Okay, so there’s a reason that layered hairstyles have stood the test of time. Sure, they’ve evolved a little since 2003 (haven’t we all?) from the choppy, flipped out layers we used to see into something a little softer, a little less extra, and a little more modern. Truth: I’ve been getting some form of layered haircuts almost every year since I was 12, and that’s because they’re an excellent way to bring a touch more volume and shape to your hair, regardless of its texture or length.
So, no, you’re not the only one who still finds themselves scrolling through Instagram wondering if you should get layers in your hair, because there are currently tons of extremely cute layered haircuts that will help bring a little more bounce to your style. And DW, I brought proof: Just keep scrolling and peep these 60 layered haircut ideas —I’m talking everything from fun ’70s styles to layered pixie cuts—that will get you inspired to book that salon appointment ASAP.
A post shared by Laurie Heaps (@_hairbylaurie)
When you think of layered hair, do you immediately picture long hair? Welp, time to rethink. This pixie haircut is made even cuter by these feathery layers. Plus, the choppy front bangs blend seamlessly with the rest of the style.
A post shared by Anh Co Tran (@anhcotran)
This bob haircut is such a fun way to introduce layers into your short or medium-length hair—esp during the summer. The thinned-out layers along your neck will take away some of that heavy weight when it’s above 88 degrees outside, and the lightweight top layers will be super easy to style into fun curly or wavy styles.
A post shared by Bryce Scarlett (@brycescarlett)
Though it sounds counterintuitive, getting layers in your hair can actually make it seem more uniform in length and thickness, like these layered loose curls (and heads up: The type of layers you get 100 percent depends on your hair type and porosity). Even though these curls aren’t all hanging at one length, the finished haircut still looks consistent and full all the way down.
A post shared by pooʍ pɐɥɔ (@chadwoodhair)
The ‘70s are back, ppl, whether you like it or not (and I personally do, FWIW). I’m obsessed with this retro layered haircut. To recreate, ask your stylist to cut thick front sections of your hair for curtain bangs and gradually taper off to the length at the back. Then all you need is a fine-tooth comb and some hairspray to tease in that back volume. Groovy.
A post shared by pooʍ pɐɥɔ (@chadwoodhair)
As someone who’s currently sporting them, I can’t say enough about curtain bangs (when I see a trend I jump on it, sorry not sorry). They’re the low-maintenance cousin of front bangs (perfect for avoiding growing bangs out) and they just so happen to go very well with longer layers, as seen in this extremely cute pic. You can hardly tell where they end and the layers begin, thanks to the very soft and gentle transition.
A post shared by Erickson A, @bumbleandbumble (@erickinvisible)
The best thing about layers is that they honestly look good with either a middle part or a deep side part (sry, Gen Z). The one thing to watch out for: dry ends. When you have layered hair, your ends are on full display, so make sure you keep them moisturized with a hair oil or deep conditioner.
A post shared by ADDISON RAE (@addisonraee)
Face-framing layers are always a great option because they, uh, frame your face. And by that, I mean they highlight your facial structure in the best way (think: cheekbones and jawline), while also giving the appearance that your hair is actually longer, despite having shorter pieces. Hair magic, right?
A post shared by César DeLeön Ramîrez (@cesar4styles)
Remember a few years ago when we were all dousing our hair in DIY salt sprays to get beach waves, but just ended up with extremely salty and weighed down hair? Just me? My point is: One of the lesser known secrets to beach waves is not an intense amount of salt, but getting shorter, choppier layers in your hair (as pictured) so that without the extra weight, your hair can more easily form a wavy texture (with the help of your fave styling cream and texture spray, ofc).
A post shared by César DeLeön Ramîrez (@cesar4styles)
There is no cut too short for layered hair and this style from Winnie Harlow is proof. Her short layers give this pixie cut so much volume. To get a textured style like this, be sure to include a texturizer or styling cream in your post-wash routine.
A post shared by Nikki Lee | Hairstylist (@nikkilee901)
I get it, you want layered hair but you don’t want to sacrifice too much length. DW, there will be minimal nervous twitching in the salon chair while you get this cut, because the layers are confined to the ends of the hair, so you can still put it all in a scrunchie—with the exception of the curtain bangs that taper down the sides, which are totally optional.
