Layers are a much debated topic as many ask their stylist “Think I should get layers in my hair?” every day.
If your stylist gets them right you’ll get a much needed volume boost with a few snips of the scissors.
Get them wrong and you’re looking at, well, you know!
It’s a styling choice that’s totally negotiable.
Some turn to layers to thin out an abundance of thickness.
Others look to layers to add some oomph to their mane.
Still it pays to keep in mind how you wear your hair most often.
Short layers can severely limit your care free choices (think messy bun). That’s because that they can leave you with an updo that has hair poking out every which way.
And we both know products and bobby pins can only do so much.
Pony tails can also be problematic for much the same reason.
Same with braids. Even pancaked they can come out too skinny too.
But hold on. There could be more to love about layered hair than you might imagine as we explore below.
Quick Section Navigation
- Should I Get Layers In My Long Hair?
- Is a DIY Layered Haircut for Medium Hair a Good Idea?
- Think I Should Get Layers With Curly Hair?
- Pros And Cons Of Layered Hair
- Are Layers Good For Thin Hair?
- Hey, Should I Get Layers In My Fine Hair?
- Is Layered Hair Good For Thick Hair?
- Can You Get Layers With Short Hair?
- What Are Invisible Layers In Fine Hair?
Remember too layering your hair isn’t nearly as hard as filling out your tax forms. But you still need to know stuff. Which is why we added our guide complete with a helpful video that breaks how to cut hair in layers at home down for you step by step. Just in case you need help with the basics.
That said let’s get back to the reason you’re here.
Should I Get Layers In My Long Hair?
You should at least consider romantic layers if you want to do this. That is add some dimension, texture and wow factor to your near endless tresses.
Or if you’re simply out for a stylish change of pace with flair.
Long layers can do that for you.
That appeal is exactly why we did a deep dive into layering long hair yourself at home. Complete with a detailed tutorial that shows you just how to do it. If curious you should check it out!
‘Cause we all know layering is a way to add some pizzaz and personality to your hair. While effortlessly pumping up the volume for those seeking more fullness.
Another way long layered locks can be a hit? If used as a way to make a change while leaving you with plenty of length to work with. They can keep stunning ponytails and sexy updos in play as viable styling options.
Now it pays to honestly discuss what you do and don’t want with the person holding the scissors.
For instance if you have long, poker straight hair you probably want soft long layers to add a touch of movement. What you want to avoid is even the slightest hint of obvious layering.
Always, always, always load up some inspo photos on your cell. You know from Pinterest or Instagram? Doing so can go a long way to insure you get what you have in mind.
Finally, never confuse long layers with layers in long hair. Long layers are all about the distance between the shortest and longest layers. It’s not about the length of your hair.
Is a DIY Layered Haircut for Medium Hair a Good Idea?
Some have discovered medium hair with light layering is like a match made in heaven. Giving you undeniable texture and sexy movement to spare.
Have you?
Maybe not if you’re still stuck asking your friends “Should I get layers in my medium hair?” from time to time.
A sassy, above the shoulder length cut is a great boredom beater. Not to mention it’s a great way to add body, shape and some face framing layers to your look. Is that what you’re looking for?
Remember mid-length is often defined as falling below the chin to shoulder grazing.
While not maintenance free mid-length layered cuts are pretty low maintenance.
That alone might make it a good choice for some who’s morning routine is harried and rushed.
Think I Should Get Layers With Curly Hair?
Okay so you’re wondering if cutting layers into your curls is a good idea or not?
Absolutely! They’re a great idea if you’re looking to develop some shape or get some volume into those curls of yours. Talk about molding eye pleasing looks!
Especially if your hair’s thick. Layering will remove excess weight and almost magically unleash volume in hiding before. Leaving you with hair that’s bouncy and more alive.
Bonus: They can also help you avoid the dreaded triangle head.
Which is why some report getting layers in their curly hair changed everything.
Before moving on to layers and some different hair types let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of layered looks. Some you may not have considered.
Pros And Cons Of Layered Hair
Okay, you’ve probably seen of most of these somewhere before. But there may be an idea or two in thie breakdown that’s new to you.
If nothing else, use this list as a quick review so you can make the right and informed choice for your mane.
First let’s start with the benefits.
PROs
It’s an easy way to lose excess bulk and weight while making super thick hair more manageable.
Add texture, depth and shape while keeping your tresses from looking flat and one dimensional.
Can encourage curls or waviness that is otherwise hidden.
Helps curly girls avoid the dreaded triangle head
Gives you a way to make fine hair look thicker and more voluminous without sacrificing length.
Layered hair tends to be perkier and have more movement.
Now for some problems layers can cause. Problems that may have you looking back at your days with non layered hair fondly.
CONs
Layering thin hair can leave you with stringy strands with no body or wispy ends.
