JLo layered hair

Top 40 Best Layered Hair Styles in 2021

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Been contemplating lately about whether or not to get your hair layered? We’ve got good news for you! Below are the 40 best layered hair styles worn by celebrities and social influencers alike.

The fact that this style is widely embraced means layered hair is here to stay.

1. Olivia Culpo’s Sleek Layered Hair Styles

Photo by @oliviaculpo / Source

If you’re new to layered hair and prefer having a few layers rather than the full-blown shaggy hair look, why not try out this sleek layered hairstyle of Olivia Culpo?

You can accomplish this look in one simple step. Straighten your hair using a flat iron and as you get towards the end of your hair, swirl the flat iron to get the desired curls. Add hair oil from mid-lengths down to your hair ends for a shiny finish.

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a flat iron at Ulta 
  • Get a hair bush at Dermstore
  • Buy a hair straightening iron at Sephora
  • Grab some hair clips from Amazon

2. This Layered Hairstyle with Caramel Highlights

Layered hair with caramel highlights
Photo by @mechesalonla / Source

Highlights and layered hair make for a fine-looking combo! The caramel highlights help frame your face and add some warmth to it – balancing out the shaggy look of the layered hair. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron to get the desired hair curls at Ulta.
  • Buy a diffuser at Amazon.

3. This Layered Hairstyle with Shadow Roots

Hairstyle with shadow roots
Photo by @mizzchoi / Source

Another style that goes well with layered hair is the shadow root trend. This is achieved by letting your hair grow out a bit longer between dyes causing them to have a darker color than the rest of your hair.

The end result is a shadow contrast. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron to get curls at Dermstore
  • Buy a hot air brush to brush it out at Ulta, Sephora

4. Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s No Layers Layered Hairstyle

No layers layered hairstyle
Photo by @priyankachopra/ Source

Chopra champions the soft, loose, face-framing layered hair. To get this look, you should use a round brush and brush toward the crown area to add volume and accentuate your chin.

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Sephora
  • Buy hair clips at Amazon, Dermstore

5. This Layered Hairstyle with a Deep Side Part

Photo by @voiceofhair / Source

Time to move on from the usual middle part! Why not try out the deep side part instead!? This would give your layered hair added depth.

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a flat iron for black hair at Ulta

6. Selena Gomez’s Chin-Grazing Bob with a Few Layers

Chin grazing bob
Photo by @selenagomez / Source

Not knowing what style to go for with your thin hair? Look no further! Try out this chin-grazing bob of Selena Gomez made prettier thanks to the inclusion of a few layers. The added width and volume make for a fuller head of hair. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy Harry Josh hair clips at Dermstore

7. This Wavy Layered Hairstyle

Wavy layered hairstyle
Photo by @mizzchoi / Source

Waves do a great job at adding texture to your layered hair. To get these beachy waves, use a curling iron, wrap your hair strands around, and after a few seconds…you’ll get the added volume you desire. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Dermstore

8. Nicole Beharie’s Curly Layered Hairstyle

Curly layered hairstyle
Photo by @nicolebeharie / Source

Beharie proves that curly hair can have layers too! This hairstyle suits the humid days as the added weight helps manage the curls better. Also, the deep side part adds shape to the overall simple cut. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Sephora, Ulta

9. This Lob Layered Hairstyle

Lob layered hairstyle
Photo by @kromasalon / Source

Been a fan of lob cuts (i.e. shoulder-length hair)? Why not add in loose waves using a curling wand to give your hair more texture?

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Ulta, Sephora, Amazon

10. Jourdan Dunn’s Short Layered Hair

Short layered hair
Photo by @jourdandunn / Source

Who said short hair can’t have layers? Check out this awesome hairstyle of Jourdan Dunn! The ends are tapered to give more shape, and some longer layers are added just above the jawline. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Ulta

11. This Ash Blonde Layered Hairstyle

ash blonde layered hair
Photo by @beautybychiara_ / Source

Ash-blonde is a good color pick for those hesitant to go for platinum-blonde. For a little extra volume, try adding in some face-framing layers. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Sephora
  • Buy a hair dryer at Ulta, Amazon

