How do you cut layers for medium-length hair?

Before adding layers to your cut, consider your hair type and texture since this will determine what type of layers will work best for you. While you can cut face-framing layers at home, we recommended getting a full cut at the salon for best results.

Does thick hair look good with layers?

Thicker hair types will particularly benefit from layers , as they add shape by removing weight from your overall tresses. There are several option you can opt for depending on your texture, from choppy layers to long and gradual layers.

Do layers look good on thin, fine hair?

Thinner hair may also benefit from layers, especially when done on the strands surrounding your face. Layers can help add more volume and create additional depth within your strands. Try to avoid too many layers or choppy cuts as these styles may remove some of the volume you may want to preserve.

58 Chic Medium-Length Layered Haircuts for All Textures

Kourtney Kardashian with a mediumlength hairstyle and large glasses — @dimitrishair / instagram

If you’ve been growing out shorter hair, you may be looking for some style inspiration. Hair that stops at the shoulder is often not short enough to be embraced as a bob or a pixie, yet not long enough to style in high ponytails or longer braids. Still, there are plenty of ways to style medium-length hair. First, a good cut will make a difference. Think face-framing layers, opting for bangs or switching up the way you part your hair. We’ve reached out to professional hairstylists for ideas, tips, and advice on how to style medium-length hair. Keep reading for 58 looks inspired by celebrities, which include a variety of hair types, textures, and styles.

Meet the Experts

Adir Abergel is a celebrity hair stylist and a creative director of the hair care brand Virtue.
Anastasia Stylianou is a hairstylist and texture specialist for red carpet events, editorial, and advertising.
Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of his own haircare line.

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Lived-In Layers

Person with mediumlength hair and a white shirt looking at the camera — @lacyredway / instagram

Tessa Thompson’s medium-length haircut is expertly layered to frame her face, creating a look that feels both effortless and edgy.

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Farrah Fawcett Fluffiness

Kourtney Kardashian with mediumlength wavy hair and glasses — @dimitrishair / instagram

Kourtney Kardashian is channeling her inner Farrah Fawcett with her new fluffy, feathery haircut.

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Fresh, Layered Blowout

Sarah Michelle Gellar posing with mediumlength hairstyle — @justinemarjan / instagram

The right haircut takes a bouncy blowout to the next level. Curtain bangs paired with layered shaping throughout create movement, lift, and added depth.

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Old Hollywood Blowout

Zendaya wearing a sparkly knit top and a black blazer with her hair styled in a side-part blowout — Getty Images

Tousled and sexy, Zendaya's side-swept part is giving Old Hollywood glamour. To get this look at home, put your hair into rollers and use lots of texture spray, such as Drybar Triple Sec 3-In-1 Finishing Spray.

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Flirty Fringe

Asian model looking to the side with black choppy haircut with wispy bangs — @jennychohair / Instagram

Hoyeon's fluffy waves are both edgy and voluminous. Andrew Fitzsimons recommends applying product before using any heat in order to recreate this look. "Apply the Andrew Fitzsimons Model Volume Boosting Wave Spray to towel-dried hair, to help bring natural volume and curls to the hair," he says.

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Wavy Lob

Woman posing touching her hair brunette, wavy hair — @nikkilee901 / Instagram

Influencer Maggie Keating rocks a curly, layered lob. Her brunette locks were curled using a medium-width curling iron and looks to have been brushed through with a wide-tooth comb. Just make sure to use a heat-protectant like Mermade Hair Mermade Mist 2.0.

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Face-Framing Strands

Hillary Duff with medium length wavy blonde hair — @nikkilee901 / Instagram

Calling all Lizzie McGuire fans! Hillary Duff has never looked better with her bright blonde 'do. We love the layered pieces framing her face. To recreate a similar style, use a flat iron to lightly curl and bend the hair.

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Middle-Parted Coils

Quinta Brunson with medium length, coiled hair parted down the middle. — Getty Images

A middle part can work with any hair texture—whether you have naturally curly hair or like to opt for extensions—as seen here on Quinta Brunson.

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Bombshell Curls

Close up of Eva Mendes with voluminous light brown curled hair with soft glam makeup and a teal shirt — Getty Images

Eva Mendes looks like a total bombshell with her large fluffy curls. Her medium-length hair was cut near her collarbones and we love this look on her.

