Medium-length haircuts beautifully balance the best of both long and short styles, providing a versatile and flattering choice for anyone seeking a fresh hairstyle. This length can be especially comforting for those with thinning or fine hair, as it often gives the appearance of fuller, more voluminous locks.
Read on for suggestions and tips from the pros: Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports, Arrogant Smith, professional hair stylist and hair consultant at KES Wigs and Dr. Roshan Vara, hair transplant surgeon and co-founder at The Treatment Rooms.
5 Face-Framing, Voluminous, Medium-Length Haircuts For Fall 2024
1. Lob With Curtain Bangs
A lob (a.k.a. long bob) paired with center-parted curtain bangs is a look that never goes out of style for a reason, Abdullah says. "Curtain bangs are often used to frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance," she explains. She notes that these bangs, which January Jones rocks above, "are a classic baby-doll look" that also looks great on "mature women." The style, she says, is easy to achieve and "looks great on everyone and on most hair types."
Curtain bangs ultimately can "hide thinning at the crown and make your face appear smaller and slimmer when they come down to cheek level," she points out. If you want longer curtain bangs and to keep your length overall, pairing them with a lob rather than a bob or pixie is a great way to maintain the long look you want without sacrificing volume.
2. Asymmetrical Lob
If you want a cut with plenty of volume and a standout quality, look no further. Rivera swears by a blunt asymmetrical lob for women over 40 especially, as seen on Gal Gadot, due to its ability to "keep the fullness at the ends which is great for fine, thin hair." When dealing with thin hair with age, she says, you want to "avoid hairstyles that have a lot of layers, as this can make the hair collapse and appear thinner."
Lobs are also great, she says, because you can "add volume by styling them appropriately." Blunt hairstyles can make hair appear fuller. "A good rule of thumb is keeping the length from shoulders and above, she advises. She suggests a deep-parted asymmetrical lob to try since its "changing lengths in the hair make it a very trendy and current style," while also being timeless.
3. Shaggy Lob With Sideswept Bangs
A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shaggy cut, as seen here on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair," Rivera points out. She notes that the choice to "add a bang," and especially a voluminous, side-swept fringe can "add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
For women with longer hair, she says that "an added choice is to shorten the hair up a bit to the collarbone or above" to create some texture, and adding subtle layers to soften. Abdullah recommends adding wispy sideswept bangs to this hairdo for not only a more radiant look overall, but also to hide any thinning or hair loss at the crown. Bangs that move off to the side, she says look "very youthful and fresh."
4. Italian Lob
If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian lob cut. This style is inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Salma Hayek opt for.
The Italian lob takes the traditional lob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky. It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is.
"This style flatters all face shapes but especially looks great on round faces because of its edge-defining properties," Smith says. "The shape can be customized to individual preferences to create an ultra-flattering look for any occasion." The more you know!
9. Wavy Lob With Sideswept Bangs
Emma Stone's shoulder-length bob and side bangs pairing is elegant and timeless. "A longer bob or lob is always very flattering," Vara says regarding beauties over 40, and it is also a "great way to grow out your gray hair."
Abdullah adds that long, sideswept bangs like these "add length and volume so you don't have to spend hours styling."
The Bottom Line
Rivera suggests that although the five hairstyles mentioned in this list are reliable options, there exist a multitude of timeless, life-changing, and elegant hairstyles that accentuate facial features over 40 and are worth considering.
To find the ideal hairstyle, understanding your unique facial features and seeking advice from a trusted stylist is key. Additionally, Rivera advises that it’s best to always "consult with your stylist on a maintenance schedule but for those trying to regain hair health, make sure to trim every 4-6 weeks."
