Shaping your overall look can be done with some face framing layers. Many people believe that layers need to be extreme to make a difference, but that is not true. The most important part of a good cut is how the framework and design of the cut work together. While layers falling into the right places can lead to great results, it is also often not attainable.
Long hairstyles with face framing layers have been around since the early 2000s. I remember a clear example of this when one of my clients came in for a very basic trim and I framed the layers a bit more than usual, and she ended up with what I personally consider one of the best face framing haircuts. The girl was so pleased that she started crying. That hairstyle was the first one where the hair was not just hanging around her face, and its influence has lasted in my practice of long layered haircuts. All of my layers have a specific purpose, and I focus on the movement the layers will create. Just cutting some layers for the sake of having layers is not going to create the right kind of movement. The fifty examples I have used show the perfect layering and I will provide examples for all of them.
#1: Champagne Balayage Curtain Layers
What you see in the light is little balanced and the color could show IRL. The champagne balayage glow. The curtain layers split beautifully around the face and let everything breathe. The look is amazing if you have medium and thick hair. If you want a look that screams high maintenance but is super low maintenance, this is the best one. You don’t have to do much work at all. A little bit of sea salt spray, scrunched in damp hair and you’re basically done.
#2: Face-Framing Layers That Actually Frame
I like how layers that begin around the chin help to frame the face (like a picture frame that really draws the eye in, but you only notice it once the picture is gone). The highlights here are super nice because they are very subtle, and layered without being too stiff and rigid while also ‘screaming’ I got my hair done!’ which is The look most people want. This is a great cut for someone who wants to feel a bit different without their coworkers being able to put their finger on what is different.
#3: The Kind of Sleek That Doesn’t Look Like You’re Trying
I would use this cut as an example to show people with fine hair who are afraid of getting layers because they think it’ll be look thinner. With these layers, that is not the case. They are long internal layers that create movement and do not expose any thin areas. The face framing is soft enough that it gives the impression that the hair just did that by itself. The highlights help a lot too. They give the eye something to follow, and the overall effect looks fuller than it really is.
#4: Warm Caramel Face Framing on Rich Brunette
I appreciate the color work on this! The warm brown base with caramel pulling through the face-framing pieces creates depth that is unmatched by a single process. The slight wave at the ends really gives a ‘just left brunch’ vibe which I adore. If you have fine hair and have been looking for volume your whole life, this is the layering technique that will give you the appearance of volume without actually taking out a ton of hair. Just a heads up, the face-framing highlights will need touch ups about every three months so that they look intentional and not just grown out.
#5: Straight and Shiny with That Effortless Layer Situation
It’s my job to maintain how great it looks. I love cuts with layers that do just enough, starting at the chin and falling cleanly without a lot of overthinking. It’s a great workhorse of a haircut, perfect for Monday morning meetings and Saturday night dinners. You won’t hate it during any point of the grow-out. If you would like a little more body for when it gets flat, a lightweight mousse worked through the roots while it’s still damp will help with that.
#6: Thick Wavy Layers That Actually Behave
It takes real skill to make thick, wavy hair look refined, yet still have a lot of movement. The stylist who did this cut clearly has that skill. The layers start at the chin and flow down without getting puffy or triangle at the ends, which is the number one complaint I get from people with this hair type. The rich brown color definitely makes it look healthy and cohesive. I will say this look does take some work in the morning; you can’t just air dry and hope for a good outcome, but with a round brush and about 10 minutes, you can get it.
#7: Polished Layers for Fine to Medium Hair
Ideal for when you want to appear put together but don’t want to style your hair for ten years, the layers provide a shape for the hair, while not presenting too harsh of a look to thin hair that may get overly wispy. It is professional and polished, and many people want this look but don’t know how to put it into words. If this were my client, I would do some soft balayage highlights to add more dimension to the layers. It works beautifully as it is.
