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Long Layers Vs. Short Layers: A Quick Guide

Long layers and short layers both are very popular among women of all ages. Layered hairstyles have been popular for decades and they are showing no sign of going out of fashion. You will see long and short layered hairstyles at every single red carpet event.

Knowing the crucial differences between long layers and short layers will help you to get the hairstyle of your dreams.

Suitable Face Shape

If you have a long face shape, you should opt for short layers since they make your face appear more round.

However, if your face is round, you should consider getting long layers, which will help you elongate the shape. If your face is oval, you can enjoy both short and long layers.

Difference Between Short and Long Layered Hairstyles

You can display a lot of your personality with a hairstyle. This is why it’s important that you take the time to choose the right hairstyle.

As layered hairstyle is one of the most popular hairstyles, it is often combined with other styles to create a unique look, you should have a clear idea about the differences between short layers and long layers.

Here are 5 short layers vs long layers differences that’ll help you understand better.

#1: Length

When we are talking about layers, the terms “long layers” and “short layers” do not just refer to the length of the hairstyle as a whole. Long and short actually mean the distance between the layers.

If there is a great distance between the end of one layer and the end of the next, this can be referred to as a long layer.

On the other hand, if the distance is short, the style is known as short layers.

#2: Styling

Long layers and short layers will look very different when they are styled, however short layers are better if you want to give yourself multiple styling options.

Because short layers are subtle, it is possible to change your parting and style your hair in a completely different way without it looking too heavy or too thin in any single area.

On the other hand, changing your parting can be bold when you have long layers. It can leave your hair looking very thick on one side and without any weight or thickness on the other side.

Medium Layered Hairstyles

#3: Volume

Short layers are great for people who want to add more volume to their style. Hair tends to flick out slightly towards the end of each strand, so short layer ends up looking more voluminous.

Longer layers can help people to reduce the overall volume of their hairstyle without them having to compromise on length.

#4: Subtlety

Long layering is perfect if you want an overt style, but short layers are better for a more subtle shape hairstyle.

If you are looking for a shaped haircut which is as subtle as possible, you should talk to your stylist so that they can create a short layered hairstyle that will meet your needs.

#5: Hippy Styling

Long layers are great for girls who want a hippy hairstyle. Layers tend to dry naturally into soft waves and give a real bohemian look to the hair.

The look is perfect for outdoor festivals or chilling out at the beach. Conversely, short layers help to produce a more high fashion look which will look great in the office.

Watch how to cut layers in your hair at home:

How to Cut Soft Long Layer Haircut at Home

Short Layered Hairstyles

Long Layers vs Short Layers: See at A Glance

FAQs

Should my curly hair have long or short layers?

If your curls are super-voluminous and you’d like them to be a little more under control, ask your stylist for long layers. Long layers remove bulk and help curls to become more tamed.

What does it mean by long layers?

Long layers mean that the angle to cut the layers is sharper. Long layers remove bulk.

What are short layers?

Short layers are cut at a wider angle. These layers stack neatly on top of one another to create volume.

Short or long layers which one is high maintenance?

Short layers require more maintenance because they grow out quicker, in about three months. Long layers usually don’t need to be touched up until six months later.

Are short layers good for thin hair?

Yes. Short layers are great for thin hair because they create volume.

Will layers make my hair look thinner?

Short layers do not make your hair look thinner, but long layers do.

Will layers make my curly hair curlier?

If you use short layers, your curly hair will definitely become more curly. With long layers, your curls will frame your face better and be less voluminous.

Do layers add volume to my hair?

Yes, if they are short layers.

Can I have short layers on my long hair?

Yes, if your long hair is thin, short layers can help add volume.

Are layers and step cut similar?

They are similar in how they are done, but a step cut is done to emphasize the layers so that it becomes apparent that you have different lengths in your hair.

Layers, on the other hand, are done in a subtle manner so you can’t see them, but you notice an overall effect of de-bulking or adding volume.

Where should long layers start?

If your hair is long and thick, long layers to remove bulk will typically start at the front near your cheekbones.

Do layers make hair look longer?

Layers do not adjust the apparent length of the hair, longer or shorter.

Among different types of layering, long layering does work better on longer hairstyles, in part because it is impossible to cut effective long layers into hairstyles that are too short. In these other hairstyles, the hair just isn’t long enough to create enough definition between the lengths of the layers.

Short layering looks amazing when it is done on hair of any length. It is even possible to cut short layers into crops and pixie cuts to create a whole different look for your hair.