12. This Bob Layered Hairstyle

bob layered hairstyle
Photo by @tanyas_image / Source

Wanting to make your bob hairstyle look full instead of flat or frumpy? Let’s add some well-placed layers! Be sure to spray conditioner once a week so that your hair stays hydrated. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Ulta
  • Buy a hair dryer at Dermstore, Amazon

13. Melanie Fiona’s Layered Hair

Layered hair
Photo by @melaniefiona / Source

Fiona’s hair again proves that layers and curls work well together. These good waves help deliver a look that is both effortless and rich in texture. To get these curls, make sure you wrap the curling iron with your hair from root to tip. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Ulta
  • Buy hair clips at Dermstore, Amazon

14. This Face-Framing Layered Hairstyle

Face framing layered hairstyle
Photo by @suparkhair / Source

Tired of having a full head of hair? Why not thin them out with this feathered, layered hairstyle that perfectly frames your face and falls softly on your shoulders? A tip of advice for strong and moisturized hair is to use a hair mask once a week. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Ulta, Sephora

15. Alanna Arrington’s Curly Hair with Subtle Layers

Curly hair with subtle layers
Photo by @alannaarrington / Source

For those with curly hair, having subtle layers can add bounciness to your ringlets – just like Alanna Arrington. To make your hair appear glossier, try using curl-defining cream with an amount the size of a quarter. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hair dryer at Dermstore
  • Buy a hot air brush at Ulta, Amazon

16. This Layered Hairstyle with Bangs

Layered hairstyle with bangs
Photo by @mnnafsalon / Source

Layered hairstyle goes well with bangs as they add dimension to your hair. Consider adding highlights – which gives your tousled hair look more depth. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Sephora, Ulta

17. Eva Mendes’ Soft Curls with Subtle Layers

Soft curls with subtle layers
Photo by @evamendes / Source

Eva Mendes’ hair gives off an old Hollywood glamour. There is a bit of everything: soft curls, subtle layers throughout the hair lengths, and voluminous fringe. The result is a look that is both fresh and classy. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Sephora, Ulta
  • Buy hair clips at Dermstore

18. This Side-Swept Layered Hairstyle

Side swept layered hairstyle
Photo by @xoninackim / Source

Layered hair not only goes well with a front fringe but also a side-swept bang. The combination makes your hair look on the lighter side. You could also add some texture by spraying throughout your hair and scrunching up at the roots. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hair dryer at Amazon
  • Buy a hot air brush at Sephora

19. Oprah Winfrey’s Heavy Layers

Heavy layers
Photo by @oprah / Source

If you have thick, heavy hair, this short bob hairstyle adopted by Oprah Winfrey may be your 

best fit. You could also add flips and volume. 

Usually people with large faces tend to steer clear of short bob lengths. But with this added volume, you could offset the shape and make your face appear smaller. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hair dryer at Sephora
  • Buy a curling iron at Ulta

20. This Shaggy Layered Hairstyle

Shaggy layered hairstyle
Photo by @kapsalonrosa / Source

Wanting to look like a badass!? Consider this short choppy style with shaggy layers. To add shine to your hair, try applying some oil. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Sephora

21. Winnie Harlow’s Layered Hair

Layered hair
Photo by @winnieharlow / Source

Winnie Harlow proves that layers could move curly hair to the next level. For better texture, try a little bit of curl-enhancing gel. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Sephora

22. This Super-long Layered Hairstyle

Super long layered hairstyle
Photo by @mandy.penn / Source

One-length long hair is a bit boring. Why not spice things up by adding a few beautiful layers for a more stylish look!

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a flat iron at Amazon, Ulta

23. Jamie Chung’s Mid-Length Layered Cut

Mid length layered cut
Photo by @jamiejchung / Source

A mid-length layered cut could create some texture to your thin hair. The front layers could be customized to be either elongated or shortened to match your face. 

The layering throughout the hair lengths help you give off a cool, effortless vibe. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a flat iron at Amazon, Ulta
  • Buy a diffuser at Dermstore

24. This Pastel Pink Layered Hairstyle

Pastel pink layered hair
Photo by @cahoots.salon / Source

You know what works well with pastel pink hair? Layers! The combination gives you a badass look.

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Sephora, Amazon
  • Buy a hairdryer at Sephora

25. This Ombre Layered Hairstyle

Ombre layered hair
Photo by @brianaguilarhair / Source

The layers on this ombre hair create a soft texture. Along with the front pieces, this hairstyle gives off a cool vibe.

