Are you looking for a change in your hairstyle but not wanting to commit to the chop? Look no further than layered hair, which is super-chic and trendy and works on all hair types and lengths. Not sure where to start? Here are gorgeous layered hairstyles and haircut ideas that will inspire you.
RELATED: 25 Stunning Long Layered Hairstyles for Women
1. Long Layered Haircut
Essentially, long layers are achieved by leaving your locks long and cutting into the hair only a couple of inches from the ends. In achieving layers, the aim is to avoid choppy, severe lines, and long layers do just the job. Ask your hairdresser for long, soft layers; the result will be extra texture and volume. Depending on your face shape, long layers can be accentuated by some feathering around the face. Just make sure not to go above the jawline for an understated vibe.
2. Medium Lenght Layered Haircut
Medium layers are perfect for thicker-haired ladies or women with naturally wavy hair. The layers begin around the face, sometimes as high as the cheekbone, ensuring that the waves are accentuated and subtle. The secret with layers is that they add movement to your hair; naturally, minimal styling is required, meaning you can press snooze on that morning alarm.
3. Shoulder Length Layered Hair
Shoulder length hair can be somewhat tricky when trying to find different ways to style it. However, adding some layers to your tresses can have a huge impact. Opt for subtle layers beginning at the jawline for some shape and structure, and to mix up your look, try experimenting with different parts to suit your face shape.
4. Short Layered Haircut
There are ways to have stylish short hair without looking like a mullet (although these are coming back into fashion). For a fashion statement, have fine layers cut throughout the length of your hair, starting from the fringe line. The short layers will accentuate your face and add movement and shape to your hair.
5. Layered Haircut for Thick Hair
Layers are ideal for keeping thick hair maintained. Ask your hairdresser for long layers with some shaping around the face. The layers will create a full-bodied look and add volume to your hair. To style, use a large round brush and sweep hair to the side for extra dimension.
6. Straight Long Layered Haircut
Nothing says sleek like long straight hair; layers can take that to the next level. Long hair tends to mask your face, especially if it is straight. Adding layers to your look can fix this – have the hair around your face feathered, beginning at the jawline. This way, your face will be opened up and not covered by your long strands.
7. Long Layers in Medium Haircut
Medium length hair is ideal for layering, as it can give the textured look everyone is dying to get. Have your hairdresser start layering above the collarbone for a tousled vibe. When styling at home, take a sea salt spray into towel-dried hair and blow-dry upside down. This will add wave and dimension, with the upside-down motion creating volume.
8. Layered Hair with Side Bangs
Side bangs don’t have to be like those of the early 2000s. Modernize your look with subtle layers instead of a block side fringe. To achieve this, have your hairdresser cut your bangs to the side and soften the edges by layering around the face. This will give movement to your hair while keeping the layers subtle.
9. Medium Length Layered Curly Hair
Curly hair is ideal for layers, as they keep curls intact and under control. No matter your hair’s length, have layers feathered through to accentuate your curls. We suggest having medium length layers to ensure a polished, chic look. To style, work some mousse into damp hair and blow-dry with a diffuser – this will control frizz.
10. Long Layered Curly Hair
Long layers in curly hair create extra oomph and volume while keeping frizz at bay. Have layers finely cut into the lengths of your tresses, starting just a few inches above the ends. The result will be subtle but structured enough to add some shape to your look.
11. Straight Layered Haircut
For ladies with straight hair, styling can be a little tricky. Fear not; adding layers to your haircut can add some depth and movement to an otherwise simplistic look. We suggest opting for medium-length layers, ensuring not to thin the hair out. Be careful with straight hair, as it can look thin, so make sure the layers are subtle.
12. Layered Wavy Haircut
Layers can transform your wavy hair from Lord Farquaad to fab. Make sure you ask your hairdresser for some shaping around the face and some throughout the length. This will accentuate waves and even encourage them, giving you a new, structured look. Opt for sea salt spray on damp hair for this look – the result will be an ultimate beach babe vibe.
