I find it funny when customers come in and say they want an “old money look.” What they really mean is they want hair that looks good, looks put together, looks like money, and might be dirty because you didn’t wash it since yesterday morning. Years ago, I had a client who created a whole Pinterest board about hairstyles. As I went through her board, I saw a common thread in every picture. It wasn’t about the color, the length or style; it was about the hair looking like it belonged to the person. This is what a lot of people miss when trying to capture a look.
I always say the cut has to follow where your hair already wants to go, especially around the crown and the framing pieces around your face. When I do soft undercutting in the interior, it allows the hair to move around without getting puffy. I keep the hair blunt and on the edges so it looks thick. I do use clear gloss treatment sometimes because it makes layered hair look smoother without that shiny look. The goal is to let the hair breathe instead of wrestling it into submission, and that is where a lot of people miss the mark on this style — they overly style the hair.
Look at these styles and see which one matches yours.
#1: Long Beachy Waves with a Little Something Extra
This haircut shows that it’s possible to be good without relying on gimmicky techniques or trying to make the waves look really fake. A common mistake is over layering, and here it seems that they have kept enough length so the waves have a nice weight to them. The highlights look really good here because they create a warm glow without yelling, “I just left the salon. ” But rather like, some random chance you could have gotten a holiday. What makes this haircut so good is that it looks good straight out of the shower. In fact, with a bit of texture spray and some gentle scrunching, it looks better on day two.
#2: Long Layers with Those Perfect Face-Framing Pieces
I can go on for hours about this cut because of all the subtleties, but let me start here. Most people do not notice things like the face-framing pieces. These frames were cut so that they land at the perfect length to open up the entire face, while keeping thickness at the front. The gentle balayage means that you could wait one, even two extra months in between appointments and no one would ever know you got the color done. This is the way color should be done. If your hair has any natural shine at all, this cut is going to maximize that.
#3 Textured Lob That Actually Has Some Life to It
I tend to go back to lobs like this because they pinpoint a problem most clients do not realise, which is their hair has been one length for so long, it just sits there doing nothing. The slight layers provide movement, and a slight wave gives that effortless feel that a perfectly straight lob does not. If your hair tends to fall flat by the end of the day, that is something to look into because the texture build up instead of deflating throughout the day.
#4: Deep Burgundy Bob with Just Enough Softness
I don’t usually comment on shades of burgundy, but this one is particularly deep and striking. Most burgundies aren’t this deep; they tend to lean muddy or purply, so I appreciate how true to a deep tone this one is. The cut is smart as well! It is a style that will change but not so short that you have to do constant trimming. The layers are not really there, but just enough to avoid a heavy look on the ends. Hair like this sways a lot, so when you move, just what I think is all about. Remember, deep shades like this fade faster than you would expect, so a color safe shampoo is a must.
#5: Blunt Lob with Soft Layers That Do the Work for You
You may think this haircut is basic, but the design is intentional and it looks good. The blunt edge is clean and looks expensive and the layers around the face tone it down, so it doesn’t get too overwhelming. If you have finer hair, this is the best type of cut, because all the thick hair is retained at the bottom instead of getting cut off with layers. The highlights are also really good, and the contrast is spot on. For this kind of cut style, it is essential to get a trim every 6-7 weeks. Once the ends start splitting, it is going to show up a lot.
#6: Long Blunt Cut with Face Framing That Actually Flatters
I really enjoy this haircut as it demonstrates that hair can move beautifully without having a lot of layers. The rest of the hair looks full and healthy, and that is what is sometimes needed. This is especially nice on rounder face shapes as the front pieces help give the illusion of length, so you don’t have to grow your hair any longer. The trick with cuts like this is to stay on top of your trims, because once the ends start to look ratty, that’s the first thing anyone will notice.
#7: Soft Layered Length with Natural Wave
The layers begin where they ought to, and they aren’t cut too high to create bulk around the crown. Starting around the chin and working down will allow the natural wave to come through without the hair puffing in weird places. This is the type of haircut that looks good both styled and unstyled. It’s my favorite type of haircut to do because I know the clients will actually wear them instead of always pulling their hair back because they can’t recreate what I did in the chair. This is quite an easy cut to live with if you have fine to medium density and any sort of natural texture.
#8: Long Layers with Movement That Lasts All Week
It is more important to notice how a cut looks three days after a blowout rather than just after leaving the salon as that is how you really know a cut is good. The layers are made to move with gravity so after a few days, the shape will remain lovely instead of going flat and sad. The balayage is nice, but it’s more about the layers that allow fine hair to look thicker without that losing that needed weight. If you wash your hair twice a week, this cut will be your best friend.
