounce and sass. This style makes for a playful daytime look and a glam night on the town.
A low bun works better on shoulder-length hair than a high bun because you can get all your hair up without any stray strands hanging down. This look is relaxed enough for every day but can look elegant for work, too.
Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail and securing it with a hair elastic. Twist the ponytail and then wrap it around the elastic, hiding the ends under the bun and securing it in place with bobby pins. You can try leaving a strand free to wrap around the base of the bun to give the look a more polished finish.
Blunt bangs are a bold style which can make shoulder-length hair look edgier. Before taking the plunge, it's important to make sure that you're willing to put in the maintenance this style requires. Blunt bangs look best when they've been styled carefully using a hairdryer and round brush.
This style is ideal if you have a large forehead which you want to disguise.
A low ponytail is the perfect height for shoulder length hair as it allows you to gather all your hair up without using clips or pins. This style is quick to achieve, so it's ideal if you need to get your hair off your face but are strapped for time.
If you're wearing this style for work or on a night out, you can wrap a strand of hair around the elastic to disguise it, securing with a bobby pin to make your ponytail look more polished.
Loose waves are a trendy way to add texture to a shoulder-length hair cut. Use wide-barrelled tongs to create this look, curling the sections in opposite directions to stop the waves from looking too stiff.
This style works best on day-dirty hair, as the wave will drop out of clean hair very quickly. If you have fine hair, pair this look with blunt-cut ends for maximum volume.
The half up/half down style is a versatile and charming look that combines the best of both worlds. With the top section of your hair pulled back into a topknot or bun, you'll have a polished appearance while still letting your lovely locks flow freely. This style is perfect for those days when you want to look put-together but still show off your shoulder-length hair.
Embrace a chic, sophisticated look with straight and sleek hair. This timeless style is perfect for showcasing the health and shine of your tresses. Use a flat iron to create a flawless, smooth finish, and don't forget to apply a heat protectant and a touch of shine serum for added gloss. This look is ideal for both casual days and more formal events, giving you a polished, elegant appearance.
Unleash your playful side with cute and trendy pigtail braids. This fun and youthful hairstyle is perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while adding a touch of whimsy to your look. Simply part your hair down the middle, and create two braids on either side of your head. You can opt for classic three-strand braids or experiment with more intricate styles like fishtail or Dutch braids. Don't forget to secure your braids with hair ties and add a touch of hairspray to keep them in place.
A piece-y French braid is a gorgeous, romantic style that adds a touch of boho chic to your shoulder-length hair. To create this look, start by making a loose French braid down the back of your head. As you braid, leave a few strands out around your face for a soft, face-framing effect. Once you've secured your braid, gently tug at the sides to create a slightly undone, piecy appearance. This look is perfect for date nights, weddings, or any time you want to feel a bit more enchanting.
Channel your inner vintage goddess with a 60s-inspired crown pouf. This hairstyle adds a touch of retro glam to your shoulder-length hair and creates the illusion of extra volume. To achieve this look, start by teasing the crown section of your hair to build height. Next, smooth the top layer over the teased section, creating a gentle pouf. Secure with bobby pins, and finish the look with hairspray for hold. You can leave the rest of your hair down or style it into a low ponytail or chignon for a truly elegant appearance.
If your job allows bright hair colors, pastel highlights are a fun way to add personality and texture to shoulder-length hair. You can opt to add subtle slices of color while maintaining your natural hue or color your whole head of hair if you want a bold look.
If you can't or don't want to commit to permanent pastel color, hair chalk is a great way to achieve the look for the weekend or a special event. You can shampoo the chalk out to leave your natural color when you're done.
This look never goes out of fashion and is an elegant way to wear your hair down for a party or other big event. To achieve this look, you will need medium-barrelled heated rollers.
Big, bouncy curls give great volume to shoulder-length hair. Fix the style with plenty of hairspray to give it the necessary staying power.
Using a head wrap or headband is a quick and easy way to create an elaborate-looking updo for shoulder-length hair. It's also a great way to disguise oily roots if you don't have time to wash your hair.
Begin by choosing an elasticated headband and place it over the top of your hair. Starting from the sides, twist your hair around and under the band until all your hair is up, fixing in position with bobby pins.