#8: Low-Key Layers on Straight Fine Hair
If you’re wondering how to add some life to your fine, straight hair without taking off a lot of length, this is the style for you! Gentle face framing layers create a soft contour and the illusion of more hair. Plus, this style looks super shiny, implying that this hair is well maintained. Constant trims are a must, however. Fine hair shows damage more quickly than any other hair type, and scraggy ends really undo all the hard work in about 6 weeks.
#9: Sun-Kissed Face Framing with Soft Layers
The summer sunny vibes look is amazing! I also like how the bright and lighter pieces reflect light towards the center of your face, which is super flattering. Awesome! The layers give movement, and it adds so it never looks flat. Those lighter pieces will need maintenance so they don’t look yellow, so if you like to push your salon visits, it might be worth going a couple shades less dramatic, and you’ll still get that effect.
#10: Soft Bangs Meet Long Layers
When getting a long layered haircut, many might not think of adding face-framing bangs, but this style actually works for a lot more people than they realize. The soft bangs blend in with the hair length, but also frame eyes and cheekbones and look pretty when styled forward. On medium to thick hair as in this case, the layered cut gives a more airy feel so it isn’t too heavy on the bottom. The ends look healthy and shiny with a nourishing serum and I highly recommend it.
#11: Smooth and Structured with Movement
Long layers show you care about your appearance, and it conveys the impression of self confidence and competence, which is a compliment. The face framing layers are positive for the models bone structure. Smooth layers are a sign of someone who looks fantastic whether it is due to genetics or an excellent blowing and styling routine. The color is deep and rich in a good way, and that is gorgeous. Colors like this are not one-dimensional, and the depth of color adds a richness to the look that makes it appear expensive. That level of commitment to have your hair styled every four to six weeks is highly commendable.
#12: Soft and Airy with a Timeless Shape
Even though your description features what some may perceive as a cliche, the real explanation is *much* more enjoyable. The execution of the cut means that it is going to be good no matter what styling methods you use. The cut creates a light and feathery look that blows dry nicely or even when you let your hair dry naturally. The front the layers are soft so it is likely it will look great on you. This style is especially good for hair that is fine to medium as it offers shape without too much of the bulk. This is an old style that will have you wondering how long you have been overdue for a style.
#13: Glossy Layers with Personalized Face Framing
I love how the face framing technique seems to be customized for her face, which should be the case, but isn’t always the case. The long sleek layers have a gorgeous shine to them that looks super healthy. Also, the way the layers are positioned around the face frame, softens all the features without concealing them. If you have thin hair that you worry won’t have enough volume, a tiny bit of crown root lift should do the trick.
#14: Healthy-Looking Layers That Frame the Jawline
I really like how these face framing layers hit the jawline. This placement highlights the lower half of the face while being soft and not too harsh. The hair looks healthy and I can tell it hasn’t just been styled to look healthy. It moves beautifully and the medium density just allows for styling to be super easy with little effort. Those inner layers are so good and you get that sense of depth without really being able to pinpoint it and I find that to be the best way to achieve that “what’s different about you” look.
#15: Feathery Bangs with Long Flowing Layers
I love these bangs! They really help the whole style achieve a young French girl aesthetic that is pretty tricky to pull off, but is really easy to upkeep once you have the right haircut. The bangs are the perfect length to not overwhelm the layered cuts, and with fine to medium density hair like this, it looks amazing overall. The only downside is the upkeep for the bangs will be pretty frequent, because hair grows way too fast, and there is only a small window where the bangs will look intentional and not like an accident.
#16: Effortlessly Sleek with Soft Dimension
My favorite haircuts are the ones with blending techniques that don’t show a lot of obvious styling tricks, and this one definitely gets the mark! I can see the layers just enough to give volume, but not enough to look like a solid ‘do.’ And the face framing layers are so subtle that you don’t realize they’re there until you picture the cut without them. Also, this length looks great, but I know it’s a bit of a commitment. Especially for those with thick hair that gets heavy and bulky at the ends.
#17: Everyday Layers with a Little Something Extra
Overall, this type of cut is suitable for most of my clients, and for many, it is exactly what they’re looking for. The cut has a lot of movement with the face-framing layers, and the color is rich enough to show the layers without a highlight appointment. If you have thicker hair, you might want to ask your stylist to do some internal thinning so it doesn’t get too heavy at the bottom, but with a straight to wavy texture, this will be a great style with little to no maintenance.
