Layered hairstyles are very much in style right now. Layers can add volume and texture to thin or fine hair or help even out thick hair. But layered hair can often be a challenge to style.
We have gathered tips from professional hair stylists on the best way to care for and style layers. No matter if you have short, curly layered hair, long straight hair, fine hair, or thick hair, you will learn the best way to rock those gorgeous layers!
Long Layer or Short Layers: Which is Best for Your Hair?
Layered hair does not have to be overdramatic. Depending on your preference, hair texture, level of thickness, and hair length, you can opt for a variety of lengths for layers.
Standard layers are ideal for those who want a classic look. They typically are messer in the back with soft face-framing layers. These layers are ideally easy to style with a flat iron or curling wand.
Short layers are best for those who wish to add volume and texture to shorter hairstyles. While they can be a bit of a challenge to style, they are worth the extra effort.
Long layers are ideal for longer hair, whether wavy, curly, straight, thick, or thin. As they are low maintenance, they are the easiest to style. They are ideal for short or long curly or wavy hair as you can allow your hair to air dry to strengthen your waves or curls.
Pros and Cons of Layered Hair
Still on the fence about adding layers to your hair? Below are the main pros and cons of layers to help you decide if layers are right for you.
Pros
- Layers help define curls or waves.
- Layers add both volume and texture to any hairstyle.
- Layers add bounce and movement to your hair.
- Layered hair is both youthful and playful.
- Layers look stunning with color options such as highlights, balayage, ombre, etc..
- Layered hairstyles are flattering and very trendy at this time.
- Layers leave dozens of options for styling your hair.
- Layers are flatting with every face shape, hair texture, and style.
- Layered hair takes less time to dry.
- There are unlimited ways to style layered hair.
- You can dress up layered hairstyles with stylish accessories such as clips, barrettes, etc.
- Layers are the perfect solution to dead ends.
Cons
- If you wish to grow out your layers, it will take a while.
- To maintain the style, you will have your layers trimmed every 4 to 8 weeks.
- Layered hairstyles must be cut by a professional hair stylist with experience in layering hair.
Styling Tips for Caring for Layered Hair
- Deep condition your hair once a week. Start midway down your hair rather than the roots and allow it to sit for at least ten minutes.
- Air dry your hair as much as possible. However, if you have to blow dry your hair or use any type of heat to style your hair, apply a heat protectant to your layered hair.
- Only use hair products, including shampoo and conditioners, that are paraben-free and sulfate free. Use those products that contain natural oils to nourish your layers.
- Volumizing and texturizing products work wonders when styling layered haircuts.
- Bangs are flattering with layers of hairstyles so consider wispy bangs, side bangs, or blunt bangs to enhance your look.
- Blow dry your hair for special occasions to add more volume. Again, we suggest applying a heat protectant to your hair before blow drying. As well it’s best to dry your hair on a low, cool setting to prevent damage to your hair.
- Highlights, babylights, balayage tones, bright color streaks, and other color treatments are a great way to make your layered hairstyle pop.
- Don’t forget to trim your hair every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows, to maintain your layered hairstyle.
- Too much product will weigh down your layers and make them look heavy and limp. Use quality products that will not add weight to your layers, especially if you have curly or wavy tresses.
If you have wavy or curly hair, use anti-frizz serums to prevent frizz and flyaways.
