34 Just-Right Medium Cuts for Thick Hair: Not Too Short, Not Too Long

If you’ve got thick hair, you know the struggle: too short, puffs up, too long, and it feels heavy. That’s where medium cuts come in—they’re that perfect in-between that gives your hair shape without the bulk. Whether you want layers to break things up or something sleek and low-maintenance, these styles hit the sweet spot.

1. Classic Long Layers with Curtain Bangs

Classic long layers with curtain bangs are a cut that never goes out of style. The layers add natural movement and softness throughout the length, making it perfect for adding shape without losing that long-hair feel. Curtain bangs frame the face beautifully, blending effortlessly into the layers for a breezy, low-maintenance vibe. This cut is flattering on almost everyone and works with straight, wavy, or even lightly curled textures.

2. Curtain Bangs with Soft Face-Framing Layers

Curtain bangs with soft face-framing layers are an easygoing, flattering style that adds instant polish. The bangs part down the middle and gently drape along the cheekbones, while the subtle layers around the face create dimension and movement. This style is excellent for freshening up longer lengths without a significant chop. Think of it as effortlessly chic, with just enough edge to turn heads.

3. Shag Cut

A shag cut is all about choppy layers, undone texture, and a carefree, rock-and-roll vibe. Originally iconic in the ’70s, it’s made a significant comeback for its versatility and movement. With shorter layers at the crown and longer pieces throughout, it adds volume in all the right places. Whether worn, sleek, or messy, the shag always brings attitude.

4. Soft Choppy Layers with Side Volume

Soft, choppy layers with side volume perfectly balance movement and structure. The layers are subtly textured to create a lived-in look, while the added side volume gives a flattering lift that frames the face beautifully. This style is perfect for those craving volume without the full-on glam effect. It’s incredibly flattering on medium to thick hair, adding movement without overwhelming the shape.

5. Blunt Lob

The blunt lob is a timeless, no-fuss cut with a significant impact. This style features clean, sharp ends that create a sleek silhouette and hit right at the collarbone. It’s perfect for those who want something polished but modern. Bonus: it works on straight, wavy, or slightly textured hair.

6. Blunt with Middle Part

A blunt cut paired with a middle part delivers ultra-modern symmetry and sophistication. The even ends give it that sharp, clean vibe, while the center part frames the face effortlessly. It’s minimal, sleek, and endlessly chic—perfect for low-maintenance polish.

7. Blunt Bob with Volume

A blunt bob with volume gives structure and softness all in one. The straight-edge cut keeps it crisp, while subtle layering or styling at the crown adds lift and bounce—perfect for hair that needs a little oomph without sacrificing precision.

8. Blunt Cut with Tucked Ends

A blunt cut with tucked ends offers a sleek, polished look. The subtle curve hugs the neckline, and the inward bend at the tips adds softness and movement to an otherwise sharp silhouette, making it chic and wearable.

9. Textured Blunt Bob with Airy Waves

A textured blunt bob with airy waves strikes the perfect balance between structure and softness. The clean, straight-across ends give it a modern edge, while the tousled, airy waves add effortless movement and a cool, laid-back vibe.

10. Beachy Waves Lob

A beachy waves lob is the ultimate low-maintenance, cool-girl cut. Its medium length keeps it versatile, while the loose, undone waves add texture and that sun-kissed, carefree energy. This cut is flattering, easy to style, and always in season.

11. Textured Shaggy Bob

The textured shaggy bob is short, bold, and full of personality. Its choppy layers and tousled finish add instant movement and edge, perfect for thick hair that craves shape. This style is playful, modern, and effortless.

12. Messy Mid-Length Layers with Natural Texture

Messy mid-length layers with natural texture embrace that undone, lived-in feel. The layers break up the density and give thick hair room to breathe, while the natural texture brings out movement and softness. This look is easy, low-maintenance, and effortlessly cool.

13. Wavy Wolf Cut with Shaggy Layers

A wavy wolf cut with shaggy layers blends the wild energy of a shag with the edge of a mullet. The layers are choppy and voluminous, tapering into softer, piece-y ends. On wavy hair, it creates effortless texture and a bold, rebellious vibe.

14. Curly Bob with Soft Face-Framing Layers

A curly bob with soft face-framing layers is all about shape and definition. The layers help sculpt the curls around the face, creating a flattering silhouette without overwhelming your features. This style is fresh, bouncy, and full of personality—perfect for showcasing natural texture.

15. Shag Bob

The shag bob mixes the choppy, layered vibe of a shag with the short, structured shape of a bob. It’s full of texture and movement, with feathered ends and often a fringe to tie it all together. Ideal for thick hair, it adds shape without bulk and always looks effortlessly cool.

