How To Style Thick Layered Haircut In New Ways

Rosemary December 15, 2021 | 08:59

Layered hair is definitely one of the most popular hairstyles, among all women and men as well. But what to do if you have a thick layer of haircut.

How To Style Thick Layered Haircut In New Ways. Photo KnowInsiders

Layers in your hair can provide you with more texture and usually gives thin hair volume. There are many types of layers and haircuts that you can achieve. Many girls love to combine braids and make beach waves and curls to combine them with layers.

Layers are when the top portions of your hair are cut shorter than hair underneath. Layers can range from short to long, and can either be connected—a gradual flow of layers from the shortest layer to longest length—or disconnected, with a layer much shorter than the overall length. There are a few factors to consider when thinking about adding layers to your haircut.

How thick or thin is your hair?

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If your hair is thick, it can feel heavy if not cut in a certain way. This weight can start adding unwanted bulk which is more noticeable at certain lengths. A common complaint for medium length hair is that it falls in a triangular bell-shape. This is a perfect example of when layers would be a positive addition to your cut because they will remove weight from the ends, allowing the hair to have more movement. If you fall into the “category” of thick hair but really don’t love layers, ask your Hair Cuttery stylist about removing some weight from the underneath sections of your hair without adding a defined layer. If your hair is on the thinner side, you may want to steer clear of layers. Layers can be a disservice to thin hair because taking away hair from the longest length can leave this section looking sparse and straggly. This isn’t always the case and some people simply prefer a layer so they can add more volume to the style. Here, a disconnected layer at the crown would help give that pop of volume without taking too much from the ends.

How long is your hair? Still keep in mind the quantity of hair here because those factors play largely into medium and long length styles and some short styles. However, the shorter your hair is cut—like a pixie, for instance—the more the whole cut is based around layers as there really isn’t a base length anymore. This applies to both thin and thick hair. Thick hair is easier to add layers to at any length simply because you’re working with more hair; but a really important length to focus on adding layers is right around shoulder-length (above to just past) as this is where that triangular shape can really take over, adding unfavorable bulk to the sides of the face.

How fine or coarse is your hair? No matter how thick or thin your hair is, the texture plays a role, too. If your hair is fine and thick, layers will help reduce weight and add movement. If it’s fine and thin, light layers might be preferred, to keep as much hair as possible. Coarse, thick hair is typically very layer-friendly and frequently preferred. If the terms of thin, fine, thick and coarse are a bit unclear to you, check out our post How to Make Thin Hair Appear Thicker where these differences are discussed.

Curly or straight? Those of you with curly hair may prefer more layering than those with straight hair no matter what you determined for the previous factors. Curls tend to respond well and behave better when there is not a blunt weight line as layers allow them more movement and bounce which helps them lay better. Those with straight hair will find themselves relying on the previous three factors to determine what’s best for their hair.

What layers are good if you have thick long hair?

If you have long, thick hair, the volume is most likely under control. Why?

When thick hair is cut straight, it has a significant weight and it’s possible to control it.

But if you’re really bored of wearing it that way, we guarantee that it won’t get big if you design a long-layered cut. It’ll also add lightness to your long thick hair and give you a completely new look.

Also, you have the option to get light layers only at the ends to keep your look without compromising the length or having to make big changes.

READ MORE: How to Trim Your Own Hair at Home?

What are benefits of layers on my thick hair?

As we mentioned above, layers have many benefits. They are super stylish and don’t go out of style.

If you want to look younger and lighter, layers are ideal. They’ll help you to shape and master thicker hair, create modern looks, and reduce drying time.

Layers, especially lightweight ones, will never be a problem for you. When you don’t want to wear them anymore, just let them grow out and you’re done.

ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES TO A LAYERED HAIRCUT FOR THICK HAIR?

We have some good news: as long as you wear the suggested layers at your length, you won’t find any disadvantages. On the contrary, the benefits are many.

If you cut your hair too short, remember that you run the risk of getting a helmet effect or increasing your volume too much.

Always go for layers that help thin your thick hair.

Choosing Your Layered Cut

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Now that you’ve considered the above factors, it’s time to think about the right style for you. To help with this decision, also check out our blogs on face shapes for both women and men. Based on some different hair combinations, here are a few suggestions for layers:

Long length and medium to thick hair: Add many lengths of layers to create a cascading appearance. This looks especially nice on wavy hair or hair blown out with a large round brush.

Short to medium length and medium to thick hair: Blunt looks are popular, like the bob and lob (long bob), but for you adding lots of texture and removing weight in addition to some long layers will help this trendy style work for you. Otherwise, opt for a long, textured, medium to long layered cut.

Long length and thin hair: Try for all one length. Skipping layers altogether will keep your hair looking full. Add some face-framing angles to perk up the style. This will positively add to the overall appearance and prevent your long, thin hair from dragging down your face. This would be an ideal look for straight or wavy hair.

Short to medium length and thin hair: A blunt bob cut would work wonders for you. The bluntness and length combined will really add a sense of fullness. If your hair is straight, adding texture to it with a curling iron or wand will create a more voluminous style. If you really like height, add a very light, shorter layer at the crown.