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Braid Out Blonde

Woman posing outside with balayage bronde hair that stops on her chest — @anhcotran / Instagram

Jessica Biel's effortless waves look stunning. If you have straight hair, Fitzsimons recommends starting this look the night before. "Wash your hair and let it air dry, " he says. "Then, proceed to braid your locks into two or three braids, starting at the ear and continuing all the way down to the ends of the hair." Finish by using Andrew Fitzsimons Après Sexe Texture Spray.

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Braided Layers with Beads

Tiffany Battle posing in sunglasses with layered braids with multicolored beads — @tiffanymbattle / Instagram

Tiffany Battle is one of our favorite influencers to follow for textured hair inspiration. She rocks the beaded braids look with layered, shorter pieces framing her face. "I recommend using a moisturizing serum, such as the Andrew Fitzsimons Fantasy Curls Nourishing Serum," Fitzsimons recommends. "This will help smooth flyaways and also leave locks looking shiny."

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Soft Waves

Sophia bush looking away from camera smiling with brown balayage, wavy hair at medium length — @nikkilee901 / Instagram

A sun-kissed brunette color like Sophia Bush's is easy to maintain. If you want to recreate her soft waves, use a large curling iron and brush them out with your fingers to get that effortless look.

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Voluminous Fringe

Natasha Liu Bordizzo posing from a side angle showing off thick, layered haircut with bangs — @jennychohair / Instagram

You can't go wrong with a mid-length fringe—just take a look at Natasha Liu Bordizzo's 'do! To get this style, use a volumizing shampoo and blow dry your hair. "After the blow dry, lightly tease the roots of the hair to give in that extra voluminous look at the top of the head," Fitzsimons says. "Take a large barrel curling wand, about 1.5 inches, and curl pieces of the hair in different directions to give it a piecey, textured look."

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Parted Waves

Close up of Sydney Sweeney with golden blonde medium length hair that's all one length — @colorbymattrez / Instagram

Go full 1970s like Sydney Sweeney with a middle part and added volume on the length of your hair. For a similar look, use a curling iron and curl towards your face while focusing on the ends.

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Shaped Curly Cut

Closeup of Yara Shahidi with voluminous curly afro — Getty Images

If you want to embrace your natural texture, Yara Shahidi offers plenty of inspiration. Here, her layers are cut to perfectly frame her face.

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Side Swept Waves

Priyanka Chopra posing with dark brown wavy medium length hair with purple lips — @harryjoshhair / Instagram

If you have thicker hair similar to Priyanka Chopra, you may want to opt for a side part. This will give you a similar side-swept look as seen here. Use a one-inch curling iron so your strands fall exactly where you want them to.

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Vintage Blowout

Samara Weaving with curtain bangs and ginger hair that fell over your shoulders — @colorbymattrez / Instagram

Swept layers are trending and if you want to recreate Samara Weaving's look, Fitzsimons has some advice. "On clean and towel-dried hair, apply the Andrew Fitzsimons AF1 Restructuring 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, and proceed to go in with a round brush and blow dryer," he recommends. "Blow dry the hair to give it a voluminous bouncy curl. Finish off with the bangs, flipping up the ends of the hair with the round brush and hair dryer to give it some volume."

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Spiral Curls

Alanna Arrington on red carpet with dark brown spiral curled hair — Getty Images

Alanna Arrington's layered ringlets look beautiful. It turns out they are also easy to recreate. If you have naturally curly hair, apply It's a 10 Haircare Coily Miracle Curl Cream. To make sure your curls hold, "generously apply the Andrew Fitzsimons Body Volume Blowdry Hold Spray from root to tip on damp hair then dry the hair for a smooth and voluminous base," Fitzsimons recommends. "Section off the hair with hair clips. Next, go in with a thin 0.5-inch barreled curling wand, and proceed to wrap small sections of hair around the wand."

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The Rachel

Jennifer Aniston with blonde highlights and layered haircut — Getty Images

"The Rachel" is one of the most iconic hairstyle of the 1990s thanks to Jennifer Aniston. More recently, she has been sporting an updated version of the cut, which includes face-framing layers. Get the look by using a volumizing spray and styling cream.

