Medium-length hair is having its moment, and winter 2025-2026 is bringing us the most stunning, versatile haircuts yet. There’s something magical about that perfect in-between length—long enough to style in multiple ways, short enough to feel fresh and modern, and absolutely perfect for showcasing the season’s trendiest cuts.
This winter, medium haircuts are all about texture, movement, and effortless style. Whether you’re ready for a dramatic chop or just want to refresh your current length with some strategic layers, these trendy medium haircuts will have you looking forward to your salon appointment. Let’s explore the hottest medium-length styles that are dominating 2025-2026!
1. The Modern Shag
A textured, layered shag cut hitting just below the shoulders with choppy layers throughout, feathered bangs, and tons of movement. This is the ultimate cool-girl haircut.
Why it’s trending: The shag is back with a modern twist—less structured than the ’70s version, with more texture and lived-in appeal. It works with any hair type and face shape when customized properly.
Styling tip: Embrace the messy texture! Use a texturizing spray and scrunch while air-drying, or add loose waves with a curling iron for that effortlessly undone look.
Who it suits: Everyone! The shag is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to flatter any face shape through strategic layering.
2. The Butterfly Cut
Shorter layers on top that create volume and shape, with longer pieces underneath—when styled, the layers fan out like butterfly wings. This creates incredible movement and dimension.
Why it’s trending: This viral TikTok cut is flattering on everyone and adds massive volume without sacrificing length. The face-framing layers are universally flattering.
Styling tip: Blow-dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots for maximum volume. The shorter top layers will naturally flip out and create that signature butterfly effect.
Who it suits: Perfect for those with fine or flat hair who want more volume, or anyone seeking face-framing dimension.
3. The Collarbone Lob
A sleek, blunt lob (long bob) that hits right at the collarbone with minimal layering for a clean, sophisticated line. The modern classic that never goes out of style.
Why it’s trending: The lob remains eternally chic because it’s the most versatile length—professional enough for the office, stylish enough for going out, and easy to maintain.
Styling tip: This cut looks amazing sleek and straight, but also beautiful with soft waves. Use a flat iron for polish or a large-barrel curling iron for beachy waves.
Who it suits: Literally everyone. The lob is universally flattering and works with straight, wavy, or curly hair textures.
4. The Curly Shag
A shag cut specifically designed for curly and wavy hair, with layers that enhance natural curl pattern and create beautiful volume and shape without the pyramid effect.
Why it’s trending: Curl-specific cuts are finally getting the attention they deserve. This style celebrates natural texture while providing structure and shape.
Styling tip: Use curl-enhancing products and let air-dry, or diffuse on low heat. The layers will allow your curls to spring up and create gorgeous dimension.
Who it suits: Perfect for anyone with naturally curly or wavy hair looking to enhance their texture while maintaining medium length.
5. The Bixie (Bob + Pixie)
A hybrid between a bob and pixie, with shorter layers in the back and sides and longer pieces on top and front. Edgy, modern, and full of attitude.
Why it’s trending: The bixie offers the ease of short hair with the versatility of medium length on top. It’s bold without being too drastic.
Styling tip: Use a small amount of pomade or wax to piece out the layers and create texture. This cut looks great tousled and messy.
Who it suits: Best for those with oval or heart-shaped faces who want an edgier look, or anyone ready to try something bold.
6. The Face-Framing Layers
Medium-length hair with dramatic face-framing layers starting at the cheekbone and gradually blending into longer lengths. The layers create movement around the face.
Why it’s trending: These layers are incredibly flattering—they highlight your best features, add dimension, and create the illusion of a face lift without actually cutting much length.
Styling tip: Blow-dry the face-framing pieces forward and slightly curved inward to accentuate the cheekbones. The rest can be worn straight or wavy.
Who it suits: Universally flattering, especially great for round or square face shapes as the layers create length and angles.
7. The Textured Bob
A shoulder-grazing bob with tons of internal texture and layers, styled to look effortlessly tousled and lived-in rather than sleek and polished.
Why it’s trending: Perfectly imperfect hair is in. This textured approach feels modern and low-maintenance while still looking intentionally styled.
