Craving a change without having to make a big chop? We’ve got you covered.
At one point or another, we’ve all faced the classic salon dilemma when you want a haircut that feels fresh and new, but you love your length and can’t bear the thought of anything more than just a trim. While one-length styles certainly don’t have to lack panache, layers are an easy option for anyone who is craving a change that does not require sacrificing much length. Of course, thick hair and those with curly hair see major volume-boosting effects of a layered cut, but fine and thin hair also benefit from strategically placed layers. Basically, if you have long hair, layering can almost always offer a major refresh.
Here are the best layered haircuts for long hair to consider for your next appointment.
Ash Blonde with All-Over Layers
![Metallic Mushroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/kuyZPNhHrZaFaY1Wd0rHiE2uh0c=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/metallic-0f6431de4a154a289efa948e2fdb03c1.jpg)
Layering helps create dimension throughout your cut. This ash blonde color makes the most of cool tones and a smudged root.
Ombré Brunette with Layers
![Tortoiseshell Melt](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/NgMBx__d3ZZj_hbKpFxruKZm_cA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/sunset-ombre-75ade28d794f4f63a9798ea7df4b66d4.jpg)
Darker hair have some fun with this ombré color and layered cut. Ombré starts with dark hair color at the roots and transitions to a lighter color near the ends for a stunning result.
Curly Hair with Balayage Layers
![Golden Hour Blonde](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jqmAY6zWVIo-e2wy-oP5fgd_GLY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/golden-hour-633c78f3452340c5b1b0279b256cb48e.jpg)
Adding subtle caramel hair color allows each curl to catch the light. Ask for layers to further accentuate the look.
Long Blonde Hair with Soft End Layers
![Layered Blonde](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/uh0lR4OnHfJ1cFW8rJ4Rd_SFlvA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Screen20Shot202019-07-3120at2010.15.0920AM-c13970ec6c02410a9944325bece0a1cd.png)
These face-framing layers blend easily into long hair, and the result is a soft cut that looks great with a longer mane.
Side-Swept Layers
![Textured Medium Cut](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/pSD__bx6pTbKL88VSXl1EumeWNI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/textured-medium-5cb7cc88850840849d78e13691047c67.jpg)
For those who still love a flattering side part, layers can add volume that helps hair not fall flat.
Wavy Brown Hair with Chopped Layers
![Chestnut Brown](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/T7cweiBuFtthh0n0p_TdjpmUWKo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/chestnut-3-e39216317cb74082bed9f79013aa7896.jpg)
Go for chopped layers to add body to long textured hair. This cut removes any excess weight.
Layered Hair with Soft Waves
![Mauve Red](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/GbVuTY4lHli0pjqmoTV_-oQsFls=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/mauve-9c29aa0ac1b343389505896b30eaf998.jpg)
Let loose curls make a big statement with an extra layered cut.
Layered Hair with Fringe
![Golden Beige](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/xPUktgNWrjvfkkC8Pn-WcgcyGco=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/goldiblonde-2cfd414a2d68438c992f66c175395b00.jpg)
Curtain bangs and layers go together flawlessly. Just make sure you’re prepared for a little extra styling time for the fringe.
Layered Long Curls
![Layered Curls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/_3ga2s9GJa1n78LRwouX5m_2wHs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/layered-curls-4c14c3f8bf084b1d8fce48ec7ae9cfd7.jpg)
For extra thick hair, especially those with curls, layering is essential for removing weight and adding volume. After each haircut, you’ll notice an instant lift.
Strawberry Blonde with Subtle Layers
![Strawberry Honey](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/qUXqQGlx38fZleNxbSzOvpx4bQA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/strawberry-blonde-bf8aba88436449289e6f91c52223cb97.jpg)
A playful cross between blonde and red, strawberry blonde has plenty of warmth and depth. Subtle layers are a great way to showcase those pink and gold highlights, letting you keep the length.
Curly Layering with Bangs
![Ginger Spice](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/mLKFhDgDEM33fPuKMLO1Rj3dhe4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ginger-spice-c077ae4afb1349a7ab6e5aa29f8eb8b7.jpg)
Layers allow curls to achieve their fullest, bounciest potential. Add bangs for a little something extra when you want a full refresh.
Chocolate Brown Hair with Highlighted Layers
![Cinnamon Balayage](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/N3P2wtmbO3TybPrSyCytk65QN6w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cinnamon-balayage-3fc2b9a134094122a8dd25acd41eb3ee.jpg)
Brighten up dark hair with golden ribbon-esque highlights, which layers help stand out even more.
Golden Bronde with Layers
![Honey Blonde](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WfIR4vL_7x6reB-QttLaS-OI6_k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/hints-of-honey_0-2360cd2bbdb44f848be999c28633c9e0-c4979c12d88a4d18b70c5503a4da0e52.jpg)
Blending blonde hair with medium brown makes for a multi-dimensional combination.