Have you ever discovered yourself scrolling on TikTok or Instagram only to wonder how every creator seems to have an abundant, full-bodied head of hair while you have relatively lifeless strands? While genetics, strong haircare, and a styling regular certainly contribute in how healthy and large hair looks, layers can make a quite huge distinction, too. In reality, according to celebrity hairdresser Suzette Boozer, layers are responsible for producing that total desirable look. Because sense, she says it’s not about the items and tools you use; the cut you start with figures out how complete your hair can look.
Haircut layers are simply as they sound: different lengths of hair layered on top of each other. Whether you select brief layers or long layers, hair colorist and stylist Jeremy Tardo states that layers are designed to add depth and motion to a hairdo. “Layers can change the look of hair by increasing volume, reducing weight, and enhancing natural curls or waves,” he discusses.
Another method to look at the cutting technique? “Layers develop shape in a hairstyle,” says celeb hairstylist Nikki Providence. While it might appear counterproductive, she mentions that by decreasing weight, layers improve the look of volume.
Advantages of Layers
Although layers can seem like a major haircut decision, in truth, it’s a cut that will ultimately make your hair look its finest. The benefits include:
Eliminate excess weight
Boost motion
Showcase texture
Create measurement
Offer shape
” Layers work well for different hair types with various techniques,” says star hairstylist Iggy Rosales.
The way layers will benefit you, specifically, depends upon your hair type, face shape, and total look objective. At the end of the day, though, Providence says that the biggest benefits of layers are that they “can make your hair feel lighter, have heaps more motion, be much easier to design, and produce shape where you want it.”
“Ultimately, layers create shape and movement to hair that wasn’t previously there,” says Ulta Beauty style team elite stylist Justin Toves-Vincilione. Including layers can offer life and design to a hairstyle. Whether you want to frame the face, show off the cheekbones, create balance, or construct weight, there’s a layering method that can match and boost anyone’s hair type.”
Various Types of Layers
Layers can be customized to every hair type and texture but, according to Boozer, they work best when there’s a lot of density at play. “If your hair is straight and you have layers, it takes off a lot of weight, and likewise it gives fantastic definition, various levels in lengths, shape, and style,” she explains.
Of course, that’s simply the pointer of the iceberg. “It’s important to comprehend your hair texture and what it will do if cut shorter, and what shapes you love on your face,” Providence states. As such, below, find particular guidance on how layers can benefit a variety of hair types.
Layers on Fine, Thin Hair.
” On fine, thin hair, layering need to just be done in areas where density can be jeopardized,” Toves-Vincilione states. “This is generally at the fringe and on the crown. Prevent layering the boundary and the interior to avoid losing excessive length and density.”.
That stated, if you wish to really accelerate the layers, you have two alternatives: go with a couple of long layers or go all out with a shag. “Thin hair looks great with a heavily layered shag since this type of hair lays close to the head and can look really stylish if cut well,” Providence states.
Layers on Fine, Dense Hair.
If you have great hair however a lot of it, Providence states layers can improve movement and body. “Fine however thick hair can take a lot more layering,” she exposes. “I like using internal layers to produce motion within the haircut, without necessarily cutting into the top part– this hairstyle can seem all one length but the interior layering can make a more natural line and silhouette.”.
Layers on Thick Hair.
When you have thick hair, the layering choices are essentially endless. “Thick hair is a great candidate for most layers,” Toves-Vincilione states. “Long layers, butterfly layers, and truly any round layered haircut is perfect.” When dealing with thick hair, however, he states to be conscious of the length of your layers. “The goal is to not go too short with the layers (as layers include volume) however produce movement that blends and shapes the hair,” he reveals.
Layers on Curly Hair.
While you may not notice layers on curly hair the very same way you would on, state, straight blown-out hairs, they serve a purpose. “Curly hair without layers generally shapes an A-line type– specifically when long, the volume is on completion where you begin your standard,” Boozer says. With layers, however, you can accomplish practically any shape with curls. “Curly layers are really popular because you can accomplish some truly imaginative and enjoyable shapes with the three-dimensionality of curls,” Providence states.
The technique to accomplishing the layered shape of your dreams is to have a clear consultation with your stylist beforehand. Since layers can take significantly longer to grow out on curls, Providence states to describe your borders and guarantee that they understand how to deal with your hair type so that they are well aware of how your curls will react to the snips. “I believe it’s vital to be knowledgeable about where in the curl the cut is, and what type of cut you’re making on each curl (blunt or tapered),” she adds. “It’s often best to cut this type of hair dry so you can view the shape take kind, however everybody has their own methods so you simply wish to ensure your stylist is somebody you trust.”.
Layers on Straight Hair.
Ultra-straight hair can be layered, however, they often require more styling to make them look cohesive. “If layers are cut into stick straight hair, you will see every single cut– this can work, but it’s a strong look and you simply wish to be aware of what you’re getting yourself into,” Providence says. “This needs to be cut with skill so there aren’t any unintended chops.
Layers on Coily Hair.
