In the world of hairstyling, there’s one universal truth: every great hairstyle exists to frame the face. Whether you’re rocking ultra-long locks or experimenting with a chic bob, the magic lies in how your hair enhances your natural features. And when it comes to creating dimension, softness, and movement, face-framing layers are an absolute game-changer.

Face-framing hairstyles aren’t just versatile—they’re transformative. They can soften angular jawlines, highlight cheekbones, and even create the illusion of a slimmer face. The best part? These styles work for everyone, regardless of hair type, length, or texture. From pin-straight strands to bouncy curls, there’s a face-framing look that will suit your unique aesthetic.

To help you find your perfect match, we’ve curated 52 stunning hairstyles inspired by celebrities who know how to make their tresses shine. Complete with expert insights from top hairstylists, this guide will inspire your next salon visit—or DIY styling session. Let’s dive into the art of framing your face with flair.

What Are Face-Framing Layers?

Face-framing layers are strategically cut pieces of hair that fall around the face, accentuating your features while adding volume and movement. “The beauty of face-framing layers is their adaptability,” says celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble. “They work for all hair types, lengths, and face shapes.” Whether you’re aiming for subtle ghost layers that blend seamlessly or bold, choppy cuts that exude attitude, face-framing layers can elevate your look effortlessly.

Not sure where to start? Scroll through our curated list of styles, complete with tips from industry experts like Priscilla Valles and Joseph Michael. And don’t hesitate to consult your stylist—they’re your secret weapon for achieving the perfect balance between trendiness and personalization.

The Best Face-Framing Hairstyles to Try Now

1. French Layers

Sabrina Carpenter’s iconic look combines soft, rounded bangs with razor-cut layers that cascade around her face. This style is perfect for those seeking a romantic yet modern vibe. Pro tip: A skilled blow-dry is essential to bring out the full potential of these delicate layers.

2. Cowgirl Lob

Channel your inner country star with Laura Harrier’s cowgirl-inspired lob. Featuring face-framing fringe, blunt ends, and piecey texture, this cut strikes the perfect balance between structure and movement. It’s fresh, flirty, and undeniably cool.

3. Romantic Lob

Elsa Hosk proves that curls and layers are a match made in heaven. Her romantic lob is enhanced with clip-in extensions for extra bounce and volume. “This look is all about softness and femininity,” says Priscilla Valles. To recreate it, use a large-barrel curling iron and finish with a lightweight serum for shine.

4. Bubble Bob

Lori Harvey’s bubble bob may appear uniform at first glance, but its face-framing shape and structure make it stand out. This playful yet polished style is ideal for those who want a retro-inspired look with a contemporary twist.

5. Curly Bixie

Gabrielle Union’s curly bixie (or perhaps a bixie-pixie hybrid) showcases the power of defined ringlets. “Curly textures naturally shrink, which makes them perfect for framing the face,” explains Valles. If you have curly hair, embrace your natural pattern and opt for a rounded cut that highlights your features.

6. Messy Updo

Priyanka Chopra demonstrates why messy updos are timeless. With loose tendrils framing her face, this style strikes the perfect balance between glamour and effortlessness. “It’s tousled, undone, and utterly chic,” says Kimble. Use a flexible mousse to add texture before sweeping your hair up.

7. Curtain Bangs

Matilda Djerf’s take on curtain bangs is pure ‘90s nostalgia. Paired with a middle part and butterfly haircut, this style creates movement and dimension around the face. “Curtain bangs are having a major moment right now,” shares Valles. They’re versatile, grow-out-friendly, and universally flattering.

8. Silky Layers

Jodie Comer’s medium-length hairstyle is a masterclass in elegance. Her silky layers flow effortlessly, thanks to a large-barrel curling iron and minimal product. “This look is soft, romantic, and easy to maintain,” says Valles. Perfect for anyone who loves understated sophistication.

9. Middle-Part Moment

Camila Morrone nails the undone, effortless aesthetic with her wavy middle-parted style. “Simple curtain bangs paired with loose waves create a laid-back yet polished vibe,” notes Joseph Michael. To achieve this look, use a sea salt spray for texture and scrunch your hair as it dries.

10. Medium-Length Layers

Reese Witherspoon’s classic medium-length layers are a testament to timeless beauty. Her freshly blown-out style adds volume and movement, making it a universally flattering option. For a similar effect, ask your stylist for soft, graduated layers that frame your face without sacrificing length.

11. Messy Layers

Hayley Kiyoko’s shoulder-length hairstyle is all about embracing imperfection. With messy layers and piecey texture, this look is perfect for those who prefer a carefree aesthetic. Scrunch your hair with mousse or alternate curl directions using a curling iron to replicate the style.

