It was exciting to do a big layered haircut for one of my clients after years of having the same look, and as I added the final touches, I could see her changing posture, I could tell. I understand that the change is dramatic, but there is just something about a layered cut that makes a person look more energized. It makes the hair move, shine, and catch the light like never before. It feels good to run your fingers through it, and touch it. It is not about following trends, it is classic to have a haircut that actually does something instead of just hanging there, and being long.
When it comes to layers, it is more common to overthink it than not, so if you feel like this is going to change your whole identity, it really isn’t that serious. The goal is to break the triangle shape, and with those types of layers it’s going to change how you look from every angle. This is just a sample of the selection and I may have gone a little overboard with it. You’ll see what I mean in the photos.
#1: Elegant Long Layered Cut with Soft Bangs
I love this so much!! The bangs are doing exactly what bangs should be doing, sitting there and looking effortless, even though I know that is a choice. They are not too soft to box you in, and the layering that starts around the chin gives the whole thing an amazing shape without making you look like you’re trying too hard. The chocolate brown color is a color I could look at forever, it really does make the whole cut look even better. If you have any natural wave in your hair, this will work with you really well. Just know that you’re going to want a round brush for the styling days.
#2: Long Layered Haircut with Soft Volume
You can definitely tell this is a haircut that makes the client feel good. The layers are giving the hair volume without being too thin, which is honestly the goal with medium to thick hair. The dark color also performs a lot of work to make each layer look unique and add depth to the haircut that you just don’t get from a one color look. A cut like this can look like you just rolled out of bed and that’s what I love about it.
#3: Softly Layered Long Haircut with Natural Movement
Such beautiful movement! Your hair has enough thickness so the layers won’t cause it to fall like a curtain. I always say, layers on thick hair are not about removing weight. They’re meant to let the hair swing when you walk! This would also be a stunning base for a balayage if you wanted to add some dimension.
#4: Elegant Long Layered Cut with Subtle Highlights
The highlights really flow with the haircut, and not in an awkward or cheap way, so good job on that. The face framing layers are quite soft so it doesn’t look like an obvious layering job and it just enhances everything. This is a cut I would give someone who wants to prep for an event and look nice and refreshed, but not have people asking, “what did you do?” Instead, it would be more about the compliments like, “you look great, what’s different?”
#5: Chic Long Layered Cut with Soft Waves
It’s easy to see that the hair is healthy and the haircut is allowing the hair to shine even more. The layers are timeless. There is nothing out of the box here, just good movement around the mid-lengths and ends. If you have thick hair that tends to feel heavy by the end of the day, this type of layering will create a huge difference. A lightweight oil on the ends would keep this looking just like the photo.
#6: Luxurious Long Layered Cut with Soft Curls
The layers and curls add character to the style! I love the combination of darker roots and warm brown shades. It looks classy and grows out nicely, which is my whole philosophy on color. The layers are cut so that each curl sits separately, which creates a really nice cascading effect in real life. From a styling perspective, it will take a bit of time to curl every section with an iron, but the end result is nice!
#7: Voluminous Long Layered Cut with Subtle Waves
I like this cut because it knows its limits. There are little waves, some light layering, and it shows that the hair was recently cut and looks nice. Sometimes that is all the hair needs. The dark hair is thick and shiny, and overly done layers would take that away. The person that did this cut definitely knew when to stop, and that’s the hardest part about layering. Knowing when to call it is the name of the game.
#8: Glossy Long Layered Cut with Flattering Face Framing
The shine in the hair is awesome! the layers that start around the chin are nice, and really compliment the shape of your face. The length is good to give you options for styling. Honestly, this is the type of cut that is best when it’s just been cut. Those layers lose that clean look after about eight weeks and start to blend together. So if you really like this cut, plan on getting regular trims and you will look fab!
