Neil Mockford
Whenever we’re feeling “meh” about our hair but don’t want to go too drastic and chop it all off (or go with the very tempting fringe), a layered haircut is usually what a stylist will recommend. Why? On top of it being universally flattering and easy to maintain, there are many different variations you can choose from. And we love options.
The best layered hairstyles should do the following: remove weight, add movement, and shape your overall look. Celebrity hairstylist Bobby Eliot says that it can create an airiness to your hair for that effortless vibe and is a great option if you want your hair to feel lighter. Becca Raziuddin, Mane ambassador and celebrity hairstylist, agrees and adds that layers are a great way to frame your face, highlight your favorite features, and remove unwanted parts without sacrificing length.
Below, Eliot and Raziuddin break down their favorite layers. Below are the 10 layered hairstyles, for every hair texture. Save this the next you’re looking to subtly change up your look.
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Minimal Layers
For fine hair, Eliot recommends going with minimal layering. “I generally find [that] keeping the layering to face-framing and having minimal—if not any—layers throughout the back is generally best,” he says. “Minimal layering keeps the weight at the bottom, which gives the illusion of fuller hair.”
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Soft and Long
Raziuddin also loves soft, long layers for fine hair. “They create movement while keeping the ends looking full,” she says. “Too many layers can make fine hair appear thinner, so less is definitely more.”
Dia Dipasupil
Wavy Flow
Eliot says that for wavy hair, it’ll depend on the shape you want and your curl pattern. He likes keeping your natural texture and putting layers throughout. “It creates a flowy airiness that can give wavy hair a lot of movement,” he says.
Daniele Venturelli
Blended Layers
Raziuddin also likes long, blended layers for wavy hair to enhance your natural texture. She says they will also add definition without creating too much bulk. Eliot adds that straight hair could also benefit from blended layers, as it’s very easy to see every layer cut with straight strands. “Blending is key with straight hair,” he says.
Taylor Hill
The Butterfly Cut
For naturally straight hair, Raziuddin likes a butterfly cut. “They add movement and dimension, keeping the hair from looking too flat or heavy,” she says.
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Rounded Layers
Both Eliot and Raziuddin say that natural curly and coily hair should go with layers that help give your natural texture a rounder shape. “I generally avoid anything that looks triangular or shapes that create extra width at the bottom look amazing,” says Eliot.
“They create shape and allow curls to fall naturally,” Raziuddin agrees. “The key is cutting with the curl pattern and shrinkage in mind to avoid unwanted volume or uneven lengths.”
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Added Movement
According to Eliot, thick hair can handle many layers. The key is making sure they create movement. “A lot of time undercutting works really well for thick hair,” he says. “That’s where you take a section or a panel of hair, and have another panel of hair lay over it. This can remove extra unnecessary weight and create the illusion of less hair [and] also create movement.”
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Layered Pixie
Eliot says that with short hair, you should lean all the way in with your layers to emphasize your cheekbones and other natural features. Raziuddin agrees and says a layered pixie can add movement and dimension. Plus, it’s easy to style.
Taylor Hill
Textured Bob
Another layer cut that Raziuddin loves for short hair is the textured bob. It’s another one that adds movement and dimension and gives you that effortless feel.
Mike Marsland
Face-Framing Pieces
For mature hair, one can never go wrong with soft, face-framing layers. “They add movement and volume around the face without removing too much density,” says Raziuddin. “Especially if the hair has become finer over time.”
FAQs
How often do you have to cut layers?
Eliot recommends trimming layers every six to eight weeks to maintain their shape. Raziuddin adds that shorter and more structured layered cuts may need a trim a little sooner, so something to keep in mind when getting your hair layered.
What are your best tips for taking care of layers?
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.
Audrey Noble is a contributing writer at Vogue, covering all things beauty and wellness. As someone who is admittedly chronically online, she loves to debunk the never-ending slew of TikTok skin trends (do not put beef tallow on your face) and bond with celebrities over astrology and their biggest beauty ... Read More