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Air-Dried Shag

Shanina Shaik medium curly hair — Michael Stewart / Contributor / Getty Images

Shanina Shaik loose curls and side part look gorgeous on medium-length hair. It is also a great example of a shag cut on curly hair. "The shag is making a huge comeback with many celebrities," Abergel says. "The modern-day shag has an effortless, rock-and-roll feel to it. It’s all about the cut when it comes to achieving the perfect shag. Ask your stylist to give you a modern shag with tons of texture to frame your face softly."

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1960s Lob

Emma Roberts with shorter blonde hair with half up half down updo — @nikkilee901 / Instagram

Emma Roberts opted for a 1960s-inspired updo to style her straight lob. Here, her strands are pinned up in a half-up, half-down look with some waves added throughout the length.

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Casual Blowout

Jamie Chung posing in front of flower wall with medium length, thin blonde hair — Getty Images

If you have finer hair, you'll love Jamie Chung's 'do. To recreate her look, style your hair using Color Wow Style on Steroids Color-Safe Texturizing Spray. Use a hair straightener to create slight bends and movement throughout the length.

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Side Swooped Bangs

Helena Christensen taking a selfie with layered brown side swoop hair — @harryjoshhair / Instagram

Layers on layers are timeless, as seen here on Helena Christensen. "While blow drying the hair, wrap the hair around the brush, and hold the hair in that position while blow drying," Fitzsimons recommends. "Continue to twirl the hair around the brush to give it a curl effect and finish with a cold shot to set it in place." If may also want to try heated rollers.

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Naturally Wavy

Liu Wen on a red carpet with curly bob with bangs — Getty Images

We love Liu Wen's naturally wavy hair. To recreate the look, apply Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Boost Root Lifter. You may also use a small curling iron if needed and wrap your hair in different directions for some additional volume.

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Curtain Bangs

Close up of Rachel McAdams posing with layered blonde blowout and a green shirt — Getty Images

Rachel McAdams mid-length layered cut perfectly highlights her balayage. Blow dry your face-framing layers away from your face using Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Spray to recreate this look.

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Diffused Curls

Logan Browning with a layered, curly fro — Getty Images

If you have naturally curly and textured hair like Logan Browning, product application and preparation are key. Fitzsimons suggests using a curl-defining shampoo and conditioner before applying a cream such as Andrew Fitzsimons Fantasy Curls Anti Frizz Curl-Defining Treatment Cream. To dry your hair, "use a diffuser attachment and the cool setting, on a blow dryer’s lowest speed to cool-blast the hair, in a scrunching motion, to help set the products in place."

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Beachy Waves

Justine Maran blonde side part wavy medium cut — @justinemarjan / Instagram

Kristin Cavallari's hairstyle and color reminds us of a warm day at the beach. "To obtain this volume, it's important to first blow out the hair, and go in with the Andrew Fitzsimons Discreet AF Dry Shampoo at the roots to give volume and bounce at the roots," Fitzsimons says. "Section the hair off, starting at the bottom and then working the way to the top of the head. Go in with a large barrel curling wand and curl the hair section by section, in opposite directions." Finish the look by combing through your locks.

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Slicked and Swooped

Laura Harrier with slicked hair with swooped out ends — @renatocampora

Laura Harrier's mid-length hair was slicked back and the ends were curled outwards for a vintage and timeless look. Use a round brush to replicate this style by curling the ends away from the face as you blow-dry your hair.

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Classic Bob

Hailey Bieber debuts her new bobbed haircut — @haileybieber

"This textured shoulder-length bob is flattering for almost everyone and it will always be in style," Abergel says. "Breaking down the texture on a shoulder-length bob makes it modern."

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Straight Side Part

Olivia Munn with medium length dark brown hair styled in side part with light brown highlights — Getty Images

Olivia Munn's caramel highlights and medium-length hair looks great parted to the side. Recreate the look by using texturizing spray, a blow dryer, and straightening iron. Blow dry your hair while focusing on the roots. Then, use a straightener and heat protectant like The Frontal Queen Smooth Moves Flat Iron Spray in order to smooth potential flyaways.

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1960s Bob Cut

Menger Zhang with a 1960s inspired bob with bangs — @renatocamporo

Menger Zhang's 1960s-inspired bob is all about soft and round edges. Her bangs and ends were curled to frame her face just under her brows and her chin.