#9: Chic Long Layered Cut with Face-Framing Layers
This style has curtain bangs which look good! The bangs have a nice split in the middle and look very effortless, which takes a special technique to achieve. The hair around the bangs is layered for just the right amount of volume – not too much. It’s clear this person cares about maintaining their hair. Remember, if you choose to get curtain bangs, you’ll need to get trims every four to five weeks. Otherwise they’ll get out of control, and not in a good way.
#10: Sleek Long Layered Cut with Subtle Face-Framing Layers
I appreciate the cleanliness and freshness of this style. The layers are just enough to break the length and shape the face. It’s versatile enough to work with a blazer or a t-shirt, and that’s the mark of a good cut. If your hair is this thick and straight, you’ll be pleased to know that your hair will require minimal upkeep.
#11: Subtle Layered Long Haircut with Glossy Highlights
The key is to do all the dimension work so that we can keep the layers more subtle and that is really smart! A dramatic cut isn’t always needed if your color is doing the work. This is especially great if you like the idea of layers but get nervous about losing length. Here you aren’t really losing anything, just gaining movement and tons of visual interest from that glossy color.
#12: Radiant Long Layered Cut with Soft Volume
The layers create a beautiful, voluminous style that I really love. The base color creates depth that is so nice. But I won’t lie, this does take some effort in the morning. You definitely wouldn’t just roll out of bed looking like this unless you slept with curlers in, and no judgment if you do. Using a volumizing mousse before blow drying will get you pretty close to this look.
#13: Glossy Long Layered Cut with Subtle Face-Framing
Such a great example of layered blended so well it’s hard to see where each layer starts. The movement is so natural, almost as if the hair decided to do that. The highlights woven throughout are stunning and so dynamic in how they catch the light. While this straight hair may look fab in photos, it may not look as great between washes so dry shampoo is going to be your best friend.
#14: Radiant Long Layered Cut with Soft, Natural Movement
My new haircolor inspired me to get a haircut. The layers look so good with the different shades and movement, and the color and cut complement each other so well. With fine to medium hair, its not about the number of layers, but how you place them. A few placed well will really show off the color.
#15: Elegant Silvery Long Layered Cut with Soft Movement
Your hair is growing really well! If you are in the process of going to your natural color or going silver, that is such a bold move and a really nice choice to go with those soft layers! The cut is nice and gives enough movement that it doesn’t look flat or boring or old at all. It looks modern and purposeful! Just keep in mind that silver and gray tones can look brassy and you’ll want to make sure you’re using purple shampoo regularly to keep it looking just like this!
#16: Radiant Long Layered Cut with Soft Body
I really like the way this hairstyle flows, and the layers give it some volume so it doesn’t just hang straight down. The ends have a nice soft flip which looks so natural. A hairstyle like this is super versatile and is great whether you blow dry it, wear it air dried, or with a few waves. When you don’t want to take half an hour to style your hair every morning that versatility is key.
#17: Bold Layered Long Haircut with Bangs
The dedication to bangs is amazing! The face framing is striking, and the length layers add a playful touch. If you’re considering getting bangs, this is a perfect reference photo to bring to your stylist. These bangs are bold enough to stand out, but they aren’t so heavy that you can’t sweep them to the side. However, be prepared to put in some upkeep since you might end up needing to trim your bangs more often than you expect!
#18: Glossy Long Layered Cut with Bold Curls
The layers are allowing every single curl to shine, and the definition of the curls is amazing. The volume looks natural, and it’s nice that it doesn’t look huge. On thick hair, this sort of layering is what encourages the curls to form instead of just being weighed down to waves. This is styled for sure, but it’s definitely a look if you’re ready to spend the time with a curling iron and flexible hold hairspray.
#19: Stylish Long Layered Cut with Soft Face-Framing Bangs
This hair color and soft bangs combination is just perfect. The subtle layers look nice when worn straight but they get even more bounciness when styled straight and even more layers will become visible. If your hair is naturally wavy the layers will enhance the waves and will make styling a lot easier. The bangs are the main statement and everything else is more understated.
