We call it the goldilocks effect – not too short, not too long, but just right. The shoulder-length hairstyle is one of those looks that will never go out of fashion. Not only is it easy to maintain and style, but it’s suitable for practically every face shape and hair texture! Short hair is difficult to style and long straight hair is more prone to become frizzy with dry, split ends. Medium-length hair, however, is that sweet spot on your shoulders that perfectly accentuates the face.
Credit: @pinkdagger
But how long is shoulder-length hair? If you’re wanting to be exact, it's around 14 inches for straight hair (or 18 for curly ringlets)! In this article, we will explore all the best trendy shoulder-length hairstyles for straight hair that will let you stand out from the crowd in the best way possible!
A Medium Shag with Bangs
The 70s shag hairstyle is back and better than ever. And if you are someone who loves to sport a fringe, then a shaggy haircut with bangs is a great option. The best thing about this haircut is that it can be tweaked to suit your face shape, hair texture, and hair length. You can also add texture to your hair by using a bit of product, such as mousse or texturing spray.
Credit @jikaiahstylist
If you have fine straight hair, you can still go for this style as it will bring some volume and texture to your locks. A medium-length shaggy haircut is perfect if you have a round or square face, as it will add more dimension and volume to the crown of the head, resulting in an effortlessly chic look. For an insider Tangle Teezer Top Tip, our Back-combing Hairbrush will help with adding height, texture and long-lasting volume to this style.
Swoopy Voluminous Layers with Curtain Bangs
We’re all striving for Matilda Djerf’s voluminous locks and, if you love short hair but are considering growing it out a bit, you should try swoopy, face-framing layers. This hairstyle is perfect for women who have thick hair as it instantly highlights your natural volume.
Credit: @cutlersalon
Haircut by: @patricksmanepage
To style it like a pro, you can either use a Dyson Airwrap Styler (if you’re feeling boujee), or simply opt for a good-old blow dry and velcro curlers. We’d recommend using a blow dryer with our Tangle Teezer Round Tool Brush and pinning the hair up to create the ultimate curl.
Credit: @hairupinhere
If you’re keen to try this style, take a look at our article on how to create the perfect bouncy blow-out. It will look just as good for a casual outing with your friends as it will for an evening out on the town. If you have a round face, wearing this hairstyle will help elongate your face and help to bring out your best features.
A Long Layered Cut
Do you prefer a blunt cut or a wavy look? Well, this haircut can offer both. The long-layered cut is perhaps one of the most popular hairstyles amongst women – and for good reason. It’s super versatile and easy to manage, especially for those on-the-go kind of gals.
Credit @marinarossi_
If you are someone who wants to transition from short to long hair, then the long-layered cut is the perfect style for you. It will let you grow your hair while keeping you away from the dreaded “awkward in-between phase”. This hairstyle is best suited with choppy layers for added texture and shape, especially for the straight-hair gang.
Wavy with Front Highlights
Front highlights, also known as ‘money piece highlights’, are perfect for framing your face and giving a fresh pop of colour to your hair. With the added soft waves, you can transform any regular straight haircut into a stunning new look.
Credit @ellenalondonhair
If you’re feeling like an entirely new style, you can ask your hairstylist to try balayage, one of the most popular hair-colouring treatments. Curious to see if balayage is right for you? You can read all about it in our ultimate guide to balayage hair.
A Classic Blunt Lob
You may have heard of the bob, but what about its twin sister? The lob is simply a longer version of the classic bob and is another super versatile look for medium-length hair. You can choose to go for an angled cut or a rounded cut. The choice is yours, depending on your face shape and styling preferences.
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For example, if you have a long face, softer curls will add body and volume around the sides of the hair, which will create the illusion of a shorter face. On the other hand, if you have a round face, you should opt for a longer cut with side-swept bangs which will help to frame the face.
Collarbone Length with Graduated Bangs
A collarbone length or a ‘clavicut’ is a blunt cut, where your hair sits around the collarbone. The difference between this style and the lob is that the hair is the same length from back to front.
Credit: @thebangsbabe
However, if you want to spice this look up further, you can add graduated bangs which will subtly blend into your hair. These bangs appear longer at the temples and then turn into layers as it reaches the rest of your full-length hair. So, if you’re in between a crisp, clean cut and a softer style, the clavicut hairdo is the one for you!
Centre-part Sleek and Straight
The centre-part sleek and straight hairstyle is the perfect choice for women with thin hair who want to go for a more professional look. If you have fine straight hair and are searching for that ‘effortlessly chic’ sort of style, this haircut will be your best bet.
Credit @madameci
To complete this look, you can use our Ultimate Styler Hairbrush and a straightener to create the ultimate sleek surface. (Just make sure to apply your heat protectant!) For that oh-so shiny glow, try adding some oil to the ends of your hair to help moisturise the strands and give off a glossy finish.
A shoulder-length haircut is a great choice for women who want to spice up their look. It is an excellent option for transitioning from long hair to short hair, for women who want to add texture and volume to their hair, and for women who want a low-maintenance hairstyle. There are tons of stylish shoulder-length hairstyles to choose from, giving you lots of options to create a look that suits your personality. Whether you want a shaggy look, long layers, or a sleek, straight hairstyle, there is something for every hair type.
Credit: @thebangsbabe
