Celebrity Hairstyles for Medium and Long Hair

Medium and long hair give you the most options. The most-copied celebrity looks at these lengths are long layers, loose waves, the collarbone lob, a sleek straight cut, curtain bangs, a braid and a textured half-up. Each starts with a simple cut, which we describe below in plain terms you can bring to your stylist.

Length gives you room to experiment, and growing hair back is slower than cutting it. Pick the cut first. Then decide how you will style it most days. A great cut with a plan for the morning beats a perfect photo you cannot repeat.

Long layers and movement

Long, soft layers

This is the cut behind a lot of red carpet hair: length at the back with soft layers that start below the chin. It adds bounce without sacrificing length. It suits straight, wavy and curly textures.

How to ask your stylist: "Long layers that start around the chin, blended so you cannot see lines, with my length kept at the back."

Face-framing pieces

A few shorter strands around the face, like those you often see on Jennifer Aniston and Gigi Hadid, soften the jaw and cheekbones. They are the easiest update if you do not want a big cut.

How to ask your stylist: "Face-framing layers starting at the cheekbone, long enough to tuck behind my ear."

The V-cut or U-cut back

The back of the hair is cut to a point (V) or a curve (U). A V shape shows more layering. A U shape keeps a fuller, rounder line. Neither changes the length at the front.

How to ask your stylist: "A soft U-shaped back, so the ends stay thick and not too pointed."

Waves, curls and braids

Loose red carpet waves

Soft waves brushed out into a glossy S shape are a staple at awards shows. Think of Blake Lively's polished waves as a general style reference. The cut helps, but the finish matters most: curl away from the face, then brush out.

How to ask your stylist: "Long layers that hold a wave, and please show me how you curl and brush it out."

Beachy texture

Lived-in, tousled waves suit hair that is a bit messy. They are forgiving on second-day hair, and need only a light spray and a wide-barrel iron.

How to ask your stylist: "Uneven, textured layers, nothing too blunt, so I can air-dry with a bit of wave."

The textured braid

A fishtail or loose side braid has been a celebrity favorite for years. It keeps long hair tidy and looks best with layers that frame the face. Ask for a trim that tidies your ends so the braid tapers cleanly.

How to ask your stylist: "A light trim and a few face-framing pieces that I can leave out when I braid."

Medium-length favorites

The collarbone lob

The long bob works at both medium and long lengths. It is easy to style straight or wavy, and it grows out well. Many stars wear it as a safe, modern choice.

How to ask your stylist: "A lob that sits at my collarbone, with a slight angle at the front and soft ends."

The sleek, straight cut

A one-length, glossy, straight look is common on runways and red carpets. It relies on a blunt, healthy edge. If you want it to look thick, skip layers.

How to ask your stylist: "A blunt, one-length cut with a clean bottom line. Please do not thin the ends."

Curtain bangs with length

Curtain bangs work well on medium and long hair because they blend into the layers. They are easy to part, pin or tuck. If you hesitate to commit to bangs, they are one of the easiest to grow out.

How to ask your stylist: "Long curtain bangs that blend into my layers, cut dry so I can see how they fall."

Styling at home

For waves, a 1-inch curling iron gives a classic bend. For a smooth, bouncy finish at medium length, a volumizing brush does the job in one step. A bit of lightweight oil on the ends adds shine. Use a heat protectant and keep the temperature as low as works for your hair.

1. Start on dry or just-damp hair and apply a heat protectant.
2. Section hair into four parts and clip them up.
3. Curl away from your face in 1-inch pieces, leaving the ends out for a modern look.
4. Let each curl cool before you move on, then brush through with your fingers or a wide-tooth brush.
5. Finish with a drop of oil on the ends.

Choosing the right cut for your hair

Fine hair holds long layers best when they are kept subtle. A blunt lob also adds the look of thickness. Thick hair gains from more layers, which remove weight and let waves move. Wavy and curly hair benefits from a cut that follows its natural pattern, so ask your stylist to cut dry or check curls as they dry.

If you wear your hair up often, ask for layers that are not too short. Short pieces can pop out of ponytails. For help finding a stylist who listens, see our guide on how to choose a hair salon.

Fine, thick and curly: what changes

Fine hair looks fullest with a mostly one-length cut and only a few long layers around the face. Too many layers remove the weight that makes thin hair look dense. Lift the roots when you blow-dry, and keep products light.

Thick hair needs weight removed to move well. Ask for internal layers or gentle thinning, and be clear that you want shape, not a cut that leaves you with puffy sides. Smooth with a little oil.

Curly hair shrinks when dry, sometimes by several inches. Ask your stylist to cut in sections and check the curl pattern as they go. Long layers can give curls a natural, rounded shape, while a blunt cut gives more weight at the ends.

How to adapt a photo to your life

Look at what the person in the photo is doing. Is the hair freshly curled, or air-dried? Is it parted in a way that hides a cowlick? Ask your stylist to explain what a day-to-day version would look like. Then think about your routine: do you wear hair up for work, run, or sleep with it wet? A realistic plan beats a perfect photo you cannot repeat. Bring a second photo of how you actually wear your hair now, so your stylist knows your starting point.

Updos and half-up styles

Length also opens up styles you can wear up. A low chignon, a high ponytail with a smooth top and a half-up twist are all common on red carpets. Ask your stylist for layers that are long enough to pin, and a cut that does not leave short pieces at the nape. If you plan to wear hair up for an event, our event hair and makeup guide covers timing and prep.

Keeping length healthy

Long hair has been around longer, so the ends are the oldest part. Regular small trims keep them from splitting up the shaft. Heat tools, tight elastics and rough towel drying are the usual culprits. Sleep on a smooth pillowcase if your ends tangle overnight. If you notice shedding or scalp changes, talk to a dermatologist.

More ideas: the most-copied celebrity hairstyles, or haircuts for square faces.

Questions people ask

What is the best celebrity haircut for medium-length hair?

Layered cuts and the long bob are the most popular. Both add movement without losing length, and both can be styled straight or wavy.

Do layers make long hair look thinner?

Not if they are placed well. Long, soft layers add movement and usually make fine hair look fuller. Very short, choppy layers on thin hair can make the ends look sparse, so ask for gentle ones.

How often should I trim long hair?

Every 8 to 12 weeks keeps ends healthy and layers in shape. If you are growing length, ask for a small dusting only.

Can I get these looks with curly hair?

Yes. Ask for a cut designed for curls and tell your stylist how much shrinkage to plan for, so the finished length matches what you want.