Medium-length hair is the great compromise for many women: it provides length for long-hair lovers and ease of maintenance for fans of short hair. It allows you to maintain a similar look to those you sported with much longer hair, but also honors thinning hair by creating the illusion of far more volume than you probably had when your hair was below your shoulders. Medium-length hair is usually cut to the shoulder or collarbone and can feature blunt ends, layers, curls, waves, and fringe — it’s one of the most versatile lengths around that works with every hair type. But just because we love this length doesn’t mean mistakes can’t happen at any length.
Before you get your hair cut, keep these five medium hairstyle mistakes in mind — because they’re so easy to make. Hairstylist Justin Hickox shares tips on what you can do with your hair instead to look your absolute best.
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Overly Layered Bottom
Layers are great for creating movement in your hair — when they are placed with purpose. But a ton of layering at the bottom of your hair can make it look thinner than it is and even stringy at the bottom. And then, the more your hair grows in between salon appointments, the stringier and less healthy your hair ends will look.
A better way to wear medium-length hair is by finding a stylist who places layers only where you need them for volume and movement and then keeps the bottom shaped in more of a blunt fashion. This simple and subtle change can make your hair look and feel so much fuller.
Cutting Layers Too Far Back
Yet another layering tip: if your layers are cut too far back from your head, your haircut can look disjointed. The eye can fall in places you didn’t wish to emphasize and your hair can look thinner.
The shortest layers in the front of your head should connect to the layers at the bottom in a harmonious fashion. Layers that appear choppier than that are fine if that’s the look you’re going for, but not if your goal is a more natural look that automatically feels and appears more voluminous.
You’re Sporting Two Different Hair Cuts
There’s a bob haircut and there’s a medium-length haircut, and never should the two be confused. The problem is: many stylists who have less training create two different haircuts on the same head — with super-short layers on top that a reminiscent of a bob, for example, and leftover length at the bottom that doesn’t seem to fit the same style.
This look can be confusing to the eye and appear messy or unfinished. Ask your stylist to stick to one cut and commit — and beware of very short layers at the top that don’t seem to connect to the rest of your hair.
Your Layers Are Too Short
There’s a misconception among some stylists that layers in medium-length hair are supposed to be much shorter in order to create volume and movement. But the theme of “connection” applies here, as well. Layers should blend in with the hair so that they aren’t something one can readily point out as “short.” Shorter isn’t always better, nor does it create more body and lift. In fact, it can have the affect of making your hair look thinner than it is.
Straight Across Bangs With No Connecting Layers
Fringe can look amazing on any hairstyle, including medium-length hair. But if you are cutting bangs straight across with no connecting layers or face-framing layers, you are creating a square look that doesn’t enhance cheekbones and other areas of your face that you may want to highlight. A better look is bangs with soft layers on the sides that gently connect your fringe to your haircut.
There’s no doubt that medium hairstyles are among the best options for women over 40. But find a stylist you trust who understands the power of layering — and how much is too much.