Thinking about coily hair is an even tighter variation of curly hair, you need to schedule with a stylist who has experience working with your hair type. “Coily hair takes the longest to grow, so go simple on this hair,” Providence repeats. “It also has the most 3 dimensionality so the shape will actually show. Layers will develop lots of shape, however it’s unusual to find coily hair without any layers at all because that shape end up being a triangle.”.
Aspects to Consider Before Getting Layers.
The biggest thing you ought to consider before getting layers (beyond your hair type, that is), is how much effort and time you’re ready to put into styling your hair. Keep in mind, layers work most easily on thick hair types with minor texture. With this in mind, Providence reminds us that styling straight layered hair can require more effort to preserve.
That said, curly hair requires to be cut with care in order to accomplish your most ideal outcome. So when opting for layers, make certain to think about how you like to design your curls. “Once you choose the haircut strategy, you can choose to have the hair layered while dry or while damp,” states Toves-Vincilione. “Getting layers on curly hair while dry is best for anyone who only uses their hair curly. If you wear your hair curly but likewise like to correct it, sufficing wet with high stress is best.”.
Beyond that, all of the stylists we talked with emphasized the value of looking into stylists before going through with your envisioned cut. “The most important thing to keep in mind when getting layers is that everyone’s hair is various, and what fits you best may not be your [leading] choice,” Toves-Vincilione states. “Also, the most readily available or practical stylist is not the method to go! Take your time investigating and seeking advice from since a bad layered cut is challenging to fix.”.
With this in mind, Tardo suggests reserving an assessment and bringing inspo pictures for your stylist to browse. “This will assist your hair stylist to see what you might have difficulty communicating otherwise,” he says, keeping in mind to “be open to your hairdresser’s tips and expertise as they can assist you pick the right layers for your hair type and face shape.”.
How to Determine Which Layers Are Best for You.
As mentioned above, the best layers for you will depend on your hair type, face, shape, and dedication to styling and maintenance. If you’re uncertain what type of layers will be most appropriate, scroll through your socials.
” Look through loads and lots of pictures of individuals with comparable textures,” Providence says. “Think about your favorite features, and think about where the layers will frame or hide your face– if you like your cheekbones, a layer right at the bottom of your cheekbone can create contour. Layers can draw attention to your eyes or your lips, can help your hair move far from your face, or move into your face providing you a more narrow frame. If you have a high forehead, layers around the front hairline can form it at the edges.”.
As soon as you limit your inspiration and total goal, interact it to your stylist during an assessment. “Ask concerns like ‘Do you have any photos of hairstyles you’ve done on hair comparable to mine? How can I layer my hair without losing my length? Which layered haircuts would allow me to [insert inspo here].”.
Upkeep and Styling Tips.
Remember: Layers need maintenance. “At-home upkeep for a layered cut is crucial,” states Toves-Vincilione. “You need to make certain your haircare products and styling tools depend on date and appropriate for keeping layers. Most of the time, volumizing hair shampoo and conditioner can be the perfect boost to a layered hairstyle.”.
Understanding how to style your layers is crucial for delighting in the cut. “Some hair types can air dry wonderfully with a layered cut, however a lot of require a strong styling regimen to preserve a consistent premium appearance,” admits Toves-Vincilione. Otherwise, you may only like the appearance of your hair the day you leave the hair salon, only to feel prevented every time you wash your hair thereafter.
“This is the best method to maintain the design the exact same way your hairdresser does in the hair salon,” he says. (Hate having to use two hands to style your hair?
Meanwhile, if you feel more proficient with a curling iron, that can work, too. “An easy way to hack the salon blowout is to use a 1.5″ to 2″ curling iron on smooth hair,” Toves-Vincilione says. (May we suggest the T3 SinglePass Curl 1.5″ Ceramic Long Barrel Curling and Wave Iron, $170?) “This recreates the look at home and can seem easier to some.”.
From there, you can spritz on some versatile hairspray (we enjoy the IGK Please Hold Flexible Finishing Hairspray, $32) or further set your volume with velcro rollers (like the Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers, $10). “Use Velcro rollers after styling each section until the whole head of hair is rolled.
If you like to design your hair during the night, blow it out, then wrap your strands into a TikTok-beloved overnight blowout. A few of the very best tools to do so consist of the Overnight Blowout Velvet Rods, $44, Kitsch Heatless Curling Set, $15, and The Sleepy Tie, $29. Come morning, your hair will look expertly burnt out.
As useful as setting your blowout and using ending up items can be for layers, in some cases it requires prep steps to nail the appearance. That stated, if you have great hair, straight hair, or hair that just falls flat, Rosales states to do yourself a favor and begin your styling routine with texturizing mousses and sprays to define and separate layers while offering included hold. A few of our favorite items for the job include Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer ($ 26), Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Texturizing Finishing Spray ($ 29), and R+C o Rodeo Star Thickening Style Foam ($ 36).
” If you like volume on top, an old-fashioned trick I gained from my mama is to hold your head upside down while you dry your roots, utilizing some mousse or root lifter initially to provide it some hold,” Providence reveals. “When the roots are dry, however the ends are still damp, flip your head over and round brush the lengths into the shape you like. This assists you get volume however gives you time to smooth out the remainder of the hair.”.