#18: Thick Hair, Smart Layers
A thick straight hair can be difficult to add layers to because of the challenge around movement and volume versus looking too bulky. This cut nails it! The soft face framing layers are complemented by the rest of the layers that keep the bulk without thinning out the ends. Plus, the adaptability is real; shorter layers around the face can create a completely different vibe without altering the overall length! Just be sure to keep those ends conditioned- thick hair gets dry fast!
#19: Warm-Toned Layers with Natural Movement
The warm tones in this haircut accentuate the texture and layers in the hair, giving the illusion of a greater depth than what layers would achieve alone. This showcases how a color and cut work together as opposed to keeping each one as a separate conversation. With this cut, maintenance will be fairly low for medium to thick hair. I would suggest buying a good conditioning mask to keep warm tones from drying out.
#20: Soft Waves with Length for Days
ThankThis haircut maintains its length, which is great because intentionality is not always the case with hair this long. The face framing helps to not overwhelm her features, and the little wave at the ends gives it some movement without the need to curl it every morning. This type of cut is going to really shine with medium to thick hair because the weight of the hair helps everything hang nicely. If you’re growing your hair out and you’re worried about the awkward middle phase, layers like this will help keep you sane during that process.
#21: Rich Dark Layers with Bounce
Working with darker tones allows me to develop much more dimension as I can use the layering to almost create a 3D effect. With dark hair, layers can visually disappear, but with this particular style, the sculpting of the cut is quite defined. The face framing layers, and the volume in the hair from the blowout round brushing is suggesting to me there was some good blowout work There’s probably some good round-brushing-and-patience-blowout work going on here. This cut is best suited to medium to thick hair density, so for hair that is on the thinner side, this cut may not give the same results.
#22: Silky Layers That Fall Just Right
Hair always looks great when it has that natural easy style to it and while we know there’s a good cut behind it, these layers are long and face framing is soft, no aggression, and nothing that screams for attention just a beautiful structure that flows. The added smoothness suggests lower density which is ideal for this cut. The layers are free to move without being overshadowed by too much hair. The good news is that to keep this look, you don’t need to do much, just make sure to get regular trims to keep the length from looking grown out. 8 to 10 weeks is ideal.
#23: Sleek Layers with Cheek-Level Face Framing
The slight narrowing shape to the face and the framing that hits around the cheek is very strategically placed and is super flattering, particularly on heart and oval shape faces. This cut looks sleek and polished and gives off the vibe of someone with an active hair pinterest board. This is ideal for medium density straight hair. I will say that it may take some commitment and maybe a frizz serum to keep this in humid weather, but it is an unbeatable look on a good hair day.
#24: Modern Layers with a Slight Flip at the Ends
What I like about the slight inversion at the ends is how it adds a modern touch to the overall cut without being too obvious. It’s one of those things that most people may not be able to specifically identify, but they will feel it; the haircut looks more updated and intentional than just a standard layered cut. The waves frame the face, and the overall effect is very “I woke up like this,” when, in fact, there is a lot of skill involved. This cut is low maintenance; it basically styles itself aside from a few regular trims.
#25: Face-Framing Layers on Thick, Shiny Hair
When someone has beautiful, luxurious hair like yours, my job is to shape it and get out of the way – and that’s what this cut is doing. The chin layers soften the face, and those subtle waves give it character without looking “done.” But the shine is the real star. Healthy hair makes every cut look ten times better. I always tell my clients to invest in hair care first instead of spending money on a big change. This is a case of proof right here.
#26: Glamorous Volume with Strategic Face Framing
The volume and texture of this style is wonderful! These face framing pieces have been cut to soften the jawline, and I can tell that this stylist is working with bone structure rather than following a template. With thick and luxurious hair like this, the layered effect will create a lovely dramatic cascade that is not over the top. I will not lie to you, this is certainly not a wash and go. There will be some styling time needed for this look, but if you enjoy the process, it will be worth it!
