Medium-Length Hairstyles You Should Always Avoid

Deciding on your next haircut can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you're considering trying something new. Don't know where to start? Mid-length haircuts, including the lob, can be easy to style and incredibly trendy. However, the various types of lobs, like the sleek, stretched lob, aren't the only popular medium-long options. Mid-length shags, cub cuts, and wolf cuts are also cute, on-trend options. That said, some mid-length cuts come with pitfalls, especially when it comes to layering.

Whether you're considering a big chop or simply a different style, you have to consider a few things. For instance, while expressing yourself is important, some cuts may be more conventionally flattering than others. Everything from your hair type to your face shape and even your age can impact whether a certain look works for you, and this is especially true with a mid-length cut. 

Still, there are no absolute rules when it comes to your hair. Just because a stylist suggests certain looks are best avoided doesn't mean you can't rock them. In fact, you may find that some of these cuts actually look amazing on you. Knowing what haircuts to avoid isn't about limiting yourself or steering clear of a cute look you want to try but rather about highlighting some of the potential issues with these styles to circumvent them. This way, you can ensure you get a haircut that isn't just trendy or interesting but also one that truly makes you feel like your best self.

Layers can be a great way to add movement and a sense of fun to your haircut, and they can also be a solution to many different hair concerns. For example, if your hair's thin or fine, you may achieve some extra volume with layers. Furthermore, if your hair is super thick or feels too heavy, layers can make your hair feel lighter and easier to manage. Layers, if done correctly, have the potential to highlight your best features and make your haircut look more balanced. However, layers can also make your hair look uneven, unhealthy, and unbalanced if done improperly.

According to hairstylist Justin Hickox, layers that start too high can cause these problems. In a video published on his YouTube channel, he says, "You've got to have a good balance, meaning that the top has to have enough length to balance with the overall length." Hickox notes that while this can happen with short hair, there's an even bigger risk of this happening with medium-length or longer hair. If a stylist isn't experienced with layers, they may not even realize that they're layering too high. To help prevent this, have a clear idea of where you want your top layers, and make sure to communicate it with your stylist before they start cutting away your beautiful tresses.

Just thinking of all the things that could go wrong with layers, especially when they aren't cut properly, could be enough to put you off the idea of getting any. That doesn't mean, though, that going all one length is necessarily the answer, especially if you have medium-length hair.

While this can be a simple and easy-to-style haircut, if you plan to part it down the middle it may not be the most flattering shape, especially for those with longer, narrower face shapes like long or oval. That may not be the only reason to avoid this kind of mid-length cut, though. According to Lauren Udoh, creative hair director at WigReports, it may also have an aging effect. On this, Udoh told SheFinds, "A long bob can make someone look older if it is cut straight across and is not layered."

Of course, if you're really attached to the sleek look of a one-length cut, that doesn't mean you have to give up on it altogether. Switching up your styling can go a long way. Simply opting for an off-center part or a deeper side part can be an easy solution that will help prevent your haircut from dragging your face down.

Just as layers that start too high can cause issues, having too many layers concentrated at the bottom can also be problematic. While having some subtle, long layers may seem like a nice way to introduce a little movement or flirtiness to your cut without going over the top, it could make your hair look scraggly and unhealthy if there are too many thick layers near the bottom. When you have a lot of layers in one spot, there's also likely a greater concentration of visible split ends, too. Justin Hickox warns against this in his YouTube video, explaining that too many layers at the bottom of your haircut should be avoided because "it starts to make the ends look pretty thin."

In addition to potentially making your hair look unhealthy, it can also lead to a haircut that lacks a sense of balance and harmony. When your hair is mid-length, the negative effects of having too many layers concentrated at the bottom could be even more noticeable than if you have longer hair with layers further away from your face.

When you have a mid-length haircut, your bangs play a big role in its overall look and style, which means that you need to think about the type of bangs you want more carefully. Not only should you consider the look you like but you'll also need to factor in your face shape and even any skin concerns you have. Ultimately, in this category, bayb bangs don't work for most people. These bangs are trendy and have an undeniably retro, Bettie Page-esq charm. However, while baby bangs create an incredibly distinct and edgy look, they don't work well for everyone. For instance, they could draw attention to the wrong areas or even create an unintended aging effect. 

According to Clementine's Salon owner Dani Everson, baby bangs can "overshare someone's wrinkle story" (via SheFinds). Of course, there's nothing wrong with aging or rocking a look you love no matter your age. That said, a haircut that adds years to your face probably isn't the most flattering option for many people. Similarly, if you struggle with acne, scars, or oiliness on your forehead, baby bangs may end up framing and highlighting these things rather than obscuring them. If you love the look of baby bangs, going for some longer, straight-acro ss bangs may still give off a hint of retro edginess without drawing attention to problem areas.

Like bangs, face-framing pieces — or a lack thereof — can have a big impact on the overall look of your haircut. While there's nothing wrong with this kind of cut — and it can actually make a bold style statement — it might not be the most flattering mid-length cut. According to Justin Hickox, this cut "doesn't necessarily enhance cheekbone structure or enhance any of the flattering aspects of the face shape."

Some longer, straight bangs can be a great alternative to baby bangs, but without some kind of face-framing tendrils or other layers involved, they could lead to a flat look. Hickox also notes that this particular cut can create a very "square shape" around your face. For those with a square face or a wider face in general, this might be drawing the eye to the wrong areas. Including some simple face-framing pieces can help soften this style and pull more attention to areas like your eyes or cheekbones.