A post shared by Breanna✨ (@mini_marley)
First of all, how cute are the little bangs in this side-parted style? Answer: very cute. Second of all: Putting layers in curls is a great way to get this light, fluffy style and to avoid having your curls feeling super heavy at the bottom and flat on top (in addition to the rest of your extensive curly hair routine, like plopping your curls, using root clips, and sleeping on a silk pillowcase).
A post shared by suban (@subanbrn)
Isn’t the ultimate dream to have a haircut that you can just wear down and never have to deal with? Allow me to introduce you to this curly layered hairstyle. Okay, so you’ll still have to do something to your hair to get this super-cute look (like moisturizing your curls and using a styling gel to get that definition), but the layers will def help get this shape.
A post shared by Sarah Angius (@sarahangius)
Layered hair is a great option if shoulder-length is your personal sweet spot but you still want to add a little more ~personality~ to your style (or if you’re in the process of growing it out). BTW: If you are trying to grow your hair out, getting layers is an excellent way to get in your v important and v necessary trim to get rid of your split ends and prevent breakage.
A post shared by Cassondra Kaeding (@ckaedingcolor)
These long layered bobs are literally everywhere rn and layers are key to achieving the style. They work really well with the darted half-waves, and the different lengths of hair give you a ton of texture all over.
A post shared by Kia Marie || Kickfluencer (@thenotoriouskia)
I’m willing to bet you’ve been seeing this really cute side-parted style all over your feed lately, and that’s because—aside from being super pretty—it’s a great way to show off your curls. And the way to get that big and voluminous shape? Yup, layers. Bring this pic to your stylist and tell them you want the top layers to be short enough so they stay super light and airy, and to gradually taper them down the sides to get this rounded shape.
A post shared by All Things Savvy (@allthings_savvy)
NGL, this layered hairstyle makes me want to go to a jazz club and lay dramatically across a piano. It has such a fun retro vibe, and the layered hair is what gives it all that volume and fullness to get there. To maintain the volume, you’ll want to help your hair out with a volumizing product (like Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Hair Volumizing Conditioner and Amika Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse).
A post shared by Jasmine Tookes (@jastookes)
We love a blunt cut, but long hair that’s all one length can look and feel heavy. Take some of that weight off your strands with longer layers throughout, starting at your clavicles and tapering off downward. Then get a piecey, sleek finish by running a flat iron, like GHD’s 1″ Styler, through the ends.
A post shared by sierra kener | LA hairstylist (@sierrakener)
Feathered layers give off all the ’70s vibes—in the best way possible. Even those with fine, straight hair should try light layers like this that’ll give lift and volume without thinning out the hair too much.
A post shared by AseaMae (@aseamae)
Good news: Even with a layered haircut, you still have a bottomless pit of ways you can style your curly hair. Half updo? No problem. Twisted or braided back? Yup. And if you’re not sure which direction to go in, we’ve got an extensive list of curly hacks to help you out.
A post shared by LACY REDWAY 👸🏾 🧠 💇🏽♀️✨♍️🗣💋💪🏾 (@lacyredway)
This medium-length hairstyle tucked behind the ears proves that layered strands don’t have to be all up in your face. If you still want to be able to wear your hair up in a ponytail without pieces falling out, let your stylist know to take that into consideration when customizing your cut.
A post shared by Vanessa Hong (@vanessahong)
If you have a straighter hair type and want to add a little bit of body that won’t require lots of style time, a few layers around your face can add interest to any hairstyle without also adding a lot of commitment.
A post shared by Ruslan Nureev (@hairbyruslan)
The key to achieving big, bouncy volume on longer strands? Lots of layers and a blow-dry hair brush that makes blowing out your hair super simple (trust—we’ve tried).
A post shared by Laulanne Cecilia (@cecilialaulanne)
The cool thing about layers is that you don’t have to lose the length of your long curly hairstyle to add volume. When curls are all one length, they tend to fall flatter at the roots and create a triangular shape around your face. So ask for layers just around the top part of your hair for instant bounce and movement.
