#1: Platinum Long Layered Hair
Some hairstyles like this one boast a trendy shadow root and platinum-colored tresses. Try a long curtain bang for added movement around your face. Adding textured angles is a great way to show off your blonde locks.
#2 Layered Hair with Beach Waves for Over 40
This stunning hairstyle features long, layered hair with beach waves for over 40. The soft, cascading waves create a natural, effortless look that adds volume and movement to the hair. The subtle highlights enhance the layers, adding dimension and a sun-kissed effect. This style is perfect for women over 40 who want a youthful, vibrant look that is easy to maintain. The face-framing layers help to soften features and bring attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this cut works well with natural wave or curl patterns, providing a versatile and chic appearance.
#3 Textured Long Layers
Spice up the already stunning long cut with layers and a warm balayage. The textured long layers emphasize the lighter hue, creating a better dimension. For richer and healthier-looking hair, apply a shine-inducing oil onto your strands.
#4: Long with Visible Layers
You’ll love this hairstyle with visible layers because it adds movement and dimension to your look. With just the right amount of layering, this hairstyle provides a touch of elegance while still maintaining length. It works best for those who want to keep their long hair but crave a change and added texture. Layers can remove excess weight without sacrificing length, which makes this a great style for those with thick or heavy hair. For styling this haircut, apply a volumizing spray to your damp hair. Blow-drying this treated hair with a round brush will create body and bounce. Finish off with a light mist of hairspray to hold the style in place.
#5: Very Long and Visible Front Layers
Very long and visible front layers can be a great way to add dimension and movement to your locks. This style works best on those with longer hair that is relatively straight or wavy. Adding longer layers in the front can frame your face and create a more dynamic look. To keep your hair healthy and shiny, I suggest regular trims. Use a nourishing hair mask weekly for the best results.
#6: Wispy Long Layers with Brunette Balayage
Try this wispy haircut with brunette balayage. The wispy layers give this look so much movement. And one of the best things about this style is how low-maintenance the color is!
#7: Visibly Layered Long-Length Hairstyle
Consider a visibly layered long-length hairstyle. It can add dimension and movement if you have long hair. Ask for layers to help prevent your hair from looking weighed down and add texture. This hairstyle is perfect for you if you want to keep its length while enhancing its natural waves or curls.
#8: Long Middle-Parted Hair with Visible Layers
Don’t confuse long middle-parted hair with visible layers for your same haircut. This one is full of shape and volume to keep your hair feeling like it has perfect movement and bounce. Go for this haircut if you have fine to coarse locks that need a breath of fresh air. Don’t be afraid to reach for the blowout brush and a root booster spray. Try Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Spray to add some lift and life to this style.
#9: Fashionable Long Layers
If you can appreciate a layered style, try a butterfly cut. You will get soft flowing layers that bring out your best facial features. Bring all the hair forward to a focal point and layering towards that point. This will give fullness to the length in the back while achieving a beautiful face frame.
#10: Beautiful Long Layers and Curled Tips
Long hair never goes out of style. And beautiful long layers with curled tips are a great way to enhance your finished style. I suggest either a big barrel curling iron or hot rollers to style. But only if you want to add movement, dimension, and soft texture without losing length. Avoid heavy styling products such as creams or oils when trying to achieve this look.
#11: Platinum Blonde Layering
These hairstyles are perfect for diminishing strong facial features. The dark roots melting into the white-blonde hair bring out a modern, feminine look.
#12: Gorgeous Wavy Long Layers
Wavy long layers are a classically beautiful long hairstyle that looks good on nearly everyone. This soft, romantic style can be worn for almost any occasion.
#13: Long and Layered with Beachy Waves
To make your hair showcase beachy waves, ask your stylist for this haircut on your next visit. Then, style with a 1″-1.5″, depending on your length, paired with hairspray and a volume mousse for volume while adding hold. Hot tip, the smaller the barrel and the tighter the curl, the longer the wear of your style.
Related: Best long wavy hairstyle ideas.
#14: White Blonde Long Layers
Try long layers on your white, blonde hair if you want to add some movement to your hair. If you’re going to get the most out of your haircut, style with a round brush or a blow dryer brush to create bends and movement in the layers. I suggest using a blow dry spray, such as Amika’s Brooklyn Bombshell, to help cut down blow dry time while helping keep holding your style.
#15: Deep Side Part Hair with Long Feathery Layers
Deep side-part hair with long feathery layers is an excellent option if you have thick hair. To create volume at the crown, style your hair in the middle, then flip your hair to one side after drying. This will create mega volume. For added staying power, tease a little at your root and hairspray. When curling long hair with layered ends, concentrate your curls mid-shaft to ends for a more dramatic look.
#16: Long Lived-In Brunette Hair
Give your long locks a snip with long, lived-in brunette hair. Cutting long layers is one of the best ways to bring movement into long hair. For clients who don’t like long layers, I’ll cut invisible layers to add movement without the typical look of layers. I always cut my layers dry to see where they fall and how much I take off.
#17: Long Wavy Layers with Face-Framing Highlights
Long wavy layers paired with face-framing highlights help add some depth to your hairstyle. Long-layered locks help keep your length but remove some weight, allowing for more movement and volume in your hair.
