Face-framing layered hairstyles are one of the most versatile and flattering hair trends. These styles enhance your facial features by strategically placing layers around your face, creating softness, movement, and dimension. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, adding layers can transform your look, making your hair appear more voluminous and dynamic.
Face-framing layers work for all hair types—straight, wavy, or curly. They can be customized with different cuts, such as shags, bobs, or long feathered styles, to suit your personal preference. Bangs, including curtain bangs, side-swept bangs, and wispy bangs, further enhance the effect of the layers, drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
In this guide, we’ll explore 23 stunning face-framing hairstyles with layers, categorized into short, medium, long, curly/wavy, and bangs-focused styles. Whether you’re looking for a bold transformation or a subtle refresh, there’s a layered hairstyle for you.
Short Hair Face-Framing Layered Hairstyles
1. Chin-Length Bob with Face-Framing Layers
A chin-length bob is a timeless, stylish choice that suits a variety of face shapes. By incorporating face-framing layers, this cut softens the jawline and adds movement, making it ideal for those who want a polished yet effortless look. These layers create the illusion of volume, making fine hair appear fuller while keeping thick hair manageable.
This hairstyle can be styled straight for a sleek, professional appearance or tousled for a more relaxed, casual vibe. Adding soft waves enhances the layered effect, giving the hair a lightweight, airy feel. It’s an easy-to-maintain haircut that grows out gracefully, making it perfect for busy individuals. Whether you prefer a classic bob or a modern variation with slight asymmetry, a chin-length bob with face-framing layers is a chic, versatile choice.
2. Short Shag with Curtain Bangs
A short shag with curtain bangs is a trendy, carefree style that adds texture and movement. This cut features choppy layers that frame the face while maintaining volume and dimension throughout the hair. The curtain bangs, parted in the middle, complement the layers by drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
This hairstyle works exceptionally well for those with naturally wavy or slightly curly hair, as the layers enhance the texture effortlessly. It’s a low-maintenance cut that looks stylish even with minimal styling. You can air-dry it for a tousled, beachy effect or use a round brush to add volume. The short shag with curtain bangs is perfect for those who want a playful, youthful look while keeping their hair easy to manage.
3. Pixie Cut with Long Side Bangs
A pixie cut with long side bangs is a bold yet feminine hairstyle that exudes confidence and style. The short back and sides create a clean, fresh appearance, while the longer, layered side bangs soften the overall look. These face-framing layers help balance sharp facial features, making this cut suitable for oval, heart, and square face shapes.
This style offers versatility in styling—sweep the bangs across the forehead for a sleek, sophisticated look or tousle them for a more edgy, textured effect. It works well with both straight and slightly wavy hair, requiring minimal maintenance. A pixie cut with long side bangs is a great option for those who want a chic, modern hairstyle that highlights their facial features while keeping hair fuss-free.
4. Soft Layered Lob
The soft layered lob (long bob) is a go-to hairstyle for those who want the perfect balance between short and long hair. This cut features gentle, blended layers that frame the face, adding softness and dimension without removing too much length.
The layered lob is incredibly versatile—you can wear it straight for a sleek, polished look, add waves for a relaxed vibe, or style it with a slight curl for extra volume. It’s an excellent choice for those with fine hair, as the layers create movement and prevent the hair from looking flat. The soft layered lob is also easy to maintain, growing out beautifully without losing its shape. Whether you’re transitioning from short to long hair or simply looking for a stylish mid-length cut, this hairstyle is a timeless option.
5. Wavy Short Bob with Layers
A wavy short bob with layers is the perfect hairstyle for those who love a carefree, playful look. This cut combines the elegance of a bob with the texture and volume of waves, making it a great choice for adding movement and dimension to short hair. The layers help frame the face beautifully while keeping the hair light and bouncy.
This style works well for both naturally wavy hair and straight hair that’s curled for added texture. It’s an easy, low-maintenance cut that requires minimal styling—simply scrunch with a bit of mousse or texturizing spray to enhance the waves. Whether worn casually or styled for a more formal look, the wavy short bob with layers is a flattering and effortlessly chic option for short hair lovers.
Medium-Length Face-Framing Layered Hairstyles
6. Layered Shoulder-Length Cut with Feathered Ends
A layered shoulder-length cut with feathered ends is a soft, lightweight hairstyle that enhances natural movement. The feathered layers add volume while keeping the ends wispy and airy, making this style perfect for those with medium-length hair who want a dynamic yet manageable look.
This cut works exceptionally well for both straight and wavy hair, as the layers prevent the style from looking heavy or flat. The feathered effect creates a natural bounce, making it ideal for adding dimension without drastic changes. Styling options include blow-drying for a sleek, smooth finish or curling the ends slightly outward for a retro-inspired look. Whether you prefer a polished or relaxed style, a layered shoulder-length cut with feathered ends is a timeless, flattering choice for medium-length hair.