12. Bangin’ Layers

Elizabeth Olsen’s long, layered hairstyle features subtle bangs and an undone finish. According to Michael, “Short layers around the hairline combined with longer layers throughout create a relaxed, effortless look.” This style is perfect for transitioning from day to night.

13. Defined Layers

Margot Robbie’s sleek side-parted style highlights her facial features beautifully. “Layering can enhance your bone structure and create the illusion of more defined cheekbones,” explains Kimble. For a polished finish, use a flat iron to smooth your strands and lock in shine with a finishing spray.

14. Bouncy Lob

Jenna Ortega’s half-up, half-down lob is youthful, playful, and full of life. By pinning back the top section and leaving layers to frame her face, she achieves a soft and bouncy look. This style is perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.

15. Statement Bangs

Dua Lipa’s high messy updo puts her statement bangs front and center. “Her wispy, peekaboo bangs add a touch of sexiness to the overall look,” says Michael. To recreate this style, use a flexible texture cream to define individual strands and let them fall naturally over your forehead.

16. Beach Waves

Rihanna’s tousled curls are the epitome of effortless beauty. Her natural texture is enhanced with subtle face-framing layers, creating a look that’s both relaxed and polished. “Beach waves suit each and every face shape,” says Kimble. To recreate this style, use a tight curling iron to define sections of your hair, then scrunch with a texturizing spray for a lived-in finish.

17. Undone Waves

Naomi Campbell’s tousled waves and wispy bangs exude timeless glamour. According to Kimble, “Square or heart-shaped faces look best with wispier, feathered fringe to add softness.” Pair this look with statement accessories like aviator sunglasses for an extra touch of sophistication.

18. Cher-Inspired Blowout

Beyoncé’s ’70s-inspired blowout is a nod to the disco era, complete with long layers and loose waves. To achieve this retro look, part your hair down the center and use a large-barrel curling iron to create bouncy, voluminous curls. Finish with a shine-enhancing serum for a glossy effect.

19. Sleek Bob

Mindy Kaling’s sleek bob is the epitome of low-maintenance chic. “The bob cut is top-tier for the season,” says Kimble. This style works beautifully for those who want a polished yet effortless aesthetic. Use a flat iron to smooth your strands and lock in shine with a finishing spray.

20. Lengthy Layers

Emily Ratajkowski’s straight hair with ghost layers offers a modern twist on classic elegance. Her barely-there curtain bangs add a touch of softness without overwhelming her features. For a similar look, ask your stylist for subtle, blended layers that enhance movement.

21. ’90s Updo

Keke Palmer’s ’90s-inspired updo is proof that curtain bangs are here to stay. Her pinned-up curls and face-framing tendrils create a playful yet sophisticated vibe. “Curtain bangs are having a moment,” says Valles. Secure your updo with bobby pins and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

22. Half-Up, Half-Down

Viola Davis’s curly half-up hairstyle is flirty and fun, making it perfect for any occasion. “This style is great for adding dimension and showcasing your natural texture,” says Kimble. Use a diffuser to define your curls and leave a few face-framing pieces out for a romantic touch.

23. Side-Swept Curls

Eva Mendes’s dramatic side-swept curls are red-carpet ready. “This look can be created by teasing the hair and setting the curls with a finishing spray,” explains Michael. To recreate it, use a large-barrel curling iron and sweep your hair to one side for maximum volume.

24. Tousled Finger Waves

Halle Berry’s finger waves are a masterclass in Old Hollywood glamour. Use a rod curling iron to achieve defined curls, then part your hair far to the side for a swooping, vintage-inspired effect. Secure with pins and finish with a strong-hold gel.

25. Ombré With Fringe

Suki Waterhouse’s tousled ombré hairstyle adds depth and dimension to her face-framing layers. “A blonde ombré color is a great way to add contrast without worrying about root regrowth,” says Kimble. To achieve this look, blend lighter tones into your ends and keep your bangs slightly darker for balance.

26. Timeless Blowout

Angelina Jolie’s mid-length blowout is a lesson in understated elegance. Her face-framing layers highlight her bone structure, while the classic styling ensures versatility. Use a round brush and blow-dry your hair for smooth, voluminous results.

27. Grungy Micro Bangs

Kat Graham’s wet-look hairstyle with micro bangs is edgy and bold. “This is a chic wet look with elevated bangs,” says Valles. To recreate it, apply a generous amount of mousse and gel to define your curls and achieve that high-shine finish.

28. Voluminous Blowout

Debra Messing’s voluminous blowout is all about body and movement. “Use a two-inch barrel curling iron and root lift spray for added height,” suggests Michael. This style is perfect for those who want a polished yet dynamic look.

29. Textured Layers

Halle Bailey’s curly bob with locs at the roots is a celebration of texture. “Adding extensions can enhance volume and bounce,” says Valles. Use a diffuser to define your curls and let your natural pattern shine through.

