55 Short, Layered Haircuts For Every Hair Type and Color

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Curly Shag

Model Mica Arganaraz already has covetable curls to work with, and she keeps the curl pattern bouncy and gorgeous by cutting layers into her shag with strategically snipped bangs. "Layers are great for adding softness and movement while showcasing texture," says Johnston. "They can eliminate bulk for thick hair, create fullness for thin hair, and add an edge or balance, depending on your desired look."

Key Takeaways

According to Johnston, layers work for all hair types; they can remove bulk for thick hair while creating texture and fullness for thin hair.
"Remember to consult with your hairstylist to find the best layered haircut that compliments your hair type, face shape, and personal style," Ford adds.

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Layered Lob

Tons of professional hairstylists—including Anh Co Tran—make bobs and lobs their signature "cut," brilliantly working with the hair's natural texture and using the layered pieces to add dimension and movement.

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Tightly Coiled

Though layers can typically help add heft and texture to thin hairstyles, they're just as gorgeous on tightly coiled curls. These add shape to the style (and tons of versatility). "Curly hair can vary throughout the head, so observe the consistency of the curls to determine what layering is best," Johnston says.

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Color Play

colored natural curls — Steve Granitz / Contributor / Getty Images

Layers are a great way to highlight (no pun intended) a dimensional dye job. If you have highlights or lowlights, the movement and texture created by the layers will allow the deviations in your color to look even brighter.

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Full Volume

Solange afro with red lipstick — Lars Niki / Getty Images

Remember what we said about layers creating volume? This is a perfect example of how they can pump up your look for ultimate fullness, depending on your texture.

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Layered Shag

Natasha Lyonne red wavy shag — Pierre Suu / Getty Images

The '60s-inspired shag is, without a doubt, one of the coolest hairstyles right now. The only way to get it? Lots of layers. "You need enough hair and density to pull off a layered shag," says Johnston. "The more movement and piece-y parts, the better, without looking stringy."

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Add Some Bangs

Georgia May Jagger shag with curtain bangs — David M. Benett / Getty Images

Take a cue from Georgia May Jagger and add some bangs to your vintage-inspired shag haircut for extra oomph. But be honest with yourself, says Johnston. "If you like to pull your hair up or back, this might not be for you," she says. "But if you like having your hair down and tousled and experimenting with products, this could be your next signature look."

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Volume in the Front

Logan Browning short afro with curl, natural bangs — Amy Sussman / Getty Images

For a shorter curly crop, Ford recommends layers in the front to add framing volume around your face and a touch of lightness to the back.

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Amazing Fullness

Kerry Washington with full natural hair and large hoop earrings — Walter McBride / Getty Images

For super-full styles, layers are crucial. If your length isn't enough to make this look happen, replicate it with a layered crochet wig.

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Curly Bangs

This naturally curly shag is made even more stunning by the variation in color. There's dimension and movement, making it gorgeously effortless and sun-kissed.

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Chin-Length

For a chin-length style, layers are particularly helpful. "Subtle layers create movement and texture in straight hair, offering a chic and effortless look," Ford shares.

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All the Dimension

Lucy Hale bronde wavy lob — Jason Merritt/TERM / Getty Images

Lucy Hale proves bronde highlights and wavy layers make the perfect low-maintenance hairstyle. "A textured bob with layers gives wavy hair a beachy, tousled appearance, perfect for a relaxed yet stylish vibe," says Ford. To master the perfectly tousled waves, he suggests Sachajuan's Ocean Mist.

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Slightly Off-Centered

Margot Robbie wet look lob — John Phillips / Stringer / Getty Images

Depending on your hair texture, a wispy bob can be the most low-maintenance cut you can get. Look at the layered gorgeousness on Margot Robbie, with the hair slightly off-center parted. For a damp look like this, run a dime-sized dollop of Oribe Curl-Shaping Mousse through hair while it's wet and then style.