7. Wispy Face-Framing Layers with Side Bangs
Wispy face-framing layers paired with side bangs create a soft, effortless look that flatters almost all face shapes. This style is perfect for those who want subtle layering without removing too much length, making it a great option for medium-length hair.
The layers blend seamlessly with the side bangs, drawing attention to the cheekbones and eyes while giving the hair a light, airy appearance. It works particularly well for fine to medium hair types, adding volume without weighing the hair down. This style is easy to maintain and can be worn straight for a sleek look or with gentle waves for a more casual, tousled effect. Whether styled with a blowout or left natural, wispy face-framing layers with side bangs offer a soft, feminine touch to any look.
8. Flipped-Out Layered Lob
The flipped-out layered lob is a fun, voluminous style that brings a touch of retro glam to medium-length hair. This cut features layered ends that are styled outward, creating a bouncy, lively effect.
This style is perfect for those who love a bit of drama and volume in their hairstyle. It works best when styled with a round brush or curling iron to achieve the signature flipped-out ends. The layers help frame the face beautifully, making this look especially flattering for those with oval and heart-shaped faces. Whether worn sleek or slightly tousled, the flipped-out layered lob is a stylish choice that adds movement and personality to medium-length hair.
9. Curly Layered Shoulder Cut
A curly layered shoulder cut is the perfect way to embrace natural curls while adding shape and definition. This hairstyle features carefully placed layers that enhance the curl pattern, preventing bulkiness while adding volume and movement.
For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, this cut helps reduce frizz and defines the curls, making them appear more structured and bouncy. The face-framing layers draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones, creating a flattering and well-balanced look. To maintain this style, using a curl-enhancing product or mousse is recommended. Whether air-dried or diffused, a curly layered shoulder cut is a fantastic way to showcase natural curls in a stylish and manageable way.
10. Straight Medium-Length Hair with Subtle Layers
For those who prefer a sleek and polished appearance, straight medium-length hair with subtle layers is an excellent option. The soft layers add a hint of movement and dimension without making the style appear choppy or overly textured.
This look is perfect for those with fine or thick hair, as the subtle layers prevent the hair from looking too flat or too bulky. It can be styled with a straightener for a glass-like finish or worn naturally with a slight wave for a more relaxed feel. Minimal maintenance is required—just a regular trim to keep the layers fresh. Whether worn down or in an updo, straight medium-length hair with subtle layers offers a clean, sophisticated look with just the right amount of volume.
Long Face-Framing Layered Hairstyles
11. Long Layers with Curtain Bangs
Long layers paired with curtain bangs create a soft, face-framing effect that enhances the natural shape of the face. The layers add movement and texture, while the curtain bangs, parted in the middle, blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair.
This style works well for those with straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair. It provides a natural lift around the face and helps add structure to long hair without removing too much length. Styling options include blow-drying for volume, adding waves for a romantic touch, or keeping it sleek for a modern feel. Long layers with curtain bangs offer a chic, effortless look that is both stylish and easy to maintain.
12. Soft Layered Waves
Soft layered waves are a go-to hairstyle for those who love effortless, beachy vibes. This look features long, blended layers that enhance the natural wave pattern, creating volume and dimension.
This hairstyle is particularly flattering for those with naturally wavy hair, but even straight-haired individuals can achieve this look with a curling wand or texturizing spray. The face-framing layers ensure that the waves fall beautifully around the cheekbones and jawline, softening facial features. Soft layered waves can be worn casually or dressed up for special occasions, making it a versatile and universally flattering choice.
13. U-Cut with Face-Framing Layers
A U-cut with face-framing layers is a great way to maintain length while adding subtle structure. The U-shape cut creates a naturally rounded effect at the ends, while the layers around the face highlight the cheekbones and jawline.
This style is ideal for those with long hair who want to add movement without losing fullness. It works well for all hair textures and can be styled straight, wavy, or curled. Whether kept minimal or enhanced with soft waves, the U-cut with face-framing layers is a timeless choice that adds elegance and shape to long hair.
14. Swoopy Layers with Side Part
Swoopy layers with a side part create a glamorous, voluminous look that enhances the natural movement of the hair. The layers are strategically cut to frame the face, sweeping outward to give a flowy, polished effect.
This hairstyle is best suited for those with thick or medium-density hair, as the layers help distribute weight evenly. Styling involves blow-drying with a round brush to enhance the “swoop” effect, creating a sophisticated and refined look. Whether worn daily or styled for a formal occasion, swoopy layers with a side part offer a timeless and effortlessly chic appearance.
15. Long Feathered Layers
Long feathered layers create a soft, airy feel, making this hairstyle perfect for those who love lightweight movement in their long hair. The layers are delicately tapered, preventing the hair from looking too heavy while adding texture and depth.
