50 Beautiful And Trendy Hairstyles For Shoulder Length Hair
Never run out of quirky yet practical hairstyles with our handpicked selection!
Nick Arrojo is a celebrity stylist, author, and the owner of one of America's biggest indie beauty brands. He is the inventor and pioneer of a creative, precision-based razor-cutting method that shapes fashionable, beautiful, and wearable cuts while offering creative freedom and versatility to stylists.
Read full bio of Nick Arrojo
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
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Experience: 2 yearsPahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.
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Shoulder length hair is the best!
It’s the ideal length for the woman who has tons of things to do but not the time to handle her hair. Also, the hairstyles for shoulder-length hair are easy to manage and style. You can tie your hair in a bun or leave it loose without feeling frazzled.
There are many amazing hairstyles to choose from to make your hair look incredible. Check out these fantastic hairstyles that will make you want shoulder length hair.
Before You Get Started- A triangular face is essentially a less defined heart-shaped face. It is generally characterized by a narrower jawline and wider forehead.
- Bangs are the way to go with this face shape. Blunt or piecey long bangs can work wonders to bring out the best features of this face shape.
- Face-framing layers can soften the pointy chin.
In This Article
50 Beautiful Hairstyles For Shoulder Length Hair
Shoulder-length cuts are on trend right now. “While long and short shapes remain popular, this fall, the trendiest length lies in between,” says celebrity stylist Nick Arrojo. “Shoulder-skimming cuts in a variety of styles, from sleek and smooth to tousled and textured, are striking the perfect balance for today’s girl about town.”
So, what are we waiting for! Let’s dive into this list of the most stunning shoulder-length hairstyles.
1. Straight-Layered Lob
This look is a layered lob, styled to frame the face in straight lines. The layers reduce hair volume, making for a light-feeling hairstyle suitable for oval-shaped faces. This style is also ideal for formal work environments.
2. Swoopy Layers
The defining feature of this hairstyle are the layers swooping inward or outward in large curves. It strikes a balance between a formal and a jazzy look, perfect for semi-formal events.
3. Asymmetrical Lob
Shoulder-length hair is the perfect way to showcase the creative scope of asymmetrical haircuts. The left and right sides of the hairstyle are cut differently to add a refreshing and unique touch to your regular lobs. If you are the experimental type, this style should definitely be on your list!
4. Wavy Lob With Piecey Bangs
Nothing better than a combination of messy waves and piecey bangs to give a casual edge to your style. The illusion of volume it creates also takes a few years away from the face. Use a bit of dry texture spray to keep the look fresh for hours.
5. Straight Blunt Lob
A classic, professional look that sports straight, blunt, shoulder-length hair. A hairstyle with no layers and minimal styling. The good old wallflower look is sure to endear anyone you cross paths with.
6. Wispy Layers For Fine Hair
Jennifer Aniston’s hair continues to look glamorous after all these years in the industry because she styles her hair to suit its texture. While she usually sported long tresses in uniform lengths when she was younger, now, she commonly sports layers to make her fine hair look voluminous and add a youthful cheer to her face.
7. The Wolf Cut
Here’s a style for all the wild souls out there! A shoulder-length haircut with lots of choppy layers starting at the crown and gradually tapering towards the ends. An impressive mix of a shag and a mullet. The more volume your hair has, the bigger the style looks at the crown due to the stacked layers. The only way to flaunt this style is to keep it a little messy for the whole wild-wolf vibe.
8. Soft Blunt Waves With Shadow Roots
A look that will make you want to stir up some drama! An inch of dark roots that melts into a color several shades lighter gives a dramatic shadow effect at the parting. A look that is super edgy and appeals to the tough baddy in you.
9. Chunky Highlights
This look is defined by thick chunks of highlighted hair that give your mane a unique pattern. The highlights need not be uniform in size. Get creative and play with chunks of different thicknesses for more playful looks.
10. Dip-Dyed Wavy Lob
The appeal of this look is the illusion of hair ends having been dipped in a tub of paint. While you can try this beachy style with all sorts of colors, the best outcomes are with unique, flashy colors like blue, purple, pink, and lime.
11. Dip-Dyed Natural Curls
Similar to the previous style but with an afro! These natural, kinky tendrils dip-dyed in vibrant colors are a sight to behold. As if curls were not sexy already, this hair color technique packs an extra sultry punch. There is no way this hairstyle fails to attract the attention of everybody within a twenty-foot radius.
12. Ashy Blonde Hair
Blonde hair that is more silver than gold is the new fad! Not only is this look unique, but it also reflects your bold personality. Use a large curling wand to add some soft waves at the hair ends and you are good to go.