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Choppy Shag

woman with blonde wavy shaggy hair and butterfly tattoo on her arm — @stephengarrison / Instagram

This choppy shag with face-framing layers is reminiscent of 1970s rock and roll. Use a texturizing spray to add volume and movement to your final look.

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Wispy Bangs

January Jones looks chic and casual with her wavy mane and wispy bangs. Her choppy ends add movement to her overall look for a style that can be worn everyday.

Byrdie Tip

Consider your hair texture when deciding whether you want a cut that's blunt or one with texture. Blunt cuts work well with fine hair since they add structure and fullness while those with thick tresses may want to opt for a textured style to remove weight and create movement.

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Slicked Back Blowout

Winnie Harlow posing from a side angle with hair styled in a no part curled style — Getty Images

We love Winnie Harlow's nod to Old Hollywood though her hairstyle as pictured here. "Blow dry the hair straight," Fitzsimons recommends. "Part your hair to your desire with a brush then section the hair so that you're able to start from the bottom of the hair to the top. I recommend using 1 to 1 ½ inch heat rollers for this look. Apply throughout your hair and let it sit for 20 minutes."

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Side-Swept Fringe

Jennifer Garner with layered hair and side swept bangs — @jennychohair / Instagram

Jennifer Garner's rich chestnut hair looks great when worn in wavy layers and a side-swept fringe. Keep the layers at varying length to add some movement and texture.

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Wavy Shag With Curtain Bangs

Jenna Ortega with tousled lob and feathery fringe at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards — Amy Sussman / Getty

Here, Jenna Ortega's hair is styled in a classic shag. Loose waves add some body for a more casual style, while her bangs were slightly parted in order to frame her face.

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Tight Coils

Zendaya celebrated her textured hair by opting for tighter coils and lots of volume. "I’ve always been a huge fan of embracing your natural texture. Bangs look so chic, worn curly and natural," Abergel says. In order to recreate and maintain this look, try to pay special attention to your curly hair routine. "If you're a natural babe and you just want your curls to look effortless and healthy like Zendaya’s, I recommend paying extra attention to your curly hair routine," Stylianou recommends. "Invest in a microfiber towel, a silk pillowcase, and oiling and treating your hair regularly."

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Face-Framing Lob

Barbara Palvin glossy lob with face-framing layers — Victor Chavez / Getty Images

Barbara Palvin's glossy lob comes with face-framing layers for added structure. If you have thinner hair, achieve fullness and body by flipping your ends towards the inside.

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Middle Part Lob

Lucy Hale posing with brown bob in front of flowers — @andrewfitzsimons / Instagram

Andrew Fitzsimons styled Lucy Hale's hair using the bend method and we're obsessed. Grab your flat iron and lightly bend small chunks of hair for a similar look.

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Deep Side Part

Constance Wu wavy, choppy layered lob — Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images

Constance Wu shows us waves and a pinned back strand can take choppy layers from edgy to romantic. Opt for a deep side part and pin back a few strands with your favorite hair accessory.

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Wet-Look Waves

Normani wet, wavy medium-length waves — Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Normani opted for wet-look hair, which was styled in waves and a side part. Use a gel and cream product combo to give your strands both a similar wet finish and some definition.

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Subtle Swoops

Kirsten Dunst with a blonde medium length cut, with swooped curly ends. — @brycescarlett / Instagram

Kirsten Dunst's hairstyle is an excellent choice for those on the shorter end of medium-length hair. Her ends were subtly curled for a bouncy and elongated final result.

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Timeless Elegance

Aja Naomi King glossy wavy shoulder-length hair — Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Aja Naomi King's hairstyle is timeless, elegant and romantic. Curl your ends and add movement to the strands framing your face to recreate this look.

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Hollywood Side Part

Here, Emma Watson wears a deep side part tucked behind one ear, while the length of her hair was styled to cascade on a single shoulder. This glamorous look can be worn up or down depending on your final makeup look and outfit.

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Dimensional Layers

Ahy Mitchell wavy layered medium-length hair — Taylor Hill / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Shay Mitchell has experimented with several hairstyles over the years. Here, she is wearing layers of varying length throughout her hair in order to add some dimension.