If this is your go-to look and you love it, there's no reason to second-guess your favorite hairstyle. However, if you like this cut but feel that it isn't really working for you for some reason, introducing face-framing pieces and layers could be the solution you've been looking for.

In the opposite direction of having no face-framing pieces whatsoever, it's possible to have ones that are too thick or that go too far back on your head. Similarly, if you have layers that start around your face but go too far back into your haircut, you may end up with an awkward or disconnected look, which could inadvertently take you into mullet territory. Layers that go too far back will also likely draw the eye down and back instead of near your face.

Typically, any framing or layers that you have near your face should only go as far back as your ear, where they should be blended or connected with the layering at the side and back of your head, according to Justin Hickox. If a stylist doesn't blend these layers, you could end up with an awkward-looking cut that's also hard to style.

Those who love super choppy haircuts or thick layers may be particularly at risk for this. One good way to avoid this is to opt for lighter, wispier face-framing pieces and layers near the face. This can ensure that you're still highlighting your features without letting go of too much hair around the face.

Another type of haircut that the mid-length babes should be wary of is one with large gaps between the layers. While big, defined layers can achieve a standout look and might appeal to those who like the trending retro kitty cut, a mid-length haircut with significant gaps between the layers has the potential to be unflattering. These kinds of layers could work well for someone with longer hair, but when your hair is shoulder-length or shorter, it can end up creating awkward shapes around your face if not done properly. In fact, it could even cause you to look like you have two different haircuts, making your look both confusing and difficult to style.

Something else to think about is that if these layers are thick, your hair could lose some volume and end up looking thinner than it actually is. It may also open you up to more damaged ends, as well. Another thing to consider is the cut's longevity. Even if these large gaps look okay when you first get your hair cut, they might start to look out of place as your hair grows out. If you really like spaced-out layers, you can still go for that general look without having to let go of large chunks of your hair. One way to do this is to talk to your stylist about having lighter, thinner top layers while leaving your bottom layer thicker.

Mullets and their variations, like the shullet, have definitely had their moment, but that doesn't mean that they'll look good on everyone — or that they'll be good for your hair. If you have mid-length hair, any kind of haircut that involves layers concentrated at the top of the head, mullet or otherwise, may not always have the most appealing effect. One thing you might want to consider before getting this type of cut is your hair type. Short layers can look very different in thick or wavy hair compared to thinner or straighter hair.

Those with hair on the thinner or finer side may need to be particularly cautious when it comes to these kinds of haircuts. On this, Katia Jananji, a Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks artist, told Salon, "If a client with thin hair wants that layered mullet haircut and the stylist starts cutting too many layers, the hair will collapse and look flat. It won't give as much volume and will look very thin at the bottom, so the client won't get the look they're expecting." While it's always helpful to be familiar with your hair type and how it behaves, this particular style is an instance where your hair type could make or break the look, so knowing your hair type is a must before making any big cuts.

The scene and emo babes might not want to hear this, but a haircut with a thin bottom layer might not be the most flattering at mid-length — and it could make your hair appear damaged and unkempt. It should go without saying that if you adore your scene cut, you can ignore this advice, but for those who want a change or feel that their hair looks unhealthy, you should probably avoid a long, thin bottom layer.

Not only is a thin bottom layer potentially more susceptible to damage but it may also look dirtier faster. This type of haircut can be particularly problematic for split ends, too. In fact, Garnier celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher told Bustle it can increase the appearance of split ends, explaining, "If over thinned, your hair can look thin on the ends and more bulky at the roots looking like you have thinned split ends."

Something else to consider with a long, thin bottom layer is that it may take a long time to grow out, especially if you intend to cut the bottom layer off and blend it with the shorter ones. You may also find that this style doesn't necessarily grow out gracefully, which means you could end up with an awkward look for a while.

From a mussed, '90s-era lob to the quiet luxury skinny lob, lobs of all kinds are very trendy right now. Still, you need to do some planning before you get one. While lobs are simple and versatile and make a great mid-length cut overall, there are some things you need to consider before choosing this style. For instance, you need to think about how dedicated you are to maintaining it, as well as what it might look like if you grow it out.

To keep your lob looking, well, like a lob, you'll need to get regular trims. You'll also need to be clear with your stylist about the exact length that you want. If your stylist cuts your lob too long to begin with, it may not look as chic as you were hoping, and you might have trouble figuring out exactly why. Generally, lob lengths range from the bottom of your chin to the top of your collarbone, so anything longer than that falls outside of lob territory.

If you want to grow it out, you should be mindful that it might not accentuate your features in the same way it initially did. However, styling it can help keep it looking chic until you grow it out or get it touched up. Adding some texture, waves, or curls can go a long way toward making your lob appear shorter and more interesting until you can grow it out.

Shag haircuts are a lot of fun, and they've had a huge resurgence. Not only can they make you look like a '70s-era rockstar but they can also be plain fun and free-spirited. That said, this type of haircut, or any kind of mid-length cut that involves a lot of choppy layers, might not always work out the best. When you introduce a lot of choppy layers into a mid-length cut, you might also end up with a cut that looks disjointed and thins out your hair.

According to Lily Will, CEO and founder of Niawigs, too much layering "can make your hair appear even more limp than before" (via SheFinds). For this reason, you also really need to consider your hair type before you allow your stylist to get too wild with the chopping. Those with thicker hair might fare better with this type of cut than those with thinner or finer hair. That doesn't mean that this look needs to be totally avoided, though. Often, a similar look can be achieved by leaving the bottom layer or the length thicker, all while creating the illusion of choppy layers with thinner and more strategic types of layering.