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Getty Images/ InStyle
Super sleek and straight, bouncy with beach waves, or a chic updo; shoulder-length hair looks good on everyone and every face shape. You’d be surprised how many different ways you can wear this popular haircut.
According to Rala Alsaadi, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, air shoulder-length hairstyles are here to stay and will be the ultimate cool girl cut in the upcoming seasons. They're versatility allows people to channel a look for any occasion and from any decade as they're both long enough to throw up into a chic updo and short enough to curl for a night out.
"It can be a gritty wash-and-go look or you can opt for a refined and glossy finish," says Alsaadi. "There’s no right or wrong way to wear shoulder-length hair, we can expect to continue to see both undone and polished styles.”
If a shoulder-length haircut is in the cards for you, you're in luck. Here, we pulled together 17 of our favorite shoulder-length hairstyles for your reference next time you visit the salon.
Feathered Bangs with a Blowout
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Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images
A tad below the shoulder, Zendaya’s style shows off beautiful wispy layers with feathered bangs. The result: a chic look.
Air-Dried Waves
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Instagram @ashleygraham
Ashley Graham doesn’t miss when it comes to perfectly tousled beach waves. Here, her natural texture highlights her shoulder-length layers and gives her look an effortless vibe.
Blunt Bangs with Layers
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V E Anderson/WireImage
This style has been a go-to on countless red carpets, and for good reason. We love Constance Wu’s black blunt bangs here, which feature face-framing layers that give her an extra edge.
Accessorized Afro
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Dia Dipasupil/WireImage
An eye-catching afro will forever be a gorgeous look that compliments any ensemble. Here, Kerry Washington’s length adds texture and volume — the gold accessory is just the cherry on top.
Old Hollywood Waves
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Instagram @themartyharper
Alexandra Daddario’s soft S-waves, and deep side part not only brighten her face, but are runway-ready without looking too rigid.
70’s-Inspired Wavy Wolf Cut
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Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Queen of the shag cut — there’s something about Natasha Lyonne’s hair that draws you in. Her fringe cut and undone curls give major 70’s vibes, but the look remains current and trendy.
Tight Coils
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Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis
Yara Shahidi’s shoulder-length tight coils give natural volume and movement.
Wavy Lob
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Instagram @themartyharper
Olivia Palermo has so many shoulder-length looks, and every single one of them is *chefs kiss.* This particular middle part style is slightly curled with blended layers for a glossy finish.
Accessorized Lob
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Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Shoulder-length cuts are perfect for accessories to add some drama to any look. Here, Jessica Alba wears a show-stopping pearl headband that gives some serious 'Gossip Girl' vibes.
Brushed-Out Curls
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Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Brushed out soft natural waves are always in — no matter the season. Solange Knowles wears her natural pattern with short bangs that perfectly frame her face.
Sleek Wet Look
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Emma McIntyre /AMA2020/Getty Images
JLO's wet hair look has a rock n' roll edge. This isn’t the wet look we all tried in high school, it’s elevated and sophisticated.
Retro Lob
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Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Selena Gomez’s vintage-looking shoulder-length style screams simple and chic.
Half-Down with a Top Knot
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Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Ciara's half-up half-down style is an easy look to accomplish with shoulder-length hair, and it easily translates from day to date night.
Sleek and Straight
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Instagram @colorbymattrez
Bold, bone-straight, and parted down the middle. This look is classic for those with shoulder-length hair, and Chrissy Teigan added an edge by throwing in face-framing blunt layers and bold highlights.
Big Bouncy Curls
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Instagram @traceeellisross
Tracee Ellis Ross has mastered the versatility of the shoulder-length curls. This style with big wispy curls looks soft, natural and glamorous.
90’s-Inspired Half-Up Half-Down Look
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George Pimentel/WireImage
This sleek half-up half-down shoulder-length style worn by Hailey Beiber brings 90’s nostalgia with a flirty and posh spin.
Kourtney Kardashian Barker
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Instagram @kourtneykardash
The barely there bends give this shoulder-length style worn by Kourtney Kardashain Barker a sultry sophistication. The middle part makes the style bold, while still keeping it relaxed enough for any everyday look.