Picture this: a new season is just around the corner, and your feed is filled with inspiring haircuts that have you lusting over a new look. The only problem? You’re not fully ready to chop off your precious locks. It’s easy to fall in love with the latest haircut trends like the wolf and cub cut. But it's a tougher decision when it comes down to lobbing off your hair. Fortunately, there’s a way to freshen up your look that requires minimal cutting. Enter the layered haircut. Classic, chic and ideal for every hair type, it’s the perfect cut to lean into this season.
Featured experts
- Jenny Balding is the co-owner and hairstylist at Cutler Arlo Salon in New York
- Lori Zabel is a Redken master artist
- Cassie Siskovic is Moroccanoil’s artistic director
What is a layered haircut?
Take a moment to think of your favorite celebrity hairstyle. Whether short or long, there’s a big chance that style includes layers. The beauty of these haircuts is their versatility. “A layered haircut can completely change your look by adding movement and shape to a style,” says Moroccanoil’s artistic director, Cassie Siskovic. For this reason, many of the trending cuts today are built around layers. “Layers are used to add volume, definition, and body to the hair, transforming your look,” says Jenny Balding, co-owner and hairstylist at New York-based Cutler Arlo Salon. She explains that layers can easily give flat and super straight hair a more romantic and modern look.
Upgrading your hairstyle is just one of the benefits of a layered haircut. Layers, whether lengthy or short and choppy, can uniquely frame your face. “Some layers use angles to create a contoured effect to enhance your facial features,” says Lori Zabel, Redken master artist. The pros also note that layered haircuts are ideal for enhancing natural curl patterns. The enhancement removes weight on thicker textures and adds shape.
What to ask for at the salon
Before you head to the salon for a layered haircut, the experts agree that consulting with your stylist beforehand is essential. “The most important thing when requesting a layered haircut is that your stylist understands your hair type and needs,” says Siskovic. This will ensure you get the cut you desire and allow the stylist to select the best layering technique. “Personalization is one of the best elements of a layered haircut, and your stylist can customize your layers to complement your face shape and structure,” says Balding.
Zabel adds, “A good stylist should be able to make recommendations based on your hair, features and lifestyle." Zabel recommends a layered cut with bulk at the bottom for those with fine or curly hair. “This keeps the hair from looking thin,” she says. The stylist explains that thinly layered cuts tend to get lost in the rest of the hair and can cause your style to look fluffy.
The best-layered haircuts to try