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Baby Bangs

Emma Watson micro bangs and wavy shoulder-length hair — John Shearer / Getty Images

Add some flair to a layered shag with edgy bangs, but be aware of the maintenance involved. "Some shorter shag cuts can be high-maintenance, bringing you to the salon every four to six weeks," says Johnston. "But the right shag gives you more flexibility, maybe six to ten weeks." Johnston confirms, however, that if you care for your hair in-between salon visits, you'll be in great shape either way.

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Loosened Up

Jill Scott afro — Jerritt Clark / Contributor / Getty Images

If you have naturally curly hair, but your curl pattern is a bit looser, layers add even more volume and a stunning lift. "Having thick or curly hair requires shaping, and sometimes that's with the assistance of layers," says Johnston. "If you have curly hair, this can give strands a chance to bounce around and have some variation."

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Dramatic Side Bangs

Ginnifer Goodwin pixie with long side-swept bangs — Michael Buckner / Getty Images

Of course, the brunette hair color is stunning, but can we discuss the cut? The dramatic bangs make the short pixie sultry and sexy. "A long pixie with side-swept bangs adds dimension to straight hair and provides versatility in styling," Ford says.

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Shoulder-Length Coils

model with curly natural hair with silk turban and red lipstick — Kirstin Sinclair / Getty Images

Chopping ultra-curly hair into a short, shoulder-length 'do is always a good idea. You can remove any excess that's weighing down your hair, resulting in major volume. Or add a head scarf for daytime to protect the look.

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Piece-y With Balayage

Halle Berry chin-length bob with balayage — Angela Weiss / Getty Images

Take your balayage or highlights up a notch and give your color the spotlight by getting a piece-y, layered style like this one. Use a product like R+Co. Trophy Shine Texture Spray to achieve the look.

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Up-Top Volume

Gorgeous makeup and cute bangs aside, we're obsessed with the barely-there layers on top that add extra volume to Zendaya's retro-inspired look.

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Extra Fringe

Sandra Oh curly shag with bangs — Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

A good layered cut can change the entire shape of your hair. Note how an adorable face-framing fringe complements this look. "Soft fringe complements curly hair by enhancing its natural texture while framing the face elegantly," according to Ford.

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Smudged Roots

Rihanna curly pineapple updo — Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff / Getty Images

Play with color while your playing with length, too—the honey-hued highlights combined with the smudged dark roots create major texture, volume, and dimension. And a good sea salt spray should help you achieve a similar texture. We love Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray.

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Side Flip

Ashley Benson in snakeskin top and pink background — (Gary Gershoff / Getty Images)

Ashley Benson shows us how a layered side-parted lob is done, with dramatically side swept, wispy pieces of varying lengths. If you have fine hair, "a layered bob with shorter layers at the crown and longer layers towards the ends gives the illusion of thickness and adds texture," says Ford.

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Textured Curls

Imaan Hammam voluminous — Jim Spellman / Contributor / Getty Images

If your natural hair is kinky and textured, embrace the vibe with a short, layered haircut you can style easily every time. Just remember to use hydrating masks to keep that texture on-point. "Keeping the hair hydrated is always a must for textured hair," Johnston says.

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Soft Choppy Waves

Barbara Palvin sleek lob with soft waves — Karwai Tang/Getty Images

We love these soft, touchable waves with volume-maximizing layers throughout. "Opt for choppy layers to reduce bulk and add texture to thick hair," suggests Ford. "This style provides a light, airy feel while maintaining volume."

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Soft, Blunt Ends

Eva Longoria long wavy layered hair — George Pimentel / Getty Images

The best part about a haircut is how healthy and soft your hair feels afterward. We love ends that look perpetually soft and touchable like these.

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Blown-Out Bob

Luxe layers will help you achieve max volume and drama if you're into the blowout look. Notice the body they give to J.Lo's fine, short hair?

