16 Stunning Shoulder-Length Hairstyles You Need to Try This 2024

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Thinking about going shoulder-length? This versatile cut strikes the perfect balance between manageable and stylish, giving you plenty of room to experiment without the hassle of high-maintenance long locks. Whether you’re rocking natural curls, waves, or straight hair, shoulder-length offers the flexibility to play with different styles—think chic updos, casual beach waves, or a sleek blowout. One thing to consider is your hair texture and density; the right layering technique can make all the difference in how your hair moves and feels. And don’t forget about face shape—layers that frame your face can really enhance your features. Ready to find the perfect shoulder-length style that suits you? Check out these fresh ideas and make your next salon visit a game-changer.

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Simple shoulder length hair with soft waves for medium thick hair

#1 Simple Shoulder-Length Hair

This simple shoulder-length haircut is effortlessly elegant with its soft, loose waves adding natural movement and texture. The length sits perfectly at the shoulders, making it versatile for both casual and formal occasions. The subtle layers give it depth without overwhelming the style, while the slight highlights around the face add brightness and dimension. Ideal for medium-thick hair, this look is low-maintenance yet chic, perfect for someone seeking a refined, polished look that’s easy to manage.

Shoulder length layered haircut with bangs for thinning hair

#2 Shoulder-Length Layers for Thinning Hair

This shoulder-length cut with layers is a fantastic choice for thinning hair. The soft, feathered layers add volume and movement, giving the hair a fuller appearance without overwhelming the face. The light, wispy bangs frame the forehead gently, softening features and drawing attention to the eyes. Ideal for fine or thinning hair, this style helps to create texture and lift, making the hair appear thicker. It’s low-maintenance but stylish, offering a youthful yet sophisticated look that’s easy to wear daily.

Black shoulder length haircut with angled cut for straight hair

#3 Black Shoulder-Length Hair

This sleek black shoulder-length cut is all about sharp lines and elegance. The angled cut, slightly longer in the front, creates a modern, edgy look while maintaining a polished finish. Perfect for straight hair, this style enhances shine and gives the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. The center part adds symmetry and sophistication. It’s a low-maintenance cut that looks great with minimal effort, but the precision of the blunt ends means you’ll need regular trims to keep the shape sharp.

Thick shoulder length haircut with layers and a center part

#4 Thick Shoulder-Length Cut with Layers

This thick shoulder-length cut with layers is perfect for adding subtle movement and shaping to fuller hair. The soft, face-framing layers lighten the look, giving it a polished yet relaxed feel. Ideal for thick hair, the layers help to create a flattering silhouette without sacrificing volume. The center part enhances balance and symmetry, making it easy to style while maintaining a fresh, modern vibe. It’s a versatile choice for anyone wanting a low-maintenance cut that still feels light and airy.

Shoulder length wavy haircut with soft texture for fine to medium hair

#5 Shoulder-Length Wavy Hair

This shoulder-length wavy hair is the perfect blend of casual and chic. The soft waves add natural texture and volume, making it a great option for fine to medium hair. The middle part creates a balanced, symmetrical look, while the gentle waves frame the face beautifully. This style is low-maintenance and versatile, easily transitioning from day to night without much effort. It’s ideal for anyone wanting an effortlessly polished look with a touch of movement.

Balayage shoulder length hair with soft waves for medium thick hair

#6 Balayage on Shoulder-Length Hair

This balayage on shoulder-length hair is the perfect mix of soft waves and bright highlights. The natural, hand-painted highlights create a sun-kissed effect that adds depth and dimension to the cut. The loose waves give the style texture and movement, making it ideal for medium to thick hair types. The layers frame the face beautifully, and the balayage helps accentuate the layers without being too harsh. It’s a low-maintenance color choice that grows out seamlessly and looks effortlessly chic.

Medium one length haircut on straight fine hair

#7 Medium One-Length Cut on Straight Hair

This medium one-length cut on straight hair is sleek, polished, and perfect if you love a clean, minimalist style. The blunt ends keep it sharp and modern, while the center part adds balance and symmetry. Ideal for straight, fine to medium hair, this cut gives the illusion of thicker, healthier locks. It’s a low-maintenance style that’s easy to wear daily but looks refined enough for more formal occasions. Just be mindful—since it’s one length, it may need regular trims to keep the ends crisp.

