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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.