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Sister-Locs Bob

There's nothing more gorgeous than locs at any length, and this side-parted, sister-locs bob is pure perfection. The shoulder-length chop maximizes the bouncy fullness of the style, too.

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Voluminous Curls

Serena Williams blonde curly mid-length style — Jim Spellman / Stringer

Keep it wider and more voluminous near the face to draw attention to your best features. Try Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream to replicate the look.

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Wispy Ends

Alexa Chung wet-look bob — Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

Going for a shoulder-length chop? Ask for layered, wispy ends to give your style shape and texture.

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Loose and Luscious

Jasmine Sanders blonde curls — Jasmine Sanders / Getty Images

Keep your ringlets bouncy and fresh (and give them some extra height) with a layered 'do like Jasmine Sanders's style.

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Shaggy Bob with Bangs

Taylor Swift Ash Brown Hair shaggy bob — Jon Kapaloff/Getty Images

We're obsessed with bobs and shag haircuts, and when you combine them with bangs, they're a winning look. But remember to research if you're getting a major chop like this. "Be aware that shorter bangs require maintenance and attention, and they're on your face everyday," says Johnston. "You want them to frame your face and showcase your features."

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Textured and Choppy

Indya Moore layered coils — Walter McBride / Contributor / Getty Images

If you're rocking your natural texture daily, choppy layers like this should make styling a breeze.

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Pop of Color

Katy Perry with purple hair and beaded dress — Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

This pastel root fade is major, but we can't take our eyes off the sultry volume achieved here by the layers. "Removing hair to create layers creates less density, so finding the appropriate balance for your hair type is important," Johnston says. "Sometimes it's more about styling to create fullness." (You can rock the extra-full look even after you leave the salon chair by picking a great hairspray).

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Wispy Bangs

January Jones textured lob with curtain bangs — Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Thinking of getting bangs? Start slow and wispy. The wispy bangs and face-framing pieces add movement and texture to January Jones' wavy bob, and they're much easier to maintain and grow out than blunt bangs.

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Super-Subtle Layers

Khloe Kardashian blonde straight lob — Jeff Vespa / Contributor / Getty Images

The best layers blend in and aren't immediately noticeable. We love how subtly they're done here on this side-swept, angled lob.

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Touchable Tresses

Proof that you can't go wrong with tousled, touchable beach waves at any length—shoulder and above.

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Blunt Bob

This blunt look is hyper-modern and stylish. Those with thick hair should ask for subtle internal layers to remove some weight.

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Classic Beach Waves

Vanessa Lachey tousled beach waves — Emma McIntyre / Getty Images

You can't go wrong with beach waves. But we have to admit there's something totally endearing about this middle-parted, shoulder-length version with sun-kissed ends.

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Soft Undercut

Taraji P. Henson undercut — Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

An undercut is when a stylist either cuts or shaves the sides or back of your hair, and it can be worn either exposed or unexposed (and the look is wearable, depending on the approach). "Typically, the hair on the sides and bottom is shorter than on top," says Johnston. "By doing this, the hair on top can collapse and look more relaxed and casual in the best, effortless way."

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Jaw-Grazing Layers

Vanessa Hudgens side parted wavy classic bob — Getty Images / Gregg DeGuire

Face-framing layers that barely graze the jawline are a great way to add dimension to a shorter style. Keep the look in place with Living Proof's Style Lab Flex Hairspray.

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Tousled & Textured

Beyonce textured bob — Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

A textured bob is perfect for those with naturally thick hair. The layers add structure and volume that gives some extra oomph. If you don't have naturally thick hair, Ford recommends faking volume with Sachajuan's Root Lift.

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Rough Around the Edges

Lily Aldridge with a wavy bob — Lily Aldridge

When you have naturally thin or fine hair and want to pump it up a little bit, you usually have to get creative. We're obsessed with the piecey bits that give it a rough-around-the-edges, "built-in-movement" vibe.

