Long hair can be sheer beauty, but sometimes it doesn’t look as chic as expected. Straight hair seems to be too plain, wavy locks are too messy, fine tresses are too weak and so on. Fortunately, there is an answer to all these challenges – layers! Actually, there are different types of layers to cure every problem, preventing your hair from making a hit. And we are going to reveal all secrets of long layered hair and to underpin them with illustrations.
Short Layers on Long Hair for More Body
No, short layers don’t mean that you will have cropped hair on the top of your head. And this doesn’t mean losing your length either. “Short (when describing layers) simply defines the distance between one layer and the next one. Think of it like this – it’s just a “short distance” to the next layer,” explains Kristin Ess, celeb hairstylist and founder of Kristin Ess Hair.
This type is often recommended for women with fine short hair to get it fuller, but you can have the same effect on long locks. Let the layers start from the point you want to volumize or draw attention to, whether it is your top or bottom. Besides, short layers help a lot in removing bulk on thick hair and allow for various parting ways.
via @henryzador
While short layers can be used to create plenty of volume on top, you can get even more out of your style when asking for feathered ends. Here, they are really swoopy, showing off the color transition.
via @timm.morrison
Also, short layers are destined to be coupled with bangs, when you need to balance your facial features. Look, how handsomely it is done through this anime-inspired hairstyle!
via @lydia_townsend_does_hair
And this photo shows that both thick and wispy bangs work fine for long hairstyles with layers. Short tresses frame the face, while the bang saves it from looking too long.
via @houstonhairalchemy
Choppy and short – what else could you ask for, when you need to make your fine hairvoluminous and textured? Maybe, just for a balayage to have it this touchable!
via @manuellobo
This back view showcases the combination of short layers and ombré – and it’s gorgeous. The feathered ends arrest the eye and emphasize the contrast between dark and light, flat and textured.
via @amfbeautysalon
Short layers in long hair are great for accentuating both highlights and lowlights. Skillfully done layering makes color blends more visible and dramatic.
via @shapeshifter_hair
But even when your hair is one-color, short layers around face deliver a nice framing effect without sacrificing any hair length.
via @aimee_cuts_and_dyes
Since long straight hair tend to appear flat and dull, layers can change your look drastically, adding a plethora of texture and movement.
via @nicolasfloreshair
Take notice that very short layers look sharp on abundant hair, as it can retain much body despite all this severe cutting work done.
via @lydia_townsend_does_hair
However, if the previous hairstyle seems too “done” for you, opt for short layers and side bangs to create a modern shaggy look with nonchalantly styled tresses.
Long Layers on Long Hair for Better Texture
When you see a girl with hair pieces, which differ significantly in the length, you are almost certainly looking at a long layered hairstyle. This type is extremely popular among ladies with wavy hair since it enhances its natural texture and allows for air drying, resulting in a hipster messy hairstyle. However, if you have a good head of hair (fine, straight, normal or whatever), you can also benefit from long layers.
Besides, they go together with round faces, producing the required elongating effect. “Ask your stylist to cut in a bit on the sides to create subtle angles,” says Chris McMillan, celebrity hairstylist and LA salon owner, in his comments to Allure.
Now, let’s learn how long layers work on different hair types.
via @jessyjinstylist
If you have long straight hair, but you want to achieve that messy look we are more accustomed to see on wavy manes, ask for long piece-y layers to get the desired effect.
via @hairbyginala
However, with long layers you may arrive at a wavier hairstyle, even having straight and heavy locks. Yes, thinned out strands are much easier to style this way.
via @whitrunswithscissors
Long versions of layering are often used to create some awesome face framing layers, like in this hairstyle, also demonstrating the flow of hues within the sophisticated balayage.
via @monique.mercado.styling
And the method works fine even for very long one-tone tresses. Take notice of various looks you may get by experimenting with lengths of the layers – the greater the distance between them, the more visible the texture and density of your hair.
via @krys.cuts.hair
It is smart to wear long layers with side bangs to get tons of texture in the front. But if you need to show an unexpected color twist, they also do the job.
Layered Hairstyles by Hair Type to Get Inspo
“Anyone can wear layers. Contrary to popular opinion, layers work on every hair type,” wrote Chris McMillan in his column for Allure. And rightly so, since we’ve already stumbled across various hair types that look just beautiful when layered by applying different techniques.
Fine hair can be bulked up with the help of short layers cut throughout the length or added textured layers based on a blunt cut. Thick straight hair requires thinning shears to make it lighter, while sliced strands remove the unwanted width out of wavy manes.
