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Long Layers Vs. Short Layers: A Quick Guide

Long layers and short layers have been popular for decades, and they are showing no sign of going out of fashion.

Knowing the crucial differences between long layers and short layers will help you 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 rounder.

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 hairstyles are among the most popular hairstyles and are often combined with other styles to create a unique look, you should have a clear idea of the differences between short layers and long layers.

Here are 5 differences between short layers and long layers that’ll help you understand them 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 layers mean the layered pieces are left longer, falling closer to the ends of your hair. Short layers mean the shortest pieces are cut much higher up toward the crown.

#2: Styling

Long layers and short layers will look very different when they are styled.

Long layers carry more weight, so it is generally easier to change your parting without the cut looking uneven, giving you more styling options.

On the other hand, changing your parting with short layers can sometimes look disjointed if they were cut specifically to frame one side.

#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 layers end up looking more voluminous.

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

#4: Subtlety

Short layering is perfect if you want an overt, voluminous style, but long layers are better for a more subtle shape.

If you are looking for a haircut that removes bulk while remaining as subtle as possible, you should ask your stylist for long, blended layers.

#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 produce a more high-fashion look that will look great in the office.

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.

Watch how to cut layers in your hair at home:

How to Cut a Soft Long Layer at Home

Long Layers vs Short Layers: See at a Glance