Hot Tip: Your Next Haircut Should Be One of These Layered Styles (2024)

When you think of layered hair, do you immediately picture long hair? Welp, time to rethink. This pixie haircut is made even cuter by these feathery layers. Plus, the choppy front bangs blend seamlessly with the rest of the style.

This bob haircut is such a fun way to introduce layers into your short or medium-length hair—esp during the summer. The thinned-out layers along your neck will take away some of that heavy weight when it’s above 88 degrees outside, and the lightweight top layers will be super easy to style into fun curly or wavy styles.

Though it sounds counterintuitive, getting layers in your hair can actually make it seem more uniform in length and thickness, like these layered loose curls (and heads up: The type of layers you get 100 percent depends on your hair type and porosity). Even though these curls aren’t all hanging at one length, the finished haircut still looks consistent and full all the way down.

The ‘70s are back, ppl, whether you like it or not (and I personally do, FWIW). I’m obsessed with this retro layered haircut. To recreate, ask your stylist to cut thick front sections of your hair for curtain bangs and gradually taper off to the length at the back. Then all you need is a fine-tooth comb and some hairspray to tease in that back volume. Groovy.

As someone who’s currently sporting them, I can’t say enough about curtain bangs (when I see a trend I jump on it, sorry not sorry). They’re the low-maintenance cousin of front bangs (perfect for avoiding growing bangs out) and they just so happen to go very well with longer layers, as seen in this extremely cute pic. You can hardly tell where they end and the layers begin, thanks to the very soft and gentle transition.

The best thing about layers is that they honestly look good with either a middle part or a deep side part (sry, Gen Z). The one thing to watch out for: dry ends. When you have layered hair, your ends are on full display, so make sure you keep them moisturized with a hair oil or deep conditioner.

Face-framing layers are always a great option because they, uh, frame your face. And by that, I mean they highlight your facial structure in the best way (think: cheekbones and jawline), while also giving the appearance that your hair is actually longer, despite having shorter pieces. Hair magic, right?

Remember a few years ago when we were all dousing our hair in DIY salt sprays to get beach waves, but just ended up with extremely salty and weighed down hair? Just me? My point is: One of the lesser known secrets to beach waves is not an intense amount of salt, but getting shorter, choppier layers in your hair (as pictured) so that without the extra weight, your hair can more easily form a wavy texture (with the help of your fave styling cream and texture spray, ofc).

There is no cut too short for layered hair and this style from Winnie Harlow is proof. Her short layers give this pixie cut so much volume. To get a textured style like this, be sure to include a texturizer or styling cream in your post-wash routine.

I get it, you want layered hair but you don’t want to sacrifice too much length. DW, there will be minimal nervous twitching in the salon chair while you get this cut, because the layers are confined to the ends of the hair, so you can still put it all in a scrunchie—with the exception of the curtain bangs that taper down the sides, which are totally optional.

First of all, how cute are the little bangs in this side-parted style? Answer: very cute. Second of all: Putting layers in curls is a great way to get this light, fluffy style and to avoid having your curls feeling super heavy at the bottom and flat on top (in addition to the rest of your extensive curly hair routine, like plopping your curls, using root clips, and sleeping on a silk pillowcase).

Isn’t the ultimate dream to have a haircut that you can just wear down and never have to deal with? Allow me to introduce you to this curly layered hairstyle. Okay, so you’ll still have to do something to your hair to get this super-cute look (like moisturizing your curls and using a styling gel to get that definition), but the layers will def help get this shape.

Layered hair is a great option if shoulder-length is your personal sweet spot but you still want to add a little more ~personality~ to your style (or if you’re in the process of growing it out). BTW: If you are trying to grow your hair out, getting layers is an excellent way to get in your v important and v necessary trim to get rid of your split ends and prevent breakage.

These long layered bobs are literally everywhere rn and layers are key to achieving the style. They work really well with the darted half-waves, and the different lengths of hair give you a ton of texture all over.

I’m willing to bet you’ve been seeing this really cute side-parted style all over your feed lately, and that’s because—aside from being super pretty—it’s a great way to show off your curls. And the way to get that big and voluminous shape? Yup, layers. Bring this pic to your stylist and tell them you want the top layers to be short enough so they stay super light and airy, and to gradually taper them down the sides to get this rounded shape.

We love a blunt cut, but long hair that’s all one length can look and feel heavy. Take some of that weight off your strands with longer layers throughout, starting at your clavicles and tapering off downward. Then get a piecey, sleek finish by running a flat iron, like GHD’s 1" Styler, through the ends.

Feathered layers give off all the ’70s vibes—in the best way possible. Even those with fine, straight hair should try light layers like this that’ll give lift and volume without thinning out the hair too much.

Good news: Even with a layered haircut, you still have a bottomless pit of ways you can style your curly hair. Half updo? No problem. Twisted or braided back? Yup. And if you’re not sure which direction to go in, we’ve got an extensive list of curly hacks to help you out.

This medium-length hairstyle tucked behind the ears proves that layered strands don’t have to be all up in your face. If you still want to be able to wear your hair up in a ponytail without pieces falling out, let your stylist know to take that into consideration when customizing your cut.