At one point or another, we’ve all faced the classic salon dilemma when you want a haircut that feels fresh and new, but you love your length and can’t bear the thought of anything more than just a trim. While one-length styles certainly don’t have to lack panache, layers are an easy option for anyone who is craving a change that does not require sacrificing much length.
Of course, thick hair and those with curly hair see major volume-boosting effects of a layered cut, but fine and thin hair also benefit from strategically placed layers. Basically, if you have long hair, layering can almost always offer a major refresh.
Here are the best layered haircuts for long hair to consider for your next appointment.
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Modern Shag
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This subdued take on the classic shag by stylist Cherin Choi has shorter, more face-framing bangs instead of a super feathery look.
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Classic Bangs
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Forget the trends: This fringed look is as classic as it gets. With longer face-framing layers underneath the bangs, they will all grow out beautifully without constant maintenance.
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Short Bangs And Long Layers
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Hairstylist Cherin Choi created this multi-dimensional look that starts with short (but not baby!) bangs and continues with longer layers throughout for tons of movement.
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Highlighted Layers
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Since hairstylist “Mimi” Camacho shows the before and after of her client here, you can see just how big an effect highlights can have on brightening up an entire look and showcasing where the longer layers add movement.
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Classic Shag
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This shaggy look by hairstylist Jade Federico is a total homage to the original shags of the ’60s and ’70s. A twinge of violet highlights the layers in this gorgeous color Frederico calls “mocha mousse.”
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Bangs And Lots Of Layers
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This kind of intricate cut (and color) is only for those with lots of hair, like hairstylist Kimemily Pham’s gorgeous client here. If you have the hair to work with, then a super-layered look will barely even require styling since it has so much movement built right in.
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Flippy Layers
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Plenty of flippy layers make creating a salon quality blowout at home easy to do since they create instant volume and bounce when styled with a blowdryer.
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Face-Framing Layers
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You don’t need to have a short hairstyle to rock face-framing layers. Long locks just allow for even more layers.
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Sideswept Long Cut
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It’s hard not to love a set of side fringe like this ‘do by stylist Desiree Gomez, especially when paired with a layered cut and subtle balayage highlights.
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Chin-Grazing Layers
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If you don’t want to commit to full bangs, but want to incorporate shorter layers, chin-length bangs will do the trick.
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Face-Framing Layers with Curtain Bangs
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The layers of this long hairstyle start at the top with curtain bangs and continue to frame the face all the way to the ends.
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Curtain Bangs
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Curtain bangs are the coolest fringe on the market. If you want something to instantly give you confidence, these are it.
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Highlighted Mid-Length Cut
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This is just another example of a little color goes a long way. Freshen up a classic mid-length brunette base with golden face-framing balayage.
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Simple Long Layers with A Middle Part
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A middle part perfectly pairs with long layers. Adding curls when styling adds allows the layers to truly shine.
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Blunt Bangs with Long Layers
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Blunt bangs and long layers are a winning combination for a low-maintenance look that’s not too boring.
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Shaggy Layers
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Think of this hairstyle as the best of both short and long hair. The shaggy layers add instant volume while still creating a sleek and polished look.
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Curly Hair with Balayage Layers
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Adding subtle caramel hair color allows each curl to catch the light. Ask for layers to further accentuate the look.
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Long Hair with Soft End Layers
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These face-framing layers blend easily into long hair, and the result is a soft cut that looks great with a longer mane.
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Side-Swept Layers
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For those who still love a flattering side part, layers can add volume that helps hair not fall flat.
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Layered Long Bangs
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Long face-framing layers are the easiest way to update any length cut. Ask for just below the chin.
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Wavy Hair with Chopped Layers
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Go for chopped layers to add body to long textured hair. This cut removes any excess weight.
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Layered Hair with Soft Waves
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Let loose curls make a big statement with an extra layered cut.
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Layered Long Curls
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For extra thick hair, especially those with curls, layering is essential for removing weight and adding volume. After each haircut, you’ll notice an instant lift.
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Layered Hair with Fringe
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Curtain bangs and layers go together flawlessly. Just make sure you’re prepared for a little extra styling time for the fringe.
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Curly Layering with Bangs
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Layers allow curls to achieve their fullest, bounciest potential. Add bangs for a little something extra when you want a full refresh.
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Strawberry Blonde with Subtle Layers
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A playful cross between blonde and red, strawberry blonde has plenty of warmth and depth. Subtle layers are a great way to showcase those pink and gold highlights, letting you keep the length.
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Chocolate Brown Hair with Highlighted Layers
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Brighten up dark hair with golden ribbon-esque highlights, which layers help stand out even more.
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Golden Bronde with Long Layers
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Blending blonde hair with medium brown and adding long layers makes for a multi-dimensional combination.
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Ash Blonde with All-Over Layers
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Layering helps create dimension throughout your cut. This ash blonde color makes the most of cool tones and a smudged root.
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Ombré with Layers
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Darker hair can have some fun with this ombré color and layered cut. Ombré starts with dark hair color at the roots and transitions to a lighter color near the ends for a stunning result.