Long Layered Hair & Soft Waves

Layers remove weight from long hair so it moves instead of hanging flat. Face-framing layers start around the cheekbones or chin and draw attention to the eyes; longer, invisible layers keep the ends full while adding bounce. Soft waves — loose S-shaped bends rather than tight curls — add volume through the lengths and make the layers visible.

In the library you will find loose waves with a center part, glossy waves with a side part, long layers with curtain or wispy bangs, and waves with lifted roots for extra volume.

Long layered hair stays healthy and bouncy with a trim every eight to twelve weeks; going much longer lets the ends split and the layers lose definition. Heat styling is what most often flattens waves, so try a leave-in cream and air-drying, or loose braids overnight for heatless waves. If you colour your hair, face-framing layers are a great place for subtle highlights that catch the light.

If your hair is fine, choose fewer, longer layers so the ends stay thick. Thick hair can take more layering and shorter face-framing pieces. Round faces look longer with layers that start below the chin; long faces look balanced with waves and volume at the sides. Want a fringe too? Try curtain bangs or the bangs filter. Want something shorter but still wavy? See lob haircuts.