13. Long Haircut with Short Layers
Short layers on long hairstyles can transform any look. Giving volume and texture, the layers starting from around the ears and trickling down will accentuate all hair types. Ensure you don’t thin it out when cutting your hair unless you have thicker hair. For some extra shape, switch your everyday shampoo to a volumizing one – it will lift and give more structure.
14. Long Layers on Long Haircut
Layers starting just above the ends mean a subtle finish. For longer-haired ladies who can’t bear to say goodbye to their locks, this style is perfect for you. You get some shape, but keep the length – it’s a win-win.
15. Long Layered Hair with Bangs
Bangs are seriously on-trend at the moment and can transform your look. To stand out from the crowd, opt for long layers of your hair to accentuate your style. The result will be a striking structure around the face while keeping some movement through the ends.
16. Layered Haircut for Thin Hair
Thin hair can be tricky to style and look flat and dull. Cue layers! An ideal solution, have fine layers feathered throughout your tresses for a serious transformation. Goodbye limp hair, hello lustrous waves. For extra oomph, work a volume mousse into damp hair and style it to your preference.
17. Short Layered Haircut for Fine Hair
If your hair lacks weight and volume, layers are here to help. A short haircut for fine hair can give a modern and edgy look, and layers can accentuate this. Have your hairdresser feather some layers starting from the browbone to the ends. The result will be structured and cool.
18. Layered Bob Haircut
Bob haircuts don’t have to be business and boring. Take a modern take on this classic style by having long layers cut through, which will add volume and body to your hair. To make this look your own, work your fingers through and sweep hair into a deep side part for added drama.
19. Short Choppy Layered Haircut
Short hair is on-trend and super stylish. Without making hair too short, have your ends chopped into a blunt cut, but then with feathered layers on the ends. This will make the cut less severe yet still textured, ensuring you can still rock the short haircut. Work some volumizing mousse into the ends when styling for an added choppy, messy look.
20. V Cut Hair with Layered Hair
V cuts are a unique and different finish to a hairstyle, with the ends forming a ‘v’ as the name suggests. To transform this look, have long layers finely cut through the ends of your tresses for some subtle movement. When styling, use a hair straightener to create soft curls to accentuate the shape – the result will be sophisticated and modern.
21. Face Framing Layered Haircut
Shoulder length hair is easy to manage and incredibly versatile. When adding layers to your hair, you can do so in several ways, but choppy layers are ideal for giving the hair depth and dimension. The textured cut can also be positioned to create the illusion of length and volume or frame the face. This is a gorgeous way to draw attention to the features and can be adapted to suit your face shape.
22. Face Framing Layers Long Haircut
Long hair is fantastic because it offers versatility with how you want to cut and style it. If you want a simple but gorgeous look, frame framing layers are ideal. As the name suggests, these layers are cut and positioned to frame the face, drawing attention to the features and complimenting them. You can work with your hairstylist to determine the length of the layers, which will typically start around the nose, to find the option that best suits its shape.
23. Medium Lenght Face Framing Layers
Layers are a great addition to hair of all lengths and textures. Medium length hair can create the illusion of length and be cut in several ways, including to frame the face. This means that the hair will be positioned to create a framing effect, making your face the focus of your appearance and flattering it. The right layers can also soften your features.
24. Face Framing Layers Curly Haircut
On curly hair, layers often appear softer and more blended than they would on straight hair textures. Layers are great for removing weight and bulk from curly hair but can also give it more structure and create a more polished appearance. There are several ways to add layers to the hair, and you can work with your hairdresser to determine the best look for your hair texture, length, and face shape. Face framing layers are ideal for drawing attention to the face and can complement your features.
25. Face Framing Layers with Short Haircut
Layers are ideal for short hair because they can give the illusion of length. They can also be cut to frame the face, which can be incredibly flattering; this is done by positioning the layers to flatter the face shape. The appeal of short hair is that it is incredibly low-maintenance and easy to wear. The right cut can complement your face shape and highlight your features. It is perfect for all hair textures and can be a way to tame curly textures or remove weight from thick hair.