Styling tip: Apply texturizing spray to damp hair, scrunch, and let air-dry. Finish by roughing up the texture with your fingers for that cool, undone vibe.
Who it suits: Great for thick or medium-density hair that can hold texture. Works with most face shapes.
8. The Stacked Layers
Medium hair cut with stacked, graduated layers in the back that create volume and shape, while keeping length in the front for versatility.
Why it’s trending: This cut provides beautiful shape and volume, especially at the crown, without going too short. It’s a fresher take on classic layering.
Styling tip: Blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting the crown area where the stacking creates natural volume. The front can be styled sleek or wavy.
Who it suits: Perfect for those with fine or flat hair who want more volume and shape, or anyone with a long face wanting to add width.
9. The Curtain Bangs Cut
Medium-length hair with the star feature being long, face-framing curtain bangs that part in the middle and sweep to the sides. The rest has soft, subtle layers.
Why it’s trending: Curtain bangs are the most requested style right now—they’re flattering on everyone and add instant style without major commitment.
Styling tip: Blow-dry bangs with a round brush, rolling them away from your face. They should naturally part and frame your face like curtains.
Who it suits: Universally flattering! Curtain bangs work with all face shapes and can be adapted in length and thickness to suit anyone.
10. The Blunt Bob with Bangs
A strong, blunt-cut bob hitting between chin and shoulders, paired with blunt or slightly textured bangs for a bold, fashion-forward statement.
Why it’s trending: Blunt cuts are having a major moment—they look graphic, modern, and incredibly chic while making hair appear thicker and healthier.
Styling tip: Keep it sleek and straight for maximum impact. Use a flat iron and finishing serum for glass-like shine and sharp edges.
Who it suits: Works best with straight to slightly wavy hair. Great for oval faces, but can be adapted for other shapes.
11. The Wavy Lob
A collarbone-length lob cut specifically to showcase beautiful, loose waves—either natural or styled—with subtle layers that enhance wave pattern.
Why it’s trending: This is the “I woke up like this” haircut. It looks effortless but polished, beachy but sophisticated.
Styling tip: Use a large-barrel curling iron or wand to create loose waves, alternating directions. Finish with sea salt spray and scrunch for texture.
Who it suits: Perfect for anyone with naturally wavy hair, or straight hair that holds a curl well. Flattering on all face shapes.
12. The Razor-Cut Shag
A shag cut using razor-cutting techniques for ultra-fine, feathered ends that create maximum movement and a soft, romantic finish.
Why it’s trending: Razor cutting creates incredibly soft, lived-in texture that’s less harsh than scissor-cut layers. It feels romantic and vintage-inspired.
Styling tip: This cut looks best with natural texture enhanced—let air-dry with some product, or add loose waves for a dreamy, ethereal effect.
Who it suits: Works beautifully on fine to medium hair density. The razor cutting makes hair appear fuller with more movement.
13. The Asymmetrical Lob
A lob cut with one side slightly longer than the other—subtle enough to be wearable but noticeable enough to feel edgy and modern.
Why it’s trending: Asymmetry adds visual interest and a fashion-forward edge while still being professional and versatile.
Styling tip: This cut looks great both sleek and textured. Part on the side to emphasize the asymmetry and showcase the different lengths.
Who it suits: Great for those wanting something a bit different without going too bold. Works well with most face shapes.
14. The Layered Midi Cut
Hair cut to mid-back length with multiple layers throughout for movement and dimension. The ultimate versatile medium-to-long cut.
Why it’s trending: This length is perfect for those not ready to go shorter but wanting a change. The layers prevent it from looking heavy or dated.
Styling tip: This cut is extremely versatile—wear it straight, wavy, in a ponytail, half-up, braided. The layers ensure it never looks flat.
Who it suits: Perfect for anyone with thicker hair who wants to maintain length while reducing weight. Works with all face shapes.
15. The Feathered Flip
A medium cut with ends that flip outward rather than under, creating a retro-inspired but modern look with tons of volume and movement.
Why it’s trending: The ’70s are back! This nostalgic cut feels fresh again when done with modern styling techniques and contemporary color.
Styling tip: Blow-dry with a round brush, rolling the ends outward. Use medium to high heat and finish with a cool shot to set the flip.