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Straight-Hair Bob

Naomi Campbell sleek, straight French bob — Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images

Short, layered haircuts work for straight hair, too—ask for lots of piece-y layers to help pump up the texture and give you some volume. (Bonus points: Layers are your friend when you're trying to grow your hair, so if you're not fully committed to a tapered pixie cut, you can easily transition it into a bob from here).

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Short & Sleek

Kaia Gerber super short waves — David Livingston / Stringer / Getty Images

If you have naturally fine hair, a sleek, piece-y bob with a few well-placed layers like this is the perfect way to spice things up and add some oomph.

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Tousled Bangs

Maya Hawke's wavy bob is an instantly chic cut you can copy if you're more into towel-drying than blow-drying, and have a similar hair texture.

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Piece-y Perfection

Olivia Culpo wavy lob with side part and blunt ends — Paul Archuleta / Getty Images

Olivia Culpo demonstrates how piece-y layers can look with this sleek bouncy 'do. To replicate the style, blow-out the hair and use a medium-barreled curling iron to create loose waves.

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Vintage Vibes

Chloë Grace Moretz vintage waves — Steve Granitz / Contributor / Getty Images

As we said, the key to a good shag is many layers. The tapered ends, bangs, and extra volume on top give it a gorgeous hair shape.

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Blunt Bangs

In our opinion, a chic layered bob combined with straight-across bangs is forever a cool look.

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Slicked-Back Bob

This look utilized an undercut in the back to remove bulk. For blunt little bobs like this, texturizing products are everything.

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Bouncy Volume

These bouncy curls look gorgeous from any angle. We particularly love how the volume is concentrated in the center of the hair to draw attention to the face.

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Cropped Pixie

A cropped pixie is a great way to blend layers and maintain a chic look. Style with a pomade or paste and build product for structure. Ford notes, "an asymmetrical pixie cut with longer layers on one side and shorter layers on the other can help balance the volume of thick hair while creating a modern look."

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Shaggy Mullet

The shullet is here to stay. A cross between a shag and a mullet, this style relies heavily on layers, making it a solid choice for those looking for a light and wispy cut.

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Piecey Shaggy Bob

selena gomez wearing black dress with curly shaggy hair — @selenagomez

A piece-y shaggy bob is effortless and looks even better when air-dried. Here, Selena Gomez adds bangs to the look for more style and movement.

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Wet Look

Layers don't have to be blown out to be seen. Style your hair wet and let pieces fall naturally, a la Jourdan Dunn's bixie cut.

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Layered Lob

Jennifer Aniston is the queen of the long-layered cut. Here, she shows off her long, layered perfection in a lengthy lob.

55 Short, Layered Haircuts For Every Hair Type and Color

Curly Shag

Layered Lob

Tightly Coiled

Color Play

Full Volume

Layered Shag

Add Some Bangs

Volume in the Front

Amazing Fullness

Curly Bangs

Chin-Length

All the Dimension

Slightly Off-Centered

Baby Bangs

Loosened Up

Dramatic Side Bangs

Shoulder-Length Coils

Piece-y With Balayage

Up-Top Volume

Extra Fringe

Smudged Roots

Side Flip

Textured Curls

Soft Choppy Waves

Soft, Blunt Ends

Blown-Out Bob

Sister-Locs Bob

Voluminous Curls

Wispy Ends

Loose and Luscious

Shaggy Bob with Bangs

Textured and Choppy

Pop of Color

Wispy Bangs

Super-Subtle Layers

Touchable Tresses

Blunt Bob

Classic Beach Waves

Soft Undercut

Jaw-Grazing Layers

Tousled & Textured

Rough Around the Edges

Straight-Hair Bob

Short & Sleek

Tousled Bangs

Piece-y Perfection

Vintage Vibes

Blunt Bangs

Slicked-Back Bob

Bouncy Volume

Cropped Pixie

Shaggy Mullet

Piecey Shaggy Bob

Wet Look

Layered Lob

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