20 Gorgeous Layered Hairstyles & Haircuts

By Charlotte Byrne

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.

What is Layered Hair?

A hairstyle that is making a comeback, 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. Read on to find out how you can transform your vibe with a few simple snips.

Layered Hairstyles & Haircuts

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 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 Hair with Layers

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. 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

Bobs 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 Layers

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.