Bored Of Your Bob? Try A Midi Cut

By Charlie Colville

2 days ago

Medium length locks are in


The start of the year’s bob craze has meant that many of us, several months into 2024, are now dealing with some seriously outgrown locks. But fear not, this is just the start of the next major hair trend: the midi cut.

What Is A Midi Cut

As its name suggests, a midi cut is a mid-length hairstyle that falls between the collarbone and above the chest. While many consider them to be part of the awkward ‘growing out’ stage of a bob, others are embracing the look – and making it the next big hair trend.

‘Mid-length cuts don’t have to feel like a long, grown out bob,’ confirms Zoe Adams, stylist and International Hair Artist at Taylor Taylor London. ‘This year we’re being shown that they can be their own style, with layers and careful shaping to create volume and movement or shine and sophistication.’

@haiirologybyjen Are you struggling to find a Medium Length Haircut that you actually like? Then here is a break down of my haircut that you can use for inspo! Back: blended short layers, shortest layer starting at the shoulder Front: short curtain bangs with face framing layers . . #faceframinglayers #haircutideas #haircutinspo #thickhair #midlengthhair #mediumhair #shortlayers #hairtok ♬ original sound – Jen | Hair Tutorials

And with over 39.8 million posts about midi cuts on TikTok already, we’re predicting only good things for this trend. But, aside from its ability to make grown-out hair look good, makes it so popular? ‘It comes down to its versatility,’ says Zoe. ‘The cut can be personalised with curtain bangs, invisible layers or natural waves – and so much more.

‘If your bob has grown out and your hair has reached that awkward-length stage, or if you’ve got long locks and fancy a change without going super short, a trendy mid-length style is the cut for you.’

Who Suits This Cut?

And its this versatility that makes the midi cut such an adaptable hairstyle. ‘It suits a range of hair types and face shapes,’ confirms Zoe. ‘It works well on straight, wavy, curly and coily hair, with layers adding movement and volume where needed. Fine hair benefits from blunt ends or layers for fullness, while thick hair needs layers to reduce bulk. For face shapes, it is a cut that will work well on everyone; it complements oval faces, adds length to round faces and softens the jawline on square faces.’

How To Ask For A Midi Cut In The Salon

You’ll need to be specific about the vision you have in mind when requesting this hairstyle. ‘A midi cut is something that can be interpreted from stylist to stylist, so be clear about the length you’re after,’ explains Zoe. ‘Mention your hair texture and any specific concerns, like wanting layers for volume or a blunt cut for thickness. It’s also helpful to bring reference photos for clarity.’

@thehairbros 60’s Midi Cut #thehairbros #60shair #fringe #fy #fyp #annakarina #haircut #hairtok ♬ Jet Skis On The Moat – Arctic Monkeys

How To Style It

Styling will depend, of course, on the texture of your hair – but for a straightforward, frizz-taming style session, Zoe has some suggestions. ‘To style a midi cut, start by applying a volumizing spray to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush for added body,’ she recommends. ‘For a sleek finish, use a hair oil to tame frizz and add shine. If you prefer waves, use a curling wand to create soft curls and tousle them for a relaxed look. Experiment with different partings for variety, and consider using accessories like clips or headbands to enhance your style.’

5 Ways To Wear A Midi Cut

1. Tailored Midi Cut

Giving mid-length hair a more bespoke feel, a tailored midi cut ‘enables the individual to go shorter without losing out on too much length,’ says Tina Farey, Editorial Director of RUSH Hair. ‘The tailored aspect comes in with layers, which give it a more defined and dimensional feel.’

You can find out more about the cut here.

 

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2. 60s Midi Cut

Inspired by Danish-French film actress Anna Karina, this take on the midi cut is made up of face-framing layers and a fringe – with lots of volume for a dramatic finish.

 

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3. Midi Bob

The ultimate transition style for former bob lovers, a midi bob is the ultimate hybrid look. Longer than a traditional bob, but shorter than a lob, this take on the trend provides an effortless, low-maintenance look.

 

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4. Coily Midi Cut

The cut can also be styled for those with curly and coily hair textures. This is a great hairstyle for showing off the curly formation of your hair, as the layers help highlight the definition while maintaining the overall shape of the style.

 

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5. Mid-Length Shag

One of the most popular post-Covid styles in the salon, the shag can also be incorporated into your midi cut plans. ‘A mid-length, or medium, shag is a haircut that falls around shoulder length and features a choppy, layered cut,’ explains Katie Allan, celebrity hair stylist and founder of MAYFIVE Hair. ‘It creates a textured, tousled look with face-framing layers and often includes bangs. The hairstyle can be customised for a range of looks, from sleek to messy.’

You can find out more about the cut here.

 

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Featured image: SS25 Copenhagen Fashion Week Streetstyle (c) Noor-u-Nisa