#18: Long Front Layers with a Blowout Style
While longer hair is gorgeous, it can be heavy and weighed down. Ask your stylist if long front layers are a good option. Often, feathered layers are extremely versatile and give the illusion of thick, full hair while maintaining the length.
#19: Stunning Long, Bouncy Layers
If you’re looking for a lot of body and lightness in your hair, adding layers will give you lots of movement. For an eye-catching style, hair will bounce up with a fresh roller set or allow pinned curls to cool before releasing.
#20: Razored Long Layers with a Face Frame
Razored long layers with a face frame is a hairstyle you can always go right with. It may not look like much, but even the smallest changes to a haircut can impact it. A hair color to highlight your haircut is essential; a money piece (face-framing highlight) will pair well with a face-framed layer or bang. Blow dry your hair with a round brush to get the ends of your layers flipped out and shaped nicely around your face.
#21: Stylish Face-Framing Layers for Long Hair
Opt for face-framing layers for your long hair to add shape and style. When considering doing face-framing layers, you will want to consider the shortest layer’s length. If you wear your hair up often, keep the shortest layer at chin-length or longer. These touchable face-framing layers will look fabulous no matter how long or short you go.
#22: Feathered Cut with Accented Caramel Tones
Go for a feathered cut with caramel accent tones. Consider trying layers from the mid-shaft of your hair if your hair is long and thick. A feathered style can be versatile by showing movement and creating a lovely shape. Caramel tones blend like a sun-kissed dream on darker base colors.
#23: Two-Toned Layers on Extra Long Hair
Two-toned layers added to your extra-long hair are a fantastic way to show off your long length. Adding a lighter color on the top of your head gives you the illusion of longer hair. Keeping the underneath darker saves money, keeps your hair healthy, and keeps the dimension in your hair. Adding long layers also adds to the illusion of length, giving the eye different points of interest.
#24: Sassy Long Cascading Layers
Try long cascading layers if you have thick hair. The thickness of your hair enhances this super sassy cut. The bottom is cut into a v shape, adding long layers. You’ll want to dry your hair with a round brush to get this style. After each layer, direct your hair to curl in one direction, alternating directions for each layer.
#25: Long V-Shaped Layers on Mid-Back Hair
Opt out for long V-shaped layers on your mid-back length. This type of layering will follow the v-line shape of your haircut. The chic layers will make your heavy hair feel lighter while adding volume and texture simultaneously. Take your hairstylist’s advice on the most suitable scalp home cosmetics for your hair.
#26: Subtle Layers on Bold Plum Red Hair
Rock subtle layers if you have long plum-red hair. Plum red is a perfect mix of red, violet, and fabulous. These hairstyles can add volume, make your hair look longer, and remove bulk. Also, when you curl your hair, you get more texture throughout your hair with some layering.
#27: Timeless Long Wispy Layers with Soft Waves
Long wispy layers paired with soft waves are a timeless option if you have long hair. If you have wavy hair, try using a mousse or gel to scrunch your hair, creating those soft waves. However, if you have straight hair, you will need to take more time to blow-dry and curl your hair with a large barrel curling iron.
Related: Best long, shaggy, wispy haircut ideas.
#28: Feathered Chunky Layers on Long Hair
Adding feathered, chunky layers to your long hair will look great if you have medium to thick textured hair. This is a perfect way to keep length while creating movement. Layered hairstyles add a lot to the flow of hair, creating a beautiful cascade of curls.
#29: Effortless Two Layer Haircut
Effortless haircuts are ideal when wanting a transformation while still keeping your length. This polished style will give you the best of both worlds. The layering and curtain bangs add bounce, shape, and movement while still having your sleek long hair.
#30: Gorgeous Long Layered Waves
Long waves are a perfect style for all hair types and great if you like to keep your day-to-day style low-maintenance. Styling your hair wavy can also bring out the colors in your hair by giving more reflection of light. Waves in layered hairstyles for long hair are fairly easy to achieve if you have the proper tools and can last multiple days without needing restyled if you have the right hair type. Please ask your stylist for a wave demo and product recommendations to make your style easier.
#31: Casual Long-Length Angled Layers
Long-length layers cut at an angle helps to keep fullness throughout your hair. When paired with soft face-framing layering, it will give you the appearance of a slimmer face. Whether you style your haircut straight or curled, you will have so much movement, giving it a light and free appearance.
#32: Bold Long and Heavily Layered
A heavily layered haircut is a style you want to have when you want bounce, texture, and a new shape. Accentuating the bold layering around your face will take your simple blowout to another level of appeal. You can choose a middle part to make your look complete.
#33: Beautiful Long Feathered Hair
Try long feathered hair if you have thick hair and want to add movement. Long feathered layers also remove weight from long, thick hair to give it more body and bounce. Style with a mousse or root lift sprays to add extra volume at your root, and finish with a texture spray to add separation to your layers.
#34: Extremely Layered Thick Hair
Extremely layered hair is a beautiful hairstyle if you have thick hair. Feel bold and stylish with voluminous blown-out layers. Ask your stylist about the required product and hot tool to recreate your look at home.
#35: Cute Side-Swept Front Layer Cut
Try a side-swept cut and jazz up your style. If you have one-length long hair, adding front layers can improve your appearance. If you like to wear a ponytail, the side-swept front looks awesome, left out as an option. You’ll want to blow dry with a medium to large round brush and if you want your hair looks extra pretty, add some curl with an iron to the front layers.