A post shared by LACY REDWAY 👸🏾 🧠 💇🏽♀️✨🗣💋💪🏾 (@lacyredway)
Pretty sure if you were to look up the term “hair layers,” this short hairstyle would be the photo right next to it. Piecey, choppy strands, face-framing fringe, thinned-out ends—this layered cut has it all.
A post shared by sierra kener | LA hairstylist (@sierrakener)
The best part about curtain bangs? Once you’re over ’em and let them grow out, they’ll suddenly transform into face-framing layers that are shorter in the center and longer on the sides.
A post shared by pooʍ pɐɥɔ (@chadwoodhair)
If you’ve got fine, flat hair and you could use a little extra volume and oomph, subtle layers can add lift to the roots without making the ends too thinned-out. Oh, and some volumizing hair products will help a lot too.
A post shared by Ruslan Nureev (@hairbyruslan)
Hot rollers are the trick to big loose curls like this, but hair that’s long, heavy, and all one length won‘t be able to hold much of a curl. Getting long layers throughout will help create big waves all over instead of just curled ends.
A post shared by Bryce Scarlett (@brycescarlett)
Instead of bangs or lots of fringy pieces, ask for layers that start below the chin for a look that flatters and frames your face without making your hair look thinner. And for those times when you could use a little more volume at the roots, opt for a volumizing powder.
A post shared by Bria Larine (@brialarine)
This layered shoulder-length bob haircut keeps all the focus and movement on the ends of the strands, rather than creating choppiness all throughout.
A post shared by pooʍ pɐɥɔ (@chadwoodhair)
Styling short hair can be tricky, but a tossed, tousled look like this can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Try this piecey layered look for a beach hairstyle, a NYE hairstyle, and everything in between.
A post shared by Ruslan Nureev (@hairbyruslan)
If you prefer to wear hair extensions, try body-wave hair extensions for soft, loose strands like this. A little bit of layering through the ends will help break up the bottom and remove any heaviness (DW—your hairstylist can cut them for you).
A post shared by Bobby Eliot (@bobbyeliot)
If you like the look of this curly bob, use your fingers to pull apart any thicker curls once your strands have dried to make your hair look fuller all over.
A post shared by ALANNA (@alannaarrington)
Not your typical lob, this long, layered bob cut has an edgier feel, thanks to the shaggy layers around the crown and choppy layers throughout.
A post shared by TAYLOR ANISE (@tayloranise)
For no gaps or steps between the layers, ask your stylist to blend your cut for a more rounded shape. Whenever your curls need a pick-me-up in between wash days, load up on the moisture spray to revive the shape so your roots never fall flat.
A post shared by Chris Appleton (@chrisappleton1)
A shag haircut doesn’t have to be short. This longer hairstyle still has everything you love about a shag: lots of layers around the face and crown and thinned-out ends.
A post shared by Kaia (@kaiagerber)
Constantly flipping your hair from side to side and switching up your hair part? Layers can help balance out the weight. Tell your stylist about your commitment issues and ask for layers that look good no matter what side they’re on.
A post shared by Lais Ribeiro (@laisribeiro)
If you have naturally thick, wavy hair, add layers throughout the ends to prevent it from looking too bottom-heavy. Adding a “V” cut to the back can also help remove some of the bulk.
Glam today🤩 it’s really dry here so I’ve been wearing @lauramercier hydrating primer. GAME CHANGER… Should I start posting beauty breakdowns? #lauramercierpartner #merciermoments
A post shared by Olivia Culpo (@oliviaculpo) on Feb 7, 2020 at 5:15pm PST
If you’re not down to rock the super-shaggy layered hairstyle look, you don’t have to. Just take a page out of Olivia Culpo’s book and go for ultra-sleek layers instead. After straightening your hair, add a hair oil from the mid-lengths down to your ends for a shiny finish.
Are you going to @wondercon tomorrow?! We are, but not for the comics, just to see this babe @lesleyannbrandt!!! Major #girlcrush on @chrisgreenehair’s golden goddess of a client. 😍😍😍
A post shared by MèCHE Salon LA (@mechesalonla) on Mar 25, 2016 at 10:29pm PDT
Brown hair with highlights + a layered haircut = another fire look that you need to try out. Face-framing layers are only made better by caramel highlights that’ll also help frame your face and add some warmth.