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Ulta
  • Buy hair clips at Dermstore

26. Jessica Biel’s Long Hair with Short Layers and Honey Highlights

Long hair with short layers and honey highlights
Photo by @jessicabiel / Source

Jessica Biel did a great job with this hairstyle. Instead of leaving her hair entirely loose and shapeless, she took some of the fronts of her hair to create some short layers that wrap around the face. 

There are also some honeyed highlights that add warmth. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Sephora
  • Buy hair clips at Dermstore

27. This Colorful Layered Hairstyle

Colorful layered hairstyle
Photo by @juliastylesus / Source

If you’d like your hair to be unique, try combining different colors. Also, adding layers gives it a more wavy touch.

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Amazon

28. This Natural Hair Layered Hairstyle

Natural hair layered hairstyle
Photo by @econerlys_styles / Source

If your hair is naturally curly, don’t be put off from adding layers. They work on curly hair too!

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Amazon
  • Buy a hot air brush at Sephora

29. Jennifer Lopez’s Subtle Jaw-Length Layers and a Long Center-Parted Fringe

Subtle jaw length layers
Photo by @jlo / Source

J. Lo’s long hair is accentuated with super-subtle jaw-length layers that add some structure and shape. The fringe is long and parted at the center. Last to mention is the bombshell waves likely to be achieved thanks to a medium barrel curling iron

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Ulta
  • Buy hair clips at Dermstore

30. This Pixie Layered Hairstyle

Pixie layered hairstyle
Photo by @shear_elements / Source

Although not clearly seen as in medium or long hair, layers do work with short hair too. They provide some texture and make your hair appear more stylish.

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a flat iron at Amazon, Sephora

31. Alicia Keys’ Layered Hair with Curly Bangs

Layered hair with curly bangs
Photo by @aliciakeys / Source

Alicia Key’s hair is another example of layered curly hair goes right. The layers add more volume, definition, and texture. Also, to top it all off, there are curly bangs that are almost always on-trend. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Amazon

32. This Short and Curly Layered Hairstyle

Short and curly layered hair
Photo by @kaysimpsonhair / Source

This hairstyle is another example of when curls and layers make for a fine combo.

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy at curling iron at Amazon

33. Jennifer Aniston’s Layered Hair

Photo by @jenniferaniston / Source

Jennifer Aniston is too well-known and ‘The Rachel’ layered hairstyle has had many die-hard fans. Its well-placed layers deliver volume-boosting and shaping effects. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a flat iron at Sephora

34. Khloe Kardashian’s Layered Hair

Khloe Kardashian layered hair
Photo by @khloekardashian / Source

Khloe Kardashian’s hair sets a prime model for those with hair extensions. Her hairdresser cleverly disguises the join by packing the mid-lengths and ends of her hair with layers. The result is a cool-girl vibe. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Ulta

35. Jennifer Lawrence’s Hair with Feathered Layers and a Face-Framing Front

Featured layers and a face framing front
Photo by @jenniferlawrence_ / Source

Jennifer Lawrence had feathered layers by cutting them mid-lengths. There is also a slightly deep side part and a face-framing front. The side part is too one-sided to prevent it from looking unbalanced. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a flat iron at Amazon
  • Buy a diffuser at Dermstore

36. Rachel McAdams’ Chic Layered Hair Styles

Chic layered hairstyle
Photo by @rachel_mcadams_style / Source

If you’re a fan of Rachel McAdams’ epic rain kiss, why not mimic her chic hairstyle? It’s got layers that shape her face rather than cut into it. The hair shade is subtle auburn. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a flat iron at Sephora, Dermstore

37. Hailey Bieber’s Layered Hair

Hailey layered hair
Photo by @haileybieber / Source

Hailey Bieber’s style suits those with dense, curly hair. The hairdresser needs special ways of cutting to remove weight yet prevent the hair from becoming triangular. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Sephora, Amazon

38. Taylor Swift’s Shaggy Layered Hair Styles

Taylor shaggy layered hair
Photo by @taylorswift / Source

A fan of Taylor Swift’s shaggy layered lob hairstyle? To get that airy texture, work some dry shampoo through your hair with your fingertips. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Amazon, Ulta