#36: Middle Part Cut on Super Long Hair
You’ll want a middle-part cut on your super-long hair if you want to take your hair to the next level. Face-framing layers styled away from your face will give you this glamorous style. Remember that you will most likely need to curl your hair after your blowout, and it takes a bit of time. Ask your stylist to start your side angle below your chin for a soft and beautiful result.
#37: Inspiring Long Layering with Highlights
An inspiring cut with long layering paired with highlights is a fun way to change your style. A dimensional blonde is created by varying the thickness of your highlights and placement. Also, the different shades of blonde make all your colors pop.
#38: Classic Layers and Curtain Bangs
Try adding layers to your long hair if you want to try something new without sacrificing length. These hairstyles look and feel great on long hair, help give more body and movement, and lighten the load if your hair is thick. Ask your stylist for tips on how to round brush your hair with a blow dryer to accentuate the layers and add bounce to your locks.
#39: Beautiful Long Round Layers
Try long, rounded layers if your hair is thick and dense. Some products and a hot tool may be required if you don’t have a natural wave or curl.
#40: Classy Layers for a U-Shaped Cut
Try adding layers to a U-shaped cut for your next sultry, classy hairdo! Graduated haircuts are perfect for long hair and keeping length while ridding unwanted bulk throughout.
#41: Nice Deep U Cut
A deep U cut is an excellent cut option if you want to keep your length but also want to try something new. Your hair will be significantly longer in the back than in the front. Choose your length in the front, then have your stylist angle your cut to meet your length in the back, adding longer layers throughout.
#42: Layered Loose Waves with Textured Bangs
Ask for layered loose waves paired with textured bangs for your next haircut. Great for enhancing your face shape, bangs with texture will complement your features. You can use an inspirational photo to show your stylist what type of bangs and layers you want.
#43: Octopus Layered Hair
Octopus layered hair is the perfect flipped-up, turned-out, and lovely haircut. Ask your stylist to texturize and feather your ends to keep your hair from feeling blunt. Octopus layers work best on medium to thick hair.
#44: Feminine Chest-Length Feathered Haircut
Any hairstyle paired with feathered layers is perfect if you’re looking for movement and texture. Try a chest-length cut with layers from the middle of your neck to your ends. Use a round brush to accentuate your layers and flip them out or use hot rollers to give body to your hair. Don’t forget to use a little hairspray to maintain the hold.
#45: Popular Long Hair with Long Face-Framing Bangs
Long hair with face-framing bangs looks beautiful if your mane is full and thick. A stylist can easily adjust the density of your cut by texturing and reducing bulk.
#46: Youthful Long-Mussed Layers
Long mussed layers are fantastic if you have a lot of length but want to change your style. Layers are a spectacular way of reducing bulk while adding movement to your haircut.
#47: Very Long Fluffy Layers
Ask your hairdresser if long layers will work for your mane. Typically, thicker long hair works well with some layers to create movement and lightness in your hair. Finer hair will need to be addressed differently to maintain some fullness to your long mane.
#48: Side Part Style for Thick Hair
Ask your stylist for layers around your face with a steep angle starting around your jawline for a stylish look. If your hair is long and thick, you must put some time into the blow dry. A medium round brush and a curling iron are recommended when you want your hair to move away from your face.
#49: Long Dark Hair with a Sun-Kissed Balayage
If you want a luxurious-looking mane, go for long dark hair with a sun-kissed balayage. These haircuts are perfect for thick tresses and give your hair body and movement. Long layers look fantastic and will bring life to your weighed-down locks.
#50: Long Brown Hair with Caramel Balayage and Wispy Ends
Long brown hair paired with caramel balayage is a fun, neutral, warm blonde. Caramel balayage is a great way to add dimension to your hair with little maintenance. With balayage, you won’t need to color all of your hair to have a dramatic effect, just some well-placed, hand-painted pieces.
#51: Soft Brunette Swoopy Layers for Long Hair
Try swoopy layers if you have long hair and want to keep your length, but want a change. Ask your stylist to cut your hair with a center part, making the layers around your face shorter, then blended or angled down to your length. We recommend you use a round brush and blow dryer, curling iron, or Velcro rollers to curl your ends for that swoopy look lightly.
#52: Long Volumizing Layers for Straight Hair
Trying out long layers for your straight hair is perfect if you have one-length locks. If you have medium or thick hair, these voluminous layers will flatter your face and add shape. I’d like you to please bring this reference photo to your hair salon to get a stylish layered look.
#53: Long Flipped Up Layers with Light Brown Tips
Long flipped-up layers are one of the most flattering hairstyles for long hair. Adding longer layers to your long hair will allow you to pull it back or wear it down and styled. With super long hair, you’ll want to have your stylist blend your layers into your hair without removing much weight from your ends. Girls with longer hair don’t usually get their haircut that often, so it would be a good option as it’s very low-maintenance.
#54: Beautiful Jet Black Tresses with Soft Layers
A jet black haircut looks gorgeous on women with darker skin and extra-long hair. The softness of the ends is a great way to eliminate a strong bulk line if you have thick hair.
