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, 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 Hair
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, and 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 Hair
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 because 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 somewhat be 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 Hair
There are ways you can have stylish short hair without looking like you have 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. Long Straight Layered Hair
Nothing says sleek like long straight hair, and 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 Hair
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, but also 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 what length your hair is, 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 Hair
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, making sure not to thin the hair out. Be careful with straight hair as it can somewhat look thin as it is, so make sure the layers are subtle.
12. Layered Wavy Hair
Layers can transform your wavy hair from Lord Farquaad to fab. Make sure you ask your hairdresser for some shaping around the face, as well as 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 Hair 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. Make sure when cutting your hair you don’t thin it out 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 Hair
Layers starting just above the ends means 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 on 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 can end up looking 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 to your preference.
17. Short Layered Haircut for Fine Hair
If your hair is lacking 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, working down into 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 Hair
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 Choppy Shoulder Length Hair
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 it could 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 Hair
Long hair is fantastic because it offers versatility with how you want to cut and style it. If you are looking for 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 Hair Face Framing Layers
Layers are a great addition to hair of all lengths and textures. On medium hair, it can create the illusion of length and can 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 Hair
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 Hair
Layers are ideal for short hair because they can give the illusion of length. They can also be cut in a way that frames 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 Hairstyle
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 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 textures. They can add movement to the hair and create the illusion of length or volume. The way 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 have a youthful appearance 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 Hairstyle 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 on thin and fine hair.
31. Long Layers and Curtain Bangs
Layered hair is chic, and layers 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 that features hair on the back and sides kept short with length on top. This helps create a more voluminous crown which gives 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. Choppy Layered Shag
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 and undone appearance that feels effortlessly cool and rebellious. You can also layer the hair around the face to draw attention to it 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 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, for a romantic look, you can wear them in an undone updo.
35. Slicked Back Layer Hairstyle
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.
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.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.
Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.
