The much-loved layered haircuts from the 90s are back - but this time, they’re sleeker, more dimensional, and designed to flatter every hair texture and face shape.

Whether you’re embracing the effortless cool of the butterfly cut or craving the movement of soft face-framing layers, this guide has you covered - get ready to find your perfect layered look.

What’s a layered haircut?

A layered haircut uses different lengths throughout the hair to build shape, texture and dimension. The shorter top layers add movement and boost volume, while the longer layers underneath preserve length.

Stylists often create layered cuts using techniques such as ‘blended elevation’ or ‘sliding’ to create the soft, choppy look layered hair has. Whether you're after softness, edge or volume, layers can deliver it all.

What do layers do to hair?

Layers add soft, touchable volume, movement and shape - three things everyone can benefit from. For fine, flat, or thinning hair, they give a dose of much-needed texture and thickness, and for thick hair, they reduce bulk and ‘weight’ which can swamp your style.

Well-cut layers are incredibly versatile - fine strands have the potential to appear fuller, thick hair feels lighter and any bulky ‘weight’ can be removed, and natural curls become more defined.

Layered cuts can suit all face shapes when tailored correctly, and they’re the perfect choice for anyone wanting a fresh, modern look without committing to a drastic length change.

What are the pros and cons of layered cuts?

On the whole, layers are a versatile, simple way to update your hairstyle - but we’ve collated some potential benefits and challenges.

Pros:

• Adds movement and dimension
• Enhances volume in fine hair
• Customisable for every face shape and texture

Cons:

• Layers may need more styling to maintain their shape
• Can accentuate frizz in humid climates
• Growing out layers takes patience and regular trims

How to ask for a layered haircut

If you’re new to layers, it’s a great idea to bring in some pictures to show your stylist what you’d like - they can then assess your hair type, face shape and your normal at-home styling routine to see which cut will be best.

If you’re unsure what to ask for, focus on the three following aspects of layered hair - we’ve included example answers, so just modify to match your desired end result:

• Specify length and weight: Soft face‑framing layers starting around chin level
• Indicate your texture preference: Choppy layers with wispy ends for movement
• Mention maintenance: Long layers with minimal upkeep

Layered haircuts for fine hair

Blunt bob with subtle layers

This modern classic adds subtle movement while keeping a sharp, clean silhouette. Layers are minimal and cleverly placed near the ends to preserve fullness, making it a perfect choice for fine hair.

To boost volume, add a spritz of PROfiller+ Thickening Spray to damp hair before blow-drying for weightless volume that lasts.

Layered pixie cut

Short, edgy and full of character, the layered pixie cut features cropped sides with slightly longer feathered layers on top. It’s a popular choice with women over 40 as it builds dimension and lifts flat roots.

This cut exudes confidence and requires minimal styling; to keep your layers looking fresh, use a lightweight volumising mousse to style and boost texture effortlessly throughout the day.

Curtain fringe with tailored, mid-length layers

Combining mid-length layers with a sweeping curtain fringe, this cut adds instant softness and structure to fine hair. It’s a great choice if you’ve already got long hair and you want to keep it; the layers boost body without removing volume, while the fringe frames the face and draws the eye upward.

For styling, use a volumising root booster and a round brush to keep your fringe light and airy.

Layered haircuts for thick hair

Modern shag cut

A choppy, undone style that’s similar to the wolf cut, the modern shag takes the weight out of thick hair while enhancing your hair’s natural texture.

With layered lengths from crown to ends and an artfully-undone shaggy curtain fringe, it’s the ideal blend of attitude and manageability.

Long layers with face framing strands

This cut preserves your hair’s length while cleverly reducing bulk with cascading layers. Soft, face-framing sections create dimension and movement without compromising thickness, for a low-maintenance look that air-dries beautifully.

If your lengths are frizz-prone, finish with Miraculous Recovery Repairing Oil to smooth ends and maintain shine.

Blunt-cut lob with choppy layers

A lob (long bob) with choppy layers gives thick hair a shapely, modern silhouette that’s still easy to manage. The structure breaks up heaviness and adds bounce, making styling quicker.

Blow-dry with a paddle brush for a sleek look, or add waves using a curling wand and Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Spray for protection and polish.

Layered haircuts for long hair

Hippie layers

A nod to the 70s but modernised for today, hippie layers are long, flowy, and beautifully boho. This style features subtle layering through the mid-lengths and ends, adding movement without sacrificing length.

Perfect for naturally wavy hair or straighter textures, it gives your hair that effortless, lived-in feel. Style with a heated rounded brush to boost your layers, and use volumising hair products to add extra oomph.

Butterfly cut

The butterfly cut is the breakout star of the layered world - two tiers of layers give you volume at your crown and soft framing around your face. Ideal for those wanting a short-hair feel without losing length, it flatters most face shapes and works beautifully with fine hair.

Blow-dry using our Volume Lift Root Booster, focusing on styling from the crown for that signature lift.

Waterfall layers

Soft and elegant, waterfall layers cascade from the crown down, mimicking the gentle fall of water. These layers are ideal for adding fluidity to long hair and helping curls or waves stay defined without appearing heavy.

Layered haircuts for short hair

Choppy bob with layers

Short, sassy, and full of movement, the choppy bob brings dimension to shorter styles through textured, uneven layers. This edgy yet wearable cut suits straight and wavy textures, and adds a youthful bounce to your silhouette.

Pixie cut with light feathered layers

Add a feminine touch to a classic pixie cut with feathered layers that soften the edges and offer lightness around the crown; it’s a perfect look for those wanting low-maintenance chic that still turns heads.

Warm a dab of our Secret Agent Touch-Up Crème between your palms and run through your ends for subtle separation and shine.

Layered French bob

The French bob gets an airy twist with soft layering. Ending just below the chin with delicate layers and a tousled finish, this look blends timeless Parisian polish with modern cool.

The gentle layers help prevent the blunt ends from feeling too heavy, allowing natural texture to shine through - it’s a fresh, feminine, and fashion-forward cut for any age.

How to look after a layered haircut

Layered haircuts need a little extra love to keep them looking their best - here’s how to keep your layers looking lush long-term.

• Regular trims every 6–8 weeks help prevent split ends and remove damaged hair, and keep your layers looking light and cared for
• Invest in a volumising shampoo and follow with a lightweight conditioner to maintain bounce without weighing down your layers
• Styling with a round brush helps define layers, and heat protection is essential - our Heat Defeat Protecting Spray safeguards strands during blow-drying or heat styling