26 Trendy Long Layered Hairstyles | Rush Hair & Beauty

Long layered hairstyles are a popular hairstyle choice for anyone looking to add volume, texture and movement to the hair, and can create a chic and versatile looking style. 

Additionally, long layers can be tailored to work well with a variety of different hair types, such as straight, curly and wavy, and can transform a basic cut into a striking, dynamic look. They can also be easily customised for various face shapes to enhance natural features, while offering a low-maintenance yet fashionable style.

Origins of the Long Layered Haircut

The long-layered haircut initially gained popularity in the 70s, with the rise of long layered styles, which were focused on more of an effortless and relaxed vibe, and were a change from the more structured and polished styles from previous decades.

The long-layered haircut then gained significant traction in the 90s thanks to Jennifer Aniston’s “The Rachel” cut on the hit TV show “Friends”, which became something of a cultural phenomenon in the 90s with women flocking to salons to replicate the style. The cut was characterised by its flattering face-framing layers and volume and was a key part of Rachel Green’s character as a style icon.

In recent years, the 90s aesthetic has seen a revival, and with it, “The Rachel” has returned as a popular hair style choice. This highlights the style’s timeless appeal, with the long layers making the hair appear lighter, voluminous and with an effortlessly styled vibe. Modern interpretations of the long-layered look involve incorporating subtle variations such as wispy ends or more textured and structured cuts. 

Key Considerations for Long Layered Hairstyles

Hair Texture

Long layers can be easily adapted to different textures, whether the hair is sleek, straight, wavy or curly. 

For sleeker, straighter styles, layers can be styled with a straightener for a smooth, polished look, or blow-dried with a round brush at the roots for an extra bit of body. As fine hair can often be weighed down by its length, making it appear flat and lifeless, cutting layers into the hair allows it to move more freely, creating lots of natural movement and creating an illusion of fullness. 

For wavy or curly hair, layers can enhance the look of texture or curl patterns beautifully with the use of curling tools and texturising products. Additionally, long layers can help to remove weight from thick hair, making it feel less heavy. By distributing the hair’s weight and allowing for better airflow, long layers can also help to reduce frizz in thick hair and make it more manageable. 

Face Shape

Long layered hairstyles can be incredibly versatile in balancing various face shapes. By strategically placing layers and adding volume, styles can help to create the illusion of a more balanced and proportionate look. 

For round face shapes, long layers that start around the jawline or just below can help to elongate the face. The addition of volume at the crown of the head and sides can also help to create height and length.

For square face shapes, long layers can soften the strong angles of the face, particularly around the jawline. The addition of soft, wispy bangs that sweep to the side can also help to soften the face. 

For heart-shaped faces, long layers can help to balance the wider forehead and narrower chin. Layers that hit the chin or jawline can add width to the lower part of the face and create a more balanced look. It is best to avoid styles that add too much volume at the crown, as this can emphasise the forehead.

Long layers are generally extremely flattering on oval-shaped faces. They add movement and volume without overwhelming the balanced proportions of the face. Adding layers that fall at the cheekbones can add great definition and frame the face beautifully.

It is recommended to experiment with different starting points with layers to find the most flattering style for your face shape.

Lifestyle & Maintenance

Long layered haircuts are considered relatively low maintenance compared to other styles, partly due to the fact that they naturally create movement and shape, minimising the need for any extensive styling. However, regular trims are still recommended to keep the layers looking fresh and healthy.

To enhance texture and add volume, and hold the layers in place, use a combination of a texturising spray, volumising mousse or root lifting spray. Start with a volumising shampoo and mousse at the roots. Follow with a texturising spray to enhance the layers and provide hold. A finishing hair spray can also be applied for extra hold if needed. 

Top 26 Long Layered Hairstyles

1. Barely-There Layers

Barely-there layers, also known as subtle or invisible layers, create a soft, natural-looking effect on medium to long hair by blending soft, airy layers into the existing length without any sharp, obvious lines. The layers are strategically cut to add subtle volume, texture and movement, with the goal being to enhance the hair’s natural shape and flow. Seen on celebrities such as Gemma Chan.

Suitable Hair Types: Although versatile, fine hair will benefit from barely their layers as they can add volume and movement without compromising on length.
Styling Tips: Focus on adding texture and movement rather than defined waves and curls. Before styling, apply a texturising spray to damp hair, focusing on the roots for additional lift. 