Who it suits: Works great for those with straight to slightly wavy hair. Adds width, so especially flattering on long or narrow faces.
16. The Choppy Midi
Medium-to-long hair with intentionally choppy, disconnected layers that create an edgy, rock-and-roll vibe with lots of texture and attitude.
Why it’s trending: This cut is for the girl who wants something different. It’s bold, textured, and makes a statement without being too unconventional.
Styling tip: Embrace the choppiness! Use texturizing products and either scrunch for messy waves or straighten for a sleek, edgy look with piece-y ends.
Who it suits: Best for those with straight or slightly wavy hair with enough density to support the choppy layers. For confident, style-forward personalities.
17. The Soft A-Line
A graduated cut that’s slightly shorter in the back and longer in the front, creating a subtle A-line shape with soft, blended layers.
Why it’s trending: The A-line offers built-in shape and style—it naturally falls beautifully and requires minimal styling effort.
Styling tip: This cut looks great with a simple blow-dry. The angle naturally frames your face and creates a polished look with little effort.
Who it suits: Flattering on almost everyone, especially great for round or square faces as it creates elongating angles.
18. The Curtain Bangs Shag
Combines two major trends: the shag cut with the addition of trending curtain bangs for ultimate face-framing perfection.
Why it’s trending: This is the most requested combo right now—shaggy texture meets flattering curtain bangs for a look that’s trendy and timeless.
Styling tip: Blow-dry the bangs with a round brush for the curtain effect, then enhance the shag’s texture with beach waves or tousled styling.
Who it suits: Universally flattering thanks to the curtain bangs. The shag can be adapted to suit any hair type and face shape.
19. The Volume Bob
A medium bob cut specifically designed to create maximum volume through strategic layering and cutting techniques—perfect for fine hair.
Why it’s trending: Everyone wants thicker-looking hair, and this cut delivers that illusion through clever structure and layering.
Styling tip: Blow-dry upside down for extra volume at the roots, then flip right-side up and smooth the ends. Use volumizing products throughout.
Who it suits: Specifically designed for fine or thin hair, but anyone wanting more volume will love this cut.
20. The Undone Lob
A messy, textured lob that looks like you just woke up—but in the best way. Intentionally imperfect with natural texture and movement.
Why it’s trending: Low-maintenance styling is in. This cut is designed to look great with minimal effort and embrace natural texture.
Styling tip: Less is more! Apply texture spray to damp hair, scrunch, and let air-dry. The goal is barely-styled perfection.
Who it suits: Works with naturally wavy or textured hair. Perfect for anyone wanting an effortless, beachy vibe year-round.
Choosing Your Perfect Medium Haircut
Consider Your Hair Texture: Some cuts work better with certain textures. Discuss with your stylist how your natural hair will behave in each cut.
Factor in Maintenance: Heavily layered cuts need more frequent trims to maintain shape. Consider your commitment level before choosing.
Face Shape Matters: While most cuts can be adapted, some naturally flatter certain face shapes better than others.
Lifestyle is Key: Choose a cut that fits your daily routine. If you don’t heat-style, opt for cuts that look great air-dried.
Trust Your Stylist: Bring inspiration photos but let your stylist adapt the cut to suit your specific hair type and face shape.
Be Patient: Medium-length cuts often need a few styling sessions before you figure out what works best for your hair.
Winter 2025-2026 Hair Trends
Texture is Everything: Whether it’s shaggy, choppy, or feathered, textured cuts are dominating.
Curtain Bangs Forever: These face-framing bangs show no signs of slowing down.
’70s Influence: Shags, feathered layers, and flipped ends are bringing retro vibes back.
Undone Perfection: Intentionally messy, lived-in styles are more popular than sleek perfection.
Face-Framing Focus: Cuts that highlight and frame the face are everywhere.
Versatility Wins: The best haircuts work multiple ways—straight, wavy, up, or down.
Medium-length haircuts are truly the sweet spot of hair styling—versatile enough for multiple looks, trendy enough to feel current, and manageable enough to maintain without overwhelming time commitments. This winter, embrace the texture, movement, and effortless style that defines 2025-2026’s hottest medium cuts.