Missing these transformations ❤️ color by me. Cut and style @salsalhair #salsalhair #hair #haircolor #color by #mizzchoi @novaartssalon #artsdistrict #artsdistrictla #dtlaartsdistrict #dtla #novaartssalon @rowdtla #rowdtla #maneAddicts #NASalon #LAhair #lahaircolorist #lahairstylist
A post shared by Cherin Choi (@mizzchoi) on Apr 4, 2020 at 10:56am PDT
While a blunt cut might need regular touch-ups, a layered haircut grows out nicely. Now pair that with shadow roots, which is when you dye your roots a darker color than the rest of your hair to create a “shadow” contrast, to really make your color and cut last.
How far out are you guys canceling your plans? Should I be sharing spring hair colors or summer? Should we cancel our plans for May ? When will we see each other again! 😣 I can’t wait to do your hair ❣️here’s a photo of styling by our newest stylist @chris.hill. Our muse @izzyxalan has a cut from @salsalhair and on this day we did a touch up of highlights on her hairline. Color by me. Cut by @salsalhair #salsalhair #hair #haircolor #color by #mizzchoi @novaartssalon #artsdistrict #artsdistrictla #dtlaartsdistrict #dtla #novaartssalon @rowdtla #rowdtla #maneAddicts #NASalon #LAhair #lahaircolorist #lahairstylist
A post shared by Cherin Choi (@mizzchoi) on Mar 27, 2020 at 4:19pm PDT
Opt for beach waves to give your layered look some tousled texture. Use a curling iron to get the waves, then spritz on some sea salt spray and scrunch up your hair for added volume with a messier finish.
It’s CHOP & COLOUR SZN, babes! We freshened up this beauty with some gorgeous layers for some added dimension & movement ANDDDD transformed her into a gorgeous brunette! Swipe ➜ to see her before! ♡ Colour: @hairbylouisa_kromasalon ♡ Cut & Style: @hairbyryan_kromasalon . . . #hairtransformation #blondetobrunette #brunette #brunettehair #shorthair #shorthairstyles #brunettehairideas #kromahairsalon #salon #goldwell #kmshair #brunettegirls #layeredhaircut #layeredhairstyles
A post shared by KROMA SALON (@kromasalon) on Nov 8, 2018 at 9:16am PST
Freshen up the classic lob by adding layers—it’ll give you a ton of body and texture. Wear it straight or use a curling wand to add in loose waves.
⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ #blondehaircolor #blondehair #highlights #beautybychiara #gorgeous #layeredhairstyles #hairstyles #haircolor #beautifulcolor #behindthechair #haircut #balayage #blowout #weekendready
A post shared by Beautybychiara_ (@beautybychiara_) on Mar 7, 2019 at 6:42pm PST
If your hair is long, try adding in some face-framing layers for a little extra volume. Enhance those layers with highlights and go for an ash-blonde color if you have naturally pink undertones in your skin.
Need a haircut? ✂️ Come and visit us at either of our Tanyas Image locations at Hyde Park OH and Crestview Hills KY ✂️ Haircut by Natalie at Hyde Park Square. #womenshaircuts #layeredbob #tanyasimage #wellnessisbeauitful #haircuts #layeredhairstyles #hairstyles #womenshair @modernsalon @VenueMag @crestviewhillstowncenter
A post shared by Tanya’s Image & Wellness Salon (@tanyas_image) on Sep 29, 2019 at 9:00am PDT
Well-placed layers, like the kind in this choppy bob hairstyle, make your hair look full, not flat or frumpy. Just be sure to spritz on a leave-in conditioner once a week to make sure your choppy ends look healthy.
S/O to @gregmayhair refreshing my haircut just in time for summer ☀️ I’ve been wanting this type of layered haircut for sometime. As a client, I know it’s a struggle for many of us to find the right stylist who understands what works with our hair and what doesn’t. With 26yrs of experience, he’s able to customize according to every type/texture of hair, giving you the cut you deserve ✂️👌 (Also, my Color still looks fresh after 5 months @sarahfiorinihair ❤️)
A post shared by S U S A N N A . P A R K (@suparkhair) on May 19, 2019 at 1:32pm PDT