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Are you wondering, “should I get layers?” If so, you’re in the right place. But there are a few things to consider before getting them. We’ll show you these things, how to get them, and ways to rock them below.
Are you thinking of getting a layered haircut, but you’re a bit nervous about taking the leap? In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know to make an informed decision on whether layers are right for you and let you in on the best way to achieve them.
Should You Get Layers? Read This First.
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If you’re thinking of going for layers, there’s a lot to consider. Every year, there seems to be a new trend for layered hair. From light, subtle tiers to full-head lion’s manes, these styles can look great on the models showing them off with professional styling and studio lighting.
However, you may wonder whether these cuts would be realistic for everyday life. You’re not being paranoid. Whenever you make a big change to your hair, it’s wise to consider all points.
A poorly-executed layered haircut can cause lots of annoying issues. It can make your hair look frizzy with many flyaways, make you look unintentionally older, and draw attention to perceived facial flaws.
And in most cases, layered haircuts can take a long time to grow out, leaving you having to manage their aftermath for many months to come.
On the other hand, a good layered haircut can give your hair depth and fullness, frame your face, highlight your best features, and help your hair be more manageable.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- Some different types of layered haircuts
- The best kinds of layered haircuts for your face shape and hair type
- How to make the most of your layered haircut
- Growing out a layered haircut
Let’s dive in!
Read Next: Layered Haircut Ideas
Layer Length
First, a note about layer length. Descriptions of layered haircuts can be a little confusing because when terms like “short layers” are used, it doesn’t mean “layered short hair”.
It refers to the length between the layers, not the length of the hair. Short layers, for example, are layers that have a short distance between each one. You can have short layers in long hair and vice versa. Make sense? Okay, let’s move on.
Long Layers
Long layers give some texture and movement to the hair without adding a choppy appearance. The cut starts just a couple of inches up from the bottom of the hair to help add shape to the hair.
Long layers tend to work well for people who want to reduce some of their hair’s thickness and volume, so if you have heavy hair that’s hard to manage, long layers can help.
Short Layers
Short layers can be subtle, but they also can add volume to your hair because the ends of short layers tend to flip or wing out away from the head. Short layers are great for giving hair more waviness and allowing more versatility in styling options.
Layers and Hair Length
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If you have long hair, you’ll have to decide whether to keep it long or go shorter for your layered cut. Either one works fine. It’s just a matter of your personal preference.
Long layered hair can give you a glamorous or romantic look, while shorter layers can give an edgy or professional appearance, depending on the way they’re cut and styled.
Layers and Face Shape
In general, longer layers are better for people with round or short faces. Long layers create the illusion of a more elongated, defined face. The reverse is also true.
If you have a long, angular face, you might benefit from short layers because they soften the face and add the illusion of volume in the cheek area. Then, there’s the question of bangs. Some layered haircuts look best with bangs.
Bangs can be layered, as well, to add to the overall piecey look, or they can be cut blunt to contrast with the rest of the hair. Either way, you’ll want to consider the shape of your face when deciding which bangs you’d like with your layered haircut.
Layers and Hair Type
Layers can work with any hair type, as long as they’re the correct layers for the hair type that you have.
Fine Hair
If you have fine, thin hair, too many layers can be a mistake. Layers take hair off your head, so you don’t want to overdo this option if your hair is already fine or thin.
Your best bet is a medium-length bob with long, understated layers, which will give your hair volume and shape without looking chopped up or thinned down. If you prefer, you can also go for a short haircut with strategic layers.
Alternatively, you could go for a punk-rock-inspired vibe and choose a short haircut with strategically-placed layers. You’ll get a lot more fullness, and it can be a very sophisticated look.
Thick Hair
Layers can work wonders to help thick hair become more manageable. Your stylist may recommend textured layers. Textured layers refer to layers of different lengths cut through the hair, resulting in a more “wild” or tousled appearance.
A shag cut, like last year’s viral trending “wolf cut,” is an example of this. Thicker hair can handle this type of layering because it has the heaviness to carry it off without looking fried or flyaway.
