Layered Hair Is the Low-Maintenance Trend We Should All Be Embracing for Spring

When it comes to hair trends, glossy, blunt cuts have most definitely reigned supreme as of late. For the last few years, we have found ourselves swooning over glossy, glass-like lengths and adding all of the blunt-bob inspiration to our saved folders on Instagram. There's no doubt that blunt cuts have had their fair share of love. But now, there's a new hair trend on the horizon.

No-fuss, layered hair is back (see the recent success of the shag and the long shag). Not only do layers give hair an undone, effortless vibe, but they also help to disguise breakage and split ends. 

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(Image credit: @MILLAKUOKSA)

Gone are the days of virtually snatching the scissors off of the hairdresser whenever they utter the phrase, "Let's get some nice layers in there." It's officially time to embrace choppier, textured styles for the imminent arrival of spring. But what does opting for a layered style actually entail? This is everything experts want you to know about layered hair.

The Term "Layers" Is Wide-Ranging

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(Image credit: @ALEXACHUNG)

Unlike so many other styles and colouring techniques, layers can look totally different on everyone, depending on how they have been cut and a person's hair type. "Without getting too technical, layered hair involves cutting shorter lengths throughout a cut. Usually, the hair is cut into shorter lengths on top and around the crown and then varying lengths through the rest of the hair to add texture," says Andrew Barton, Headmasters creative and communications director.

Whether your hair is in a pixie cut, waist-length, curly or straight, cutting in layers can be one of the most defining aspects of your cut. Paul Edmonds, award-winning hairstylist and founder of Paul Edmonds London, explains, "Layering is a bit like sculpting. It helps to change the shape of the hair and should be distributed where you want to put emphasis. It's all based on face shape, bone structure and hair type."

Layers Suit Anyone and Everyone 

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(Image credit: @LAURAHARRIER)

The great news is that layers work for every single hair type. Having said that, they are commonly used as a way of taking weight out of thick styles. Because of this, many people with thinner hair who want to create the illusion of thickness often worry that layers will worsen the situation. However, Barton says there's no need to be concerned. "Layers do take weight out of the hair and can make hair look more fine. However, bespoke, tailored layers in key areas can actually enhance fine styles," he says. 

Because layers don't come in one shape and size, it's worth noting that they can always be tailored to the individual. "Anyone can have layers. It's just about how you do it. Layers are there to produce movement. I think many are worried that they'll be left with layers that are too short, but nowadays, we tend to keep them longer and cut through for a more natural finish," says Edmonds.

Soft Layers Are All the Rage

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(Image credit: @ROSIEHW)

When we think of layered hair, it's all too easy to imagine a super-choppy ’80s-style mullet, but 2023-style layers couldn't be more different. "The shag haircut is very popular at the moment, but it's much more of a high-fashion trend. The layers are much softer in 2023 compared to those that we saw in the ’70s and ’80s," reveals Edmonds. With longer layers, the hair looks more natural, giving that air-dried but tousled effect we all crave.

Layers Boost Curls

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If you've got curly hair, layers could make all of the difference. "Curls can benefit massively from layers as they stop the hair looking triangular and lengthen the face," explains Barton. 

Having said that, those with curls (much like those with fine or thin hair) should discuss the process with their hairdresser thoroughly. "Your hairstylist should be able to help you determine what will work. If you have curly or wavy hair, always remember that putting layers in will actually increase the curl," says Edmonds.

Tempted? Keep scrolling for all of the layered-hair inspiration you could possibly need.

20 Layered Hair Styles We Love...

1. Layered Mixie

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(Image credit: @ALYSSAINTHECITY)

Layers put through a long pixie cut (or mixie) create a softer, fluffy look that can be styled in countless different ways. Plus, the style looks just as great with no styling at all.

2. Choppy Layers

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(Image credit: @NNENNAECHEM)

Nnenna Echem's choppy, sun-kissed layers make for the ultimate effortless-looking style.

3. Voluminous Waves

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(Image credit: @EMILISINDLEV)

Mermaid waves aren't going anywhere, and layers will only give the waves more texture and lift.

4. Layered Pixie

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(Image credit: @INTHING_)

A layered, tightly cropped pixie cut is the perfect way to create movement in textured styles.

5. Thick Bob

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(Image credit: @JEN_WONDERS)

If you have thick hair but want to embrace the bob life, incorporating layers into your style will take weight out of the ends to give it volume and vitality.

6. '70s Shag

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(Image credit: @SABINASOCOL)

Sabina Socol's ’70s-inspired shag cut is absolute goals. We're loving the strong parted fringe, too.

7. Feathered Ends

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(Image credit: @NATASHANDLOVU)

Long layers that are curled under at the end make for the ultimate bouncy, blow-dried finish.

8. Coiled Pixie

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(Image credit: @SLIPINTOSTYLE)

Pixie cuts can be layered, too. Different layers are cut throughout and are longer on the top than on the sides.

9. '90s Middle Part

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(Image credit: @JENNIFERANISTON)

Look to Jennifer Aniston's layered style for a chic and choppy update. 

10. Cropped Curls

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(Image credit: @KERRYWASHINGTON)

Kerry Washington's tight curls are layered to create more shape, and we're living for this look. 

11. Beachy Waves

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(Image credit: @THEVYCSOURCE)

Layered, beachy waves like these make for the ultimate no-fuss style.

12. French Bob

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(Image credit: @LEFEVREDIARY)

If you have thick hair but still want to go for a blunt chop, long, fine layers like this add movement to an otherwise bulky cut. If you ask us, this fringed bob is absolute perfection.

13. Curtain Fringe

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(Image credit: @CAMILLECHARRIERE)

The basic recipe for cool French-girl hair is long, choppy layers with a parted fringe.

14. Long Curls

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(Image credit: @ZENDAYA)

Zendaya's layered curls are totally iconic.

15. Face-Framing Feathering

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For a more polished look, take inspiration from Priyanka Chopra Jonas and go for a feathered finish around the face.

16. Bouncy Blow-Out

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Jennifer Lopez's subtle layers are what make her trademark bouncy lengths possible.

17. Tapered Curls

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We love the way that Logan Browning's layers have been carefully cut to create volume on top.

18. Grown-Out Layers

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Salma Hayek proves that straight styles look just as great with layers as wavy ones do. 

19. Super-Long Balayage

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(Image credit: @CHRISSYTEIGEN)

Chrissy Teigen's balayage combined with soft, super-long layers is everything long-hair dreams are made of. 

20. Undone Shag

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(Image credit: @EMRATA)

Emily Ratajkowski perfectly demonstrates how the iconic shag style has been updated for 2021. Keeping things soft and subtle is the way to go. 

Shop Nourishing Treatments for Layered Hair:

Next Up: The Experts Have Spoken––These 12 2023 Hair Trends Are the Only Ones That Matter

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.