Does anyone else experience a wave of panic when attending a hair appointment? Whether you’re trying a new haircut trend or cutting it shorter, you want to make sure that your new hairstyle will suit you, right? I’m getting my hair cut soon, and whilst I’m toying with the idea of jumping on one of the summer hair trends, there are two factors that are non-negotiable when I go for my cut. One, I want my haircut to be low-maintenance, and two, I want a timeless style that also flatters my face. And that’s where the face-frame haircut comes in.
Face-framing layers are the flattering haircut I ask for every time I head to the salon. Much like the Tiktok-viral butterfly haircut, these shorter layers around the cheekbones, jawline and the collarbone quite literally frame your facial features. I usually let my hairstylist guide me on where these layers sit best—and this will be different for everyone depending on your hair and its texture. For some, a sweeping curtain fringe pairs beautifully with this layered haircut, whereas others might prefer some longer layers that start around the jawline.
If you’re thinking about getting a face-framing haircut, as I know many of you are, as it’s currently creeping up in Google searches, scroll on ahead for some inspo images and tips on how to style this look.
HoYeon Jung’s tousled face-framing layers give so much body and movement to her hair.
Rachel Green, is that you? I love seeing those ’90s inverted layers coming back, as demonstrated on Chloë Grace Moretz.
Face-framing layers work so well when tying your hair back. Simply let the shorter layers fall loose on either side of your face.
How chic are these flicky layers on Laura Harrier? Bending the ends under is a great way to style the face-framing haircut.
Don’t want to go too short? Longer face framing layers still give movement and bounce to your lengths. I love this haircut on Margot Robbie.
Face-framing layers are ideal if you want to give more oomph to finer hair. They create shape around the front of the face without too much weight being taken out of the lengths.
Yara Shadidi’s curls are perfectly cut to frame her face, and the varying lengths give her hair a beautiful shape.
If you often wear your hair up, think about if you want your shortest layers to be long enough to still tie back into a ponytail. You can easily clip them back, or let some tendrils frame your face. I love this effortless bun hairstyle with face-framing layers.
Jennifer Lopez’s majestic mane has longer face-framing layers through the front of her hair, which allows for body and bounce in these loose waves.
Proof that face-framing layers work well within shorter haircuts, too. Jenna Ortega’s shoulder-skimming cut and curtain fringe feels so chic—just look at that volume.
Any updo is elevated with cheekbone-length layers. I’m obsessed with this effortless bun and face-framing tendrils.
Face-framing layers and fringes are a perfect pairing, as Emily Ratajkowski proves.
If you have straight or wavy hair that already has some natural texture, air-drying your hair can help enhance your layers without needing to reach for a styling tool. Heresheson’s new Air Dry Spray provides just enough hold to enhance your hair’s natural texture and provide a tousled look without being crunchy, like traditional salt sprays.
To give curls definition and gloss, a good curl cream is a must. This one from Shea Moisture contains silk proteins and neem oil to weightlessly hydrate and nourish curls, leaving them healthy-looking and defined.
If you want to achieve that ’90s blowout look, the round brush and curling attachments on the Dyson AirWrap make light work of creating bouncy blowdries. Wrap your hair around the attachments and use the cold-shot button to ensure it’s fully cool before removing your hair from the barrel—this will help your blowout last for way longer.
Price shown is member price. The truth is, you don’t need a hair multistyler tool to create this look. A round brush is a trusty staple in any hairstylist’s kit bag, and you can replicate that salon bounce at home. Simply twist your hair around the barrel as you dry it, letting the hair cool down before you unravel your lengths from the brush. The longer your hair, the larger the brush you’ll need. This Beauty Pie one comes in three different sizes, so there is one for short, medium and long hair lengths.
A powerful hairdryer will make the whole blow-drying process so much easier. I’ve relied on GHD’s Air Hairdryer for years because it dries my hair quickly and the targeted nozzle means smooth blowouts every time.