#55: Mature Hair with Side Bangs
Long locks look awesome with face-framing layers that taper into long layers toward the back. Creating an invisible shag around the top crown can be worn in its natural state or styled with extra “Bardot” retro volume. Long brunette hair with textured layers has a ton of versatility! It can be thrown up in a top knot or low bun with flirty pieces that fall out around your face creating side-swept long layered bangs. It’s perfect for wavy hair, hair that’s naturally air-dried, or hair that likes to be blown out with lots of body and volume.
#56: Healthy Long Layered Brunette Style
Show off your beautiful locks with a healthy long layered brunette style. No matter the length or color of your hair, healthy hair is always one of the best looks. Do a conditioning treatment once or twice a week to keep your locks looking healthy and strong. Always use a heat protector when using hot tools to minimize damage. Visit your stylist every 6-8 weeks to dust off dead ends to keep hair long but looking fresh.
#57: Gorgeous Jet Black Layers
One of the best ways to accent your features is to add face-framing layers to your hairstyle. The angles hitting the chin add movement and interest around your face. Try round brushing or curling your shorter pieces away from your face if you can. It will give you a gorgeous finished style.
#58 Long Feathered Layers
This beautifully layered long blonde hairstyle features feathered layers that add movement and dimension. The platinum blonde color with darker roots creates a striking contrast, enhancing the layered effect. Ideal for those with medium to thick hair, this cut reduces bulk while maintaining length. The feathered layers frame the face beautifully and add a touch of elegance. Perfect for a polished, sophisticated look that’s easy to maintain with regular trims and color-safe products.
#59: Copper Long Layers with a Middle Part
Copper long layers paired with a middle part are a gorgeous natural warm color you can enjoy. Try curling your hair to bring out the different copper tones. This hair color can be worn any time of year!
#60: Feminine Long Straight Hair with a Side Part
Try long straight hair with a side part to show off your layers. Having layers in your long hair will create volume and texture. Your locks won’t look dull with this new hairstyle!
#61: Lightly Layered Face-Frame
You can try a lightly layered face frame for something new this year. While it spices things up, it isn’t high maintenance and can easily be clipped back. The frame this style creates for your face is soft and very flattering.
#62: Silver Long Layers with No Bangs
Silver layers without bangs are a beautiful look for long blonde hair. Ask your stylist if your blonde can be lightened enough to tone to silver, it may take a few sessions to do while maintaining the health of your hair. Long, flowy layers are always stunning, creating the bouncy blowout look with a round brush or larger hot rollers. Silver hair will require toning every 6 to 8 weeks and purple or blue toning shampoo once weekly at home.
#63: Gorgeous Long Layers with Bangs
Don’t you love the beautiful job of blending the layers and the various shades of golden brown? This is one of the best examples of long haircuts with bangs that you’ll see this season.
#64: Shaggy Layered Waves With a Side Part
The deep side part of this hairstyle would be a gorgeous fall-season look. Going for a shaggy long layered haircut will give your long hair give lots of dimensions.
#65: Layered and Long with Curtain Bangs
A layered and long chop with curtain bangs can frame and accentuate the front of your face, especially your cheeks. Flaunt it with the golden brown shade, and you’ll achieve that beautiful softer finish.
#66: Very Long V-Cut Layers
Look at this hair makeover with a cascade of long v-cut layers using the step-cutting technique. Trendy long layered tresses like this v-cut on long hair add dimension and body, which is perfect for women with thinner hair.
#67: Light Brown Locks with Lengthy Layers
These razored long layers on long-length hair have the advantage of a razor cut, so you don’t have to sacrifice length for movement. The wispy layers are kept lengthy so that the bottom line is not too skinny, giving the appearance of stringy hair. But cutting with a razor allows the ends to have plenty of free-flowing movement if your hair is blown out smooth or curled.
#68: Versatile Layers for Long Straight Hair
Dramatically layered lengthy tresses with a face-framing center part make this a perfect straight cut for women with thick hair. The swoopy layers are so soft and feminine! This sun-kissed look with lots of movement allows for versatile styling. No matter which way you part your hair or style your long hair, layers will always lay beautifully.
#69: Polished Long Shaggy Layers
Opt for a gorgeous haircut that offers long shaggy layers for optimum movement and texture. The curtain fringe creates a soft face-framing effect and has enough length to pin it back out of your eyes.
#70 Edgy Layered Wavy Cut
This long, layered cut with curtain bangs is perfect for those seeking a fresh yet timeless style. The soft waves add movement and volume, ideal for medium to thick hair types. The curtain bangs frame the face beautifully, enhancing facial features and drawing attention to the eyes. This versatile look is low-maintenance and great for adding texture without sacrificing length. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a stylish, face-framing effect with a natural, effortless feel.
#71: Dark-Rooted Layered Shag Haircut
A long layered shag can give you more edge than the traditional ones. These hairstyles that feature long tousled layers suit fine or thick hair. It adds extra volume and texture and gives you a modern look. You can style a shag in many different ways. For a sleek look, try an oil or serum when almost dry. For a more tousled, worn look, use a textured mouse when wet, hit it with a little dry shampoo when dry, and let those windows down.
#72: Low-Maintenance Long Blonde Layered Hair
Here’s long blonde layered hair that’s beautiful and low-maintenance. This is one of those hairstyles that appear even better if styled with beach waves.