#9: Long Layers with Highlights That Look Like They Grew In
The hair color on this one is what I would call ‘unbothered perfection’. The highlights have blended into the base color, which is ideal for that added touch of affordable luxury. The layering starts at the front and increases in length towards the back. This keeps the front fun while the back doesn’t look too thin. Random layer chops throughout the hair, are less desirable than this technique on medium-density straight hair. The only thing I will say is that with this length, you absolutely must prioritize your ends. Good lightweight oil ends will make a big difference.
#10: Medium Length Layers with Highlights That Brighten Your Face
The highlights are perfectly placed here because they are concentrated where they should be by the face and through the top where the light hits, instead of being all over the place like so many highlight jobs. The medium length is super underrated for this because you get the movement of layers without the commitment of having really long hair that takes ages to dry and style. If you have fine hair, this length and layer pattern gives you volume without your ends looking see-through, which is the trade-off most people don’t see when they go for longer hair.
#11: Long Layers with Feathered Bangs That Actually Work
I think feathered bangs are one of the more underrated styles. Sure, getting bangs can be a big commitment, but I think feathered bangs look amazing. When feathered bangs are shorter than shown in this example, they highlight your facial features even more! You might even wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. The subtle layers create volume and movement in your hair, which I think looks great. The light blonde color paired with the feathered bangs creates an softness that you just can’t get with blunt cuts. That said, bangs are going to require some maintenance. It’s definitely not a hairstyle that you can just wake up and go with. You are going to need to do some styling to get them to sit right. This should only take you a couple minutes, and it’s really not that bad.
#12: Long Layers with Side Bangs and Real Movement
Side bangs can be a tricky look to pull off, depending on their integration with the rest of the haircut. However, here they’re integrated perfectly, appearing as if they are the shortest layer rather than a separate piece awkwardly stuck in the front. This haircut offers a lot of movement in the mid-lengths, which looks fantastic on medium to thick hair. There is enough density to support it without becoming stringy. I would suggest a lightweight styling cream throughout the ends and nothing too heavy, because the whole point of a cut like this is that it moves.
#13: Clean Blunt Cut with Just a Whisper of Layers
I will be spending additional time on this type of cut due to the detail work. Each line has to be immaculate for it to present the way it’s intended to. When this is achieved, it is one of the most elegant hairstyles you can receive at this length. The layers are so optional you may not even notice them in a picture. However, in person, they prevent the ends from looking like a solid, thick block of hair. They allow it to taper gently so that it moves rather than just sitting there. The highlights are tightly woven which adds depth and dimension without being linear. When this is straight or wavy, this look ages very well between appointments.
#14: Long Soft Waves with Sun-Kissed Balayage
I would say it looks good because the balayage starts far enough from the roots that lets it look sun-kissed instead of painted on, which is actually harder to achieve than most people think. I like the big, loose waves, although I’m sure they look that good because of the cut underneath. The way the layers are cut is meant to encourage that nice soft S shape so you aren’t having to use a curling iron every day. In medium to thick hair, this sort of length and layering pattern really holds itself well, so if you’ve been wanting to add some warmth to your colour, this is a nice reference to bring in.
#15: Long Voluminous Layers with Depth and Dimension
It’s interesting how this haircut can make a person’s hair look thicker than what it is. The layers are strategically placed to stack and create volume around and in the middle of the crown, and without using product. The highlights are subtle, which adds depth and is a difficult line to walk, but whomever did this nailed it. If you have finer hair and have been told that layers would make it look thinner, this is a great reference photo. That’s only the case when the layers are done wrong, but these are done right.
#16: Rich Warm Brown with Natural Waves and Long Layers
I think warm brown shades are so gorgeous and it makes me so happy to see this example. It should be noted that this highlighting technique is a lot easier than some other techniques, and that is if the client thinks so! A lot of the work is already done by the base color! I also appreciate how the layers are blended. It is always nice to see blended layers that flow into each other instead of having a staircase effect. I also love how uniform the waves are! There is a nice contrast between the uniform styling and the waves to that “just got out of bed” look (totally not ironic). I love the effortless look of this style!