26. Layered Lob Haircut
The lob haircut is a timeless and classic hairstyle for women. It is cut below the chin and above the clavicle and can be adapted to suit your face shape, hair texture, and desired length. The appeal of this cut is its versatility, and women of all ages can wear it. Adding layers to the lob can be done for various reasons, including giving the illusion of length or volume. Layers on thin hair can make it appear fuller and thicker, whereas, on thick hair, it can remove the weight and bulk.
27. Heavily Layered Wolf Cut
The wolf cut is a hybrid hairstyle featuring elements of the shag and the mullet. It is heavily layered to create a choppy texture that features volume at the crown, with the ends appearing thinner. This hairstyle can be created on all hair textures and various lengths. The messy and deliberately undone appearance gives you an edgy and rebellious hairstyle that is also incredibly flattering.
28. Medium Length Layers with Full Bangs
Layers are a great addition to most haircuts and can work with all lengths and hair types. They can add movement to the hair, creating the illusion of length or volume. How you add layers to the hair will depend on the result you wish to achieve, including focusing them around the sides of the face to frame it. Layers can also highlight your bangs by framing their sides and making them the focus of the appearance. Full bangs can look youthful and are fantastic for hiding fine lines or problematic skin. They can also draw attention to the eyes.
29. Short Layered Hair with Middle Part
Layered hair looks great with a middle part, giving it more structure. Layers are ideal for creating the illusion of length and will benefit short hair. The central part can be challenging to wear and does not complement all face shapes. It is also not ideal for those with asymmetry of the face or who want to soften their features. However, the appeal of the middle part is that it can elongate the face. It can also be added to all hairstyles, and although it looks best on straight hair, it can work with other textures.
30. Mullet Haircut with Subtle Layers
The mullet haircut is a style that features layers throughout the hair. It is a controversial look because the top and sides are kept short, and the hair is longer in the back. Unusual as it may be, the mullet is surprisingly versatile and flattering on most face shapes. It can be adapted to suit your preference and works well with all hair textures, looking soft and more blended on curly hair. The layers of the mullet can remove the weight and bulk from thick hair and give the illusion of volume to thin and fine hair.
31. Long Layers and Curtain Bangs
Layered hair is chic and can be added to all hair lengths and textures. On long hair, layers can appear softer and more blended than on shorter cuts, creating an effortlessly chic, low-maintenance hairstyle. Layers look great when worn with bangs, and curtain bangs will complement the simplicity of your look. These bangs are parted in the middle, cut short in the center, and gradually become longer. The appeal is that they can frame the face and give you a youthful appearance.
32. Short Layered Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a classic short hairstyle for women with hair on the back, and sides kept short with length on top. This helps create a more voluminous crown, giving the illusion of thicker and fuller hair. The pixie cut can be layered to add movement to the hair. It can also take the weight and bulk out of thick hair and prevent thin and fine hair from looking flat while also creating the illusion of fullness.
33. Layered Shag Haircut
The shag haircut was first popularized in the 70s. It has remained a favorite hairstyle for women because of its versatility, and it can be easily adapted to suit your face shape, hair length, and texture. The shag keeps length at the top of the head, creating volume at the crown, with hair gradually thinning toward the ends. The choppy layers create a messy, undone appearance that feels cool and rebellious. You can also layer the hair around the face to attract attention and frame it.
34. Layered Voluminous Ringlets
Ringlets are appealing because of their volume, and the hair is filled with movement and bounce. The hair texture can be challenging to style and prone to dryness and frizz, but it still offers variety. Adding layers to the hair can make the curl pattern appear more defined. It is also a great way to remove bulk and weight from the hair, making it more manageable and easier to style. These curls can be worn long or short and styled in various ways depending on your preference; for example, you can wear them in an undone updo for a romantic look.
35. Slicked Back Layer Haircut
There are several types of layers depending on the result you want and your hair texture, thickness, and length. Some layered looks help remove weight and bulk, while others create the illusion of volume and fullness. Another pro of a layered cut is that it can be styled in various ways, including the slicked back, which is a simple but striking way to draw attention to the face. This look is achieved by brushing the hair backward, away from the hairline, and using a gel or pomade to keep it in place. It will highlight your bone structure and can give you a youthful glow.