13. Rainbow Hair
You need not necessarily follow the VIBGYOR pattern for this look to work. The idea is to use a couple of different colors to liven up your overall vibe. You can also get them done in peekaboo highlights if you are not quite ready to commit to an obvious rainbow makeover.
14. Auburn Waves
Layers in copper, reds, and oranges make for a warm, playful, fall aesthetic. Not to overlook how some soft waves can be easily achieved without heat-styling. Spray a bit of texturizing product and scrunch your tresses for a wavy look. There, you have a look that lasts the whole day!
15. Caramel-Honey Ombre
Note how the ombre livens up Miley Cyrus’s blue eyes! The way these colors work with her eyes is nothing short of magic. These rich hues of gold and brown will harmonize beautifully with warm skin tones.
16. Platinum Blonde Blowout
If you want to go for a 60s-inspired look with a modern touch, this one’s for you. It was all about neat, big curls back then, but messy is the popular option today. A blowout will give you all the air of a 2020s Marilyn Monroe and that’s not something you would wanna pass up on.
17. Fiery Red Blowout
A full head of red hair demands attention. The large curls at the cheeks will look exceptionally gorgeous on oval and heart-shaped faces.
18. Neon Rooted Layers
All those who never heard of Billie Eilish as a singer, definitely noticed her when she got these neon roots done. Many social media hair enthusiasts have come up with their own version of neon roots using other flashy shades.
19. Electro Pop Streaks
Jet black hair with streaks in electro-pop colors like purple, pink, or blue is a nostalgic look for all goth kids out there. Adding these little color accents to the hair paired with an all-black ensemble creates an edgy and unique identity.
20. Shaggy Lob With Baby Bangs
Baby bangs are the biggest thing in androgynous hairstyles today. And though baby bangs and shags sound like an edgy look, you can see how a bubblegum dye has softened the look for Maisie Williams. Isn’t it cool how you can bridge the gap between goth and fairy with just one style!
21. The Slight Side Parting
Sometimes, going simple is all it takes. Blunt shoulder length hair with a slight side parting can help soften a square or rectangle face shape.. The parting causes the hair in the front to cover the wide cheekbones and the large forehead. You can get thin side bangs to add to the look.
22. The Incomplete Wavy Mess
All it takes are waves to build up the volume of your hair. The look you’re aiming for is messy, undone waves. Keep your hair in the curler for about 5 seconds and then run your fingers through your hair while it cools down. Part your hair on one side to add height to your face and make it appear longer.
23. The Gradual Lob
Olivia Munn has lovely hair. This hairstyle is a graduated lob that is long in the front and shorter at the back. The length is left up to you and your hairstylist, but it should ideally graze your shoulders in the front. This hairstyle does not need a perfect parting. Instead of a combed parting, mess around with your hair to get the look that works for you.
Quick Tip24. Textured Lob
This is an uber stylish hairdo for women with wavy hair. This shaggy and super textured cut adds oomph to your look. The feathered ends make your hair look full, and the dark roots make your face appear longer.
25. The Lob With Subtle Side Bangs
The lob is one of the coolest hairstyles you can sport on shoulder length hair. Pair it with side bangs, and you’ve got a killer hairdo that will frame your face well. Add in a few balayage highlights to give definition to your facial features.
26. Turned-In Hair
Deep side swept bangs always transform a hairdo. These bangs work wonders on shoulder length hair. The light colors in the bangs help accentuate your eyes. The curled-in ends streamline your jawline and make it look sharper.
27. Simple And Straight With Side Bangs
If you want something simple but stylish, look no further. Fine hair with feathered ends and deep side swept bangs is perfect for an everyday look. The side-swept bangs give your hair a voluminous look.
28. The Messy Look
Messy hair can be good sometimes! Clearly, it looks stunning on Reese Witherspoon. A few lightly feathered layers below the jawline can add oomph to your hairstyle. When you tie your hair up in a ponytail, you’ll get some nice layers that will look dazzling.
29. The Wavy Bob
This hairstyle is everything I never knew I needed. The waves look perfect. The side bangs have been uplifted using a round brush to add volume to her hair. Just stunning!
30. The Straight Shag Hairdo
This hairdo is what I’d like to call the prim and proper shag haircut for straight hair. The layers add volume and texture to your hair while the partial highlights give it definition.
31. Wavy Shag Bob
Sometimes, all it takes is a wavy shaggy bob with side bangs to make your shoulder length hair look fabulous. The layers make your jawline look slender and pointed, and the feathered tips make it look bouncy.
32. Wavy Hair
Never underestimate the power of a curling iron! Yes, you can get the messy look by simply keeping your hair in a curler for about 5 seconds. Oh, the magic of shoulder length hair! The waves are so sexy and strong. The side parting adds the right amount of definition to your jawline and cheekbones.