#27: Natural-Looking Layers with Effortless Texture
The hairstyle looks super natural, like she has hair that falls that way naturally and has perfect layers. Of course that isn’t the case but that’s the ultimate goal with hair like this. The density is spot on and the way the layers fall shows a soft silhouette while having a good amount of bulk. The cut keeps the style interesting and the subtle waves add the perfect amount of texture. Honestly this is such a good cut for someone who doesn’t want to do too much with their hair, but wants it to look nice. This cut should be on every single salon menu.
#28: Wavy Layers with Brightening Highlights
The highlights in this cut are placed to purposely highlight her face. This is just one thing that color can do that gets underestimated. With thick wavy hair, the layers help keep everything light so it doesn’t get heavy toward the bottom, and the face framing layers open everything up and provide that fresh youthful look without it having to be a lot of work. Long hair like this does take commitment though, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Thick long hair and keeping it healthy means regular conditioning treatments and accepting that your shower drain is going to be a problem sometimes.
#29: Curtain Bangs with Textured Long Layers
In my opinion, curtain bangs complement long layered haircuts since they bring a unique touch to an otherwise typical hairstyle. Because they blend nicely into the hairstyle, curtain bangs are great since they aren’t very high maintenance and help to highlight the face. The texture on thick hair will be very effortless. It may take a bit of time to style the bangs with a round brush, but the remaining hair should look nice just from air drying.
#30: Glossy and Gorgeous with Gentle Layers
A fresh haircut can create the illusion of super healthy hair. It also looks like the hair in the photo is healthy as it is shiny, smooth, and shows that the owner takes good care of it. One of the best things about this haircut is that it is current and is not weighed down by a bulk of hair. It has some layering that gives it flow and movement and will keep it from looking stale, and because it has a slight wave to it will be easy to keep looking fresh and will require little maintenance. The only thing hair that isn’t laying right may need to keep it shiny and mirror-like is some shine spray.
#31: Lighter Ends with Dark Roots and Natural Movement
I appreciate how the lighter ends work with the darker roots; it provides a gradient effect that enhances the visibility and dimension of the hair. The cut can be described as a classic with face framing layers and movement, but the color contrast adds that thoughtful touch. It gives a modern look to this style being a little over the shoulder. With medium to thick hair, this will move effortlessly. For those with an angular face, soft layers like this around the face can have an impactful look without having to change your routine.
#32: Voluminous Layers with Highlighted Dimension
Highlights include creating a dimensional layered effect; each layer is visible and distinct. The face framing highlights brightens up the entire look and gives the style an effortless quality that will easily take you from the office to dinner. This is a style that a good blowout will take it from great to amazing. If you have a blow dryer and round brush, and about fifteen minutes, you’re gonna love it!
#33: Copper Curtain Bangs on Long Layers
This soft copper color is warm and rich. It is not orange and will not make you feel dark when having it. It looks amazing with curtain bangs and face framing layers! This color has somewhat of a vintage rustic feel, I personally love it on so many people and wish more had the confidence to do it. It has a classy feel and the soft bangs finish the look. A good curling wand will help keep the ends with curls and a color depositing conditioner will help maintain the copper shade. It will try to fade, so you will need it!
#34: Classic Center Part with Layered Movement
I like how adding these certain face-framing layers brings more symmetry to the haircut. I like recommending this haircut because it is very versatile. The layers keep the style from looking too geometric or too blocky. Overall, the haircut is clean and balanced, and it goes well with how thick the hair is. If the hair is medium to thick, then not a lot of product would be required! Just a little bit of light styling cream is needed on the ends of the hair to define the layers and keep them from looking too messy!
#35: Blonde Curtain Bangs on Long Layered Hair
There is a ton of inspiration for layered, blond hair and curtain bangs, and I have loved all of them. I really enjoy how the lighter tone enhances the movement in the layers and how radiant it looks overall. The bangs really define the style and help it feel more grounded. This hairdo works for mid and thick hair, providing a lot of versatility for the texture. You can rock it in a the straight style, a wavy style, or even a loose curly style. Each option gives you a completely divergent vibe. I could say that this is one of the more low maintenance long hair styles I have seen.