36. Medium Layered Haircuts
Medium length hair is versatile and chic. The length is low-maintenance, while still giving you plenty of options with styling, from sophisticated lob haircuts to edgy shag cuts. Layers can be added to hair of all textures and are great for making thin hair look fuller and thicker and for removing weight from already thick hair, making it lighter and more manageable. Layers can also be added to the hair in various ways, from heavily textured layers that create depth and dimension to soft, delicate layers that are added strategically to soften the features and frame the face.
37. Chubby Face Short Layered Haircuts
Finding the right haircut for your face shape is essential. For a chubby face, layers can be flattering and can be cut to give your features more definition and highlight the cheeks and jawline. How you add layers to the hair will depend on your hair texture and length, and you can work with your stylist to find the look that will complement you best. However, short haircuts are often very flattering, especially when they have some texture to them.
38. Layered Bob for Thin Hair
Fine and thin hair types can benefit from layers that can create the illusion of thicker and fuller hair. Layers are great for boosting volume and creating natural movement and lift. Shorter hairstyles can also benefit thin and fine hair; the bob is an excellent choice. The cut is flattering on most face shapes and is an excellent way to show off your hair texture. You can also experiment with placing your layers around the front of the face to create a framing effect.
39. Shaggy Layered Bob
The shag haircut is a 70s favorite and remains relevant today because of its versatility. It is defined by its heavily layered appearance, with hair on the crown appearing fuller and thicker and thinning toward the ends. You can take the concept of this shag but alter it to suit your preference, adding it to the classic bob shape for a modern approach. The bob is a flattering and versatile cut that can be styled in several ways. Adding these layers will create movement and volume, giving you an edgy and cool haircut.
40. Layered Inverted Bob
The inverted bob is a great look for those who want a fresh and modern approach to the classic bob haircut. The hair at the front is longer while the back is shorter, creating an interesting contrast that is flattering and full of movement. This is also a great way to create the illusion of longer hair while having all the benefits of short. It is a cut that can be added to multiple hair textures and types, and adding layers to the hair will make it appear more voluminous. You can also add strategically placed highlights to enhance the effect of the layers and brighten your appearance.
41. Layered Wavy Bob
The bob haircut is universally flattering and one of the most consistently popular haircuts. It is a short, simple cut that can be adapted to suit all hair textures and styles in various ways, including adding choppy layers to the hair or opting for a blunt cut. Layers are great for giving hair movement and volume. They can also create depth and dimension. Wavy hair is naturally textured; your layers can highlight this, creating a tousled and effortlessly chic finish.
42. Layered Bob with Side Bangs
The versatility of the bob hairstyle means you can style it in multiple ways. This includes adding layers to the hair to boost volume and movement. Your layers can be heavy, choppy, or delicate for a more natural-looking finish. The bob looks gorgeous when styled with side bangs, and wearing them to the side can balance your features while also drawing attention to the face. The side part can create a soft, romantic look. Bangs are also excellent for creating a youthful glow and can disguise signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
43. Blunt Haircut with Layers
The blunt cut is a hairstyle that is the same length all around the head. It is a simple and low-maintenance haircut that can be adapted to suit all hair textures and looks especially flattering when worn around chin length, as this can help frame the face and draw attention to your features. A blunt cut can also feature delicate layers on the top half of the hair, which can boost volume and create movement. You can work with your hairstylist to find the best approach to suit your hair texture and length.
44. Long Layered Hair
Layers can be added to hair of all lengths, textures, and types but can be especially noticeable on long hair. This is a great way to show off your hair texture while also adding movement and volume. Long layers are more subtle than short, choppy layers and are focused toward the ends of the hair. You can add layers to the hair in various ways, including strategically placing them around the face to create a face-framing effect. Layers can be beneficial for thin and fine hair as they create the illusion of thicker and fuller locks, while on thick hair, it can remove some of the weight and bulk.