#20: Glossy Long Layered Cut with Soft Volume
It’s almost distracting (in a good way) how shiny this hair is. The layers are defined, and the angled face-framing layers are really nice. If you want to keep most of your length, but want your hair to actually do something, I’d suggest asking for something similar to this. It may seem like a minor change, but it creates a huge difference which is the sweet spot for those who are nervous about chopping.
#21: Radiant Long Layered Cut with Soft Movement
Look at how layering impacts the hair! Without layers, fine straight hair can appear limp at this length, but with layering, there is a lot of movement and dimension which will help it appear fuller and healthier. To make it look even thicker, the rich warm color adds to the effect. If you have fine hair and thought layers would make it look thinner, this photo is proof that you are wrong.
#22: Elegant Long Layered Cut with Soft Volume
When thick, straight hair is cut with layers, it gives a really nice effect as all the hair falls into place. Because the volume comes from the layers instead of the styling, this likely looks good even with out a blow out. The slight shine is really what gets it from “nice haircut” to “really nice haircut.” For this look, I would definitely recommend keeping a shine serum handy.
#23: Sun-Kissed Long Layered Cut with Textured Ends
The balayage is so naturally done that you might think she spent the whole summer out in the sun. To achieve a balayage, you want that nothing was done in a salon look. The texture on the ends gives the cut a more relaxed lived in feel and the layers are blended in long enough to blend in perfectly. This look gives high reward with little effort, but to keep the ends healthy looking you will want to get trims routinely since the fragile ends will look bad over time.
#24: Elegant Long Layered Cut with Subtle Movement
I really like how layered hair gives a look that has a certain weight to it. With this type of haircut, you can have a gentle sway and a more laid-back appearance. It will look great if you tuck one side behind your ear, and having a half-up is nice too. The layers that are on the face don’t look sudden or unsmooth. They gently and nicely define the face.
#25: Chic Long Layered Cut with Soft Textured Ends
Beginning your layers at mid-length keeps the fullness on top and allows the bottom half to breathe a little more. The added texture keeps it modern and not too choppy, which is a razor-thin line this cut straddles so well. It’s one of those styles that looks just as good at brunch as it does at a work meeting, and that versatility is truly what a lot of my clients want these days.
#26: Gorgeous Long Layered Cut with Full Volume
If you want volume, look at this reference photo. The layers create incredible fullness and movement that feels almost editoral. For this style of cut, thick waves work best as the natural texture enhances the look of the layers. I will say this volume will need some upkeep and you’ll have to keep up with your trims. If you want to go all out, a soft balayage throughout the hair would add so much more dimension.
#27: Modern Long Layered Cut with Face-Framing Bangs
I really love how the chin-length layers work with the longer lengths to create a nice graduated effect. The bangs finish off the style nicely. I love how the dark glossy color keeps the style polished without the need for any color work, the shape of the cut does the work here. This layering technique is perfect for finer hair because it focuses the movement to where it is most needed, around the face.
#28: Gorgeous Long Layered Cut with Soft Movement
The way these face-framing layers are blended creates no harsh lines, they simply lead the eye. I love that the overall length has been kept. From the back the layers don’t make it look any shorter, they just add interest. This kind of medium density hair has just the right amount of movement without the ends looking sparse. It is a really balanced cut.
#29: Modern Long Layered Cut with Glossy Movement
The chocolate color looks wonderful, and I love how these waves show it off! The mid-length layers are a great pick because they allow the top to be all nice and smooth, while the bottom has all the movement. If you plan on doing something like this, you will definitely want a gloss treatment every few weeks to keep it as shiny as it is now. This type of layering works really well for fine to medium hair because it does not reduce the density at the top!
#30: Sleek Long Layered Cut with Subtle Movement
The cut looks very clean. The layers help with movement, which makes it look less blunt. They are polished enough as the whole look. The face-framing is minimal which is what some people want. If this is for you, keep up with your trims because the layers will even out, and the sleekness is the first thing to go.