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Brow-Grazing Bangs

Sydney Sweeney in a '70s wispy fringe — @sydney_sweeney

Sydney Sweeney's long wispy bangs are a direct nod to 1960s mod style. Here elongated bangs were cut under the brows. If you have finer hair, this look can be worn as is, swept to the side or blended into longer layers.

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Asymmetrical Bob Cut

Thandie Newton asymmetrical haircut — Vera Anderson / WireImage / Getty Images

Can't decide on length? Thandiwe Newton opted for an asymmetric bob for an avant-garde look. Try using a sea salt spray for similar waves.

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Straight Layers with Blunt Bangs

blunt and choppy shag haircut — @anhcotran / Instagram

This layered and choppy look with bangs is pure rock and roll.

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Curls with Fringe

Asian woman with long shaggy hair and wide bangs — @mizzchoi / Instagram

This look modernizes a classic medium-length mane by adding feathery layers and a full-on fringe. Use hair cream to ensure your strands remain moisturized after adding any heat.

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Pinned-Back with a Side Part

Chanel Iman with pinned back straight hair — @chaneliman

This hairstyle is great if you are looking for a casual way to style your locks even past hair day. Here, Chanel Iman wears straight hair pinned back while her edges were slicked back as well.

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Side Swept Volume

Miranda Kerr's look is one of our favorites. She wears highlights framing her face and on her ends for some added dimension.

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Tight Natural Curls

Parisa Fitz-Henley naturally curly shoulder-length hair — Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Actress Parisa Fitz-Henley soft layers help add some shape and dimension to her natural coils. Stylianou recommends using Olaplex treatments to maintain moisture in your hair and ensure the health of your curls. "Do this on a weekly basis [and] leave overnight to get maximum effects," she says.

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Wavy Layers

Adriana Lima thick, wavy mid-length hair — Ben Gabbe / Getty Images

Adriana Lima's wavy style looks both chic and effortless. If you have thicker hair, layers are a great way to remove weight and add some shape to shorter strands.

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Tousled With Length

Taraji P. Henson attends the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. ( — Jon Kopaloff / Stringer / Getty Images

We love Taraji P. Henson's mermaid-inspired style. "This length looks great on anyone. It’s lower maintenance, fresh, and youthful," Abergel says.

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Subtle Waves

blonde woman with caramel highlights a subtle shag haircut — @nikkilee901 / Instagram

If you want to add an edge to your medium-length hair, this is an example of a subtle layers. The model's layered and wispy ends pair works well with waves. Her highlights add some additional dimension to the look.

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Retro Waves

Laura Harrier's hairstyle is a nod to old Hollywood glamour. "Ask your stylist to always add Olapex when lightening your hair to avoid breakage," Stylianou recommends for the integrity of this looks. "Another top tip to keep hair looking clean and not brassy is to use a toning mask."

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Bouncy Blowout

Khloe Kardashian posing in grey cropped two piece set and sparkly silver boots with brunette, blow out hair — @justinemaran / Instagram

Bouncy blowouts like Khloe Kardashian's can be recreated at home. "Use a round brush to dry the hair, and go section by section," Fitzsimons says. "Wrap the section of hair around the round brush and pull the brush down the hair, but do not let it drop. Keep the hair wrapped around the brush and roll the brush back up to the top and continue the pulling motion, drying the hair from underneath for added volume. After a few brushes, hold the ends of the hair wrapped around the brush, and focus the hair dryer on the ends of the hair for a wispy look."

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Face-Framing Layers with Highlights

woman with brown layers and highlights and wavy hair — @mizzchoi / Instagram

These gorgeous face-framing layers are enhanced by the model's dimensional chocolate and caramel highlights.

FAQ

How do you cut layers for medium-length hair?

Before adding layers to your cut, consider your hair type and texture since this will determine what type of layers will work best for you. While you can cut face-framing layers at home, we recommended getting a full cut at the salon for best results.
Does thick hair look good with layers?

Thicker hair types will particularly benefit from layers, as they add shape by removing weight from your overall tresses. There are several option you can opt for depending on your texture, from choppy layers to long and gradual layers.
Do layers look good on thin, fine hair?

Thinner hair may also benefit from layers, especially when done on the strands surrounding your face. Layers can help add more volume and create additional depth within your strands. Try to avoid too many layers or choppy cuts as these styles may remove some of the volume you may want to preserve.