2. Butterfly layers

Butterfly layers are a more heavily layered variation that blends both long and short layers to create a voluminous look that resembles a butterfly’s wings. The shorter layers typically fall around the face, framing it, while the longer layers extend below the shoulders, maintaining the overall length of the hair. The combination of both layers creates a bouncy effect, with the shorter layers adding lift and the longer layers providing a sense of flow and movement. Seen on celebrities such as Sydney Sweeney.

Suitable Hair Types: It is better suited to thicker hair types, as although the butterfly cut can add volume to fine hair, if the layers are not placed strategically, this can make the hair look thinner. For thicker hair, butterfly layers can be a great choice as they remove bulk and weight, creating a balanced and modern look.
Styling Tips: Use a large round brush while blow-drying, lifting at the roots and directing the hair away from the face to create the signature butterfly effect. 

3. Layered Long Beach Wavy Hairstyle

A layered, long beach wavy hairstyle features long hair with varying lengths of layers, creating a soft, relaxed and effortless look. This style often incorporates loose, tousled waves that mimic the natural movement of the hair after being in the ocean and spending time in the sun, giving it a relaxed and carefree vibe. Seen on celebrities such as Sienna Miller.

Suitable Hair Types: Can suit a variety of hair types, but is particularly flattering on naturally wavy hair as the layers help to enhance the natural wave pattern.
Styling Tips: Allow the hair to dry naturally for a more natural, relaxed and tousled effect. 

4. Layered Bouncy Curls

Layered bouncy curls are a curly hairstyle where the layers are strategically cut into the hair to enhance its natural shape and volume, creating a more defined and springier look.  By incorporating layers, this allows the curls to move more freely, preventing a heavy, bulky appearance and instead focusing on a bouncy, healthy-looking style. Seen on celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker. 

Suitable Hair Types: This style is particularly effective on textured, naturally curly hair, as it helps curls bounce and spring up naturally, creating volume and a lively appearance.  
Styling Tips: Use a curl-enhancing serum or mousse to define your curls. Finish with a diffuser to encourage volume and definition. 

5. Curve Cut

A curve cut, also known as a C-Shape cut, is a layered haircut that is characterised by soft, curved lines that frame the face and create a gentle and flattering shape. It typically features layers that curve inwards, mimicking the letter ‘C’, with the shortest layers framing the face and the longer layers cascading. Seen on celebrities such as Gwen Stefani.

Suitable Hair Types: The curve cut can be a great choice to add volume to finer hair, as the soft flowing curves of the cut add movement, making it appear fuller. 
Styling Tips: Accentuate the curved layers by styling with a blow-dry that encourages the hair to curve inwards. Tools such as a curling tong can be used to add more defined waves, the key is to maintain the natural flow and shape of the cut.

6. Billowy Layers

Billowy layers are long, soft and flowing layers that create a sense of volume and movement, often described as “Whimsical” or “Fluttery”. The layers are cut in a way that allows the hair to move and flow naturally, creating a soft and romantic look. Seen on celebrities such as Blake Lively.

Suitable Hair Types: Can work well on most hair types and textures, but is best suited to hair that is medium to long, as it provides enough length to create the desired movement, as well as a more gradual transition between layers. 
Styling Tips: Focus on adding volume and bounce. Use a round brush and then lift at the roots. Be sure to apply a heat protectant spray and consider using smoothing serum to tame any frizz. 

7. Layered Long Bangs

Layered long bangs involve cutting the front sections of the hair into varying lengths, creating layers that blend into the rest of the hair. These bangs are typically longer than traditional blunt bangs and can be styled in various ways, such as swept down to the side, parted down the middle or worn straight. Seen on celebrities such as Carey Mulligan.

Suitable Hair Types: Can work well on most hair types, although fine hair should avoid over layering as it may make the hair appear thinner. 
Styling Tips: Use a round brush to lift at the roots and curl the ends of your layers slightly under. Direct the airflow downwards to minimise any frizz.

8. Flippy Layers

Flippy layers are all about layers that are styled to flick, or flip outwards, creating a playful, bouncy and often retro look. These layers are typically created with a combination of wet and dry cutting techniques, where the initial cut is done when the hair is wet, followed by a blowout, and then refined with dry cutting once the hair is styled. Seen on celebrities such as Hailey Bieber.

Suitable Hair Types: Works best on shoulder-length to long hair that is thick and wavy, as flippy layers can enhance natural waves. 
Styling Tips: Embrace the flip by curling the ends outwards or adding rollers. 