If you’re not a fan of the textured look, you can try a classic subtle layered cut with some medium face-framing pieces. This is a timeless haircut that gives you an effortless look while allowing some nice styling options for various occasions.
Curly Hair
One-length curly hair can be bottom-heavy and unmanageable. Layers add just enough definition to make curls pop and give your hair impressive volume. Most standard layered cuts can be applied to curly hair. Just remember to see a stylist who knows how to cut curly or coily hair.
Read Next: Curly Haircut Ideas
Wavy Hair
Waves are what many people are going for when they seek out a layered cut. They want the illusion of waves, or they want to enhance their hair’s natural tendency to wave.
Many of the most popular layered haircuts – from the angled bob to the long, glamorous “influencer” cut – look great on naturally wavy hair.
Read Next: How to Get Waves
Straight Hair
Layers can look obviously uneven and wonky on straight hair if done incorrectly. When done the right way, they can add bounce and body to your hair and give you a whole new look. For this hair type, you can go with favorites, like the V-shaped cut, or choose the long layers of a shag cut with bangs.
Styling Your Layered Hair
Before you go for your haircut, you should consider how you normally like to style your hair. How much maintenance are you willing to do? Are you a wash-and-go sort of person, or do you like to spend some time on styling?
Do you usually part your hair in the middle or on the side, or do you like to change it up now and then? Certain types of layered haircuts will lend themselves better to your lifestyle and habits than others.
In general, your basic care tools for layers should be your standard shampoo and conditioner, a leave-in conditioner or detangler, and possibly a texturizing product.
If you have a sleek layered cut like a graduated or angled bob, you will want to use a smoothing serum or something like it to highlight the shape and precision of your cut.
Using tools like curling irons or straighteners can help accentuate the positive features of your layered haircut or tame any flyaway pieces as the cut grows out.
However, using heat excessively can damage your tresses in the long run, making the ends of your layers look dry and rough. It is best to use these tools in moderation, if possible, and to add a heat protectant product to your hair care routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Layers
Can I layer my hair myself?
Some people do, but most stylists don’t recommend it. A quick search for at-home haircut fails will produce dozens of examples of what can go wrong when trying to cut your own layers.
If you’re not experienced and don’t have the right tools, the likely result will be a choppy mess. Layered haircuts are complicated and better left to professionals.
How do I ask my stylist for the layered haircut I want?
What are you looking to achieve with your layered cut? You can ask for things like more texture, more volume, less weight. to remove a “triangle” hair shape or to have a shaggy look. Your stylist should get an idea of what you want from those requests.
But a picture is worth a thousand words. Do your research and come prepared with examples of what you want. Having multiple angles of the same cut helps a lot too.
I just got my hair layered and it looks great. How do I keep it looking fresh?
Layered haircuts take some maintenance. You’ll need to go into the salon regularly for trims and use products that enhance your particular hair type and style.
Healthy hair makes any haircut look better, so be sure to keep up on your vitamins, stay hydrated, and condition your hair as necessary.
I got layers but want to grow them out. What’s the best way?
Time and patience! But there are a few things you can do if you want to help the process along. When you get your hair trimmed, have them trim only the ends, and leave the layers alone.
Over time, your shorter layers will eventually catch up with the rest of your hair. You can also have your stylist help you blend your layers by thinning them out to make them less noticeable.
If you really want your layers gone ASAP and you’re feeling like a major change, you could ask for a shorter haircut that makes your overall length even with the shortest parts of your layered hair.
Are there layered haircuts for men?
Of course! Layered haircuts for men are becoming more popular these days. These cuts can help guys who feel they lack thickness and volume in their hair, and they can create a sexy, tousled, textured look on an otherwise standard male haircut.
Look online for examples of male layered haircuts and explore all your options. Not all barbers will be skilled in creating layers, so you’ll want to speak with the person who usually does your hair to establish their comfort level with this hairstyle.
So, Should You Get Layers?
If layers are what you want, then go for it! Layers are a commitment, but many people find out that it works for them and is a go-to hairstyle they can wear for years.
As long as you go into the salon with a knowledge of what you want and a basic understanding of how layers work, your adventure in layers should turn out just fine.