30. Bob With Piecey Bangs

Selena Gomez’s wispy bob is a study in balance. “To maintain a thick fringe, ensure you balance it with texture,” advises Kimble. Use a texturizing spray to separate strands and create a piecey, undone effect.

31. Barrel Waves

Gigi Hadid’s honey-blonde bombshell waves are glamorous and eye-catching. Achieve this look using extensions and a barrel curling iron. Flip your ends outward for a retro-inspired finish.

32. Undone and Beachy

Cameron Diaz’s braided tail and loose layers are effortlessly cool. “This style is edgy yet beachy,” says Michael. Create a messy braid and pull out a few face-framing pieces for a laid-back vibe.

33. ’70s Flair

Jennifer Lopez’s bouncy ’70s blowout is iconic. Use a round brush or rollers to create volume, ensuring all movement flows toward your face for a retro-inspired effect.

34. Wash and Go

Tracee Ellis Ross’s voluminous curls embrace her natural texture. “Wash-and-go hairstyles are trending for their low-maintenance appeal,” says Kimble. Enhance your curls with a defining cream and let them air-dry for a carefree look.

35. Curly Updo

Duckie Thot’s curly high bun with face-framing tendrils is pure elegance. “Pull out front sections to cascade around your face,” suggests Michael. This style combines structure and softness for a stunning result.

36. Italian Bob

Zendaya’s flipped bob is playful and chic. Use a curling iron to flip your ends outward and secure with hairspray for a polished finish.

37. Wolf Cut

Bella Hadid’s wolf cut is edgy and modern. “Chunky layers frame the face beautifully,” says Michael. This style is perfect for those who want a bold, textured look.

38. Sleek Layers

Julianne Moore’s mid-length layers are sleek and refined. “Use extensions to add length and dimension,” advises Valles. Flip your ends inward for a face-framing effect.

39. Heart-Shaped Fro

Yara Shahidi’s heart-shaped fro is a celebration of creativity. “Cut your curls strategically to mimic a heart shape,” explains Kimble. This unique style is both bold and beautiful.

40. Wispy Layers

Taylor Swift’s low bun with wispy bangs is chic and wearable. “This style is casual yet sophisticated,” says Kimble. Leave a few strands out to frame your face.

41. Mermaid Waves

Jennifer Lawrence’s beachy updo is effortless and elegant. Use a waver to create loose waves and leave your bangs out for a soft finish.

42. Wispy Waves

Anne Hathaway’s long waves and wispy bangs are timeless. “Use a texture spray and curling iron for soft waves,” suggests Michael. This look is versatile and flattering.

43. Wavy Layers

Sarah Hyland’s wavy layers offer texture and contrast. “Loose waves complement a straighter bang beautifully,” says Kimble. Use a curling wand to achieve this look.

44. Layered Ringlets

Alanna Arrington’s tight ringlets are bold and striking. “Use a small-barrel iron and styling cream for defined curls,” shares Michael. This style is perfect for embracing your natural texture.

45. Cascading Layers

Hailey Bieber’s long, layered look is romantic and timeless. “Extensions can help achieve a super-long effect,” says Valles. Add soft waves for a dreamy finish.

46. Bouncy Curls

Jourdan Dunn’s bouncy curls are playful and lively. Part your hair to the side and curl sections toward and away from your face for added dimension.

47. Wavy Shag With Bangs

Kerry Washington’s wavy shag is easy to manage yet full of personality. “This style is perfect for a wash-and-go routine,” says Kimble. Use a wave spray to enhance texture.

48. Subtle Shag

Jasmine Tookes’s modern shag is effortlessly cool. Long layers and subtle choppiness make this style versatile and chic.

49. Undone Waves

Shay Mitchell’s middle-parted waves boast texture and movement. “Create soft waves with a curling iron,” explains Michael. This look is perfect for everyday wear.

50. Butterfly Haircut

Jennifer Aniston’s butterfly haircut is iconic. “Shorter layers on top blend into longer ones for movement,” says Valles. This style is timeless and flattering.

51. Mid-Length Layers and Fringe

Simone Ashley’s razored bangs and stacked layers add movement without sacrificing fullness. This look is perfect for those who want a modern yet polished aesthetic.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Look with Face-Framing Layers

Face-framing layers are more than just a trend—they’re a transformative tool that can enhance your features, add dimension, and elevate your overall style. Whether you prefer sleek bobs, tousled waves, or bold bangs, there’s a face-framing hairstyle that’s uniquely you.

Before your next salon visit, take inspiration from these celebrity looks and consult with your stylist to find the perfect cut and style for your hair type and face shape. Remember, the right layers can do wonders for your confidence and self-expression. So go ahead—embrace the power of face-framing layers and let your personality shine through your hair!