45. Long Layered Curly Hair
Curly hair is a gorgeous texture that is already full of natural movement. Layers will be less noticeable on naturally textured hair, creating a softer appearance that can be incredibly flattering. On straight hair, layers can enhance the cut, but it will simply complement it on curly hair. Leave some hair to fall around the face to create a face-framing effect that will highlight your best features and will give you a youthful glow.
46. Long Layers For Thick Hair
Depending on its length and thickness, there are various ways to add layers to your hair. There are benefits to adding layers to your hair, especially for long thick hair. If you have this hair texture, you want to remove some weight and bulk from it while giving it movement. This flattering and stylish way to wear layers will give your hair shape and add to the texture. Long layers can be easy to style and are undeniably flattering.
47. Choppy Layers Long Hair
Choppy layers are great for giving hair movement and can create a stylish yet deliberately unstructured finish. The layers are bold and will be immediately noticeable and can be cut at different lengths to create contrast. On long hair, the choppy layers will remove weight and can make the hair feel lighter and easier to style. They can also create texture and remove bulk while maintaining the length.
48. 90s Layered Hair
Layering hair is not a new technique it has been around for decades. It was also favored in the 90s, with the layers focused around the face to create a face-framing effect. One of the most popular 90s layered hairstyles are often referred to as “The Rachel” named after the character from the sitcom Friends. It features sweeping layers which draw attention to the face and create movement and volume. It is exceptionally flattering and looks soft and bouncy.
49. Blonde Hair
The appeal of layers is that they are incredibly versatile and can be added to hair of various lengths and thicknesses. For thin and fine hair, layers are used to create the appearance of fullness and volume. Whereas, on thick hair, it will give you shape and remove bulk. Blonde hair looks gorgeous with layers, and the light color will show off your cut better than darker shades. There are varying shades of blonde to choose from depending on your preference and complexion.
50. Black Layered Hair
Afro-textured hair is known for being dense and full. Various curly textures include kinky, curly, and coiled hair. Although layering will not be as noticeable as it would be on straighter hair textures, it is an excellent choice for giving the hair shape and creating lift. Layers will remove the weight and bulk from the hair, often making it easier to style while also giving movement.
51. Asian Layered Hair
There are various textures of Asian hair; however, it is commonly classified as smooth, thick, and straight. Straight hair is gorgeous, looks healthy, and is easier to style than curly textures because it is less prone to tangles. The downside is that the hair can appear flat and lifeless, so adding layers will create shape, movement, and volume. This is a great way to add a modern finish to your haircut.
52. Choppy Layered Bob For Thick Hair
The bob haircut is a timeless and classic style that is favored because it looks great on women of all ages and can complement all hair textures and lengths. With thick hair, you want to avoid your bob appearing too dense and voluminous, and this can be achieved by adding layers to the hair. Choppy layers give the hair texture and create an effortlessly cool, windswept appearance. Layers for thick hair will also remove weight and bulk.
53. Layered Brown Hair
The reason women love layers is because of their effortlessly chic finish but also their versatility. You can work with your hairstylist to add layers to your favorite haircut, whether this is on long hair or a cute pixie bob. The appeal of layers is that they will give the hair shape, volume, and movement. They are also ideal for texture. Layers complement all hair colors, including brown hair. Multiple shades of brown to choose from will make it easy to find a color to complement your complexion.
54. Rounded Layered Hair
Depending on your desired outcome, there are many different options for layering the hair, including rounded layers. This means the layers will create a round, convex shape around the face. This is an excellent choice for women with sharp and hard features because it can create a softer and more feminine finish. These layers can be added to hair of varying lengths and textures but are best suited to short hair.
55. Shoulder Length Layered Gray Hair
Adding layers to the hair can give it volume and shape, but it is also a way to update your hairstyle and make it feel soft and fresh. Gray hair is gorgeous and an excellent way to embrace the aging process. When we age, our hair growth rate naturally slows, and the texture can be prone to dryness, which is why many women choose to cut their hair shorter. A shoulder length hairstyle is an excellent choice; you can add layers to frame the face and create a youthful glow.