Short length and thin hair: If your hair is thin, don’t be afraid to go short, like pixie short. Short cuts are based around layers and can allow you to achieve considerable volume. Or, take it the other way and make this a super sleek ‘do.

Long length and curly: You’ve likely devoted much time over the years to figuring out your curls. Layers really help give you bounce and manageability but don’t cut your layers too short. Try a long style with medium to long layers.

Popular Layered Haircuts for Thick Hair

Thick hair can also be managed and styled in no time if you pick the perfect haircut. Here are some popular layered haircuts that will intensify the beauty of your thick hair.

1. Blended long layers

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This is perfect for weighing down thick hair for more of a natural blend with layers at the end to reduce the heaviness. It would perfectly go with straight long hair and create a gorgeous overall look for any day.

2. Swoopy collarbone bob layers

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Bob haircut is quite the new trend in town and is just the right cut for shoulder length hair. Adding in some layers would give more volume to the hair and a very modern look to the face.

3. Stacked bob haircut

Another form of a bob haircut is having them cut in stacked layers. This is for having more of a sleeker look with sharp structure and shape. This would go well with above the shoulder length hair with side-swept bangs in the front.

4. Thick, long and luscious waves

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In order to have the perfect balance between thickness and longer length, adding in layers that create waves would be the right thing to do. The hair would become lighter in weight and would create more bounce towards the end of the hair.

5. Fancy Angled cut

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Now, this is one of the most popular haircuts that everyone desires but is too afraid to go with. For those who don’t like much shorter hair and prefer keeping the length longer can go for this angled haircut. The hair is cut in such a way that as the hair comes forward it is longer towards the face, which gives the face more frame and layers in the front.

6. Long layers with blunt bangs

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Some don’t like showing big foreheads or prefer looking younger than the actual age, so keeping long layers with blunt bangs would do wonders of hiding and giving the face more frame to work with.

7. Layered cut for curly hair

Curly hair is the most difficult to manage, especially if its short and the hair is voluminous and frizzy. To tame down the frizz and to give the hair more life, adding in levels of layers would solve the problem and let the hair fall gently over the shoulders.

8. Layered V-cut

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This is the most demanded layered haircut for very long, straight hair. Not only does it create a beautiful frame to the face, but it gives more movement to the hair when properly styled.

9. Rippling layers

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This is for medium length straight hair. Almost the same as the layered V-cut, it gives the hair wonderful texture that well defines each layer with a ripple effect.

10. Layers with side-swept bangs

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To create that perfect frame for the face and dramatic flicks in the hair; adding some layers with side-swept bangs would give an overall graceful look to the face. This is the best option to go for if the hair is medium-length and needs not to be styled every day.

How to manage thick hair

Go for length

Hair that extends past your shoulders elongates your strands, weighs unruly hair down and won’t add extra width to your frame. “That applies to layers and fringe, as well — keep it long,” says Kristjan Hayden, creative director for Aveda Canada. “Avoid anything that’s too short so that hair doesn’t expand horizontally.”

Mind your moisture

Just as with curly hair, hydration is the secret to conquering frizz and fly-aways. To up your mane’s moisture levels, reach for a creamy hair mask that will reduce volume. (Aveda makes a lovely one with cupuaçu and shea butters.) Hayden recommends using one weekly all year round, but it’s essential in warmer weather. “If your hair is dry, the cuticle opens up to try to absorb the moisture in the air,” he explains. “That’s why hair frizzes in the summer, when humidity is at its highest.”

Double up

Body lotion isn’t just a must for hydrated skin, it’s a perfectly clever dupe for styling cream. “If you own a natural body moisturizer, it’s highly effective in hair,” Hayden says. “Some people leave a bit of conditioner in, but a little body lotion used post-shower will make hair soft and manageable.”

Always use a heat protectant

If it’s ultra-sleek, shiny locks you’re after, apply a styling foam to towel-dried hair to smooth out the cuticle before air-drying, says Hayden. Then, you can go in with a flat iron — but not before applying a healthy dose of heat protectant onto strands. Once you’re done styling, run a lightweight finishing spray or oil over your locks to add hold and shine.

Hydrated hair doesn’t have to feel heavy

If you’re worried about smoothing products weighing your hair down, ensure you make the most of what you’re using in the shower. “When washing your hair, always use a hair mask instead of conditioner if your hair is dehydrated and lacks suppleness,” says Anna Giannini, L’Oreal Professionnel Portfolio Artist and senior stylist at Untitled by Flaunt Boutique. “It’s also most effective when left on the hair for three to five minutes every time.”

How to get frizz-free, towel-dried hair

“Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel, instead just blot — the gentler, the better,” says Giannini. “I recommend not leaving the hair wrapped around the towel for longer than five minutes and to add a styling product sooner rather than later to damp hair to lock in moisture and reduce the chance of frizz.” She advises applying your product to the ends of your hair working your way up until you reach the middle of the hair shaft. “After that, towel blot your hair of excess water and re-apply more product if needed, this way you can feel if there are any parts you may have missed. If your styling cream isn’t evenly distributed throughout it will have more of a chance of becoming frizzy.”