When you’re thinking about getting a new haircut, and particularly if you’re looking for low-maintenance, medium-length haircuts, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether your hair is currently short, medium or long, switching up your look can be so exciting, but it can also leave you feeling overwhelmed with the choices or unsure of which style to commit to once you’re in the salon chair.
The best hairstylists, however, will work with you to find the best haircut and hairstyle for you. It’s important to discuss how you would like your hair to look but also what your needs are. For instance, maybe you’re thinking about adding in some face-framing layers to your medium-length hair, but you still want to be able to tie it back easily if you’re heading to the gym or want to keep it out of your face with a claw clip. Or perhaps you want a really low-maintenance haircut that you can wash and air-dry with minimal heated styling involved—because not everyone has time to do a ‘90s blowout every day. Or maybe you want to make finer hair look thicker with a blunt long bob (aka, a lob) that will grow out effortlessly in between salon appointments.
Another perk of low-maintenance, medium-length hairstyles is that they tend to be a lot quicker to dry and style than longer haircuts and usually require fewer salon appointments than shorter hairstyles do, so they make a great middle ground. Plus, the good news is that there are so many low-maintenance, medium-length haircuts to consider that you have a solid bank of options to choose from. Ahead, we round up the best medium-length haircuts—that require little to minimal maintenance—as seen on celebrities to fashion insiders.
Alexa Chung’s jaw-length bob has become one of her staple haircuts. The blunt ends keep the look feeling modern, while the length will grow out seamlessly into a lob over time—ideal if you don’t have time to regularly book in for a trim. “What’s great about this cut is that it can be a transitional look, such as a grown-out Pixie or a statement cut from longer lengths,” says Wella Professionals craft expert Jordanna Cobella.
You can easily switch up a bob haircut by moving your part from the middle to the side. To get this glamorous look from Rachel Zegler, move your part a couple of inches deeper than you usually would to achieve volume and height at the roots.
If you want to opt for a shorter cut from long hair but feel anxious about going for the chop, then a longer bob will make a statement while retaining most of the length. We love this undone wave in Laura Harrier’s hair.
A bob-length haircut gives curls volume and shape while layers will help give each of your curls definition.
A choppy shag haircut with a fringe gives hair enviable texture and volume, and the layers will grow out effortlessly. This is a great haircut if you have straight hair that has a slight natural wave.
While a blunt fringe requires regular trims, bottleneck fringes (which are layered to frame around your eyes) grow out into face-framing layers. This look is also a nod to the ’70s-inspired haircuts that are trending for 2022.
Hoyeon Jung’s shoulder-length haircut is ideal if you want to take the length (not to mention the heaviness) out of your long hair without losing too much length. Layers around the front of the face also flatter all face shapes.
If you love that effortless French-girl look, then a jaw-grazing blunt bob is for you. We love how TyLynn Nguyen has styled her bob with flicked-under ends.
Choppy layers throughout the lengths give life and body to medium-length hair and are particularly great if you want to add more volume to fine hair. “The longer face-framing layers encourage natural movement and interest in long hair that can otherwise feel flat or uninspiring,” says Cobella.
Simone Ashley’s tumbling curls have several layers that add volume and movement. This would look equally great parted in the middle.
If you’re growing out a pixie haircut, then a longer mixie might be more your thing. “Inspired by Mia Farrow’s classic pixie cut, we’re seeing a modern take on the style for A/W 22,” says Wella Ambassador and British Hairdresser of the Year Robert Eaton. “Worn with a choppy side fringe and longer layers at the back, this modern pixie cut takes inspiration from the classic cut.”
If you have finer hair that doesn’t hold a curl or wave easily, then ask your stylist for a couple of strategically placed layers around your face. Shorter sections of hair will hold a style much more easily than longer hair, which can sometimes weigh your style down.
This shoulder-skimming lob is so versatile. The one-length cut can be worn straight and sleek like Selena Gomez’s, but it’s still long enough to be tied back into a bun or ponytail. A middle ground between shoulder-length hair and a bob, it’s a style that gives you the best of both haircuts.
If you like to straighten your hair or have straight hair naturally, then a glossy bob like Jourdan Dunn’s is always a stylish choice.
We’re totally obsessed with this curly shoulder-length look with a wispy fringe.
Braids are a great choice if you want no-fuss, low-maintenance hair. We love Franny’s jaw-skimming braids paired with a side part.
A shag is a great haircut if you have curly hair. Ask your stylist for face-framing layers that will grow out seamlessly while adding definition and bounce.
It might not be the first style that springs to mind, but this mullet hybrid is surprisingly low-maintenance. Lots of layers lend themselves to embracing your hair’s natural texture, and drying time is minimal.
As Nicola Coughlan shows us, a side-parted bob looks equally great for day or night. Use a hair mousse and blow-dry hair upside down for maximum lift around the roots.
A bob allows curls to reach their full-bodied potential while keeping hair health in top condition.
If you have long hair, a collarbone-length haircut can give your style a new lease of life if you want to go shorter but not too much.
“The bob style continues to reign supreme as the It cut for 2022,” says Cobella. “A/W 22 sees the bob take on a Parisian feel with a statement fringe and wavy, undone texture. Perfectly framing the neck and jawline, the Amélie bob helps to create structure and definition, flattering most facial shapes.”
Curtain bangs—or curtain fringes—have taken 2022 by storm and show no sign of stopping among the fashion set. They look equally great with one-length hair or layered seamlessly into the lengths of your hair.
How stylish does Charithra Chandran’s wavy bob look? This style is versatile enough to style or air-dry, and this length is long enough to avoid the awkward in-between stage you get with shorter bob cuts.
The bob is a French-girl classic haircut and forever timeless. This style is slightly longer and will look great as it grows out too.
If the thought of using a hairbrush and hair dryer to style your hair fills you with dread, then look no further than this styling tool. It allows you to dry damp hair while styling at the same time. It includes a round brush attachment for bouncy blowouts and a smoothing paddle brush for creating sleek lengths.
This multi-award-winning shampoo repairs, nourishes and hydrates, leaving you with healthy lengths. It’s particularly great if you color your hair, as it helps to repair damage caused by hair bleach.
Sometimes you might not have time for blow-drying, which is where air-dry hair creams come in handy. They help create definition, shine and hold for all hair textures, and this one by Jonathan Van Ness is a particular standout among editors.
If you want a minimal-fuss hair routine, then make this product a priority. This heat-activated spray leaves hair with a mirror-like shine, tames flyaways and even protects your hair against humidity and downpours by repelling water.