How to Cut Your Own Hair in Layers
What is not to love about layered hair? If you want to add layers to your hair to give it shape and texture or remove bulk and weight, then it is best to learn a few tips and tricks on cutting layers. Knowing how layers are added and what they can do for you will help you communicate with your stylist. Or, if you are really brave, you may want to learn how to cut them for yourself. This YouTube video will point you in the right direction, especially if you love the 90s layered look.
Layered Hairstyles FAQs
What is Layered Hair?
Layers create the illusion of longer, more voluminous hair. By cutting long or short layers into the hair, extra texture and oomph are formed, taking your look to the next level. When determining what types of layers you're after, take into account the thickness and style of your natural hair to completely nail the look. Some use layers to thin out thick, unruly hair, whereas others use it to simply add dimension and depth to their 'do.
Should I get my hair layered?
Layers are a great way to add volume, interest, and movement to a haircut. It's also a great way to get rid of bulk in thick, heavy hair, which can feel a lot lighter and more versatile. However, styling can take a little longer with layers, so if you're routine is wash and go, it may not be the best choice. While layers can add volume, if you have fine or thinning hair, it can take too much out and end up looking stringy.
Do layers add volume to hair?
Yes, layers do add volume by removing excess weight that drags the hair down. Having said that, if you have thinning or really fine hair, layers can end up taking too much bulk out and having the opposite effect. Have a chat with your hairdresser before you commit to make sure you'll get the desired results.
How do I layer my hair?
There are a lot of techniques to cutting layers in, so it's best to head into your favorite hair salon and let a professional work their magic. Plus, they have better, more efficient tools than kitchen scissors. However, you can cut layers on your own at home, but you need to be careful with your technique and try to blend them. Otherwise, it might look like a five-year-old got to your hair while you slept. It's relatively easy to layer the hair around your face for framing. Section out the front, and working through smaller areas, cut on a downward angle from the front towards the back, using the previous segment as a guide. Then, feather out the edges to make it look more natural.
What are the different types of layered haircuts?
Different types of layered haircuts include long, medium, shoulder-length, and short layered cuts. Within that, you can have long, short, or mid-length layers and combine them with a fringe. Plus, you can do them on straight, wavy, curly, thin, thick, and short hair.
What is a choppy layered haircut?
A choppy layered haircut tends to be bolder, with blunter ends on the layers, so they don’t blend as much. This is a great way to create movement, definition, and volume in the hair. It’s not for everyone, so have a chat with your hairdresser about what you’re looking for and what you want. It’s good to have some reference images on the hand of styles you like, so your stylist can see exactly what you’re imagining.
How do I ask for a layered haircut?
The best way to ask for a layered haircut is to ask for layers and explain what effect you’d like the layers to have. For example, you might want layers to take bulky weight out of your cut, frame your face, create a more boho look, or add volume and movement. You’ll also want to let them know if you want blunt ends or wispy. There are dozens of techniques for creating layers, and your hairdresser will know which to use depending on the problem you’re trying to fix.
What's the difference between layered and feathered hair?
Layers create different lengths in your hair, while feathering creates texture. Feathering focuses more on the ends of the hair, as the way your stylist cuts the strands affects the finished shape and texture. Meanwhile, layers are more about cutting varying lengths and taking weight out to create movement. Keep in mind, feathered hairstyles can have layers within them.
Should wavy hair be layered?
Wavy hair can be layered, and it’s a great way to frame the face and take out some of the bulk. Layers can also mean less time styling, better movement, and an accentuated shape. Your hairdresser will often cut layers into wavy hair when it’s dry, as it sits a lot different when wet.
Cailyn Cox holds a degree in journalism and has been working with The Trend Spotter as a writer for over ten years. She has worked with some of the most prestigious women’s and men's lifestyle publications. For her, writing is not just a job; it’s a passion, which is why each article she writes is approached with such enthusiasm and dedication. She has extensive knowledge of hairstyles, tattoos, and beauty and has made a career out of creating informative articles that appeal to women and men of all ages.
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