#73: Loose Wavy Layers for Fine Hair
Loose wavy layers on fine hair will give you more texture and movement. This layered long hair is a perfect look when you want to grow out a mid-length chop. Long layers for fine hair are also guaranteed to upgrade your warm blonde ombre.
#74 Subtle Curly Layers for Long Curly Hair
This hairstyle features beautifully defined, long curly layers that cascade gracefully. Perfect for those with naturally curly or wavy hair, these layers add movement and reduce bulk. The subtle layers provide a soft, bouncy finish, enhancing the curls’ natural volume. Ideal for thick hair, this cut helps to distribute the hair’s density evenly, making it easier to manage and style. Consider using a lightweight curl cream to maintain definition without weighing down your curls.
#75: Long Choppy Layers with Rooted Sombre
Consider long straight hair with soft layers for a perfect blend going from natural to long blonde. The mix between babylights and balayage blonde highlights makes it look seamless with less maintenance due to the rooted sombre.
#76: Bright Golden Blonde Layered Hair
Golden blonde layered hair is bright, full of sunshine, and gives an illuminating glow. By adding long layers and face-framing pieces, it brings life and movement to long hair. This haircut is sleek, but you can also emphasize the texture and long layers by using a ½-inch curling iron, leaving the ends out to give effortless beachy waves.
#77: Fresh Long and Layered Shag
Some haircuts remove weight from your long tresses but with style. Here’s a long and layered shag that provides a fresher aura. It’s proof of how long layers, curtain bangs, and a brunette shade look great together.
#78: Tousled Long Face-Framing Layers
Avoid a flat and lifeless look with long face-framing layers. These layers remove a lot of weight, giving your black and brown tresses added body and movement at the bottom. Layered and long hair needs trimming every 6-10 weeks to keep it healthy and without split ends.
#79: Flipped Layered and Textured Cut
Opt for a cut that features flipped layers for your long hair. This cut is for women looking for something a little different than your traditional haircuts. It could work for ladies with thick to medium hair. Texturize your ends more on the thicker hair. Avoid this cut if you have fine/thin hair because of the intensity of the layers. It would remove too much weight.
#80: Low-Maintenance Haircut with Subtle Layers
The dark contrast with the ashy tone gives this a casual yet super-stylish look!
#81: Glamorous Blowout with Long Layers
A glamorous blowout with long layers values the texture of your tresses. Long layers are great for adding volume.
#82: Bouncy Layered U-Shaped Cut
Opt for a u-shaped haircut to keep hair bouncy while maintaining length. This cut works best on thicker hair as it removes much bulk from your ends.
#83: Go-To Layered Wavy Hair
Long layered wavy hair, when paired with copper balayage, makes a stunning go-to look. Wear this haircut to give your ends more texture. When styling, hold the flat iron horizontally. Then, take wide horizontal sections while curling your hair. This way, you’ll get a more wavy hair look instead of the classic, tight curls.
#84: Textured Layering for Long Thin Hair
A messy cut with a dark-rooted blonde and brown balayage will freshen up fine tresses! The perfect textured layering for long thin hairstyles does exist. This hairstyle for long hair also suits a naturally wavy texture. To prep, use a dry texture spray to work on the body and texture.
#85: Lovely Choppy Layers for Long Thick Hair
Here’s a hairstyle that works fine with golden blonde highlights! These choppy layers for long, thick hair offer tons of texture and boost volume that you’ll love.
#86: Romantic Long Brown Hair with Soft Curls
Give long brown hair with soft curls a try for your next simple and romantic style. The softness of your curls and the warmth of the brown work very well to soften harsh features and bring femininity to your face. Brown tones tend to work well with skin that has pink undertones.
#87: Ideal Brunette Long Layered Hair
Choosing a brunette haircut is ideal for women with long but flat hair. Cutting long layers adds movement and depth without taking away length. This is also for ladies with excellent choices because it adds volume.
#88: Beautifully Layered Long Blonde Hair
The number of layers can always be customized to suit you and your lifestyle, so don’t be afraid to ask your stylist about your options.
We’ve all heard the tale of Rapunzel and her incredibly long hair. But being a woman with long hair is no fairy tale. There are so many challenges that no one seems to talk about! I’m talking about tangles, split ends, frizz, and how heavy your hair gets as it grows longer. We may not have fairy godmothers like some princesses do… but we have hairdressers! As a hairdresser, I’m familiar with long-hair life’s struggles. That’s why I put together this guide and gallery on the best layered haircuts for women with long hair. Keep reading to learn about types of layers, the best hair colors, and styling techniques. At the very end, you’ll find a photo gallery jam-packed with ideas to inspire your next haircut.
What is a Layered Haircut?
Shorter lengths throughout the hairstyle characterize a layered haircut. The layers are blended into your ends, so there isn’t a choppy line between the two. (Source)There are quite a few ways to cut layers, which I’ll get into shortly. The one thing all layers have in common is that they don’t add volume. This is a widespread misconception! Layers reduce weight and bulk from the interior of your hair. Layers also add a lot of versatility to any haircut. A blunt cut looks best when parted and styled one specific way. These haircuts, however, can be parted and styled in any way you like. They’re also suitable for any hair type. Whether you have straight hair, thick hair, curls, coils, or waves, the right haircut will make your hair look amazing.
