Layered hair is hair that has been cut in layers to create a hairstyle that is more dynamic than that of hair which is cut flat and evenly. Depending on someone's goal, layered hair can appear to have more volume than it really does, or the layers may be added to create the illusion of length. There are many different styles of layered hair, ranging from more choppy, daring cuts which tend to look best on younger people, to more conservative layers which are appropriate for older people.
When a stylist cuts layered hair, he or she pulls the hair out perpendicularly and cuts it on the diagonal, instead of cutting straight across. The diagonal cuts create hair of radically different lengths, with the hair settling out into layers when the style is finished. In a basic layered cut, there are usually three layers, with the shortest being close to the top of the head, while the longest is the underlying layer of hair.
People can layer their whole heads, or stick with layering the hair around the face to frame the face. Layers can also be combined with bangs, curls, and other hairstyles. Some people like to color their hair while layering it, adding highlights, streaks, and other color patterns which can help blend the layers to make them look and feel more natural.
Layers can be styled in different ways. Some women like very angular, choppy layers which are clearly visible, while others prefer more gentle layering which is not immediately obvious. Layering tends to work best with straight to wavy hair, as people with curly hair can end up with very puffy hair if they get layers, since the top layers will tend to frizz out from the head. Many people view puffy or frizzy hair as undesirable, and they prefer to keep curly hair all one length so that it appears even.
Most hairstylists can cut layers on request, although because layered looks can be cut in radically different ways, it is a good idea to bring in a photograph of the hairstyle you are going for. Live models also work, and if you know someone with a hairstyle you like, you may want to consider going to his or her stylist and requesting a similar version. Hairstylists can also offer advice on the type of layers which would work best with someone's hair, body type, and facial structure: a good haircut can highlight someone's natural beauty, while poorly or indifferently cut layered hair can be a disaster.