33. The Layered Bob
This hairstyle is a layered bob for fine hair. Run your fingers through your hair and part it without a comb. This hairstyle is perfect for the entire day. The feathered layers focus on the cheekbones and jawline while not completely ignoring the forehead.
34. J-Law Waves
If you have thick straight hair, this is definitely the hairstyle to amp it up. Using a curling iron, curl your hair to form waves. The ends are blunt, which gives your hair a voluminous look and makes the lower half of your face appear thinner.
35. The New Slick Back Look
Jennifer Lawrence stunned us all with this brilliantly sleek hairdo. The slicked-back style can be achieved with the help of some styling gel, a comb, and a side parting. Change the parting to suit your face shape.
36. The Side Parting
The side parting is more than just a way to partition your hair. It can transform your hairstyle and make you look oh-so-fabulous! Keep the ends of your hair in a curling iron for a few seconds to give it that flicked out look. Pair it with some dark lipstick that matches your skin tone, and you are good to go!
37. The Girl Next Door
Emma Stone’s red hair accentuates her green eyes to a fault! A lob with slight layers in the front and side bangs is what you need for the perfect girl-next-door look.
Quick Tip38. Messy Waves
What does it take to make your hair look luscious and bouncy? Some messy waves and a dash of color. The layers add volume to your hair. The color adds depth and dimension to your hair and focuses on facial features like your eyes and mouth.
39. Full Curls
Alex Kingston’s curls are WOW! If I had those curls, I would flaunt them all day, every day. If you have curly hair, apply some curl defining cream on damp hair and allow it to air dry. You won’t be disappointed!
40. Simple Shoulder Length Hair
Shoulder length hair has always been underrated. Even at its simplest, it is a force to be reckoned with. Straight hair with front bangs is ideal for a simple work hairstyle. Add in color to accentuate your eyes.
41. The Chic Bob
Zendaya is very cool. And her hairstyles are mind-blowing! Take this chic look, for example. The feathered bangs draw attention to her eyes, while her dark locks focus on her nude pink lip color. Her entire bob hairstyle works towards accentuating her diamond-shaped face.
42. The Blonde Bob
This hairdo is very different from the hairstyles Taylor Swift used to sport. No wonder she made the headlines with it! If you have thick hair and a square-, oval-, or heart-shaped face, try this look. The glossy blond locks accentuate her eyes and lip color like a dream. This side-swept long bob hairstyle also slims down her jawline.
43. Blonde Hair With A Side Parting
Blonde hair with dramatic side-swept bangs and a flashy lip color can turn heads. The slight layers soften Emma Stone’s face, while the swooped bangs cover her large forehead. Lovely!
44. The Curly Blunt Lob
This hairstyle is a blunt lob done for luscious curls and is perfect for square face shapes. An off-center parting can make thin hair look thick and lush. Use a texture spray to keep your curls bouncy.
45. Natural Hair
Go natural! Yes, sometimes, your natural hair can make a statement. Look how Keira Knightley’s flawless cheekbones are highlighted with this hairstyle. Absolutely fabulous!
46. Dual Toned Hair
Mix it up! Color can make your hair look full and bouncy. However, stick to one tone when using two different colors. Here, both colors are in a pastel pink tone that works well on both warm and cool skin tones.
47. The Edgy Gradual Lob
This shoulder length hairstyle has ‘rebel’ written all over it. What makes this hairstyle so edgy is the difference in the length of hair near the jawline and at the back. The length in the front softens the facial shape and gives a lateral focus to it.
Quick Tip48. Vibrance With Color
Like I said, sometimes, all it takes is a burst of color. A simple layered hairstyle works best here as it makes your face look slender. Throw in lavender and pale blue, and you’ve got an edgy hairstyle that is sure to be a trendsetter!
49. Dark Teal Waves
Dark teal blue hair styled in waves is all the rage right now. So, it’s no wonder I’ve added it to this list. Curl your hair by keeping it in a curling iron for about 7-8 seconds. Make sure you curl your hair in big waves. If you have a round face, the waves will slim it down.
50. Big Wavy Hair
Big waves parted down the middle add height to your hair and face. The wavy locks in this medium-length hairstyle draws the focus to the cheekbones without making them look too full. Just let some of your hair fall on your face to add to the look.
Now that you know the best ways to style your shoulder length hair, here are a few tips to help you maintain it.
How To Maintain Shoulder Length Hair
- Shampoos And Conditioner
The key to picking a good shampoo and conditioner is knowing your hair type. Check with a hairstylist and figure out what your hair type is. Another vital point to consider is your hair issue. Is your hair too greasy, too thin, or too frizzy? Find a shampoo and conditioner that cater to those problems.
For hair that is too fine, find shampoos that add volume to your hair. For hair that is too greasy, use cleansing shampoos and avoid hydrating shampoos. For frizzy hair, use a shampoo that smoothens your hair and is made specifically for curly hair.