Why Do Layers Add Movement to Long Hair?
When your hair is all one length, every strand weighs the same amount. That means your hair will be pulled down by gravity evenly. Even when you tousle your hair, the weight will gradually cause each strand to fall back into place. Layers create many different lengths throughout your hair. The pieces a few inches shorter than your ends weigh less, so they move a little differently. Remember a moment ago when I said layers reduce weight? More movement is the result. This is especially true if you have any kind of waves, curls, or coils in your natural texture. Removing weight allows each strand of hair to lift, bounce, and curl more.
The Types of Layers You Can Get with Long Hair
Every type of cut indeed adds movement by reducing weight. But that’s about what all the different types have in common! Here’s a glossary of the various layering methods:
- Long layers gradually increase in length. The shortest layer is at your crown; the longest layer is at your ends. This option adds movement and shape to your long hair without losing length. Long layers tend to be very blended, making them almost invisible to the eye. But your hair will still feel lighter and have more movement. These only need trimming 2-3 times a year. Kim Kardashian is almost always wearing long layers.
- Choppy layers create a textured, uneven, and sometimes jagged look. This cutting technique adds movement, volume, and dimension to your hair. They’re obvious and don’t blend seamlessly with your ends. This layering method requires the most maintenance. The choppy texture will grow out within 8 to 10 weeks. Jennifer Aniston rocks the choppy look now and then.
- Shaggy layers are characterized by their textured and messy appearance. The look is achieved by cutting layers into your hair at different lengths. This creates a naturally uneven or lived-in result. Think of these as a slightly softer version of choppy layers. These tend to need trimming every 10 to 12 weeks. Billie Eilish has worn several varieties in recent years.
- U-shape layers are achieved by cutting your hair, so the layers in the front are shorter than in the back. If you like having long hair but want to lift the appearance of your face, u-shape layers are perfect. You can get away with trimming them up just 2 or 3 times a year. But you may need more frequent trims if you have bangs or face-framing too. Chrissy Teigen often opts for these when she wears her hair long.
- V-shape or inverted layers are essentially the opposite of a u-shape. You’d have longer layers in front and shorter ones in the back. But these layers work best on angled bobs. It’s not possible to pair these layers with long hair.
- Asymmetrical layers aren’t the same length on both sides of your head. Asymmetrical layers paired with a side part create volume in all the right places. But the asymmetry can be anywhere—short layers in your crown and longer layers around your face, for example. Ask your stylist for their recommendation based on your part and bone structure. Upkeep in terms of trims varies a lot since these layers are so customizable. Taylor Swift chooses asymmetrical layers when her hair is long.
- Curtain layers refer to your hair being cut into long layers that fall in a curtain-like fashion. The long, graduated layers frame your face and create a softer, more natural feel. These layers typically start around your chin or collarbone. Then they get longer towards the back of your head. These grow out naturally, so you’ll only need trims a couple of times a year. Nicole Richie looks unbelievably chic with her curtain layers and bangs.
- Concave layers are a complex and effective cutting technique. The layers are cut at an angle. This creates a concave shape that follows the natural curve of your head. The layers are shorter in the crown area and get longer towards the front. Concave layers are excellent for adding shape and definition to curls. But you’ll need these trimmed every 10 to 12 weeks to keep the cut looking good. Zoe Saldana appears to have concave layers when her hair is long.
The Best Hair Color Options to Pair with Long Layers
There are so many hair color options that can pair well with long layers. That’s because the layering adds lots of dimension and movement to your hair. Some of my favorite options include:
- Balayage: This technique involves hand-painting color onto your hair, creating a natural-looking gradient of color. It’s a perfect way to subtly draw attention to your long layers since this method creates a sun-kissed look. You only need to touch it up a couple of times a year.
- Ombre: Like balayage, ombre involves a gradual blend of color from your roots to your ends. If you want a low-maintenance hair color that makes a statement, an ombre might be perfect. You can also pair this with a couple of highlights around your face to brighten your appearance. Touch-ups are only needed for face-framing pieces or anytime you cut off a few inches.
- Sombre: Sombre is similar to the ombre technique but even more soft and subtle. This is the way to go if you want to walk out of the salon looking like you just spent a couple of weeks on the beach. You won’t need to touch it up unless you chop a few inches off your ends.
- Single-process color: This technique involves coloring your entire head of hair in one solid color. Darker shades will make your layers invisible, making your hair look thick. Lighter tones will show off your layers when the light hits them just right. You’ll need a root touch-up every two months or so.
Ultimately, the best hair color option depends on your personal preferences and the look you envision. Think about your sense of style and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to. The last thing to consider is the actual color/tone of your hair. Your hairstylist can help determine which shades will be most flattering to your skin and facial features.
Choosing the Right Long Layered Haircut
Now that you know all the terminology, I can talk more about you. The most flattering haircut for you will work well with your hair type and suit your face shape.
Your Hair Type
For your hair type, we need to consider three things: density, thickness, and wave pattern. Density refers to how many hairs you have per square inch on your head. Thickness refers to the thickness of each individual hair. Any thickness can be paired with any density and wave pattern! So you’ll pick one from each of the three categories below.
Thickness:
- Fine hair will look flatter the more you layer it. So, long layers (or long choppy layers) will give you the most lift and movement.