#17: Long Layered Waves with Gentle Balayage
In this particular balayage, I want to note the way it works with the wave pattern instead of how it may clash with it. Because the lighter strands are positioned where the waves crests, they reflect light more, and that was intentional. It makes a noticeable difference. The layers start at around shoulder length. With hair this long, this gives all the movement in the bottom half of the hair while holding the top fuller, and for medium to thick hair, that balance is exactly what you want. This is a style that gets better over the first few weeks as everything settles into its natural pattern, so if it looks a little too “done” right after your appointment, don’t panic.
#18: Long Soft Waves with Warm Highlights
I like the weight distribution on this cut. It’s not bottom heavy, and not too light in the middle. It all flows very nicely as one solid shape rather than separate layers. The warm highlights are softly blended so she doesn’t have noticeable stripes in her hair. This is also something that highlights a lot of people, as poorly done highlights are stripey, and well done highlights look like this. If you have medium to fine density and want your hair to look as though it just flows, then this is the cut for you. A hydrating serum on the ends will also keep everything polished.
#19: Long Textured Layers with Effortless Face Framing
The soft face framing makes it seem like it’s just the natural way the hair falls, which shows the cut was done well because good face framing should look like it was done by itself. The hair length has been layered, not due to product or heat styling, which means this cut works for you instead of you working for it, and that’s something I think about a lot when deciding where to place layers on someone. Also, the overall health and shine of your hair elevates this look a lot, so if you’re going for it, start investing in the condition of your hair a few weeks before your appointment.
#20: Sleek Blunt Bob That Means Business
I appreciate a clean bob and this is done super well, the lines are super clean, and the sharp layering around the face keeps it from being too harsh and this is a balance that is easily messed up. Fine hair looks best at this length because all your density is right up front and not being spread out over twelve inches of length where it disappears. The sleek finish is also super nice and gives the impression of being more put together. If your hair is naturally straight this is really one of the lowest maintenance haircuts you can get, it is basically wash and go. You will probably need to run a flat iron over any weird bends and then just like that you’re good to go.
#21: Long Luxurious Waves with Delicate Layering
The gentle layers cut along the front of the hair almost create the look of a natural taper. This also shows the level of detail involved because over-layering long hair is a classic example of misunderstanding how to keep an “expensive” feel. The body in the waves is very natural, almost as if it just decided to bend that way. This is the perfect synergy between the cut and texture of the hair. If you are wondering when to start layering as you grow your hair out, this is around the right length to start.
#22: Long Layers with Soft Bangs and a Silky Finish
Your bangs are that perfect ideal space where they’re not too thick and weigh your head down, but they are also not too thin and do not do the job. This is honestly one of the more difficult balances to find in a haircut. The other layers are long and flowing and combined with the silky straight texture, the curtain effect just gets even more pronounced. Everything just falls into place as if it was meant to be. The highlights are very soft and look more as a color shift than a highlight and thus keep that natural look. The added dimension does smooth things out without it looking too cheap. You will definitely have to trim those bangs every three to four weeks because once they hit your eyelashes, it’s game over.
#23: Softly Layered Blonde Waves That Wear Easy
What I really like about this blonde is that it’s warm enough to be natural on most skin tones. It doesn’t venture into icy platinum territory which can be really aging. The texture of the soft layers makes the color even more natural as the light plays with the layers differently. The waves at the ends of the hair look like the kind you get from braiding wet hair or doing heatless waves which is awesome because it means they weren’t created with heat. This is especially good because blonde hair gets super damaged from lightener. I would suggest thinking about how often you want to tone your hair as this color does become brassy.
#24: Long Loose Waves with Highlights That Feel Timeless
A few months pass and again I’m shown a photo and asked to replicate their vision of ‘effortless.’ I always think about the cut though, because the ‘effortless’ look is all in the cut. When the structure of the cut is good, the rest is just a formality. The loose waves look like they happened on their own, and I promise you that’s because the layers are designed to bend at the right places instead of just lying. The highlights are well done traditional foils. They’re just the right density for an even balance of light catching shimmer and movement, and on medium to thick hair this whole look will give you the best wear over time.
#25: Soft Layered Cut with Volume That Doesn’t Quit
I’d recommend this hairstyle for someone who wants something easy to maintain but still looks good. The layers will give shape and volume to the hair while still being short enough to blow dry in under 40 minutes. For fine to medium hair, the layers tend to lift the crown, making the hair appear fuller than it really is. This is a perfect illustration of how effective layering can be done by a good stylist. Using a light shine to serum the softer layers will definitely add some pop to the hairstyle, but I would recommend skipping the volumizing products, because the hairstyle does that already.
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