Blonde shoulder length haircut with soft layers for fine hair

#8 Blonde Shoulder-Length Hair

This blonde shoulder-length cut is a great balance of sophistication and ease. The subtle layers add just the right amount of volume, keeping the style lightweight yet full of movement. The soft, face-framing strands help highlight your features, while the blunt ends give the cut structure. Ideal for fine to medium hair, this style is versatile and works well for those who want a polished look without too much maintenance. The blonde color adds brightness and dimension, giving the hair a natural glow.

Layered shoulder length haircut with loose waves for fine hair

#9 Layered Shoulder-Length Hair

This layered shoulder-length cut is all about soft, natural movement. The subtle layers give the hair body and texture, making it an ideal choice for those with fine to medium hair who want a bit more volume. The length falls just below the shoulders, keeping it versatile yet manageable. The loose waves add a relaxed, casual feel while the face-framing layers help highlight your facial features. It’s low-maintenance, but still full of style, perfect for everyday wear.

Shoulder length haircut with layers and curtain bangs for thick hair

#10 Shoulder-Length Hair with Curtain Bangs

This shoulder-length cut with curtain bangs is perfect if you’re looking for softness and volume. The long, sweeping bangs beautifully frame the face, blending into the layered ends for a seamless, flowing look. The layers add texture and movement, making it ideal for medium to thick hair. It’s a flattering choice for round and heart-shaped faces, giving a gentle lift and creating the illusion of fuller hair. The only upkeep is maintaining the bangs to keep them falling just right.

Below the shoulder haircut with blunt ends for medium thick hair

#11 Below-The-Shoulder Haircut

This sleek, below-the-shoulder cut is perfect for those who want a polished, low-maintenance look with a little length. The blunt ends create a clean, sharp finish, while the middle part keeps the style symmetrical and modern. Ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair, this cut works best on medium-thick textures, adding a smooth and healthy shine. The length is perfect for anyone looking for versatility—you can style it sleek or curl it for a bit of volume.

Above the shoulder blunt haircut with middle part for thick hair

#12 Above-The-Shoulder Haircut

This above-the-shoulder blunt cut is all about precision and drama. The clean, straight edges give it a sharp, bold look, while the middle part adds a modern, symmetrical feel. Ideal for those with straight to wavy hair, this cut is perfect if you’re after something sleek and low-maintenance. It works best on medium to thick hair, as finer textures may struggle to keep the sharpness. One bonus? It gives the illusion of fuller hair, but you might need to trim often to maintain the crisp edges.

Shoulder length hair with bangs for fine to medium hair

#13 Shoulder-Length Hair with Bangs

This shoulder-length cut with bangs is a great choice if you’re looking to soften your features without sacrificing length. The blunt, wispy bangs fall just below the brows, making it perfect for those who want to frame their face while keeping the rest of the style simple. The length is ideal for fine to medium hair, offering a bit of movement without looking too heavy. This cut works well if you like a low-maintenance style that still has some personality. Just be aware that bangs may need regular trims to stay fresh!

Shoulder length curly hair with full-bodied texture

#14 Shoulder-Length Curly Hair

This shoulder-length curly cut is perfect for enhancing natural curls while keeping them manageable. The shape balances volume without overwhelming the face, which works especially well for those with thick, tight curls. This style also showcases healthy, bouncy curls with minimal layering, allowing for full-bodied texture. To keep the curls defined and frizz-free, you’ll want to use a curl cream or mousse. It’s a fantastic option if you’re after a low-maintenance but high-impact look that still celebrates your natural curl pattern.

Cute shoulder length hairstyle with loose waves for medium hair

#15 Cute Shoulder-Length Hairstyle

This cute shoulder-length style is ideal if you’re after soft waves with a little volume. The loose, beachy waves add texture and movement, perfect for medium hair density. The center part creates symmetry and is especially flattering if you have a round or oval face shape. The subtle balayage highlights give it a sun-kissed look, and the length keeps it versatile—you can style it up or down. Just be mindful: this style may need a little heat styling or product to maintain the waves.

Shoulder length hair with layers for medium thickness

#16 Shoulder-Length Hair with Layers

This shoulder-length layered cut is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of movement without losing length. The soft layers help add body and texture, especially for medium-thick hair like this. It’s great if your hair tends to fall flat or needs some extra oomph. The slight inward bend at the ends gives a polished finish, but it’s still low-maintenance and grows out nicely. The subtle face-framing layers can also soften sharp jawlines and suit a variety of face shapes. A good fit if you want versatility with minimal effort!