Those fresh new layers may demand more time in your stylist’s chair to keep them look gorgeous and all.
Pony tails may be out or at least trickier – unless you go in for longer layers that let you still pull off a flirty no frills pony.
Same for braids and any inspiring sleek updos. Fact is the shorter the layers the fewer “tie back” styling options you’ll have.
Any split ends that occur will be spread throughout your mane and it can be a time consuming chore to dust them away
When you’re sick of them guess what? You’re stuck with them. With all that piecey-ness some swear it seems like it takes twice as long to grow your hair back to one length. One sanity saving trick to consider is to have all the layers cut to the length of the shortest ones when growing them out
Are Layers Good For Thin Hair?
Ever asked “Should I get layers with my thin hair?”
Truth be told many thin-haired girls have asked if that’s a smart move.
Much to their delight many of them have discovered the volumizing power of layers. Especially with hair that’s naturally on the thin side.
It can also remove some weight giving a fullness boost to the hair close to your roots you can add volume and fullness near your scalp where you may need it most.
Remember too this rule of thumb: the shorter the layers the more volume you get.
The trade-off is the shorter layers tend to thin out the bottom out even more.
So if follicles are already in short supply too much layering of thin hair risks boarding the bus to thin and spindly. Not a good look.
Hey, Should I Get Layers In My Fine Hair?
Sure on the plus side layers can give fine locks some much needed lift and volume.
So if you are blessed with thicker but fine hair in abundance go for it.
How long your hair is plays a part in the decision too. You can get away with layers easier with shoulder length strands than mile long locks.
Which is to say not everyone with fine hair is a candidate for layers. That might be you if your mane is fine, poker straight and runs hallway down your back.
Can you say scraggly?
Another question to consider is how often do you braid your hair? Layered hair isn’t the best candidate for braids anyway. Plus with finer strands you may end up with hair that lacks the volume to support them. And who wants skimpy, skinny plaits?
Best advice? If you have lots of fine hair go for it. If your strands are fine and on the sparse side at most go for some short layers.
Also to help your fine, thin tresses look their best keep the length at collar bone or shorter. Going too long can leave you with hair that’s kinda transparent at the ends.
Going from the ying to the yang …
Is Layered Hair Good For Thick Hair?
A popular way to add some flirty movement to thick hair is with layers. They can give you hair that does more than just lay there like a wet blanket.
Problem is thick hair can become strong willed and react unpredictably.
Plus your stylist must keep his or her enthusiasm in check. Too many layers can lead to out of control volume – there’s that unpredictability again. Worst case you can end up with triangle head.
Regardless layers can make such a huge difference.
The idea is to lose some of the bulk near the roots and internally within your cut to add some dimension. Especially if your hair is on the coarse side to begin with.
So don’t let the mere mention of the word layers strike fear in your heart.
Don’t reject your stylist’s suggestion of just a few to get rid some of the excess bulk you’re carrying around on your head.
Because done right layered hair can actually be good for thick hair!
Can You Get Layers With Short Hair?
You can. Such cuts can be both trendy yet still be considered a classic layered haircut. Which may account for their popularity.
The feminine feel of such a cut is a great fit for those tired of longer hair who are looking for something fresh, chic and sexy.
Going with short layers can work miracles for those struggling with fine hair too. Giving you much needed body and the appearance of locks that are fuller and thicker.
Just be aware layered short hair (ear to neck length) isn’t easy to cut. Read: It takes skills. So working with the right stylist is a must.
Plus such cuts can tend to lose their shape quickly meaning more salon time will be required to maintain the look.
But such a weightless cut can be effortlessly stylish. Leaving you with a textured, undone look that doesn’t require a lot of styling time.
This may be the perfect cut for those with an on the go lifestyle that doesn’t leave a lot of time for styling tools. Or for those girls unafraid to rock their natural texture.
What Are Invisible Layers In Fine Hair?
Some stylists call them ghost layers. Others internal layers. But invisible layers are hot because they are subtle – as in there is no clearly visible line of demarcation.
Besides they just sound fascinating, don’t they?
And they are. That’s because your top layer of hair is mostly untouched. Leaving you with layers that are for all intents and purposes hidden.
While the all-important top layer loses hardly any length.
Creating the illusion of fuller looking hair with volume to spare.
In other words almost perfect for fine locks.
Even better this technique with thicker textures can take out weight without leaving you with hair that looks over layered.
You get a perfectly undone look full of body without thinning things out too much.
Of course getting what you want means you have to communicate with your stylist. Again the key bit of lingo to toss around is invisible, internal or ghost layers.
This approach is becoming common enough that one of those terms should spark the look of recognition in their eyes.
Keep in mind some stylists feel you need at least shoulder length hair for this technique to work well.
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