9. Sideswept Long Cut

The sideswept long cut involves long hair styled with layers that are shorter than the overall length, and the bangs, if present, are also swept to the side. Layers of varying lengths are cut into the hair to create dimension and a softer, more flowing look. For this style, the hair is predominantly long, maintaining length while incorporating layers for added texture and movement. Seen on celebrities such as Lana Del Ray.

Suitable Hair Types: Can be flattering for various hair types. Fine hair can benefit from the layers for the illusion of fullness, while thicker hair types can use the layers to remove weight and create shape. 
Styling Tips: To style long layered hair with a side sweep, focus on adding volume and texture while keeping the layers well defined. Use products like volumising mousse, leave-in conditioner and texturising sprays to enhance the layers.

10. Layered Centre-Parted Loose Waves

A layered haircut with a centre part and loose waves combines the versatility of layers with the face-framing effect of a centre part and the soft texture of loose waves. The layers add movement and volume, while the centre part can enhance facial features and balance the style. The loose waves add a relaxed yet refined effect, as well as adding softness and dimension. Seen on celebrities such as Jennifer Garner. 

Suitable Hair Types: It is suited for various hair types, but works particularly well on thick, wavy, long hair. The layers will help to remove any bulk, making thick hair a lot more manageable and preventing a triangular shape, especially when styled with waves. 
Styling Tips: Create loose waves by wrapping sections of the hair around a curling wand, holding it vertically and away from the face. 

11. Side-Swept Layers

Side-swept layers involve cutting shorter pieces of hair around the face, starting from a side-part, and then blending them into longer layers throughout the rest of the hair. This creates a soft, face-framing effect and adds volume and movement to the hair. The layers are subtle and gradually blend into the longer lengths of the hair.

Suitable Hair Types: Can work well and be adapted to various hair types, but can work very well with straighter hair, as sideswept layers will often naturally fall into place, making them very easy to style.
Styling Tips: Blow-drying with a round brush can help to create lift and volume at the roots and shape the side-swept layers. 

12. Shaggy Layers

Shaggy layers are all about choppy layers at varying lengths to create a voluminous and textured look. The style often includes a fringe or bangs and is renowned for its ‘undone’ appearance. The layers are designed to add movement and dimension, and a key focus of the look is the abundance of layers that are cut at different lengths to create a textured and ‘messy’ look, often associated with a rebellious rock and roll vibe. Seen on celebrities such as Billie Eilish.

Suitable Hair Types: Shaggy layers are very versatile, working well for a variety of different hair types, but can be a great choice for finer hair as it can add body and volume to make it appear fuller. 
Styling Tips: Shaggy layers are all about natural texture, so let your hair air dry when possible or use a diffuser to enhance.

13. Blunt Bangs with Long Layers

Blunt bangs with straight layers feature straight across the forehead bangs that create a strong, bold frame for the face, paired with long layered hair that adds movement, volume and texture. The blunt bangs can offer a striking contrast to the softer flowing layers, to create a stylish and modern look. Seen on celebrities such as Naomi Campbell.

Suitable Hair Types: Can be flattering on a variety of hair types, but works best on straight to slightly wavy hair, as the sharp lines of the bangs contrast beautifully with the soft layers of the hair. 
Styling Tips: For a sleek, polished finish, which works well with this style, consider using smoothing products such as a smoothing cream or serum.

14. Layered V Cut Hair

A layered V haircut focuses on layers cut into a “V” shape at the back of the head, creating a pointed and triangular look. Layers can be cut around the face to soften the overall look and create a flattering effect. The layering technique used adds volume and texture to the hair, especially around the face and in the back. Seen on celebrities such as Dakota Johnson. 

Suitable Hair Types: Works well on a variety of different hair types, but can be a great option for straighter hair as the layers can add texture, preventing it from looking flat.  Additionally, straighter hair can also accentuate the V shape well. 
Styling Tips: Apply a sea-salt spray to the layers to add definition and body. 

15. Curtain Bangs with Layers

Curtain bangs with layers are a stylish, versatile haircut that features long, face-framing bangs that are parted in the middle to create a soft frame around the face. Layers are incorporated throughout the rest of the hair to add texture, volume and movement. This combination created a soft, blended look that can be tailored to complement various face shapes. Seen on celebrities such as Sabrina Carpenter. 

Suitable Hair Types: Can be flattering on a wide range of hair types; however, wavy hair tends to lend itself particularly well to this style, blending in seamlessly with the tousled effect. The layers can enhance wavy hair beautifully to add to the soft, face-framing effect.
Styling Tips: For a soft and “swoop” effect, use curling tongs or rollers to curl the bangs away from the face to create a soft, outward curve.