#36: Raven Black Waves with Subtle Contouring
Long black hair is dramatic in all the best ways, and the subtle layering here works perfectly because it isn’t competing with the color; it’s just shaping the hair. It is especially flattering for oval and longer face shapes and the face framing technique also gives a quiet contouring effect which helps to soften the overall silhouette while retaining all of that impact. I won’t pretend that this doesn’t require maintenance though; hair this long and thick needs regular conditioning, and if you’re using heat tools for those waves then a good heat protectant is non-negotiable.
#37: Rich Chestnut Layers with Contemporary Movement
I love the way the chestnut color ranges in tone in the different layers. My favorite part is the wave because it stops it from being too perfect. I think most people prefer that something has a bit of life in it, even if they say they want something more polished. This style is particularly good for those with medium to thick hair because it encourages a lot of volume without creating a triangle shape, and it is great for square or oval faces as it adds softness without losing definition. A color refresh and blow dry will keep this looking amazing.
#38: Bold Bangs with Long Flowing Layers
When it comes to blunt bangs, I try to be as honest as possible. I don’t want to get hate from customers when bangs are covering their eyes after three weeks. That said, bangs can look great, and they do look great with this cut. The bangs combined with the softer tapered layers create a really nice contrast between structure and movement. The layering done on thicker hair types does a great job controlling the bulk while keeping everything looking nice. If you want the bangs to look sharp, you’ll need to trim them every two to three weeks. Other than that, the cut is pretty low maintenance.
#39: Espresso Layers That Move Like Water
I love how seamless these layers are. There are no distinct lines that separate one layer from another; everything just flows together. For thick hair that you want to remain light, this is the approach I would recommend. It’s about removing bulk with internal layers while the perimeter remains full and healthy. The espresso color adds depth and makes movement more pronounced. The face-framing waves offer a natural highlight to the cheekbones. If you’re going this dark and rich with your color, you can expect to use color-safe products regularly to maintain that depth.
#40: Multi-Layered Brunette with Feathered Texture
No matter how old I get, a good feathered end is a classic technique that never goes out of style! The feathering here gives lightness and allows movement, as opposed to just being a heavy mass of hair. The face-framing layers are doing this thing where they accentuate the cheekbones just the right amount without being too demanding. This is super low maintenance, especially with medium to thick hair. The depth of the brunette color adds a timeless appreciation which will always remain in fashion. It may take some time to get used to this much hair, be it will be a week and you will forget it was ever shorter.
#41: Voluminous Chestnut Curls with Layered Shape
The chestnut tones make this cut really warm and wearable, and these layers add shape, especially since they’re cut thick enough to achieve that goal. With a natural wave and thicker hair, these layers provide volume at the top and take care of the width at the bottom, which is what most people with waves struggle with, and this cut really helps with this problem. If you live somewhere humid, a root-lifting mousse will prevent this shape from deflating and allow you to keep it during the afternoon instead of just watching it deflate.
#42: Deep Blue-Black Curls with Volume and Depth
I really like the blue-black color, not everyone can pull it off without it looking a bit costume-y, but this outfit does the trick. The layered curls style is great because layers that disrupt the texture can be less than ideal, so it’s nice that the layers are working in harmony with the curls. If you have thick, naturally wavy, or curly hair, this cut will give tons of volume and editorial face framing. The blue-black color will shift over time, so to keep it looking intentional regular toning will be necessary.
#43: Deep Chestnut Cascading Waves
The amount of weight this cut has is really nice. It really works with the length and density of the hair, letting the layers cascade instead of bouncing around. This also helps avoid the look of a solid mass shape because the weight keeps everything under control. The deep chestnut color is really warm, and the face-framing highlights are so flattering to the cheekbones without drawing too much attention to the whole look. If your hair was finer than this, you would probably want a different approach to the layering, but with this density it’s a really lovely answer.
