How do I choose the right layered haircut?

Layers are equally versatile. Whether you choose all-over layers, face-framing layers, or asymmetrical layers is a matter of personal preference. Besides length and layering style, you can also consider babylights, bangs, or a side-part.

Which layer cut is best for long hair?

V-cut layers are best for long hair since they provide shorter pieces around the front and transition to longer pieces in the back.

How often should you cut layered hair?

To maintain healthy and beautiful hair, trim layers every six to eight weeks. If you have a lot of layers or want a choppy appearance, trim every six weeks.

35 Long Layered Haircuts For An Instant Refresh

A woman with a fresh haircut with bangs and long layers — Credit:
Instagram/@charlieandcosalons

At one point or another, we've all faced the classic salon dilemma when you want a haircut that feels fresh and new, but you love your length and can't bear the thought of anything more than just a trim. While one-length styles certainly don't have to lack panache, layers are an easy option for anyone who is craving a change that does not require sacrificing much length.

Of course, thick hair and those with curly hair see major volume-boosting effects of a layered cut, but fine and thin hair also benefit from strategically placed layers. Basically, if you have long hair, layering can almost always offer a major refresh.

Here are the best long layered haircuts to consider for your next appointment.

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Modern Shag

This subdued take on the classic shag by stylist Cherin Choi has shorter, more face-framing bangs instead of a super feathery look. Keep the length with long layers that have all the style of a modern shag.

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Classic Bangs

Forget the trends: This fringed look is as classic as it gets. With longer face-framing layers underneath the bangs, they will all grow out beautifully without constant maintenance.

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Long Layers

Long Layered Cut — Credit:
Instagram/@natalieannehiar

Layers help break up long lengths and add movement. They actually make hair appear fuller and more voluminous, while removing excess weight to make hair less bulky.

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Short Bangs And Long Layers

Hairstylist Cherin Choi created this multi-dimensional look. It starts with short (but not baby) bangs and continues with longer layers throughout for tons of movement.

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Highlighted Layers

A before-and-after of a woman with a new haircut with highlights and layers — Credit:
Instagram/@colormemimi

Lighter highlights can give dark hair a fresh new look. Since hairstylist “Mimi” Camacho shows the before and after of her client, you can see just how big an effect highlights can have on brightening up an entire look and showcasing where the longer layers add movement.

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Classic Shag

This shaggy look by hairstylist Jade Federico is a total homage to the original shags of the ’60s and ’70s. A twinge of violet highlights the layers in this gorgeous color Frederico calls “mocha mousse.”

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Bangs And Lots Of Layers

A woman with a hairstyle with bangs and layers — Credit:
Instagram/@kimwasabi

This kind of intricate cut (and color) is only for those with lots of hair, like hairstylist Kimemily Pham’s gorgeous client. If you have the hair to work with, then a super-layered look will barely even require styling since it has so much movement built right in.

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Long Curly Layers

A woman in a white one-shoulder dress with curly hair down with a deep side part — Credit:
Instagram/@leysahairandmakeup

Give curls the bounce they deserve with long layers that let them move freely. A deep side part keeps the volume going for miles.

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Flippy Layers

Plenty of flippy layers make creating a salon quality blowout at home easy to do since they create instant volume and bounce when styled with a blow dryer. You can also use a curling iron to achieve this wind-swept layered look.

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Face-Framing Layers

Woman with copper hair — Credit:
Instagram/@smallbatchhair

You don't need to have a short hairstyle to rock face-framing layers. Long locks just allow for even more layers.

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Sideswept Long Cut

It's hard not to love a set of side fringe like this 'do, especially when paired with a layered cut and subtle balayage highlights. This carefree look doesn't require much color maintenance as it grows.

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Chin-Grazing Layers

If you don't want to commit to full bangs, but want to incorporate shorter layers, chin-length bangs will do the trick. Let them frame the face or pull them back to change up the style.

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Face-Framing Layers With Curtain Bangs

Face-Framing and Curtain Bangs — Credit:
Instagram/@hairbygabbymarie

The layers of this long hairstyle start at the top with curtain bangs and continue to frame the face all the way to the ends. Since these bangs blend with surrounding hair, they're easy enough to change up your look every day.

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Curtain Bangs

Spring Haircuts — Credit:
Instagram/@brianacisneros

Curtain bangs are the coolest fringe on the market. If you want something to instantly give you confidence, these are it.

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Highlighted Mid-Length Cut

Sunlit Mid-Length Cut — Credit:
Instagram/@hairby_chrissy

This is just another example of a little color goes a long way. Freshen up a classic mid-length brunette base with golden face-framing balayage.

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Simple Long Layers With A Middle Part

A middle part perfectly pairs with long layers. Adding curls when styling adds allows the layers to truly shine.