A conditioner is used to moisturize the hair and cleanse it. Use a conditioner helps resolve your hair issues or rejuvenates your hair. For instance, if you have thin hair, use a shampoo that adds volume, but use a cleansing conditioner. Try combinations that can give you the best out of your shampoo and conditioner.
- Hairstyling Products
If you are using a styling gel, make sure you use a thin gel that doesn’t make your hair look flat. You get volumizing gels these days that make your hair look full. Use a coin-sized amount of the product. If you have fine hair, spritz on some texturizing spray to add some dimension to your hair.
- Get A Trim
You need to get regular trims to keep your hair looking healthy and fresh. Trimming your hair on a regular basis will keep your hairstyle in check and always looking great.
- Coloring Hair
With medium length, while coloring your hair entirely is edgy and totally your choice, go for highlights or lowlights that will help frame your face. Choose tones that are a couple of shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. They will accentuate your features and showcase your natural hair splendidly.
- Oil Your Hair
You need to oil your hair to nourish it. Know your hair texture type and find an oil that works for it. Oil your hair at least once a week and make sure you massage the oil on your scalp thoroughly when you do so. You will be surprised at how shiny and voluminous your hair looks when you keep this up every week.
- Know Your Comb
Using a comb that doesn’t suit your hair can cause hair breakage. If you have fine hair, use a round brush to add volume and height to your hair. Use a rat-tailed comb to make partitions. If you have curly hair, use a wide-toothed comb. If you have wavy hair, the type of comb depends on which texture your hair is leaning more towards. If you have massive waves, use a wide-toothed brush.
Knowing how to take care of your hair is a great way to make any shoulder-length hairstyle look fresh and flattering. However, maintenance is only half of the game. Styling techniques and choosing the right haircut are equally important. Learn how to go about it in the next section.
Styling Tips For Shoulder-Length Hair
Shoulder-length hairstyles offer the versatility of long hair paired with the ease of short haircuts. They are functional, stylish, and quite easy to maintain. Whether you are aiming for a sleek, polished look or a casual, relaxed style, shoulder-length hairstyles offer endless styling opportunities. Here are some styling tips sure to up your hair game:
- If you have fine hair, try a blunt cut to create the illusion of thickness.
- If you have wavy or curly hair, go for layered cuts that add a sense of movement and body to the mane.
- If you have thick hair, try hairstyles with soft and subtle layers. They may help reduce the thickness, making your hair more manageable.
- If you want to add texture and grit to your shoulder-length hairstyles, use a lightweight hair oil along with a volumizing mist on your hair to achieve the look.
- If you have thin, shoulder-length hair, go for hairstyles with a strong side or middle parting to elevate your look and make it appear fuller.
Infographic: Caring For Shoulder Length Hair
Shoulder length hairstyles are easier to maintain compared to long and short hair because of their comfortable length. But, if you don’t follow the right care practices, your hair could look dull and lifeless. Medium hairdos like wavy shag bob, wavy bob, and messy waves can make you look attractive provided your tresses look hydrated and healthy.
Check out the infographic below to know the essential care tips to maintain shoulder length hair so you have all eyes on you. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Shoulder-length hairstyles look cute and are easy to manage. These are the best hairstyles when you need a chic yet sophisticated look. There is a style for every face shape as these best hairstyles for shoulder-length hair can be customized as per your requirement. Some popular hairdos for shoulder-length hair are the slight side parting, the incomplete wavy mess, the gradual lob, the textured lob, and the lob with subtle side bangs. You can get some inspiration for your next haircut from this list of hairstyles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my shoulder-length hair from my face?
You can try a simple ponytail, top knot, bun or updo, or even go for bangs to keep shoulder-length hair out of your face.
What is the fastest way to style shoulder-length haircuts for women?
You can try hairstyles such as half-up half-down, messy bun, messy side braids, or a wet-style look to style and elevate shoulder-length hair.
Should thin hair be layered or one length?
Both layers and one-length are suitable for people with thin hair. You can consult a professional to understand the best hairstyle suitable for your face type.
Key Takeaways
- You can opt for a straight layered bob, slicked-back hair, or blunt lob for formal work environments.
- For a more casual look, go for swoopy layers, asymmetrical lob, wolf cut, or wispy bangs.
- If you need a bold and vibrant option, opt for a dip-dyed wavy lob, a fiery red look, or rainbow hair.
- You can maintain these styles by using a shampoo and conditioner ideal for your hair type, going for regular trims, and oiling your hair regularly.
Illustration: Beautiful And Trendy Hairstyles For Shoulder Length Hair
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Get creative and try something new today with your hair! Check out this video for 10 quick and easy hairstyles for shoulder-length hair!
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