A regular client of mine sat in the chair last week and said, “I want to grow my hair out, but I’m SO BORED with it right now,” and I have to say, she wins the award for most relatable comment from a client. I feel like when you get to medium length hair, there is this sweet spot where you can do a lot with it. You can play with some fun layers and movement without the hair being too heavy and pulling out your curl pattern or blowout deflating. nnWe can all agree that adding layers to medium length hair takes it from “I’m growing it out” to “no, this is the look.” nnAfter having stood behind the chair for many years, I feel as though a lot of people underestimate just how much the RIGHT layering can truly change everything. I’m not talking about the chunky 2003 layers (no judgment, we all have been there). I mean the kind that is so considered and intentional that it makes you feel like you’re in a shampoo commercial even when you just scrunched it and ran out of the house. nnWhen your client texts you a selfie from the parking lot, you know you’ve made it. I had a very regular client for many years who would ask me to just trim the ends over and over again, and the very first day I managed to convince her to let me put some layers in, she sent me a selfie. From the parking lot. That is the standard.
Let me share with you some things I’m currently obsessed with! I’m super pumped about all of this!
#1: That Mahogany Moment You Didn’t Know You Needed
It’s safe to say this color is RICH. You’ll find yourself staring into EVERY reflective surface, over and over again. This medium length layered cut with this stunning mahogany color is a perfect example of a color and cut working together equally, where one isn’t carrying the other. The soft layers will give you a lot of beautiful movement, and it won’t look like you tried too hard. Those warm toned, face framing layers are really pretty and will light up in a way that’s different from the rest of your hair. A color that rich and deep is going to need some extra love. You’ll have to use a color-safe shampoo and you will probably need to do a gloss refresh every few weeks, but the warmth in your hair will absolutely make your whole face glow.
#2 Curls That Actually Look Like They Woke Up This Way
I mean, THIS is what I mean by “let your texture do the work”. These curls mixed with the layered cut served an effortless, bouncy, I-didn-t-even-try look, and I am HERE for it. The layers are placed in such a way as to encourage the curl pattern instead of imposing it, which is where most people go wrong when layering curly hair. The chocolate color is so dimensional that you don-t even need highlights. And let there be no doubt that a good curl cream scrunched in while it-s still wet is going to be the secret to getting this look to stay this defined. Period. And don-t overthink it!
#3 Copper That’s Actually DOING Something
This hair color is copper, and when you say copper, they mean cloudy with a chance of meatballs copper! This color is pretty wild and it’s also pretty believable to think this could be a natural color to have, if you are naturally blessed. The soft layering in the waves gives it real pretty, hair movement. The color shifts as the hair moves, almost like it’s alive. I know. I get that it sounds really dramatic, but I mean it. The truth, however, is that bright copper is a lot more maintenance than your average color. This usually means that you need to get a toner appointment, buy sulfate-free shampoo, wash your hair less than you do now. But if hair maintenance is your jam, then you will be happy every time you look in the mirror!
#4 The Bangs and Layers Combo That Just WORKS
I can certainly say I love the combination of bangs and layered haircuts. There is a way the bangs blend in with the layers that ties the whole haircut together and makes every part look like it belongs where it is. This length of hair and this soft, lived-in wave texture looks effortless, which is why it’s a winner in my book. This warm-toned color adds so much more layered dimension and depth. I can say, though, if you haven’t had bangs before, styling them in the morning can be somewhat difficult, but once you’ve got your system down it’s more of a reflex than a task.
#5 Soft Bangs That Make You Look Like the Cool Girl
That girl with the effortless hair? Here’s how she does it. The soft bangs are wispier than blunt and blend with the seamless face layers that frame perfectly. What I love is that the layers bring enough movement to keep things interesting without going full I-have-seventeen-different-lengths-happening. There’s a restraint here that makes it even more interesting, right? If you have fine hair and have been scared of bangs because you thought they’d look stringy, THIS is the version you show your stylist. A bit of texturizing spray and you’re set.
#6 When the Blowout and the Layers Are in Perfect Harmony
The blended color placement looks great. The cutter mastered graduated layers and how to move them so they flow as one instead of separating and looking chunky. The subtle waves and movement are perfect for a Saturday trip to Target. The face-framing layers draw attention to the eyes and are a lovely touch. This cut will require upkeep because of how the magic of the layers will come and go when they grow out. The hair looks amazing while it stays fresh.