16. Layered Halo Cut

A layered halo cut involves specific hair extensions that feature built-in layers to seamlessly blend with natural hair. These extensions typically include 2-3 gradual layers, intended to create a natural look with added volume and length. The layers are also designed to mimic the natural layers in a person’s hair, allowing for a blended appearance. Seen on celebrities such as Michelle Keegan.

Suitable Hair Types: Works great on naturally curly and wavy hair types as the style will enhance their shape and movement. It can also be beneficial for finer hair as this will add volume and movement, making it fuller. 
Styling Tips: Like any other hair extensions, the layers will require proper care, including regular detangling and using specialised hair products for maintenance.  

17. Airy Layers

Airy layers are light, feathered and wispy and are achieved through strategic layering techniques. The layers are designed to create movement with a soft, flowing shape, often framing the face and enhancing the hair’s natural bounce. To create the soft and wispy ends, the layers are feathered and thinned out, and then tapered at the ends, resulting in a delicate, airy appearance. Seen on celebrities such as Jenna Ortega. 

Suitable Hair Types: Wavy hair naturally lends itself well, as its natural texture provides a great foundation for airy layers, allowing for enhanced movement and a fluffy appearance. 
Styling Tips: Focus on techniques that will enhance volume and movement, all while maintaining a soft, blended look. Using a round brush when blow-drying can create lift at the roots and curl the ends under for a bouncy effect.

18. 90s Layers

90s layers typically involve face-framing pieces with lots of movement. The shorter layers around the face are a hallmark of many 90s styles and can soften features as well as add definition. The layers throughout the hair are usually focused on creating a rounded shape, especially in bob variations or longer styles, giving the illusion of full, bouncy hair. Seen on celebrities such as Christy Turlington.

Suitable Hair Types: Can be adapted to various hair types, but tends to work best on naturally wavy hair as this style thrives on volume and movement. 
Styling Tips: Use curling tongs for the face-framing layers to define to achieve a soft, chic look.

19. 70s Layers

70s layers are characterised by their long-feathered appearance, designed to create movement and texture in the hair. They often feature shorter layers around the face, gradually lengthening towards the back, providing a soft, face-framing effect. Modern interpretations of 70s layers often focus on a more refined look with a blend of texture and movement without excessive volume. Seen on celebrities such as Stevie Nicks.

Suitable Hair Types: Wavy hair is well suited for 70s layers as the waves complement the style’s emphasis on texture and movement. 
Styling Tips: To enhance the retro feel, add some loose waves to your layers by using a large barrel curling tong or rollers.

20. Bell-bottom Layers

Bell-bottom layers are a 70s-inspired haircut characterised by a blunt bob with ends that are flipped outwards to create a bell shape. It is a playful take on the classic bob, with the volume concentrated on the bottom, similar to the silhouette of bell-bottomed jeans. The style can be worn with or without a fringe and can be styled with precision for a more polished look or with a more undone textured finish. Seen on celebrities such as Gigi Hadid.

Suitable Hair Types: It is ideal for thick hair as the volume and weight of the hair naturally enhance the flipped-out ends.
Styling Tips: For a more dramatic effect, use rollers or large barrel curling tongs to create a more defined flick.

21. The Mixie

The Mixie is a blend of the pixie and mullet, and includes short, choppy layers at the front and crown, which is reminiscent of the pixie cut, and textured lengths at the back, similar to a mullet. It is a versatile style that offers a mix of edginess and playfulness, with the longer back sections adding a retro mullet-inspired twist. Seen on celebrities such as Zoe Kravitz.

Suitable Hair Types: Can work on most hair types but is a particularly good option for fine hair as it adds texture and fullness due to its layering and volume.
Styling Tips: Apply a texturising spray or pomade to enhance the texture. It is also recommended to have regular trims every 4-6 weeks to keep the style looking fresh.

22. Mussed Layers

Mussed layers are lightly cut layers that are also known as ghost or invisible layers and are created using thinning scissors to avoid any harsh lines or contrasts. They are subtle and seamless, with the idea being to add layers to the hair to create the look of volume without necessarily looking like layers. Seen on celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez. 

Suitable Hair Types: Mussed layers are great for fine hair with the added volume and movement they naturally provide. 
Styling Tips: Loose waves work well with mussed layers, as the barely-there nature of the layers add the perfect amount of texture and volume to these types of styles.