#31: Luxurious Long Layered Cut with Smooth Volume
The face-framing layers have been placed perfectly as they give an enhancement rather than an overbearing feature. I like how the remainder of the length is held relatively uniform as well. I think this creates a nice contrast between the softer top part and the fuller bottom. If you are open to it a rich deep colour would make this even more striking like deep espresso or dark chocolate that will catch the light in the layers!
#32: Elegant Long Layered Cut with Glossy Bounce
Hair with bounce is the best kind of hair! Long, straight hair looks amazing with layers cut around the chin so that the ends flip out just a tiny bit. It’s such an effortless and fun look! This is the kind of cut that I love because most people can achieve it without having to do too much styling. It’s so easy! Of course that shiny look is due to a good conditioning treatment, which is a huge factor in getting a cut like this to look its best!
#33: Glossy Long Layered Cut with Voluminous Ends
The ends have been finished to give a very polished blow-dry effect. Dark hair really shows off the layered effect, as the shadow and highlight effect creates dimension. This cut works best for medium to thick hair types as you need the density to hold the volume and fullness at the bottom. I like that it balances the glamorous looks with more everyday wearable styles.
#34: Sleek Long Layered Cut with Beautiful Movement
This haircut will embrace your natural texture! The shorter layers that start around your face will give you a nice little bounce at the ends and you won’t have to spend a ton of time styling. If you have natural bounce, this style will fall really nicely. If your hair is really straight and fine, a texturizing spray will achieve the lived-in look you’re after!
#35: Flattering Long Layered Cut with Soft Volume
I have a lot of confidence in this cut because of the versatility it offers. The layers create movement within the hairstyle and the subtle waves give the cut a little more personality. It is a fairly low maintenance style which is a bonus! This also meets my criteria for a good cut because it looks great when it is pinned up in a claw clip or worn down. A lightweight mousse works wonders when your hair is damp before styling because it adds texture without that crunchy feeling.
#36: Glamorous Long Layered Curls with Face-Framing Layers
I’m loving the glam look! Curls with this much volume are super dramatic and create such a beautiful shape. It looks even amazing in stills. In real life it looks just as gorgeous. If you have thicker hair with some waves, this is what your hair could be! Maintaining curls like this is definitely a commitment, but when it comes to weddings, special events or just a great hair day, the time invested in the look is totally worth it!
#37 Stylish Long Layered Cut with Soft Waves and Depth
I love the waves and layers in this style. I also love how the compliment moves, complimenting the way it moves so good and effortless. The dimension and depth make you want to touch it. If you have naturally wavy hair, take this to your appointment. You will achieve this without having to do a lot of heat styling. You just need the right cut.
#38 Softly Layered Long Haircut with Face-Framing Bangs
I adore how soft everything is! The layers are soft and the bangs are wispy instead of blunt. The rich dark color really grounds the look. It’s a feminine cut that doesn’t feel fussy, and that’s a combo I really like. Because the layers aren’t removing too much weight, just redirecting it, I especially like this for fine to medium hair. The contrast of that dark color with lighter skin is beautiful, and it adds a lot of visual depth on its own.
#39 Chic Long Layered Cut with Subtle Movement
To compliment, I would cut someone’s hair who says, “I want layers, but I don’t want to look like I have layers.” However, if you look closely enough, you will see movement on the hair, but overall it appears as if they have healthy long hair that is very well taken care of. A lot is being done by that smooth finish, and that level of slickness comes from either a good blowout or super healthy hair. Lucky her, either way.
#40 Layered Long Hair with Soft Curtain Bangs
This shows why bangs and layers go together perfectly. The bangs blend really well into the face-framing layers so there isn’t a harsh juxtaposition. Everything just flows. The type of layering done here on medium to thick hair with some waves is so exact and relaxed. It lets the natural texture come through. The maintenance on curtain bangs is moderate. They are more forgiving than straight across bangs, but you will still want to get a trim every 6 weeks or so.