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Blunt Bangs With Long Layers

Looking for easy style? Blunt bangs and long layers are a winning combination for a low-maintenance look that's not too boring.

To style, use a round brush to blow-dry hair straight. Lift at the roots as you dry and gently curl the ends inward.

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Shaggy Layers

Think of this hairstyle as the best of both short and long hair. The shaggy layers add instant volume while still creating a sleek and polished look.

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Curly Hair With Balayage Layers

Golden Hour Blonde — Credit:
Instagram/@natalieannehair

Adding subtle caramel hair color allows each curl to catch the light. Ask for layers to further accentuate the look.

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Long Hair With Soft End Layers

Layered Blonde — Credit:
Instagram/@justinandersoncolor

These face-framing layers blend easily into long hair, and the result is a soft cut that looks great with a longer mane. Layers also enhance blonde highlights.

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Side-Swept Layers

Textured Medium Cut — Credit:
Instagram/@chrisgreenehair

Add layers for a little oomph. For those who still love a flattering side part, layers can add volume that helps hair not fall flat.

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Layered Long Bangs

Layered Curtain Bangs — Credit:
Instagram/@charlieandcosalons

Long face-framing layers are the easiest way to update any length cut. Ask for a length that hits just below the chin.

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Wavy Hair With Chopped Layers

Chestnut Brown — Credit:
Instagram/@mizzchoi

Go for chopped layers to add body to long textured hair. This cut removes any excess weight.

Choppy layers are made in asymmetrical portions of hair to give hair a blunt, edgy look. Curl the ends for added volume and movement.

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Layered Hair With Soft Waves

Mauve Red — Credit:
Instagram/@dommiecole

Let loose curls make a big statement with an extra layered cut. To get the look, use a large-barrel curling iron and don't keep it on the hair too long.

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Layered Long Curls

Layered Curls — Credit:
Instagram/@salsalhair

For extra thick hair, especially those with curls, layering is essential for removing weight and adding volume. After each haircut, you'll notice an instant lift.

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Layered Hair With Fringe

Golden Beige — Credit:
Instagram/@studiolioness

Curtain bangs and layers go together flawlessly. Just make sure you're prepared for a little extra styling time for the fringe.

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Curly Layering With Bangs

Ginger Spice — Credit:
Instagram/@natalieannehair

Layers allow curls to achieve their fullest, bounciest potential. Add bangs for a little something extra when you want a full refresh.

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Strawberry Blonde With Subtle Layers

Strawberry Honey — Credit:
Instagram/@jamiewilhelm.hair

A playful cross between blonde and red, strawberry blonde has plenty of warmth and depth. Subtle layers are a great way to showcase those pink and gold highlights, letting you keep the length.

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Chocolate Brown Hair With Highlighted Layers

Cinnamon Balayage — Credit: Instagram/@makeupbyfrances

Brighten up dark hair with golden ribbon-esque highlights. Long layers add different lengths that help the color stand out even more.

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Golden Bronde With Long Layers

Honey Blonde — Credit:
Instagram/@courtneymclarenhair

Blending blonde hair with medium brown and adding long layers makes for a multi-dimensional combination. Use a texturizing spray to style natural waves.

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Ash Blonde With All-Over Layers

Metallic Mushroom — Credit:
Instagram/@laci.mane

Layering helps create dimension throughout your cut. This ash blonde color makes the most of cool tones and a smudged root.

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Ombré With Layers

Tortoiseshell Melt — Credit:
Instagram/@aaashleee

Darker hair can have some fun with this ombré color and layered cut. Ombré starts with dark hair color at the roots and transitions to a lighter color near the ends for a stunning result.

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Long Silver Layers

De-Brassed Silver hair color on long, wavy hair styled by @jaye_edwards on Instagram — Credit:
Instagram/@jaye_edwards

Long layers give wavy hair lift and bounce. Different lengths add dimension that makes this silver hair dazzle.

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Long Curls With Bangs

long curly hair with bangs — Credit:
@krishastylesyou / @leysahairandmakeup / Instagram

This curl-defining cut lets every ringlet shine. Long layers shape and soften hair, while curly bangs add fun and carefree style.

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Ginger Curls

Ginger Brunette — Credit:
Instagram/@curlfactor

When looking for a fresh, new 'do, a pop of fun ginger color spices things up. Layers keep the length while giving curls shape and movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right layered haircut?

Layers are equally versatile. Whether you choose all-over layers, face-framing layers, or asymmetrical layers is a matter of personal preference. Besides length and layering style, you can also consider babylights, bangs, or a side-part.
Which layer cut is best for long hair?

V-cut layers are best for long hair since they provide shorter pieces around the front and transition to longer pieces in the back.
How often should you cut layered hair?

To maintain healthy and beautiful hair, trim layers every six to eight weeks. If you have a lot of layers or want a choppy appearance, trim every six weeks.