23. Wolf Cut

The wolf cut is a modern hairstyle that blends the elements of a mullet, and shaggy layers are characterised by choppy layers with a mix of long and short lengths. It is known for its volume on top, shorter layers at the front and then a tapered, wispy finish at the bottom. The style is designed to look intentionally undone and a bit wild, like it has been styled with minimal effort. Seen on celebrities such as Miley Cyrus.

Suitable Hair Types: Wavy and curly hair naturally complements the wolf cuts layered and textured look, requiring minimal styling to achieve the desired effect. The layers also help to define curls and waves.
Styling Tips: Blow-dry the layers by curling them outward or inward to add both shape and movement. For a more tousled look, use curling tongs to create loose waves.

24. Bixie

The Bixie is a stylish hybrid of the pixie and the bob, offering a modern textured look that is shorter than a bob but longer than a traditional pixie. It combines the shorter, layered structure of the pixie with the longer face-framing aspects of a bob. The layers are short, textured and scattered throughout the crown and sides, with longer pieces framing the face. Seen on celebrities such as Florence Pugh. 

Suitable Hair Types: Works well on a variety of hair types; it can be a great option for thicker hair types, as it can help to reduce bulk and make it easier to style and manage.
Styling Tips: Use texturising products such as a mousse or pomade to define the layers without weighing them down.

25. The Rachel Cut

The Rachel is an iconic 1990s haircut that was introduced in 1994 by celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan and then gained significant traction in the 90s thanks to Jennifer Aniston’s cut on the hit TV show “Friends”, which became something of a cultural phenomenon in the 90s with women flocking to salons to replicate the style. The cut was characterised by its flattering face-framing layers and volume, and was a key part of Rachel Green’s character as a style icon. An additional feature of the Rachel was its shoulder-length cut and numerous layers, often starting around the jawline and then extending to the mid-length or collarbone. Several other celebrities have been seen sporting variations of the Rachel, such as Reese Witherspoon.

Suitable Hair Types: The layers in the Rachel cut are designed to add volume and body, making it a great choice for those with naturally fine hair.
Styling Tips: Finish with a lightweight serum or spray to add shine and a healthy, glossy appearance to the hair.

26. The Brachel

The Brachel is a modern twist on the iconic Rachel cut, incorporating Brigitte Bardot-inspired bangs. It features a shoulder-length cut with layers, adding movement and volume, and then styled with face-framing bangs. The Brachel builds upon the layered structure of the original Rachel haircut but has a more of a 60s meets 90s vibe, with a focus on softness and volume and a slightly flicked-out finish. The Brigitte Bardot-inspired bangs are a key element of The Brachel, and their length of style can be customised to suit different face shapes and preferences. Seen on celebrities such as Billie Piper.

Suitable Hair Types: Can be styled to suit various hair types, but works particularly well on hair with some natural texture, such as wavy or slightly curly hair, as it enhances the layers and creates a flattering shape around the face.
Styling Tips: Focus on lifting the hair at the roots as you dry, particularly around the crown, to create a full, voluminous look.

Tips for Maintaining Long Layered Hairstyles

Regular Trims

Regular trims, ideally every 6-8 weeks, are recommended to maintain layers are keep them looking healthy by preventing split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, which can lead to breakage and further damage.

Use the Right Styling Products

Styling products such as creams and mousses are great to use for defining layers without weighing down the hair. They offer a lightweight hold and definition, enhancing the hair’s natural texture while minimising stiffness. These products are specifically formulated to be airy and light, making them a great choice for maintaining the movement and volume in long layered styles. 

It is also important to use a heat protectant spray before styling your hair with any heat tools to minimise any heat damage. Using a heat-protecting spray will create a barrier between the hair and the heat tool to reduce any moisture loss and prevent the hair from becoming dry, brittle and prone to any breakage. Without a heat protector, the high temperatures can damage the hair cuticle, leading to split ends, dullness, and a loss of shine.

Add Volume When Needed

To add some additional volume, you can incorporate root lifting sprays or use a dry shampoo. A root-lifting spray will add height and texture at the roots to create a lifted and voluminous appearance. The dry shampoo will help to absorb any excess oil between washes and add volume. 

Book Your Long-Layered Haircut Appointment at Rush

To discover the perfect long layered hairstyle, book an appointment at your nearest Rush Salon and let one of our expert stylists create a look tailored to your needs and lifestyle.