#41 Gorgeous Long Layered Waves with Rich Brown Undertones
The vibrancy and warmth of the color give it a glowing effect. The warm brown undertones excel at working with the layers, and the way each wave captures the light is creating the diffusion. No highlighting technique could replicate the natural dimension created here. The layers are stylishly enough movement so it doesn’t look stiff. On medium density straight hair like this, the layers are the defining difference that transitions the hair from “nice long hair” to “really beautiful long hair,” and that difference is very important.
#42 Radiant Long Layered Cut with Subtle Ombre
This ombre style gives the illusion of layers created by the sun naturally lightening the hair. When it comes to fine to medium hair, layering starting from the chin and working downwards is a great way to retain volume in the upper section and provide shape to the lower half. Hair of this length and with this type of layering feels minor and manageable rather than overwhelming and that is always my aim when a client comes in with long hair.
#43 Softly Layered Long Hair with Face-Framing Bangs
Great layers hold waves in different ways which makes the texture look casual and intentional! The bangs soften the look overall and the highlights aren’t too chunky, but bright enough to add dimension. Everything will grow out nicely except for the bangs, which is the most commitment.
#44 Effortlessly Layered Long Hair with Soft Waves
I appreciate hair that looks effortless because I can see the thought that went into it. Starting layers around the chin is a super flattering spot because it gives the face some structure without that “my shortest layer is my personality” thing. The balayage creates just enough contrast to show off the waves, and with medium density hair, this cut is going to air dry superbly most of the time, which is honestly the dream!
#45 Warm Caramel Layered Waves for Natural Movement
The warm caramel tones and layers in this style create a gorgeous effect because the colors shift lighter and darker as the hair moves, and with lighter bits at the top and darker bits at the bottom. This style looks flattering in person as it provides an incredibly natural contrast and depth. The long flowing layers, as opposed to short choppy layers, also help maintain a soft and effortless feel. For those who want to look like they spent little to no time in a salon (even though they definitely will), this style offers an amazing color and cut combination.
#46 Stylish Long Layered Cut with Face-Framing Bangs
The waves in the dark hair show off the layers well, and the bangs are giving just the right amount of shape without feeling stiff. I like that the hair is thick enough that the layers don’t thin it out, they just sort of rearrange the volume into something more intentional. If she wanted it to be warmer, a soft balayage would be stunning on this. But really, the dark color is doing a lot on its own right now.
#47 Softly Layered Long Hair with Warm Chestnut Tones
I’m a big fan of chestnut because it looks great on many different skin tones and it is beautiful with layered styles. The artist who made this color did a great job because the layers create a subtle balayage effect with depth to the base and without overpowering it. The sweet spot is mid-lengths with soft volume that is full, but not poofy and gentle face framing layers. If you keep your natural color, it will be pretty low maintenance, but the shape will need regular trims to keep it.
#48 Beautiful Long Layered Cut with Soft Bangs
The volume in the hair and the wispy bangs brings out an energetic youthful vibe. The thick and wavy hair defines each layer beautifully and the added color enhances the overall healthy look. This cut has to be very well balanced because it all works in harmony and as someone with this much thick hair naturally, you are very lucky. Bring this picture with you to your next appointment.
#49 Softly Layered Long Waves with Sun-Kissed Highlights
The highlights look great and appear as though they were done organically. It gives a touch of brightness through the mid-lengths and ends, making the waves stand out. The layers create enough movement that the hair won’t just hang, it’ll sway. On medium to thick hair that’s really the whole point. I wouldn’t change much about this if someone showed me this photo. It’s a really well executed example of layers and color working together without the need for overdoing it on either side.
#50 Chic Layered Long Haircut with Soft Bangs
I believe this is an excellent, and versatile cut that will appeal to a variety of clients. The soft bangs help break up the more formal look of the cut, adding more personality and youth to counterbalance the mature feel of the layering. There is plenty of volume and movement for medium to thick hair, and a balayage would be an excellent option if you want to add some dimension without the commitment of a full highlight weave. It is a classic cut with modern touches, which is what most people want, and very few cuts actually achieve.
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