Looking for a haircut that automatically levels up your style? Layered haircuts are probably what you’re searching for. Regardless of how long, short, straight, or curly your hair is layers can bring movement, shape, and volume to your hair—without chopping it really short. They’re one of the most universal haircut styles, and the best part? They look great on everyone.
Layered haircuts add depth and make your hair look thicker and more voluminous. From subtle face-framing layers to choppy, edgy cuts, there’s a layered cut to suit every style—whether you want something sleek, edgy or effortless. Here, we’ll show you some of the most stylish layered haircuts trending now. Not only are these styles gorgeous, but they’re also easy to style daily. Ready for a hair glow-up? Let’s do this!
Classic Layered Cut
It is the original, standard layered haircut. The layers are cut evenly throughout the hair, creating a natural, soft look with maximum movement. It is ideal for those who desire volume without excessive adjustment to their overall length. It is gorgeous in medium to long hair and is appropriate for most face shapes.
Long Layers
Long layers start near the shoulders and go down. They’re classy and don’t take away from your hair’s length, so they’re great for people who like long hair but want a touch of shape and volume. Long layers remove some weight and make long hair slide more easily, especially if you have heavy or thick styles.
Short Layers
Short layers are cut nearer to the crown and throughout the hair’s mid-lengths. They give the hair a volume lift and some bounce, which makes this cut a great option for thin or thinning hair. Short layers will also beautifully frame your face and accentuate your features.
Choppy Layers
This cut is all about texture. Choppable layers are cut lengths to create a purposely messy effect. It’s fashionable, cool, and most often paired with shaggy looks or beach waves. Ideal for the person who desires a bold, on-trend cut with less daily styling.
Feathered Layers
Feathered layers were a major trend during the ’70s and have come back into vogue. The ends of the hair are cut and styled so that they look light and feathery, making the hair have a soft, flicked-out appearance. The layers work on straight or very curly hair and soften harsh features or set around the face gently.
V-Cut Layers
In this cut, the hair is shaped into a sharp “V” at the rear. The layers become longer and longer as they move down, creating a dramatic, pointed appearance. It’s a long-hair favorite because it preserves the length but creates movement and a smooth, layered profile.
U-Cut Layers
The U-cut is a gentler form of the V-cut. The hair doesn’t have a pointed tip, but instead falls to a soft U-shape at the back. It’s perfect for someone who wants a softer, more polished layered style. U-cut gives an illusion of flow and fullness without looking too sharp or edgy.
Face-Framing Layers
These layers define your features. The most shortened layers start around the cheekbones or jawline and fade down. They soften the face and are amazing with bangs or a middle part. Face-framing layers are amazing on nearly every face shape and a great way to treat yourself to a new haircut without getting too radical.
Layered Bob
A layered bob adds movement and depth to this classic cut. Layering takes the rigidity out of a straight blunt bob and lightening it and making it more modern. From chin-length to longer, layered bobs for fine to medium hair textures and can be styled sleek or piecey.
Shag Cut
The shag cut is all about effortless, rock-n-roll texture. It has a lot of choppy layers, crown volume, and tapered tips. It’s perfect for those who want something relaxed and full of attitude. It suits curtain bangs or a messy fringe, and it’s super low-maintenance.
Wolf Cut
A blend of a shag and a mullet, the wolf cut is edgy and bold. It’s layered heavily on top with wispy, longer layers on the bottom. This style suits straight, wavy, or curly looks and is particularly complimenting for individuals who enjoy a wild, free-spirited look. It provides drastic volume on top and thinned-out ends, which makes it eye-catching.
Layered Pixie Cut
A layered pixie cut is full of personality and attitude. Depending on the styling, the layers can be soft and feminine or edgy and spiky. It’s ideal for someone who wants a low-maintenance cut with a lot of versatility.
Lob with Layers
A “lob” is a long bob, generally reaching around the collarbone. Placing layers in a lob keeps the shape from becoming too heavy or blocky. It’s a versatile, streamlined look but not on the cutting edge, and it suits all hair textures. Straight, wavy, or curly, it’s a low-maintenance cut with an edge.
Curtain Layering
This trim is intended to complement curtain bangs, which divide down the middle and sweep out to the sides. Layers blend from the bangs along the hair length to create a soft, seamless look. Curtain layering works on most facial shapes and adds a romantic, vintage touch to your hairstyle.
Layered Curls
Layered curls are a gorgeous hairstyle where curly hair is cut into different lengths, creating natural movement, shape, and volume. The layering helps prevent curls from looking heavy or flat, giving them a more lively, bouncy feel. This technique enhances your natural texture and adds definition to each curl.
Step Cut
Step cutting is more dramatic than regular layering. It creates visible “steps” or levels in the hair instead of a layered appearance. It creates a dramatic, structured appearance and drama on long or medium-length hair. It’s also very popular in South Asian styling and is often paired with sleek, straight textures.
Invisible Layers
These are the most subtle layers you can achieve. Invisible layers are cut into the hair very lightly so they’re invisible to give volume and movement without visible showing. They are perfect for thinning or fine hair because they make it look fuller without significantly changing the shape. It’s a great option for a natural look with a hidden structure.
Razored Layers
Razored layers are used with a razor instead of scissors to create soft, feathery ends and a textured finish. They are ideal for shaving off bulk in thick hair and creating an undone, lightened texture. They have a slightly rough, relaxed vibe and can breathe life into straight looks.
Asymmetrical Layered Cut
This is when the layers are longer on one side than the other. It’s dramatic, attention-grabbing, and gives a fun twist to your normal haircut. Typically paired with bobs or pixie cuts, this look works best for you when you want to make a fashion statement without sacrificing all layering for shape.
Layered Hair with Bangs
Layered hair appears fantastic with any type of bang—curtain, blunt, side-swept, wispy—name them. Layers and bangs complement each other by framing the face and giving depth. The mix is especially pleasing for anyone who wants a new, youthful look. You can make the bangs stand out or blend them into layers for a more delicate, harmonious appearance.