Shoulder-length hair is a practical option for busy women who still want to look chic and feminine. It allows you to keep some length without the maintenance that really long hair requires.

Another major advantage of shoulder-length hair is that it gives you plenty of versatility when it comes to hairstyles, whether you want to wear it down or have it up out of your face.

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1.

Blunt With a Side Part

A blunt cut with a slight side parting is one of the most low-maintenance yet stylish ways to cut shoulder-length hair. Blunt ends are ideal for making fine or thin hair appear thick and healthy.

A slight side parting is especially flattering on square and rounder face shapes, as it helps to narrow the appearance of wider cheekbones.

shoulder length blunt side part JohnnyGreig / Getty Images

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2.

Side Bangs

If you've been toying with the idea of full bangs but aren't ready to make the big chop, side-swept bangs could be a stylish compromise. Keeping the bangs long with feathered ends and sweeping them to the side looks elegant for everyday wear and helps to add extra volume if your hair is fine.

shoulder length hair side bangs yuriyzhuravov / Getty Images

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3.

Flicked Ends

Flicked-in ends create extra drama and can make a shoulder-length hair cut look glamorous for an evening look. To achieve this look, use a flat iron to turn the ends in.

This look is ideal for accentuating and slimming your jawline. Adding subtle highlights in the strands around your face draws extra attention to your eyes.

What Are The Prettiest Hairstyles For Shoulder-Length Hair? Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

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4.

Low Bun

A low bun works better on shoulder-length hair than a high bun because you can get all your hair up without any stray strands escaping. This look is relaxed enough for every day but can look elegant for work.

Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail and securing with a hair elastic. Twist the ponytail and then wrap it around the elastic, hiding the ends under the bun and securing it in place with bobby pins. You can try leaving a strand free to wrap around the base of the bun to give the look a more polished finish.

shoulder length hair low bun MonikaBatich / Getty Images

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5.

Blunt Bangs

Blunt bangs are a bold style that can make shoulder-length hair look edgier. Before taking the plunge, it's important to make sure that you're willing to put in the maintenance this style requires. Blunt bangs look best when they've been styled carefully using a hairdryer and round brush.

shoulder length hair blunt bangs alvarez / Getty Images

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6.

Low Pony Tail

A low ponytail is perfect for shoulder length hair as it allows you to gather all your hair up without using clips or pins. This style is quick to achieve, so it's ideal if you need to get your hair off your face but are strapped for time.

If you're wearing this style for work or on a night out, you can wrap a strand of hair around the elastic to disguise it, securing with a bobby pin to make your ponytail look more polished.

shoulder length low pony tail Nomad / Getty Images

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7.

Loose Waves

Loose waves are a trendy way to add texture to a shoulder-length hair cut. Use a wide-barrelled curling iron to create this look, curling the sections in opposite directions to stop the waves from looking too stiff.

This style works best on unwashed hair, as the wave will drop out of clean hair very quickly. If you have fine hair, pair this look with blunt-cut ends for maximum volume.

shoulder length hair loose waves TomFoldes / Getty Images

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8.

Pastel Highlights

Pastel highlights are a fun way to add personality and texture to shoulder-length hair. You can opt to add subtle slices of color while maintaining your natural hue or color your whole head of hair if you want a bold look.

If you can't or don't want to commit to permanent pastel color, hair chalk is a great way to achieve the look for the weekend or a special event. You can shampoo the chalk out to leave your natural color when you're done.

shoulder length hair natural highlights wayra / Getty Images

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9.

Hollywood Curls

This look never goes out of fashion and is an elegant way to wear your hair down for a party or other big event. To achieve this look, you will need medium-barrelled heated rollers.

Big, bouncy curls give great volume to shoulder-length hair. Fix the style with plenty of hairspray to give it the necessary staying power.

shoulder length hair Hollywood curls CoffeeAndMilk / Getty Images

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10.

Hair Band Updo

Using a hairband is a quick and easy way to create an elaborate-looking updo for shoulder-length hair. It's also a great way to disguise oily roots if you don't have time to wash your hair.

Begin by choosing a headband and place it over the top of your hair. Starting from the sides, twist your hair around and under the band until all your hair is up, fixing in position with bobby pins.

shoulder length hair band Khosrork / Getty Images
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