Again, depending on your preferred style or styling abilities you may want either a choppier hairstyle or a seamless multilayered haircut. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, it’s time to move to our photo gallery.
via @ederfernaandocabelos
This layered and feathered hairstyle proves that straight hair is anything but flat and static. If possible, don’t hesitate to add a color transition to your own striking combo.
via @looksbylucia
Curly hair usually looks quite lively and bouncy compared to straight one. You can make your hairstyle unbeatable by choosing a blend of face-framing short layers and long locks.
via @danielmbeauty
Blunt on the bottom, but layered and wavy throughout the length – what a stunning mix for creating movement and a fuller feel!
via @pameladoeshair
Both thin and fine hair lacks volume, yet you can have enough of it with graduated layers. Also, think of adding shades to your hairstyle to get more depth.
via @_kgcosmetics_
When your hair is thick, it often looks bulky, which is no good. Choppy strands and thinned out ends will remove the bulk easily.
Layering Ideas by Hair Color
Depending on your hair type and the chosen layering method, you can get everything you want – an airy feel, added volume, vibrant movement, more depth or a plethora of texture. And your hairstyle will go a bomb, if the layering blends in with your color scheme. Layers are game-changing when you need to set off highlighted locks, ombré or balayage, so it makes sense to cram both haircutting and coloring into one session. However, don’t go over the top with these transformations. “Enhancing your color instead of drastically changing it will give you the most bang for your buck,” said celebrity colorist Rita Hazan to RealSimple.com.
via @societysalons
This blonde hairstyle cannot boast a variety of shades, but it looks like dancing due to the bouncy short layers running down the shoulders and back.
via @aimee_cuts_and_dyes
And this is an amazing idea for a brunette – layers coupled with chestnut balayage highlights to gain both texture and volume, while brightening up the base color.
via @thehairprojecthtx
Do you think that beachy waves are only for blondes? Your black hair can have the samefascinatingly carefree look with these shag layers.
via @maurilima_
When you wouldn’t mind to spice up your brown hair without coloring it, just ask for layered locks and refresh your bangs. Compliment the hairstyle with a thick blunt fringe to bring in some retro charm.
via @styleandheat
Yet, your dark hair will definitely benefit from a touch of highlights. Lighter tresses and layers work together perfectly to frame the face and accentuate the base color.
Best Layered Haircut Ideas for Long Hair in 2022
Are layered hairstyles hot now? “It’s like everyone’s favorite pair of jeans — you can’t go wrong,” said celebrity colorist Ian McCabe to Good Housekeeping. Look no further than red carpet events to see it for yourself. From Gigi Hadid’s waterfall curls through Kate Winslet’s wispy waves to Sarah Jessica Parker’s straight layers, celebs wear their long hair layered and styled in plenty of ways. Bookmark some of the looks, but make sure to customize them based on your lifestyle, since you cannot rely on a team of pros, taking care of your hairstyle. Alternatively, browse our best ideas to find a cute haircut done in a next-door salon. Here we go!
via @katekonshair
A long layered haircut is just the thing for those girls who favor messy styles. With this kind of ‘do you can air dry and go.
via @lizababehair
Hairstyles with lots of layers are win-win for both thin and thick hair. The first one gets volume, while the second getsdebulked.
via @manuellobo
As it was already mentioned, side bangs melt into layers perfectly, but look how these layers work to emphasize the ombre effect!
via @myguiltycrown
When you want more distinct face framing layers, ask your hairdresser for texturizing them. Here, cascading layers in the front combined with swept-back layered bangs provide much movement in straight hair.
via @ashley.weiss
However, layering looks great on long hair even without bangs. This hairstyle is to steal from, if you have tons of hair and need to keep it at bay.
via @hairbyjilly
The choppy layers come with a cool boho chic vibe, and they are great for volumizing and texturizing fine hair.
via @manuellobo
This hairstyle with fabulous front layers balances the face shape and makes the long hair pop with its dynamics and texture.
via @jackmartincolorist
However, you are free to shift the focus to your back. This feathered hairstyle allows trotting out both length and color.
via @allison_weldon_hair
When thinking of haircuts with bangs, get inspired with this lovely curtain bang version, flattering the face shape and blending into the front layers nicely.
via @hairbysamanthamonroe
Whether straight or wavy, your thick mane needs some weight to be taken out. Go for tapered ends like this balayage girl did.
via @iamjessicagalvan
Keep in mind that layers can be really soft, and, thus, almost unnoticeable, but still giving the desired structured feel.
via @hairbykarissa
On the other hand, you can get your locks expressively textured to bring the layers into focus.
via @colorme512
And this is a good example of how to direct attention tolight layersthrough feathered styling.
via @jleighwebdoeshair
These layers are so subtle, that you can benefit from a wider choice of styling options, including both center-parted and side part hairstyles.
via @hairbymariaberger
Are you still afraid of losing your length? Borrow some courage from this illustration of blended layers, which all flow together to avoid flatness, yet stealing not a single centimeter from the overall length.
Diverse and vibrant, layered hair is a fantastic choice to give a twist to your casual hairstyle. Carefully placed layers can produce the wow effect we all are striving for, while flattering both facial features and hair type. Your long hair will never look flat, run-of-the-mine and out of fashion when brightened up with the right type of layers. Well, just go for it!
