by Heather Russell

Created on: July 19, 2011   Last Updated: July 20, 2011

Whether you’ve just gotten a drastic haircut or are growing out a cute bob, shoulder length hair can sometimes feel like the no-man’s-land of haircuts.   Too long for some funky hairclips but too short to get into a full ponytail, you may feel like your options are limited.  For teens, this can be frustrating.   However, if you just think out of the box a little, there are great hairstyle options for shoulder-length hair that are appropriate for any situation you may find yourself in!  As a bonus, all of these styles work on both curly and straight hair, and all work on freshly washed hair or hair that was washed the night before, so they may make your morning routine a little easier.

A pretty look for school involves a staple of the 80s and 90s: the French braid.  However, instead of a full-head braid finished off with a scrunchie, you’re going to modernize the look.   This style is particularly helpful if you’re trying to grow out bangs.  Part your hair on the side, take three strands beginning at the part, and French braid along your hairline to create a headband of hair.  Once the braid is behind your ear, you can continue braiding the hair and finishing it off with an elastic to create a thin, pretty braid.  If that look isn’t for you, you can simply bobby pin the French braid behind your ear and let the rest of the strands flow with the rest of your hair.  Once you’re comfortable with this basic look, you can vary the thickness of the braid for a little variety.

For a more relaxed look on the weekend, you’re going all the way back to the 60s for a laid-back hippie vibe.  Part your hair in the middle, and take two symmetrical chunks of hair, one on each side.  Braid each into a braid of medium tightness.  As with the previous style, there are different ways you can finish off the braids.  If the pieces are long enough, you can connect them with a small elastic at the back of your head.  If they’re not, pin them near the back of your head; lift a piece of hair near the part and pin the braid underneath for a neater look.

If you need a more polished look for work or going out, all you need is a small claw hairclip.  Take the front of your hair (the section that you would use for bangs) and brush it straight up.  Then lay it smoothly back and secure with a clip at your crown.  There are several ways you can vary this look; for more volume, back-comb the hair before laying it back and “pouf” it forward a bit before clipping.  Pull back just a tiny bit of hair to keep it off your face if you’re curling the rest of your hair for a fun party look, or pull back almost the entire front of your hair to keep it all in control and out of your way.

The key to figuring out which hairstyle will work best for you is to be flexible and willing to try different looks; you never know when someone will love your new hairstyle! 

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