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.
In a surprising turn of events, layered hair is back. 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 colouring 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 2020-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 2020 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.
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 at the sides.
She possessed one of the most iconic layered hairstyles of all time. In 2020 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 looks just as great with layers as wavy ones do.
As explained by Barton, layers in textured hair with tight curls help to create shape and avoid a triangle-shaped finish. We can’t get enough of this look.
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 undated for 2020. Keeping things soft and subtle is the way to go.
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