Trending haircut can make your locks look thicker and fuller - but avoid 'dated' styling mistake

Sarra Gray
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:49:17 +0000

Hair can have a transformative effect on your appearance, and the right cut and colour can help you look younger and more effortless.

Mid-length styles are currently trending, and styling this correctly can overhaul your look.

According to celebrity hairstylist and Studio23 founder Jason Collier, there is a real shift towards "effortless beauty", which this style helps with.

He explained: "They’re long enough to feel feminine and versatile, but short enough to look fresh and intentional. After years of either ultra-long lengths or sharp bobs dominating, this in-between length feels modern, low-maintenance and incredibly wearable for everyday life.”

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One thing that many women struggle with - especially with age - is a thinning mane. A mid-length cut, when styled correctly, can help hair appear thicker, healthier, and, in turn, more youthful.

But it can be equally flattering for textured hair. Collier said: "Mid-length hair is incredibly versatile and works across almost all hair types, but the approach needs to be tailored. For finer hair, keeping the ends blunt helps create the illusion of thickness, whereas thicker or coarser hair benefits from internal layering to remove bulk.

"Curly and textured hair can look amazing at this length, but it’s important to shape it dry and work with the natural curl pattern rather than against it.”

The versatility of the cut means it can be adapted to suit different ages, hair types and personal preferences, and the hairstylist shares some of the most flattering options.

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Collier said: "Fringes and face-framing layers can completely transform a mid-length cut as they add personality and can soften or sharpen the overall look depending on the placement.

"A curtain fringe, for example, gives a relaxed, effortless feel, while a blunt fringe can make it more structured and polished. As for layering, it really depends on hair density and lifestyle. If you want movement and lightness, layering is key. However, if you prefer a sleek, fuller look, keeping it more one-length is often better.

"Blunt lobs are still a staple because they give that clean, expensive finish, but we’re definitely seeing a move towards softer, more lived-in shapes.

"Think invisible layers, feathered ends and slightly undone textures. The ‘soft wolf’ influence is still there too, but toned down for a more wearable take. It’s less about rigid structure and more about movement and natural flow."

While mid-length cuts are low-maintenance, there are some important dos and don'ts to achieving the cool, off-duty aesthetic.

Avoid over-styling as this can quickly date even the trendiest haircut - "it’s about enhancing your natural texture, whether that’s a soft bend, a loose wave or a sleek, air-dried finish".

Collier said: "People often try too hard with mid-length hair with too much heat styling, too much product, too much structure. It ends up looking stiff rather than effortless.

"The key is restraint. Use lightweight products, avoid over-curling and let the cut do the work. Mid-length hair looks its best when it feels natural and a little undone.

”A slightly imperfect, tousled look feels the most current. Even when using tools, you want to break up the waves and keep it relaxed rather than overly polished. In other words, this is hair that works with you, not against you."