The best layered haircuts that work for every hair type and texture – whether fine, thin, thick or curly

Though it sounds counterintuitive, getting layers in your hair can actually make it seem more uniform in length and thickness, like these layered loose curls (and heads up: The type of layers you get 100 per cent depends on your hair type and porosity). Even though these curls aren’t all hanging at one length, the finished haircut still looks consistent and full all the way down.

The ‘70s are back, ppl, whether you like it or not (and I personally do, FWIW). I’m obsessed with this retro layered haircut. To recreate, ask your stylist to cut thick front sections of your hair for curtain bangs and gradually taper off to the length at the back. Then all you need is a fine-tooth comb and some hairspray to tease in that back volume. Groovy.

As someone who’s currently sporting them, I can’t say enough about curtain bangs (when I see a trend, I jump on it, sorry not sorry). They’re the low-maintenance cousin of front bangs (perfect for avoiding growing bangs out), and they just so happen to go very well with longer layers, as seen in this extremely cute pic. You can hardly tell where they end, and the layers begin, thanks to the very soft and gentle transition.

The best thing about layers is that they honestly look good with either a middle part or a deep side part (sry, Gen Z). The one thing to watch out for: dry ends. When you have layered hair, your ends are on full display, so make sure you keep them moisturised with a hair oil or deep conditioner.

Remember a few years ago when we were all dousing our hair in DIY salt sprays to get beach waves, but just ended up with extremely salty and weighed-down hair? Just me? My point is: One of the lesser-known secrets to beach waves is not an intense amount of salt, but getting shorter, choppier layers in your hair (as pictured) so that without the extra weight, your hair can more easily form a wavy texture (with the help of your fave styling cream and texture spray, ofc).

There is no cut too short for layered hair, and this style from Winnie Harlow is proof. Her short layers give this pixie cut so much volume. To get a textured style like this, be sure to include a texturizer or styling cream in your post-wash routine.

I get it, you want layered hair, but you don’t want to sacrifice too much length. DW, there will be minimal nervous twitching in the salon chair while you get this cut, because the layers are confined to the ends of the hair, so you can still put it all in a scrunchie – with the exception of the curtain bangs that taper down the sides, which are totally optional.

First of all, how cute are the little bangs in this side-parted style? Answer: very cute. Second of all: Putting layers in curls is a great way to get this light, fluffy style and to avoid having your curls feeling super heavy at the bottom and flat on top (in addition to the rest of your extensive curly hair routine, like plopping your curls, using root clips, and sleeping on a silk pillowcase).

Layered hair is a great option if shoulder-length is your personal sweet spot, but you still want to add a little more ~personality~ to your style (or if you’re in the process of growing it out). BTW: If you are trying to grow your hair out, getting layers is an excellent way to get in your v important and v necessary trim to get rid of your split ends and prevent breakage.

These long layered bobs are literally everywhere rn, and layers are key to achieving the style. They work really well with the darted half-waves, and the different lengths of hair give you a ton of texture all over.

I’m willing to bet you’ve been seeing this really cute side-parted style all over your feed lately, and that’s because – aside from being super pretty – it’s a great way to show off your curls. And the way to get that big and voluminous shape? Yup, layers. Bring this pic to your stylist and tell them you want the top layers to be short enough so they stay super light and airy, and to gradually taper them down the sides to get this rounded shape.

NGL, this layered hairstyle makes me want to go to a jazz club and lie dramatically across a piano. It has such a fun retro vibe, and the layered hair is what gives it all that volume and fullness to get there. To maintain the volume, you’ll want to help your hair out with a volumising product.

We love a blunt cut, but long hair that’s all one length can look and feel heavy. Take some of that weight off your strands with longer layers throughout, starting at your clavicles and tapering off downward. Then get a piecey, sleek finish by running a straightener through the ends.

Feathered layers give off all the ’70s vibes – in the best way possible. Even those with fine, straight hair should try light layers like this that’ll give lift and volume without thinning out the hair too much.

This medium-length hairstyle tucked behind the ears proves that layered strands don’t have to be all up in your face. If you still want to be able to wear your hair up in a ponytail without pieces falling out, let your stylist know to take that into consideration when customising your cut.

The key to achieving big, bouncy volume on longer strands? Lots of layers and a blow-dry hair brush that makes blowing out your hair super simple.

The cool thing about layers is that you don’t have to lose the length of your long curly hairstyle to add volume. When curls are all one length, they tend to fall flatter at the roots and create a triangular shape around your face. So ask for layers just around the top part of your hair for instant bounce and movement.

Pretty sure if you were to look up the term “hair layers,” this short hairstyle would be the photo right next to it. Piecey, choppy strands, face-framing fringe, thinned-out ends – this layered cut has it all.