- Medium hair will also have less volume when layered. U-shaped layers will be easiest to style if you have this hair type. But you can also try curtain layers or shaggy layers if you want something trendier.
- Coarse hair has a lot of flexibility. It’s easy to create a shaggy or choppy look. Long layers or u-shape layers can work well too. But your stylist will need to spend some time blending it all together. You may need more frequent trims with long or u-shape layers.
Density:
- Thin hair looks thinner the more it’s layered, much like fine hair. Stick with long layers and bangs to give your hair more movement.
- Medium-density hair is very versatile. Any type of layering will add movement to your long hair. Consider how much upkeep you’re willing to commit to, your face shape, and go from there.
- Thick hair has the most versatility because you have so much hair on your head. Long layers will add little movement, though. Asymmetrical, concave, shaggy, or choppy layers best suit your hair type and reduce weight.
Wave pattern:
- Straight hair doesn’t tend to get poofier as it gets longer, unlike waves and curls. Any haircut will look great. If you want choppy or shaggy layers, your stylist will need to spend some extra time creating this effect. But it’ll look good in the end.
- Wavy hair is ideally suited to concave or asymmetrical layers. Your stylist can evaluate your natural waves to determine the best technique. Just avoid long layers, as they’ll grow out very fast.
- Curly hair also plays well with asymmetrical and concave layers. Again, your natural curl pattern will indicate what’ll look best. Shaggy or choppy layers won’t be noticeable in your hair due to the curls.
- Coily hair won’t look good with long or u-shaped layers. The shaping just isn’t beneficial to this curl pattern. But again, asymmetrical and concave layers are your best friend. You can ask your stylist about asymmetrical concave layers if they specialize in coily hair.
Your Face Shape
Your face shape is another significant factor to consider for your haircut. The right type of layers can bring attention to all your best features… and the wrong type will do just the opposite. So, here are my customization tips for each face shape:
- Diamond face shapes look fantastic with long or concave layers. This gives you sleekness around your cheekbones and lots of movement around your jawline. These two factors will make your face look balanced and more oval.
- Heart-Shaped faces require bringing your forehead into balance. Curtain layers will frame your face beautifully and create the sought-after oval illusion. Choppy layers can also add texture and create that balance.
- Oval face shapes are considered ideal in modern society. You can wear any types of layers you like. Think about the facial features you want to draw the most attention to or from. Share this info with your stylist, and you’re good to go!
- Round face shapes look best with long layers. The longer your layers are, the longer and slimmer your face will appear. You can also try asymmetrical layers if you part your hair to one side or like to tease your crown area.
- Square faces can be softened with u-shaped layers. The shorter lengths around your face reduce hard angles and corners. Meanwhile, the longer pieces slim your overall face shape.
- Rectangle faces shine with u-shaped or shaggy layers. Ideally, you’ll want a few layers that graze your cheekbones. This will lift your face and make you look more youthful.
Do Bangs and Long Layers Look Good Together?
Yes, bangs and long layers can look great together. That’s because they add more dimension and interest to your hair. You can create various styles, depending on the type of bangs and how your layers are cut. Here are my favorite options to pair with long layered haircuts:
- Side-swept or swoopy fringe can add a soft, feminine touch to long layers. They’re also easy to grow out if you aren’t sure you’ll love them. These are ideal if you have a round or square face shape.
- Micro-fringe or baby bangs give your long layers an edgier, more modern style. Long layers tend to have a classic feel, so they’re an excellent way to change things. This option is best if you have an oval, round, or diamond face shape.
- Blunt bangs create a more dramatic look with long layers. They can also draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones. Blunt fringe looks best if you have a rectangle, heart-shaped, or oval face.
- Curtain bangs or bottleneck bangs are parted in the middle, creating softness. They can make your long layers feel more bohemian and lived-in. This style will look best if you have an oval, rectangle, or round face shape.
- Wispy bangs will make your layered long haircut look light, airy, and carefree. This type of fringe will have just as much movement and texture as your layers. Wispy is the way to go if you have a diamond face shape and want fringe.
Best Products and Styling Tips for Long Layers
A great haircut isn’t worth much unless you can easily style it at home. I’ve had long hair for the past decade, so I’m very familiar with the tricks that work… and the tricks that don’t. In the following sections, I’m sharing all my best advice to get the most out of your haircut.
Blow-drying Techniques
I notice people making the same mistake when it comes to blow-drying. It’s widespread to focus on your roots instead of your ends. But in reality, you should be doing the opposite. Starting at your roots reduces heat damage to your ends. It also gives you a smoother, more polished result. The easiest thing to do is blow dry your roots all over your head first. Then move on to the mid-shafts and ends. If your hair is fine—or you struggle with getting your blow-out to last all day—consider investing in sectioning clips. When you finish a section, wrap it up and clip it out of the way while it cools. Your volume and body will last all day when your hair cools in this position. You can also use the “cool” setting if your blow-dryer has one to speed up the process.
