15 Short Layered Hairstyles to Try
So, if you’re in the market to add layers to your short hair, we’re here to show and tell you the many ways you can pull it off. Read on to check out some of our favorite layered short haircuts and how to style this look.
1. Grown-Out Pixie
When you think of layered short hair, this signature cut is probably the first one to spring to mind. The grown-out pixie has a bit more length than the classic pixie, with lots of texture and choppy layers, which is awesome for those with thicker hair. As a short layered haircuts thick hair, it can break up some of your bulk, creating an on-trend style that’s way more manageable!
2. Pixie Cut
Despite the preconceptions, a pixie is a flattering option for all face shapes; you just need to know some smart tips to make it work for you. The best part? It’s quite freeing (and great for summer!). The secret to nailing this short layered haircut is to add a sweeping fringe. Be sure to use some hairspray, like the TRESemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray, to ensure that your pixie is frizz-free all day long.
3. Long Bob
The layered bob is often overlooked for more edgy short hairstyles. If you have fine or thin tresses, the shape of this layered cut will help your hair appear much fuller. Just try to keep your layers short and a little choppy to give the illusion of more body. And if you have curly hair, be aware that your cut might not always look the same.
4. The Shag
The ’70s-inspired shag is back and better than ever and this short layered haircut’s thick hair is awesome for your hair type. But if you’re worried that its androgynous appearance might be a little too edgy, steer away from a boyish blunt cut by asking for soft short layers with a longer, indie-style fringe and keeping your mane tousled.
5. Flirty Layers
The best part about layered short hairstyles — whether it be a new cut or a new style — is the ability to have fun and enjoy it! Create a flirty yet playful look to your short haircut with curly layers, and update the style by trying out hidden braids.
6. Tousled Wave
While shag haircuts and mullets are back in style at the moment (can we get a yes!), there’s one style that we know as some staying power for good with the classic wavy hairstyle on short hair. Get this look by asking your stylist to cut your hair into layers that allow you to style your hair into effortlessly tousled waves, the more hair ‘feathers,’ the better. For a natural-looking wave, apply some sea salt spray onto your damp hair, scrunch, then air-dry.
7. Layered Bangs
Another cool way to pull off a short layered haircut is to rock it with a rad set of layered bangs. The layers of your fringe add dimension and proportion to the cut. Not to mention it also serves as a bold statement. If you’re looking for something cool, opt for this iteration.
8. Two-Length Hair
A cool modern update on short hair is this bowl-cut layered look. This contrasting look is super fun and trendy that looks awesome on round faces.
9. Textured Short Layers
Whether you have highly textured hair or not, short layered haircuts are a great way to show off and embrace the natural texture of your hair. Opt for a textured cut like this one. Allow your texture and short layers to flow freely by using a styling balm product to create a piecey look for your hair.
10. 70s Shag Layers Cut
This throwback style combines the best of a few hairstyle trends: the shag, reddish-blonde strands, and short funky layers! Layers cut like is perfect for anyone who wants a low-maintenance look with a lot of movability.
11. Layered Pixie
Ready to go ultra short? This pixie cut is the best way to do so! Add height to your look by incorporating choppy layers towards the top and front of your head. We also love this look because the layers allow of more movement and styling options.
12. Curtain Bangs
Want bangs, but also want the style to blend seamlessly into your layers when needed? Curtain bangs are the perfect option for this. This type of fringe helps complete an overall layered look.
13. Angled Bob
Want a twist on a layered bob that aren’t your traditional layers? Go for an angled bob. This is a sophisticated cut that utilizes layers in a different way.
14. Bob with Bangs
Opting for bangs with a layered bob adds to the overall effortless, shaggy effect without necessarily needing a very choppy haircut.
15. Highlighted Natural Hair
Silver strands are still such a big trend we’re seeing all over. To add more dimension to your layered haircut, ask your hair colorist to add in silver highlights. This will pop against naturally dark strands.
Short Layered Hair Maintenance
1. Wash and condition your hair.
Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is super important when maintaining your short-layered hair. You’ll need products that will work well for your hair type and texture, but you need to keep in mind things, like frizz, that can crop up when you get layers. To keep frizz at bay, we suggest using Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Frizz Protection Shampoo and Conditioner. This formula works to make your hair soft, manageable, and strong without weighing it down.
2. Prep your hair for styling.
When your hair is still damp, you can lock out humidity and protect your hair with a serum. Use a smoothing serum to add shine to your hair. Just note that for short hair you need to be careful not to over-apply any product. Too much of a good thing can weigh down your shorter hair.
3. Blow-dry for sleekness.
Drying short layered hair can depend a lot on your natural hair texture. You may find out that your normally pin-straight hair will curl up, or your wavy hair will send the layers in different directions. To find out just how your hair will react to the layers, we suggest that you test your hair by air-drying it. Once you can see how your hair will react to the layers you can work with it better. For hair that leaves your layers going in different directions, we suggest blowdrying with a brush. Use a flat brush if you like a straight style, or a round brush if you like your hair curled under. For hair that curls up, we suggest you use your hands to control your hair as you blow-dry, and go slowly. This will allow you to manage (and better understand) the direction in which your hair dries.
4. Styling tips.
Having short layered hair is so versatile! We love it pin-straight, and curly. For a super sleek straight look, we suggest you blow-dry your hair as straight. Then, when your hair is around 90% straight, use your straighteners to ensure a perfectly straight look. Curling short hair can be a little tricky. Because you don’t have as much length to work with it may be easier to curl with your straighter. For some assistance, check out our tutorial for a complete step-by-step guide on how to curl short hair.
5. Regular trims.
This look is all about its defined multi-tonal cuts so you are going to need to keep up with the regular trims. Stylists recommend 4-6 weeks for healthy hair but you may need to go sooner, depending on the type of layers you get. Are you thinking about trying out one of these styles? Be sure to take a picture and tag us @AllThingsHairUS!