39. Julianne Hough’s Edgy Bob

Edgy bob
Photo by @juleshough / Source

Julianne Hough’s edgy bob is about to change your mind on choppy layers. They can look great! To get the final product, use a flat iron to create undone curls. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a hot air brush at Ulta, Amazon

40. Sandra Bullock’s Shaggy Layered Hair Styles

Sandra Bullock shaggy layered hair
Photo by @sandra.bullock.official / Source

Sandra Bullock’s feather-weight long layers give off a beautiful shaggy style, making her look like a rock star. To achieve this look, try alternate directions as you wrap her hair around a curling wand, and slightly pull each strand to loosen the wave. 

Recommended Tools:

  • Buy a curling iron at Sephora, Amazon

What are the Different Types of Layered Hair Styles?

What are invisible layers in hair?

This works well for fine hair as most of the work is done internally to create texture, volume and added fullness without the external top layering.

What are concave layers?

These layers are achieved by inwardly curling your hair. The modern bob style is a sharply turned curvature between the short back lengths and the longer forward lengths. 

What are textured layers?

Textured hair is cut in a way that is quite similar to layered hair, but it has got a more subtle shape, is more or less one length, and there is minimal bluntness at the bottom.

What are choppy layers?

Choppy layers are bold cut – meant to create volume, definition and movement in hair. To achieve this blunt, edgy look, hair stylists cut large chunks of hair in defined, yet uneven proportions.

What are face framing layers?

They are the hair strands placed at the frame of your face to create a flattering focal point that draws attention to your eyes and brings life to your hair.

How to Choose the Perfect Layered Hair Styles

Preferred length

This is important as you need to first decide on which length you’d prefer your hair to be: short, medium, or long. This helps decide which layered hair styles best suit you. 

Hair texture

Different hair textures call for different styles. For example, thick hair like that of Oprah Winfrey tends to go well with heavy layers. Check out review no. 19 for more details!

Face shape

The right hairstyle should accentuate your face shape: be it oval, round, or anything else. For example, face-framing layers help make your face appear less round or smaller.

Taste/Style

Last but not least is your personal taste. This should be the determining factor as you should feel free to add some personal touches to make your hair unique.

Hair Tools to Create Layered Hair Styles

Harry Josh Curling Irons

We’d recommend Harry Josh curling irons for their compactness and functionality. Designed by the celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh himself, these irons work well and feature adjustable heat settings offering you the flexibility to choose which heat level you like best.

Hot Tools Blow Dryer Brush

For a quick blow dry and brush, why not use the famed Hot Tools blow dryer brushes. They are easy to use and dry your hair in a flash.

Best Hair Dryers for Layered Hair Styles

There are plenty of good hair dryers out there from all makes and models such as Centrix, Panasonic, and Chic Republic. We’ve compiled various lists featuring quiet hair dryers, hooded hair dryers, and best hair dryers so that we could have a wide selection.

Harry Josh Hair Clips

For extra touch-up and styling, you could try purchasing Harry Josh hair clips. They are super convenient and great for DIY hairstyling in the comfort of your own home.

Harry Josh Hair Dryer

Harry Josh hair dryers are a great choice for those wanting a frizz-free look. Equipped with ionic hair drying technology and patented cool air flex, as well as an ergonomically designed handle, these hair dryers are a worthwhile investment.

Layered Hair Styles

Should I get my hair layered?

Layers are good for adding fullness to your fine hair or removing weight or volume from your thick hair. Keep in mind that layered hair needs more time to style and so if you’re a busy person and prefer wash-and-go hair, this style may not be for you.

Do layers add volume to hair?

Yes, layers do make your hair appear fuller.

What is the difference between feathering and layering hair?

Feathering is a texturing haircut technique whereby the ends of your hair are cut, while layering is a style achieved by cutting your hair at variable lengths. 

Is one length hair better than layers?

One-length hair is simple, whereas layered hair removes the extra weight, gives your hair texture, and brings it a fresh new look. 

Summing It Up

Alrighty, guess you can’t wait to head to the nearest hair salon to get that layered hairstyle you’ve set your eyes upon. Hopefully, we gave you lots of helpful reviews and if you have time, feel free to browse our other posts on related hair topics. 

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