If you are like most Americans, you have probably gone into a hair salon with no idea of what you really want. You likely tell the hairdresser you want a trim or want to get rid of your split ends. But you deserve something more, don’t you? If you are looking for something to spice up your style but not completely alter your appearance, perhaps it is time you gave layered haircuts a try.
Layered Haircuts FAQ
1. What Is A Layered Haircut?
Layered haircuts have been trendy for quite a few years now and mostly consist of alternating lengths throughout your hair. Rather than cutting every strand of hair straight across to be identical in length, hairdressers can take sections of your hair and trim them to be shorter than others. There are many different ways you can layer your hair, each with its own unique stylistic choice, and can help give you a little extra pizazz.
2. What Do Layered Haircuts Do?
Layered haircuts typically lighten your hair. Rather than weighing it down with every strand being identical in length lying on top of one another, layers allow your hair to free itself from forming a single unit. They also allow a bit more fun to poke through. With the ends of your hair resting at different lengths, you can highlight and add more volume to your hair. This allows you to create fun and exciting looks every day.
3. How Does A Layered Haircut Work?
Depending on the style, the length of the layers, and the amount of layers you want, you can really reinvent your hair. Layered haircuts make your hair breathe better and gives you more ways to style your hair without spending hours doing it. They often make your hair lighter and can sculpt your face to make the prime focus you.
4. Where Can You Get Layered Haircuts?
Most salons will be able to offer you a layered haircut. Some hairdresser may even offer it to you as they are cutting your hair. The only thing that may make a difference on where you want to get your hair layered is how much a place costs to get that done.
5. What Is The Best Way To Layer Your Hair?
That really depends on you. Each person’s style is unique and what might look or feel great on one person won’t necessarily do the same for someone else. That being said, we do have a lot of different options of layered haircuts for you to look at below. Hopefully, one of these will inspire you and help you achieve the perfect layered look.
How We Reviewed
In order to get an accurate review of the layered haircuts, we invested a serious amount of time compiling a list of styles. Once we had this list in place, we went over the features, pros, and cons for each look in order to determine just how beneficial each would be compared to the last. We then reviewed the entire list in order to come up with a final verdict on the layered haircut look. By doing this, we were able to create an unbiased list showcasing the perfect “best of” list.
Overall Price Range Of Layered Haircuts (And Similar Hairstyles)
What is tricky about hairstyles is that they come with so many different price tags. While you may be able to get a $12 haircut at one place, you may end up paying $120 for that same haircut somewhere else. It all depends on where you go, who you are going to, and just what you are asking to get done. A simple trim will cost you less than if you wanted layers and a dye job. Check with your salon or hairdresser before you go to get an estimate on how much your look will cost you to create.
What We Reviewed
- Kim Kardashian West – Platinum Blonde Waves
- Sandra Bullock’s – Blunt Bangs
- Yara Shahidi – Curly Graduated Layers
- Chrissy Teigen – Waterfall Layers
- Heidi Klum – Golden-Blonde Highlights
- Keri Russell – Bedhead Waves
- Viola Davis – Side Swept Undercut
- Naomi Campbell – Eye-Skimming Bangs
- Sarah Hyland – Subtle Texture
- Gigi Hadid – Waterfall Curls
Kim Kardashian West – Platinum Blonde Waves
Features
Kim Kardashian West, who has always been somewhat of a fashion icon, is currently pulling off a platinum blonde hairdo with light waves created by layering. The look is much more subtle than some of the others on this list, but it works well to show off the length of her hair and the beauty of her appearance. With just a bit of face framing and some layering from the shoulder down, she has managed to create a truly stunning look.
PROS
- Easily doable
- Face-framing accents her appearance
- The beach style waves are easy to replicate and highlight the layers well
- Quite a subtle look the is both elegant and exciting
CONS
- Requires long hair to achieve this look
- Might also require a dye job to achieve the platinum blonde color
- Not incredibly noticeable; if you are looking for something that stands out, this may not be the right pick
Sandra Bullock’s – Blunt Bangs
Features
Sandra Bullock’s look is a bit more in your face, but in a good way. She is currently rocking some blunt bangs that work to break up her face and highlight her eyes. There are also a lot of layers in her hair ranging from just under her chin all the way down to the middle of her chest. This is a playful look that really keeps the hair flowing freely.
PROS
- Highlights her face well
- The bangs help to break up faces that are longer, like Bullock’s
- Noticeably layered
- Keeps her hair light and free, not heavy looking
CONS
- Bangs do not work for everyone, and if not done well can look very choppy
- The layers on her hair are quite extreme; if you are looking for something more subtle this may not be a good pick
- With so many layers, your hair can get a bit wispy
Yara Shahidi – Curly Graduated Layers
Features
Sometimes when you have naturally curly hair, it is hard to get layered haircuts to work out. But Yara Shahidi has found the perfect way to get the layered look while keeping her gorgeous curls. She has graduated layers starting as high up as the middle of her forehead and then has them work their way down to the ends of her hair. This graduated look keeps her hair full of volume while also providing additional texture.
