The Best Low Maintenance Medium Length Haircuts

Not too long and not too short, medium length haircuts offer the best of both worlds. They’re versatile enough to offer a wide variety of styling opportunities, but they’re also not too hard to maintain. Especially when you choose the right haircut.

Not all medium length styles are made equal, so if you really want a cut that’ll save you time in the morning and stress throughout the day, be sure to go the low maintenance route. These are cuts that require minimal styling and upkeep – sometimes, you can simply wash and go about the rest of your day.

If you’re not sure what those kinds of cuts look like, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover the best low maintenance medium length haircuts, from sleek lobs to lively shag cuts.

What To Consider When Getting A Medium Length Haircut

Before you head to the salon, you’ll want to map out a bit of a game plan.

The right haircut should work for your face shape, your hair’s natural texture, and your lifestyle. Low maintenance generally means easy to take care of, but everyone has their own definition of what that means.

Do you want a hairstyle that doesn’t require any additional styling? Are you ok with spending a few minutes with a hair dryer and brush or a flat/curling iron? Is medium length hair the final goal, or are you looking to grow it out even longer?

When it comes to hair texture, layers are always helpful for defining and lifting wavy hair, while those with straight hair may want to keep things simple and sleek. Take some time to figure out exactly what you’re looking for before you make your final commitment, which just may end up being one of the following cuts.

1. Lob With Subtle Layers

Does a classic bob feel a bit too short for your liking? Try a lob (or long bob) instead. It’s still sleek and chic, but it allows for extra growth with lengths typically hitting the collarbone or just below the shoulders. It can be worn with any kind of part, straight or with subtle waves – making it an ideal choice for those with natural texture in their hair. Ask for a few subtle layers at the ends for a bit more volume.

2. Blended Layer Shag Cut

If you want bouncy layers that are on full display, try a rock’n’roll-inspired shag cut. Defined by choppy, razored layers and long curtain bangs that beautifully frame the face, a shag cut makes a bold and edgy statement. It’s an especially great choice for those with wavy hair, as the layers will really bring out your natural texture and enhance your wave pattern.

3. Curtain Bangs & Face-Framing Layers

Somewhere between a shag and a layered lob is this effortlessly cool style. It’s not quite as choppy as a shag, with textured layers concentrated around the face as opposed to the entire body of hair. Curtain bangs make the perfect complement to this edgy cut, which is well-suited to those with straight or slightly textured hair.

4. Soft, Flippy Layers

A gentler version of retro hairstyles from the 60s, this elongated cut brings just the right amount of texture and volume to straight hair. It works especially well for medium lengths that are just on the verge of long territory (think maximum lengths that fall a few inches below the collarbone), with long, softly flipping layers that hit around shoulder length.

5. Italian Lob 

If you love the glamorous feel of an Italian bob but want a little more length, just make it a lob! With its voluminous, swingy layers, this bob style is an excellent choice for those with naturally thick hair. Ask for volume-boosting layers throughout the cut, and don’t forget to add the signature flippy ends – the look works whether they curl inwards or outwards.

6. Beachy Waves

Prefer a more laidback look? If you have naturally soft 2A waves, consider classic beachy waves. With choppy, textured ends and soft, tousled layers, this look creates a relaxed feel that works for the coast or the city – and all you’ll have to do for maintenance is add a touch of dry texture or sea salt spray.

7. Blunt Lob

It doesn’t get simpler or sleeker than a blunt lob for those with pin-straight hair. Simply choose your perfect length (lobs typically fall anywhere from collarbone-length to just below the shoulders), work in some shine spray, and you’ll be good to go. You can also add in bangs (regular or side bangs) or an a-line/asymmetrical element for a touch more detail, but overall a blunt lob is one of the easiest medium length haircuts you could ask for.

8. The Modern Rachel

With the 90s revival still in full swing, it’s no surprise that this iconic hairstyle is back. Known for its bouncy, face-framing layers, the updated take is longer and sleeker than Jennifer Aniston’s original cut in the first few seasons of Friends. Perfect for wearing with a slight side-part, the modern Rachel is a fantastic choice for those who want to add extra bounce and lift to their naturally straight hair.

9. Sleek Curtain Bangs

Another great choice for straight-haired beauties? A sleek style with face-framing curtain bangs. This is an easy style that adds a lot of dimension, and all you have to ask for is curtain bangs with a few extra layers to blend in with the rest of your hair. Keep the rest of your hair sleek and straight, add in a shine spray, and you’ll look amazingly chic for any occasion.

Conclusion – Low Maintenance Medium Length Haircuts

A low maintenance medium length haircut offers the best of both worlds in all senses. It’s not too long or short, and is a breeze to take care of. Whether you’re trying to find balance in length or you just want to save yourself time during your morning routine, you’ll love one of these effortlessly beautiful low maintenance cuts.

Sophie Ellis

Sophie is passionate about turning hairstyle trends into easy everyday looks. With a background in beauty media, she shares practical haircare tips and fresh styling ideas to help you feel confident: one good hair day at a time.