#44: Ash Blonde Waves That Actually Look Natural
Describing ash-blonde hair is simple, but attaining that color can be difficult, making this look much better than anything else I can do. This hair has lovely waves that shift and highlight the more subtle shades in the hair, and the slight framing from the waves looks almost intentional. This is definitely the ideal. Coupled with a good cut at the bottom to give it some support, you will be able to achieve that effortless wavy hair look that is so popular online. Be realistic with yourself about the amount of upkeep you’re willing to do. Hair this cool and blonde will require periodic toning to keep it looking this nice. Expect to book those appointments every six to eight weeks, depending on your hair growth rate and how warm your natural base is.
#45: Feathered Black Layers with Eye-Drawing Bangs
The feathering technique done on the bangs is amazing because it draws in the viewer’s attention. This is a detail that really affects how the entire haircut is viewed. The layering throughout the length provides the hair with volume, helping avoid that flat look. It also helps to add movement to black hair that is just hanging. The haircut offers an overall polished look without being too done up. It is an ideal everyday haircut for medium to thick hair. To ensure the ends remain straight and the bangs stay feathered, you will need to regularly get trims and condition your hair, but that is something most haircuts with this much effort will require.
#46: Deep Blue-Black Layers with Romantic Waves
I love the drama of this cut – the length, the deep blue-black color, the waves; it’s all so old Hollywood meets modern day. The front layers help soften what would otherwise be a lot of hair, and on thick dark hair this creates amazing light and shadow in the waves. The color and cool undertone can lift some complexions that warmer tones doesn’t work on.
This is a commitment cut. Both the length and color will need upkeep, but for someone who wants to make an impact when they walk into a room, this is it.
#47: Dark Sweeping Layers with Body and Bounce
The graduation from mid-lengths to ends here is what makes this cut special, as it allows for a natural volume buildup that works with gravity. On medium to high density hair, this swooping layering technique gives movement without having to fake it with a curling iron every morning, which I appreciate on a practical level. The face framing layers flatter longer face shapes particularly, and all the bounces suggest someone who is skilled with a round brush when it comes to blowout. For hair with no volume, the trick is in the root airflow direction, and that’s where the most volume will come from, so it’s important to control the air at the root to achieve that top volume.
#48: Mocha-Tinted Layers That Swing
The layers just below the shoulders are doing something really smart here. They’re extending the face and making the hair swing in a really pretty way that you could probably see in real time when she turns her head. This type of layering is essential when lightening the weight without losing that full, lush look that thick-haired people rightfully love about their hair. The mocha tint is rich and warm and honestly one of those colors I think flatters almost everyone. If you have finer hair and you’re looking at this thinking “I want that,” you can, but it will take more product and a different layering technique to get to that same level of body and movement. It’s one of those cuts that goes from day to night without you having to touch it, which is actually my favorite thing about a haircut.
#49: Espresso Curls with Dimensional Layering
What I love about this haircut is the skill it takes to balance curl patterns with shaping layers. It’s amazing. I especially enjoy the espresso color too. It adds depth to everything. The face-framing layers create a soft face shape frame which is nice. It works with any face shape! There’s great movement with the layers on medium to thick hair. It’s noticeable enough with the longer and shorter layers that you can see the shape, but not so obvious that you could identify where each layer is. I think this cut works best for someone who wants the versatility to wear it to any type of event. The best version of this look will take styling time and patience, but it will absolutely pay off! I suggest a diffuser, curl cream, and a little bit of patience.
#50: Tawny Balayage with Flowing Layers
I always love recommending this cut because the balayage grows out so naturally. It’s nice not having to book yourself in for a touch-up every few weeks. The tawny tones are brightening to the face and the layers give a really softer look to the hair, especially medium and thick hair. The face-framing highlights are really stunning and can enhance the jawline and illuminate the face for that flattering look that is so hard to achieve easily with just the haircut. The initial cost of a good balayage may be high and I won’t lie, but with the low-maintenance, natural color, most people agree it is worth it.
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