This style is ideal for fine to medium hair, as the feathering technique gives the illusion of fullness. It works beautifully when styled with a blowout, enhancing the feathered effect. Whether worn straight, wavy, or with curls, long feathered layers add a subtle elegance to any long hairstyle.
Curly and Wavy Face-Framing Layered Hairstyles
16. Curly Shag with Face-Framing Layers
The curly shag with face-framing layers is a modern take on the classic shag cut, designed to enhance natural curls while adding shape and volume. The layers create a lightweight, bouncy effect, making the hair appear fuller and more defined.
This style is perfect for those with curly or coily hair who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The face-framing layers help draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones, creating a flattering shape that suits most face types. To maintain the style, applying a curl-enhancing mousse or cream can help define the curls while reducing frizz. Whether worn naturally or with a bit of styling, the curly shag with face-framing layers offers a trendy and effortlessly chic look.
17. Layered Curly Bob
A layered curly bob is a versatile, voluminous hairstyle that brings out the best in natural curls. The layers add structure and movement, preventing the hair from looking too heavy or weighed down.
This style is great for those with medium to tight curls who want a chic, easy-to-manage cut. The face-framing layers help shape the hair around the jawline, creating a flattering and balanced look. To style, using a diffuser while blow-drying helps enhance the curls, while a leave-in conditioner keeps them hydrated and frizz-free. Whether styled naturally or with added definition, a layered curly bob is a beautiful and playful hairstyle.
18. Long Defined Curls with Layers
Long defined curls with layers create a stunning, voluminous effect that enhances natural curl patterns. The layers are strategically placed to prevent bulkiness while giving the curls more bounce and definition.
This hairstyle works well for those with naturally curly or wavy hair who want to add structure without sacrificing length. The face-framing layers draw attention to the facial features while keeping the curls looking light and airy. To maintain this style, using a curl cream or gel can help define the curls and keep them looking fresh. Whether styled for everyday wear or special occasions, long defined curls with layers offer a luxurious and effortlessly stylish look.
19. Wavy Layered Hair with Face-Framing Highlights
Wavy layered hair with face-framing highlights is a gorgeous style that adds dimension and brightness to the face. The layers enhance the natural wave pattern, while the highlights accentuate the movement and depth of the hair.
This style is perfect for those who want a soft, beachy vibe without too much maintenance. The face-framing layers help shape the hair around the cheekbones, creating a flattering and youthful look. Styling is easy—using a salt spray or light curling iron can enhance the waves, while a smoothing serum keeps frizz at bay. Whether worn casually or dressed up, wavy layered hair with face-framing highlights is a timeless and radiant choice.
20. Loose Beach Waves with Soft Layers
Loose beach waves with soft layers create a relaxed, effortless look that suits all face shapes. The layers help the waves flow naturally, adding movement and volume without looking overdone.
This style works well for those with naturally wavy hair or those who love using a curling wand for a soft, tousled effect. The face-framing layers bring attention to the facial features while keeping the hair looking light and airy. To achieve the perfect beach waves, a texturizing spray or mousse can add definition without making the hair feel stiff. Whether for a casual day out or a special event, loose beach waves with soft layers offer a breezy, carefree look.
Bangs and Face-Framing Layered Hairstyles
21. Face-Framing Layers with Wispy Bangs
Face-framing layers with wispy bangs create a soft, delicate look that enhances facial features without overpowering them. The wispy bangs blend seamlessly into the layers, creating an airy and light appearance.
This style is ideal for those with fine to medium hair who want to add texture and volume. The layers help shape the hair around the face, making it a flattering option for most face shapes. Styling can be done with a blow dryer and a round brush to keep the bangs smooth, while the layers can be curled or left straight for a natural effect. Whether styled casually or for a formal occasion, face-framing layers with wispy bangs add an elegant and effortless touch.
22. Blunt Bangs with Face-Framing Layers
Blunt bangs with face-framing layers offer a bold and striking look that suits those who love a modern, edgy style. The straight-across bangs contrast beautifully with the soft, layered sections, creating a stylish and well-balanced hairstyle.
This cut works well for those with medium to thick hair, as the blunt bangs require some density to maintain their structure. The face-framing layers soften the overall look, preventing the style from appearing too harsh. Styling involves using a flat iron or blow-dryer to keep the bangs sleek while adding volume to the layers. Whether worn with straight hair or slight waves, blunt bangs with face-framing layers make a statement while remaining chic and sophisticated.
23. Side-Swept Bangs with Face-Framing Layers
Side-swept bangs with face-framing layers create a timeless, elegant look that suits all hair types. The sweeping effect of the bangs adds movement and softness, while the layers blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who want a touch of sophistication without committing to a full fringe. The side-swept bangs frame the face beautifully, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. This style can be worn with straight hair for a sleek effect or with waves for a more relaxed, romantic feel. To style, a round brush and a blow-dryer can help achieve the signature sweeping motion of the bangs. Side-swept bangs with face-framing layers are a classic, flattering choice that never goes out of style.