PROS
- Adds volume to her hair
- Subtle in design
- Keeps her hair lighter
- Accents more of her curls
CONS
- While graduated layers could work on anyone, this look can only be achieved with naturally curly hair
- Layers are subtle; if you are looking for something more noticeable, this may not be the right look for you
- The starting layer may be a bit short for some people
Chrissy Teigen – Waterfall Layers
Features
If you are looking at layered haircuts for longer hair, you might want to consider Chrissy Teigen’s waterfall layers. This subtle layering with a bit of styling makes it look as though her hair is flowing, just like a waterfall. It is a perfect way to enhance your look and keep your hair looking beautiful subtly.
PROS
- Subtle in style
- Elegant waves that are great for casual or business events
- Front bangs splitting off to the side highlight her face
- Her highlights accentuate the ripples in the waterfall layers
CONS
- Really requires longer hair in order to achieve the full waterfall look
- Layers are long and won’t be as noticeable
- The waterfall layers will take a while to style and may not be ideal if you are looking for something easy to do
Heidi Klum – Golden-Blonde Highlights
Features
Heidi Klum has long layers that continue down from just under her chin to her chest. The golden-blonde highlights accent these layers in such a magnificent way that it is hard not to notice them. Her style is simple and easy to achieve which makes this a great choice for those without a lot of time on their hands.
PROS
- Highlights at the tips of her hair accent the layers
- Layers are very noticeable
- Face-framing shows off her features
- The style is simple and easy to achieve
CONS
- Would require you to get highlights in order to achieve the full look
- Layers are quite noticeable; not the best option if you are looking for subtlety
- Would likely work best on longer hair
Keri Russell – Bedhead Waves
Features
If you are looking for the perfect hairstyle to simply roll out of bed with, Keri Russell’s bedhead waves may be the look for you. With tons of layers and lots of perfectly unperfect curls, this look is fun, flirty, and a little bit sassy.
PROS
- Easy to style
- Very noticeable layers
- Can be achieved with any length of hair
- Very fun and free
- Frames the side of her face well
CONS
- Much more of a casual look; not great for business events
- Is very noticeable and may not be great if you are looking for subtlety
- Some feel the bedhead waves look “messy”
Viola Davis – Side Swept Undercut
Features
If you are on the hunt for short layered haircuts, look no further. Viola Davis is killing it with her side-swept undercut. This short style with well placed graduated layers keeps her looking like the life of the party.
PROS
- Works great for short hair
- Is a fun look that is easy to maintain
- The bangs in the front of her face accent her eyes
- The light highlights break up her base hair color and liven up her hair
- Great for both casual and professional events
CONS
- Only works on short hair
- The layers are subtle and only stand out because of her highlights
- Needs constant maintenance on the bangs, so they do not drop too low and cover your eyes
Naomi Campbell’s Eye-Skimming Bangs
Features
If you are in love with your long, shaggy bangs, you might want to think about adding texture to your hair with some layers like Naomi Campbell. Starting them around her chin, these layers help break up your hair and highlight the beauty of your bangs even more.
PROS
- Easy to style
- Works with almost any length of hair
- Very noticeable layers
CONS
- Bangs do not work for everyone, and if not done well can look very choppy
- Layers are not at all subtle
- With so many layers it may become hard to do certain styles, such as the braid
Sarah Hyland – Subtle Texture
Features
By starting her layers at the jawline and thinning them out as it reaches the ends, Sarah Hyland has created a look that amazes her audience. This quick trick helps to keep her hair from falling flat and makes her hair look as though it is perfectly textured.
PROS
- Very subtle
- Easy to maintain the style
- Gives her hair more texture
- Keeps her hair from becoming flat
CONS
- Is not very noticeable
- May not be as effective on longer hair
- is accented by her highlights and may not look the same without them
Gigi Hadid – Waterfall Curls
Features
With a cascade of curls, Gigi Hadid is rocking the layered look. She has a lot of long layers in her hair that, when curled, create a stunning waterfall effect. If you have long hair, this look could really wow your friends and family.
PROS
- Elegant layering with lots of highlights
- Easy to curl or style
- Makes her hair appear as though it is flowing
- Helps to accent her face and her dress
CONS
- Requires long hair to achieve
- May not be as noticeable when your hair is not curled
- May also not be as noticeable unless you have similar highlights as Hadid
The Verdict
If you are looking for something loud and exciting, maybe go for the bedhead waves. Have short hair you want to style? Try out the side swept undercut. If you are looking for the best of the best, something perfect for any event, subtly unsubtle, and easy to obtain try out the waterfall curls. They have the most to offer and have the potential to be the most versatile.
Overall, the choice is up to you. You know your hair better than anyone else does. Layered haircuts are fun and trendy, and can only help to accent the natural beauty already radiating from inside of you.
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