A few well-placed layers can change your entire look.
By
- Naydeline Mejia
May 23, 2024
Next time you find yourself looking in the mirror wondering how to spice up your go-to blunt haircut, consider calling up your stylist and asking for face-framing layers. This versatile technique involves cutting the hair into tiers around the face to help define and “frame” your features (hence the name). It’s the signature technique behind the tousled ‘70s shag and iconic ‘90s haircut—not to mention countless other beloved styles.
While face-framing layers can flatter everyone, they’re not a one-size-fits-all deal: the best cut for you is largely dependent upon your face shape. To help you narrow down your options, we’re breaking down our favorite face-framing haircuts for round faces, heart-shaped faces, oval faces, and more, plus sharing inspiration to inspire your next cut. Find it all—plus a few must-know styling tips for getting the most out of your chop—ahead.
What Are Face-Framing Layers?
Face-framing layers are shorter pieces of hair strategically cut around the face for body and movement. They’re very flattering, and the way the layers fall can even help to balance or highlight specific aspects of your bone structure.
The best thing about face-framing layers is that they can work for all hair types, textures, lengths, and face shapes. Because of this, there is no one way to do layered haircuts. The best version for you will be heavily influenced by your face shape, features, and preferences.
What is the difference between curtain bangs and face-framing layers?
Curtain bangs and face-framing layers are similar, but not quite the same thing. The former, as the name suggests, is a type of bang. They typically hit right above the cheekbone and are worn with a middle part for the characteristic “curtain” effect. Face-framing bangs fall a bit longer—usually somewhere between the cheekbones and jawline.
While curtain bangs are flattering for most people, they might be too strong of a haircut for those smaller foreheads or round faces. It’s important to consult your hairstylist to find the right layered haircut for you, whether that’s a puffy ‘80s blowout or a wolf cut.
The Best Face-Framing Layers for Oval Faces
Oval-shaped faces (also known as oblong faces) are slightly longer than they are wide and typically feature softly rounded edges. There are plenty of layered haircuts that flatter this proportional shape, but we suggest leaning into your symmetrical features with long, face-framing bangs. Pair your fringe with long layers that start at the chin for plenty of body and bounce.
To give your hair layers extra shape, consider opting for a DIY blowout. Keep in mind that you’ll want to prime your strands with a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Blow Dry Primer for 48 HR Frizz Control. This priming cream smooths, nourishes, and adds shine—all while protecting against temperatures up to 450oF.
The Best Face-Framing Layers for Heart-Shaped Faces
Those with a heart-shaped face have a wider forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a narrower chin. A long layered hairstyle with curtain bangs or side-swept fringe can help call attention to your enviable cheekbones while helping to balance the rest of your features beautifully. Whatever bangs you opt for, ask your hairstylist to cut them just so they barely graze the top of your cheekbones and softly taper into your face-framing layers.
The Best Face-Framing Layers for Square Faces
Square faces are equal in height and width and have sharp, defined features and a strong jawline. To help balance your features, ask your hairstylist for soft long layers with side-swept bangs. Lightweight, wispy layers can help soften your angular features for a harmonious and undeniably flattering look.
To really lean into the soft effect, lightly curl your ends inward with a wide-barrel curling iron. If your hair has trouble maintaining a curl, mist your finished look with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray - Unscented. It provides an extra strong yet flexible hold without any crunchiness or stiffness.
The Best Face-Framing Layers for Rectangular Faces
Rectangular faces are similar longer than they are wide and tend to be uniform in width across the forehead, cheeks, and jaw. Much like square faces, rectangular faces look best with face-framing layers that help soften their chiseled features (think: wispy, mid-length layers that add texture). This face shape is also a great candidate for fringe—try French bangs for an effortless look that’ll pair perfectly with your long layers.
The Best Face-Framing Layers for Round Faces
Those with round-shaped faces have a visage that is equal in width and length. They tend to have a wide forehead, rounded chin, and full cheeks. Long layers that start just past your chin can help visually elongate your face for beautiful balance. Alternatively, try a choppy cut, like a shag: the intentionally-messy cut adds a bit of edge to your naturally youthful appearance.
The Best Face-Framing Layers for Diamond Faces
Diamond faces feature a narrow forehead, defined cheekbones, and a tapered chin. For a harmonious look, consider asking your stylist for medium-to-long layers that start just below your cheekbones. This length will help provide balance and flatter your naturally striking features.
The Best Face-Framing Layers for Triangular Faces
Triangle faces feature a narrower forehead and a more prominent jawline, so naturally, your best face-framing hairstyle is going to be all about adding volume on top for balance. Ask your stylist for face-framing bangs that will help add fullness around your forehead—styles like micro bangs and blunt bangs will be most flattering. To maintain that long-lasting volume, focus the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse at the crown when your hair is damp and blow dry your strands upwards.