Curling and Straightening Techniques
While curling and straightening, you’ll use the same mentality as blow-drying. Your roots need the most heat and attention. Your ends need the least. So when you curl, start near your scalp. I know most of us grew up pinching our ends in the barrel and rolling up… but that’s precisely why we had so much frizz and breakage! The same is true for flat ironing. Start at your roots and slowly work your way down. Be sure to check your section size now and then. Whether you’re curling or straightening, your sections should only be a half-inch thick at most. Any thicker, and you won’t get all of your roots, leading to your style falling out later in the day. You’ll also want to be mindful of the temperature. If you have fine hair, keep your hot tolls between 250 and 300 degrees F. I know this might seem too low. If you’re struggling with this, move your iron slowly through your hair. Going slow at 300 degrees is so much better for your hair than going fast at 400 degrees. After all, there’s a reason that so many recipes have you heat the oven to 350 or so. Slow and steady wins the race—and doesn’t burn your hair. You can do between 300 – 350 degrees F if you have medium hair. For coarse hair, you don’t want to crank the iron up to 400. 350 to 375 is the safe zone for you.
Products and Tools to Use for Styling
As a hairdresser with a layered haircut for long hair, I have made tons of trial and error. I find my most significant challenges are tangles, a lack of volume, and getting my curls to stay all day. Tangles come with long hair territory. But I have a holy grail product I’ve sworn by for years: It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-in Spray. I love this entire brand’s lineup because every product is designed to multi-task in 10 different ways. This one, for example, prevents breakage, controls frizz, protects from heat, cuts down on tangles, and enhances your natural volume. And I have to say, and it does what it says. This brand also makes options for fine hair, coily hair, and heavily damaged hair. Just mist it onto damp hair, comb through, and style as desired. You can expect touchable softness that doesn’t feel greasy, heavy, or sticky. Next up is Amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray. This product is somehow insanely lightweight yet infuses tons of flexible-hold volume. No crunchiness or anything like that. Split your hair into sections (I like to clip up the top so I can do my nape first) and apply from roots to ends. You’ll want to blow-dry for the most volume instead of letting your hair air dry. You can also mist a tiny amount on dry hair and then blow-dry your roots to refresh your style. Now you just need one more product to lock in your style. Since beauty school, my winner has been Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Finishing Spray. I’ve tried many other brands, but this one takes the cake. You can mist it from arm’s length and brush through for a soft, brushable hold. Or if you need to be sure your ‘do won’t move, hold it more like 6 inches from your hair and mist. It smells incredible and it’s humidity resistant! And since I’m a hairdresser, you know I have my favorite tools. The Good Hair Day Platinum Styler is one of my favorites. It takes the guesswork out of styling by automatically calibrating to the best temperature for your hair. 250 times per second, the internal computers check to make sure the temperature is right. And you can use this flat iron for curling or straightening. I’m all about tools that multi-task! It also shuts off after half an hour, which has helped me more times than I can count. It’s an investment, but it’ll pay off for years.
How to Communicate with Your Hairstylist
Even with all this new knowledge, are you nervous about chatting with your hairstylist? As a hairdresser myself, I’ve seen first-hand how anxious the consultation can make clients. The first thing I want to say is that we don’t expect nor require you to know all the lingo. What we really want is to understand what you’re not liking about your hair currently and the benefits you want from your new cut. So don’t worry about remembering the name of the type of layers you want to try. Instead, consider what’s important to you regarding maintenance, current frustrations, and desired benefits.
Maintenance and Upkeep
The great thing about layered haircuts for long hair is how low-maintenance they are. Except for choppy layers, bangs, or root touch-ups, you’ll only need trims every 3 to 6 months. If you plan on adding any of these options, talk with your hairdresser about maintenance. We’re always willing to do what we can with your budget and the time you have. If you can’t make appointments more than twice a year for any reason, just let your stylist know. You may need to compromise on your desired style to find something more low-maintenance.
Talking with your stylist is the best way to find that perfect happy medium. Most of the upkeep discussion will center around home care. Do you plan on styling with hot tools every day? Or do you throw it into a bun/ponytail each morning? On that note, do you need to be able to pull everything back? Or would you like some shorter pieces to fall out of your hair elastic and frame your face? Think about the requirements of your job, family, classes, or whatever your routine involves. You want to be able to tell your hairdresser something like, “I need to be able to pull everything back into a high bun quickly for work. But I also like curling my hair and wearing it for certain occasions.” That gives your stylist a great idea of which layers will suit you best.
Your Desired Benefits
Any good haircut should draw attention to your best features and distract you from anything you don’t love. Take some time to look through photos of yourself, or even get in front of a mirror for a few minutes. Are you hoping to make your eyes stand out? Do you feel like your forehead is too wide? Are you hoping to make your face look longer or draw focus to your bone structure? As hairdressers, we speak the language of benefits. When you sit down and say you want choppy layers, our first question will be “Why?” Layers have very different effects on each hair type, you see. And when we know how you picture day-to-day life with your new cut, we know how to customize it for you. In addition to the above statement about your routine, be prepared to discuss your desired outcome. Telling your stylist something like, “I want my hair not to be so heavy when I put it up., But I also don’t want to lose much length. I’d also like something to make my eyes stand out,” gives that stylist a lot of great information.
The Best Layered Haircuts for Long Hair to Have More Movement
You’ve learned so much today! You’re now 100% ready to pick out some inspirational photos for your long layered haircut. Best of all, you can have complete confidence you’re picking a flattering style that fits perfectly with your lifestyle. Take a peek at the photos below. And don’t forget, hairdressers can usually combine the features of 2 different cuts if you’re torn.
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