Finding the right hairstyle after 40 can feel like a challenge, but medium-length cuts offer the perfect balance of style and manageability.
These versatile styles frame your face beautifully while requiring less maintenance than longer locks. Whether you’re looking for something classic or cutting-edge, these 20 medium cuts will inspire your next salon visit.
1. Layered Lob with Side-Swept Bangs
The long bob with layers creates movement around your face, instantly softening features and minimizing fine lines. Side-swept bangs add a youthful touch without looking too young.
This cut works beautifully on straight or wavy hair types.
2. Modern Shag with Curtain Bangs
Remember de shag from decades past? It’s back with a sophisticated update! Soft layers throughout create volume while wispy curtain bangs frame the face beautifully.
The modern shag works for all hair textures and grows out gracefully.
3. Blunt Collarbone Cut
Precision is the star of this elegant style. A clean, straight-across cut hitting right at the collarbone creates a strong visual statement that’s both modern and timeless.
Minimal layers keep this look sleek while the length flatters neck and shoulders.
4. Soft A-Line Bob
A gentle angle from back to front creates this universally flattering shape. Slightly longer in front than back, this cut elongates the neck while framing the jawline.
The soft A-line works beautifully for fine hair, creating an illusion of fullness.
5. Textured Midi Cut with Feathered Ends
Feathery, textured ends breathe life into medium-length hair. The lightweight movement creates bounce and volume without looking overly styled or stiff.
This cut responds beautifully to scrunching with mousse for an effortless, tousled finish.
6. Face-Framing Layers with Blended Bangs
Graduated layers starting at cheekbone level create a gorgeous frame for your features. Longer, blended bangs that merge seamlessly with layers soften the forehead area.
This versatile cut can be styled straight, wavy, or curly depending on mood.
7. Classic Shoulder-Length Cut with Invisible Layers
Sometimes subtle is stunning! This timeless cut features nearly invisible layers that create movement without obvious steps or choppiness.
The shoulder-grazing length offers versatility for ponytails and updos while still looking polished when worn down.
8. Choppy Midi with Textured Ends
Bold texture creates this eye-catching style. Strategic choppiness throughout the ends creates dimension and movement without looking messy or unfinished.
The deliberately imperfect finish makes this cut perfect for busy women who want wash-and-go style.
9. Sleek Mid-Length with Long Swooping Layers
Elegance meets movement in this sophisticated style. Long, swooping layers begin below chin level, creating subtle dimension while maintaining a sleek overall appearance.
This refined cut looks equally stunning worn straight or with gentle waves.
10. Curved Bob with Softened Edges
Gentle curves define this flattering shape. Unlike sharper bob styles, softened edges around the face create a more forgiving silhouette that complements mature features.
The curved shape hugs the jawline beautifully while textured ends prevent the helmet look.
11. Midi Cut with Wispy Fringe
Light-as-air bangs make this medium cut special. Wispy fringe skims the eyebrows without hiding them, creating a youthful frame that doesn’t overwhelm the face.
The weightless texture of the bangs makes them incredibly low-maintenance compared to heavier fringe styles.
12. Collarbone Lob with Rounded Layers
Rounded layers create beautiful movement in this just-below-the-collarbone cut. The curved shape of each layer builds natural volume without relying on excessive products or styling.
This versatile length works for active lifestyles while still looking polished for professional settings.
13. Relaxed Mid-Length with Curtain Bangs
Effortless style defines this medium cut with face-flattering curtain bangs. The parted fringe opens at the center, gradually blending into longer face-framing pieces.
This low-maintenance style works with your natural texture rather than fighting against it.
14. Asymmetrical Midi with Deep Side Part
Dramatic side parts create instant sophistication in this trendsetting style. One side falls slightly longer than the other, creating a subtle asymmetry that’s both modern and mature.
The deep side placement adds volume at the crown—perfect for finer hair types.
15. Blunt Mid-Length with Micro-Bangs
Fashion-forward and fabulous! This daring combination pairs a sleek, straight mid-length cut with ultra-short, straight-across bangs that stop high on the forehead.
Not for the faint-hearted, this architectural style makes a bold statement without excessive length.
16. Brushed-Back Volume with Tapered Sides
Volume meets versatility in this statement-making cut. Longer on top and gradually tapered at the sides, this style can be brushed back for height or worn forward for softer framing.
The dimensional shape works beautifully for those transitioning from shorter styles.
17. Textured Bob with Disconnected Layers
Artistic and edgy, this modern interpretation of the bob features deliberately disconnected layers for maximum texture and movement. The “imperfect” finish creates a contemporary look that’s still sophisticated.
This style works particularly well with natural waves or curls.
18. Midi Shag with Curved Bangs
Rock-and-roll meets refinement in this updated shag. Curved bangs that bend slightly at the ends soften the traditional shag’s edginess while maintaining its cool factor.
The deliberately tousled finish makes this an ideal cut for busy women embracing their natural texture.
19. Collarbone Cut with Invisible Crown Layers
Strategic hidden layers at the crown create magical volume in this seemingly simple cut. While appearing like a one-length style from the front, concealed layers create lift and movement.
The collarbone length keeps this cut fresh and modern.
20. French Bob with Curved Cheek-Length Finish
Parisian chic meets modern sensibility. This sophisticated interpretation of the French bob hits right at cheekbone level with a gentle curve that follows the jawline.
The slightly curved ends soften the traditional blunt finish for a more flattering effect.