If you’re curious about the pros and cons of layered hair you’re in the right place.
Seems layers have gotten a bad rap due to how they were abused in the past. You know when they were regarded by some as the cure all for all that ails your hair?
And once so labelled as to-be-avoided it’s a hard image to shake.
So it’s no surprise the mere mention of the word “layers” causes some to freak out.
That’s not to say there aren’t some less than desirable issues to keep in mind. But then nothing is perfect.
So we rounded up all sorts of pros and cons of life with layered hair. Some you may know. Others maybe not so much.
If you love to compare the pluses and minuses this one’s for you!
PROS
#1 VOLUME
Volume. And yes, more volume. That makes layers the perfect marriage for those with fine, thin, straight strands. Or anyone who want to juju-up the volume and get a fuller look to things.
This works wonders with long and short hair. Now if you’re curious about how to cut short hair in layers with scissors you might find that article we wrote helpful. Especially given there is so little step by step help to be found online.
Know another thing layering does? It helps “move” the volume from where you don’t need it to where you need it the most. Think less triangle head and more voluminous hair around the crown of your head.
#2 DIFFERENT LOOK – SAME LENGTH
Turns dull, do nothing hair into a fresh, exciting, wow-worthy look that can be anything but ordinary. Perfect if you love your length but find yourself dreaming of a new you.
#3 LIGHTENS UP THICK HAIR
Shed unwanted weight. Doing so leaves you with a mane that is less heavy and more manageable. Plus enjoy added dimension when wearing your hair down. Dimension you don’t get when you’ve got single length curtain of hair – pretty as that can be too.
You’ll also likely find your mane has more life and doesn’t just sit flat on your head. Right. No wimpy tresses!
#4 RESHAPES THINGS by injecting some shape into otherwise lifeless locks. Especially if they’re really long.
Zhuzh up your style with just a few snip snips. Not to mention it just looks sexier when you do break out the curling iron. Or socks and robe belts if heatless is more your thing.
#5 FASTER DRYING is not something you might think of. But with less bulk drying time will be shorter.
#6 BRINGS CURLS TO LIFE if your hair has even the slightest inclination to bend. Less weight makes it easier for that to express itself down the entire length of the hair shaft. More curls. More pretty to flaunt.
#7 MORE MOVEMENT
When you remove the excess weight you also add more sexy movement into your hair. Layers free your strands to move and flow more. Ponytails can seem a bit bouncier. All the more for those with straight thin hair.
#8 EASIER TO BRUSH OUT is another easily overlooked advantage. It’s hard to run a brush through long locks. But since more layers mean less hair – not so hard. Best of all your layered hair looks thicker. Go figure.
#9 FACE FLATTERING layers frame your face in such a head turning way. Ridiculously easy too. So don’t mistakenly think layered haircuts are an all or nothing kind of thing.
Strategically adding just a few layers can frame and soften your face. Letting your bring out the best in your eyes, cheeks or lips.
Of course not all is rainbows and unicorns with layered hair. There are some cons to consider. Maybe too many?
CONS
#1 HIGH MAINTENANCE
Some point out layers can require a lot of salon time to keep them looking cute and all. Plus maybe more styling products. Plus more time spent with a round brush and blow dryer.
Yeah they may demand that of you at home and then some to get them looking decent.
No rolling out of bed with flawless layers for you!
Then beyond the time involved is the cost. Visiting the salon every six weeks will add up. Which is why some turn to doing this themselves. Which may or may not be smart.
The extra maintenance thing is the drawback we all fear. But it may or may not be that bad in your case.
#2 RISK BEING STRAGGLY OR STRINGY if the layers are done wrong. All the more for thin hair. So much so it’s almost like your hair vanishes.
Along the same lines …
#3 BAD LAYERS suck. No other way to say it. And when layers go bad they’re very bad. Your hair will look choppy and uneven for quite a while until the shortest layers grow out.
#4 LENGTH LOSS
If you have medium or long hair you’re going to experience some loss of length. It’s unavoidable. It likely won’t be noticeable but it will happen.
One of the more frustrating issues many mention is …
#5 PROLONGED GROW OUT TIME
A common complaint with layered hair is how long the layers-grow-out-time seems to be. And in reality it is going to take as long as your shortest layers need to catch up with the rest. Problem is for some those shortest layers just never get long enough.
One solution is chop all your hair to the length of your shortest layers. I know that may not be what you had in mind when setting out to grow out your layers but it is an option.
Then there’s the …
#6 SCATTERED SPLIT ENDS
Another unexpected hot mess you may notice is a break out of scattered split ends.
When you have hair basically all one length the splits are confined to the ends at the bottom, right?
But if your hair is prone to splits or your love you some hot styling tools to excess, well, with layers the dead ends will now be spread throughout your mane.
These can make your hair look less healthy than it is. Just saying.
#7 AIR DRYING DIFFICULTIES
Some report dissatisfaction with how their hair air dries after getting layers. Makes sense. Air dried hair often doesn’t have a smooth finish to it. With ends scattered throughout it might look even less tamed with more flyaways.
If that’s a problem for you you’ll just have to build in more styling time. Of course pouring on the heat may not help if split ends are an issue.
Then again if you don’t air dry, well never mind.
While others are quick to bring up …
#8 STYLING LIMITATIONS
One BIG negative brought up time and again is the inability to do braids, ponytails and buns. Guess these styling limitations don’t sit well with some braid lovers.
For sure nothing kills a cute style like short ends poking out in odd places and where you least expect them. Especially if you have layered medium length hair.
But truth be told how real this problem is depends on the length of your layers.
Some clever hair divas limit themselves to long layers so that even the shortest layers can still be comfortably pulled back into a ponytail.
Not to mention there’s always bobby pins and hairspray that can help tame shorter layers gone wild. Which can allow you to rock ponytails, buns and other simple updos – with a bit more work.
While those with longer locks can easily remain a member of the Braidy Bunch.
Sure your plaits may not be as smooth. They won’t be as easy to do. Often the braid will taper or peter out on you. Sometimes they can unravel easily too.
So you may have to keep it simple and stick to French or Dutch braids. But you’ll still be able to wear your hair braided up.
And if you’re looking for more helpful advice to make your hair look amazing, please follow our Pinterest hair care boards where we share all kinds of inspiration!
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