How To Know If A Medium-Length Layered Haircut Is Right For You

Southern women know when it's time to make the chop. With our super pixies, sassy crops, and classic bobs, we're keenly aware that good things often come in above-shoulder packages. However, Southern women also aren't afraid to embrace a little change—when it's worth it. If you normally go short, a layered medium-length haircut could be your perfect refresher. Letting your locks venture below the shoulders gives you more warmth for the colder months, and adding layers ensures your look will grow gracefully. That said, you'll want to know a few things about the types of layered mid-length cuts and styling this versatile cut before you completely ditch the chop.

Factors to Consider

A medium-length cut is any cut that ends between the shoulders and the chest. They're often easier to care for than their longer counterparts but still long enough to style. Medium-length haircuts can suit any hair type and face shape and are easily personalizable. Layers are equally versatile. Whether you choose all-over layers, face-framing layers, or asymmetrical layers is a matter of personal preference. Besides length and layering style, you can also consider babylights, bangs, or a side-part. Regardless of what variation of this no-fail style speaks to you, all are equally as stunning and ready to tag along to your next hair appointment. See a few examples below.

Long Layers with Side Part

Symmetrical Face-Framing Layers

Shag with Curtain Bangs

What To Request At The Salon

Start with "a mid-length base cut," then describe the layers, bangs, or color you want. Our biggest piece of advice? Always—always—bring along a photo of what you want. Do some research, find a couple of options you think would work with your texture, and show them to your stylist before fingers touch tresses.

How to Care For and Style a Medium-Length Layered Haircut

A low-maintenance haircut is perfect both for ladies looking to grow out their hair gracefully and seamlessly and for ladies aiming to get major style without going too short. For styling, enhance your texture and volume with Verb Sea Spray and, when needed, your favorite dry shampoo. (Our most loved drugstore option: Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo.) Tousled curls are our favorite way to dress up a medium-length layered cut. Try our favorite tried-and-tested tool, Hot Tools' 1 ¼ Inch Pro Artist Black Gold Digital Salon Hair Curling Iron. Alternate directions of your curls and finger-comb them until mussed and wavy after cooling.