#7 Textured Bangs and Layers That Have Personality
I adore a style with a bit of personality and this one has it everywhere. The layers are textured and give a fun, laid-back feel and the soft bangs really complete the look. I appreciate the texture, it gives just enough to the hair to create movement without looking messy. It looks intentional! Those bangs will be your best friend if you have a rounder face shape because they provide a nice visual frame without closing everything in. I’m just saying this because my brain went there, some highlights woven through these layers would take this to a whole other level.
#8 Face-Framing Bangs with That “I Just Naturally Look This Good” Energy
I appreciate the extra layers added to this cut to keep it natural and not too over-the-top. The bangs framing the face definitely keep it youthful and soften the overall look. One detail that I get excited about with this cut is the warm undertones in the color. It looks expensive! It’s really nice and super easy to style and maintain as well. Just keep up with your trims every 6-8 weeks so those layers stay sharp.
#9 Auburn Waves That Make Everyone Ask “Who Does Your Color?”
Without a doubt, this is a hair color that resembles the fall season. The combination of warm auburn colors is spectacular, and I can honestly say that I could look at this photo all day without getting tired of it. It is surprising that the highlights, while extremely understated, still offer enough dimension to create texture and depth to the waves. Whoever created this color combination is insane in an awesome way. The style has an almost romantic, soft elegance to it without appearing overly done. It would be a dream come true if this looked as great with just a touch of mousse and some air drying.
#10 Beachy Layers That Actually Deliver
We know the term ‘beachy waves’ is a tad cliché, but it is what this style is meant to embody. The focus on the top highlights and layered pieces gives this style lots of bounce and movement. If you have medium to thick hair, this is a good option because the layers decrease some of the volume, allowing hair to bounce. This looks best with some sea salt spray, and you’re done! The hair looks amazing as is, but it will definitely need some styling and that is all part of the fun!
#11 Curly Layers and Bangs, a.k.a. My Favorite Combination
Curly layers with soft bangs is definitely my style! Loose layers in soft curls are so flattering and frame the face beautifully. Plus, the layers provide the necessary space for each curl to bounce rather than clump together, which is crucial for curly hair. To be honest, though, curly bangs are a serious commitment. Some days they just shrink up and do their own thing and need to be refreshed. But when they do cooperate? It’s totally stunning! Most of the time, once you figure out how to style them, they will cooperate!
#12 Soft Layered Curls That Look Like They Cost a Fortune
High lights on soft bouncy curls can look incredibly classy and elegant. In fact, the way highlights bounce off light gives some shine to the hair, making it appear healthy. Cut layers that create the illusion of one cohesive ‘do’ ending and starting from the same spot is a way to promote volume. Face framing layers are great because they add softness to the perimeter of the face and really complete the look. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, this type of cut really allows the hair to work with what it wants to do. The ends look great with a little light oil too.
#13 Warm Highlights That Actually Look Like They Belong There
I have to say that the face-framing highlights are really nice. The highlights look very natural and blend very well with the warm base, but with other colors, highlights tend to look streaky. It looks like the sun illuminated your hair. The movement of the waves is very pretty and the hair falling is very pretty. People may say your hair looks good, but they won’t know why and that’s an indication of really good work. This looks best on hair that is at least medium thickness. It prevents the hair from looking heavy and the layers help a lot with that. The highlights create a nice look and help with the bulk.
#14 Volume and Curls and Highlights, Oh My
This hairstyle is just amazing! Look at how FULL and bouncy the curls are. The warm highlights flowing through the curls add so much depth and dimension! The curls look super three-dimensional. The layers are working perfectly to give space for each curl to spring up and create that big gorgeous shape. The face framing is absolutely stunning as well, and I really like how it isn’t too overdone. If you have hair that you have been flat-ironing to make it look good, please, PLEASE consider letting your hair live with some curls and a cut like this! Yes, there will be some styling to do and a diffuser will become your best friend. But the dimension and movement you will get, I promise it will be well worth the time!
#15 The “I Swear I Barely Did Anything” Medium Length Cut
While this haircut might seem simple, a lot of thought and design has gone into it. The soft glow is super warm and appealing, and the healthy look the haircut gives is a plus. The cut just looks super light and airy, and the waves look soft and natural. If you have finer hair you might be worried that more layers would make your hair look thinner, but this is the perfect haircut for you! The layering done here is amazing because it adds movement and dimension without reducing your density. The pieces that frame the face are just the right length to look cute without getting into your eyes. Since so many people have had bad experiences with face-framing layers this is more important than it sounds. Keep your trims and this will be the haircut you come back to over and over again.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.