16. Disconnected Bob

A disconnected bob features bold, uneven lengths that create contrast and edge. The layers don’t blend traditionally, cutting a modern, slightly rebellious vibe. It’s perfect for thick hair since the structure adds shape while feeling airy and bold.

17. Air-Dry Friendly Layers

Stylists strategically cut air-dry-friendly layers to enhance your hair’s natural texture, helping it fall into shape without needing heat styling. They remove excess weight while adding movement and definition, making thick hair easier to manage. This cut is ideal for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, wash-and-go style.

18. Straight Cut with Movement

A straight cut with movement gives you that clean, one-length look without feeling heavy or flat. Subtle shaping at the ends allows thick hair to move naturally, keeping the style sleek but not stiff. It’s polished, simple, and full of quiet dimension.

19. Grown-Out Lob

The grown-out lob is that effortlessly cool in-between length—long enough to tie back but short enough to keep shape. It has a relaxed, lived-in feel, with softened ends and maybe a hint of layering. It is perfect for thick hair with a bit of ease without going full length.

20. Collarbone-Length Cut

A collarbone-length cut is the ultimate classic—it hits the flattering spot between short and long. It gives thick hair enough weight to stay manageable while feeling light and fresh. Whether styled straight, wavy or curled, it’s versatile and always put together.

21. Mid-Length with Side Part

A mid-length cut with a side part instantly adds volume and dimension. The asymmetry draws attention to your features and softens the face, while the length keeps things easy to style. It’s a timeless, flattering option—especially for thick hair that loves a little lift.

22. Bouncy Layered Lob

A bouncy layered lob brings life and movement to thick hair. The layers remove weight while adding shape, cutting a complete, lifted feel. This style looks like a fresh blowout—even when it’s not.

23. Medium Cut with Root Volume

A medium cut with root volume gives thick hair a lifted, airy feel right from the crown. Subtle layers and strategic shaping create height at the roots without losing fullness through the ends. This cut is flattering, easy to style, and adds extra oomph to everyday looks.

24. Angled Cut with Texture

An angled cut with texture combines sharp lines with soft movement. The slightly longer front elongates the face, while the textured ends keep it light and modern. This style gives thick hair structure without feeling too heavy or stiff.

25. Shoulder-Length Flip Ends

A shoulder-length cut with flipped ends adds a playful, retro touch to a classic shape. The outward bend gives thick hair bounce and personality, making the style feel light and fresh. It’s simple, stylish, and full of charm.

26. Twirled Mid-Length with Ends

A twirled mid-length cut with defined ends enhances natural curl or wave. The length gives room for movement, while the shaped ends keep everything looking intentional and polished. It’s a great way to show off texture with minimal effort.

27. Sleek Blunt Cut with Face-Framing Layers

A sleek, blunt cut with face-framing layers offers the best of both worlds: sharp, clean edges with a touch of softness. The front layers break up the density around the face, adding shape and subtle movement. This cut is polished, modern, and super flattering on thick hair.

28. Wispy Bangs with Layers

Wispy bangs with layers add a soft, romantic touch to any medium cut. The fringe is light and airy, blending seamlessly into the layered lengths for a laid-back, effortless feel. It’s perfect for thick hair that needs shaping without losing volume.

29. Textured Bangs with Lob

Textured bangs paired with a lob create a calm, effortless vibe. The fringe is piece-y and soft, blending into the tousled layers for a lived-in look. It’s ideal for thick hair with a little edge without too much weight.

30. French Girl Bangs with Medium Cut

French girl bangs with a medium cut give off an effortlessly chic, slightly undone vibe. The bangs are wispy and lightly textured and sit just above the eyes, adding softness without overwhelming the face. When paired with a mid-length cut, this look feels timeless, calm, and low-key.

31. Curly Bangs with Defined Mid-Length Curls

Curly bangs with defined mid-length curls bring a playful, face-framing element to natural texture. The bangs flow naturally into the surrounding curls, forming a light, full shape that’s both playful and modern. Your curl pattern is celebrated from root to tip, creating a bold, confident look.

32. Blunt Mid-Length Cut for Curly Hair

A blunt mid-length cut for curly hair provides structure while letting your natural texture take center stage. The event ends by creating a complete, rounded shape that enhances volume without frizz. This cut is bold and defined, perfect for thick curls that need shape but not too many layers.

33. Textured Afro Lob

A textured afro lob is a beautifully sculpted cut that balances volume and shape. The lob length gives structure, while the natural coils bring all the bounce and definition. It’s bold, elegant, and perfect for showing off thick, textured hair.

34. Thick Curly Shag

A thick curly shag is all about wild texture, layered volume, and effortless shape. This cut uses shorter layers on top and longer ones below to give curls space to move and spring. It’s a bold, carefree style highlights thick hair’s natural volume and texture.