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.
With the space between our hair appointments becoming longer, high-maintenance blunt chops are on the out, and no-fuss, layered hair is back. Not only do layers give hair an undone, effortless vibe, they also help to disguise breakage and split ends. (Things that have become inevitable as of late.) And while we hopefully don’t have long to wait until salon doors reopen, we think it’s still important to consider the longevity of our next cuts and ensure we’re getting the most out of the appointments we can get our hands-on.
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 once more. But what does opting for a layered style actually entail? This is everything experts want you to know about layered hair.
Unlike so many other styles and coloring techniques, layers can look totally different on everyone, depending upon how they have been cut and 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 Headmasters Creative and Communications Director, Andrew Barton. 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.”
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 that want to create an 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. It’s worth noting that because layers don’t come in one shape and size, 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.
When we think of layered hair, it’s all too easy to imagine a super-choppy ’80s-style mullet, but 2021-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 2021 compared to those that we saw in the seventies and eighties,” reveals Edmonds. With longer layers, the hair looks more natural, giving that air-dried but soft, tousled effect we all crave.
If you’ve got curly hair, layers could make all of the difference. Barton explains, “Curls can benefit massively from layers as they stop the hair looking triangular and lengthen the face.” . 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.
Layers put through a long pixie cut create a softer, fluffy look that can be styled in countless different ways. Plus, it looks just as great with no styling at all.
Nenenna’s choppy, sun-kissed layers make for the ultimate undone, effortless-looking style.
Mermaid waves aren’t going anywhere this spring, and layers will only give the waves more texture and lift.
A layered, tightly-cropped, pixie cut is the perfect way to create movement in textured styles.
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 life.
Sabina’s seventies-inspired tousled shag cut is absolute goals. We’re loving the strong, parted fringe, too.
Long layers that are curled under at the end make for the ultimate bouncy, blow-dried finish.
Pixie cuts can be layered too. Different layers are cut throughout and are longer on the top than on the sides.
She possessed one of the most iconic layered hairstyles of all time. More recently though, Jennifer Aniston’s layers have had a chic choppy update.
Kerry Washington’s tight curls are layered to create more shape and we’re living for this look.
Layered, beachy waves like these make for the ultimate no-fuss style.
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.
The basic recipe for cool, French-girl hair is long choppy layers with a parted fringe.
Zendaya’s layered curls are totally iconic.
For a more polished look, take inspiration from Priyanka Chopra Jonas and go for a feathered finish around the face.
J.Lo’s subtle layers are what make her trademark bouncy lengths possible.
We love the way that Logan Browning’s layers have been carefully cut in to create volume on top.
Salma Hayek proves that straight styles look just as great with layers as wavy ones do.
Chrissy Teigen’s balayage combined with soft, super-long layers is everything long-haired dreams are made of.
EmRata perfectly demonstrates how the iconic shag style has been updated for 2021. Keeping things soft and subtle is the way to go.
Layered hair requires extra nourishment as it can be prone to breakage. This leave-in treatment can be worked through damp hair after washing to provide heat protection and deliver serious gloss-boosting moisture.
If your hair is prone to split-ends and dryness, this super-nourishing hair mask will strengthen and hydrate strands with utmost ease. Plus, it smells like paradise.
If it’s strong, fortified lengths you’re after, nothing beats this cult treatment.
Keep curls looking smooth and feeling strong with this hydrating, nourishing mousse.
If your layered ends are looking particularly fluffy and you’re after more of a sleek finish, run some of this shine-boosting oil through lengths.
Slather strands in this mask before you go to bed, wake up in the morning, and shampoo it out to reveal strong, shiny, silky-smooth hair.
This rich blend of conditioning oils is the perfect way to add shine, nourishment, and strength to curly and coily styles.
This lightweight conditioning treatment packs a seriously nourishing punch, adding definition, bounce and gloss to coily styles.