20 Flattering Layered Haircuts To Try Now
Long, bouncy layers
For a modern take on the classic ‘90s blowout, opt for long, cascading layers that start around your jawline. Pair it with softly curled ends for an ultra-bouncy effect with tons of natural movement.
Layered curls
If you have naturally coily, textured hair, ask your stylist for face-framing layers—the cut will help remove bulk while giving your curls plenty of space to shine. Add the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Leave-in Conditioner to your haircare routine to lock in moisture and refresh your curls after every wash.
Curtain bangs
As mentioned earlier, curtain bangs can highlight the best features of an oval-shaped face, soften square faces, and elongate a round face, making them a great addition to long, face-framing layers.
Face-framing layers with babylights
To enhance the appearance of your face-framing layers, ask your hairstylist to make the frontmost strands lighter than your overall hair color. Or, DIY the look with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Bleach. The at-home system can lighten your hair up to eight levels, and the kit comes with an anti-brass conditioner to help neutralize unwanted warmth.
Razor cut layers
If you’re looking for a layered haircut cut you don’t need to style, opt for a razor cut with long layers that hit right at the collarbone. These textured face-framing layers have plenty of natural volume movement, making them a great pick for those who prefer a more low-maintenance approach to haircare.
Long shag
The classic shag cut is typically on the shorter side, but you can adapt the technique for longer lengths, too. Ask your stylist to cut choppy layers throughout and add dramatic face-framing pieces in the front for a voluminous, intentionally undone look.
Chin-length layers
Long, chin-grazing layers around the front of the face can enhance your features and make your mane appear more voluminous. We’re especially fond of this cut for those with long, thick hair, as the layers help remove weight without sacrificing your lengths.
‘70s shag
The ‘70s shag haircut is all the rage on HairTok and Instagram. Achieve this look by asking your stylist for a collarbone-grazing cut with curtain bangs and choppy layers placed throughout.
Wolf cut
This modern take on the ‘70s shag is flattering on all face shapes, but especially those with round, oval, and heart-shaped visages. Pair yours with long, tousled fringe for extra rock-and-roll flair.
“Money Piece” Layers
The “money piece” hair trend is ideal for those with brunette hair. The technique involves lightening the strands at the front of your face for a “framing,” layered effect. Opt for a warm caramel for a subtle style or platinum-blonde strands for a bolder appearance. Consider incorporating the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Shampoo with Citric Acid and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Conditioner with Citric Acid into your haircare routine to help strengthen your strands after your coloring session.
Face-framing lob
Just because you’re currently rocking a lob or bob, doesn’t mean you can’t achieve face-framing layers. Face-framing bangs, like curtain bangs or micro bangs, can really enhance a short haircut.
Butterfly haircut
The butterfly haircut, as it’s been dubbed on social media, features wispy, cascading layers that give long strands captivating movement, bounce, and body much like a butterfly’s fluttering wings. These face-framing layers offer the same volume as a short ‘do without sacrificing length, and are a great option for those with finer, straighter strands.
Face-framing tendrils
One way to elevate a chic updo? Pulling out some tendrils from the sides of your hair to frame your features. I(t’s also a good way to mask overgrown layers until your next styling appointment).
Beachy face-framing waves
As summer rolls around, you might be looking for a layered hairstyle that gives you the appearance of living full-time on the beach (ah, if only). Face-framing layers can add some glorious volume and movement to your mane for that coveted windswept look.
Textured face-framing layers
Textured face-framing layers are a great way to level up your classic lob. For an edgy look, pair the messy, lived-in cut with a bold hair color (platinum blonde is a great choice).
Curly layered fringe
Face-framing bangs aren’t just for those with straight hair. If you have natural hair, have your stylist cut your bangs while dry and taper the edges slightly for a flattering, face-framing effect that’ll put your curls front and center.
Bombshell waves and long layers
Enhance long, face-framing layers with a deep side part and a blowout to achieve a professional, glamorous appearance reminiscent of old Hollywood bombshells.
Bottleneck bob
If you want to experiment with layers but don’t have much length to work with, try the bottleneck bob. This chin-grazing cut features long face-framing bangs that blend into choppy layers for a gorgeously lived-in look.
‘90s cut
Retro-chic, face-framing layers reminiscent of the 1990s are making a comeback. Style the nostalgic look by curling the ends of your hair inward for a bouncy-yet-sleek look (just be sure to ready your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave In before powering up your curling iron).
Modern mullet
The mullet may not be for everyone, but this dramatically layered, edgy cut is great for those who love to experiment with their look. Be sure to visit an experienced stylist to nail this graphic cut—it’s not a look to DIY at your bathroom sink.
Next Up: How To Wear The Trendy Butterfly Haircut For All Hair Types And Textures
