6 Layered Haircuts That Will Give You So Much Volume And Dimension

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you're looking to add volume and dimension to your hair, a layered cut is the way to go. "Layers help give volume on the top [and] around the crown," Jenna Spino, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, exclusively tells Women. But what are layers, exactly? "Layers are shorter pieces cut towards the upper part of your head. This lightens up the bottom, helping create volume towards the crown," Spino explains. By taking some of the heaviness out of the ends of your tresses, it becomes easier to add movement and create fullness while styling. 

The challenge is that there are so many layered cuts out there that deciding which one to try can be harder than keeping up with which haircuts are outdated and which are trending. That's why we've rounded up six of our favorite styles to help take the guesswork out of getting your next haircut. We'd recommend visiting a professional to do your cut, as they can customize your chosen 'do depending on your face shape, how thick or thin your strands are, your natural texture, and your styling preferences. However, if you're determined to DIY, just make sure you read our advice for giving yourself a layered haircut at home first.

The butterfly cut is a celebrity favorite for a reason. It adds serious volume to your hair, and it's perfect for anyone looking for a glamorous, bouncy look (which is why Sabrina Carpenter is particularly keen). "This is done on long hair. It's layered around the face and throughout the back," Jenna Spino exclusively tells us of the flirty style, which combines shorter, face-framing layers with past-shoulder layers. "The butterfly cut lightens up long hair, helping achieve volume," Spino adds.

A layered bob may be perfect for older hair, but younger tresses can get in on the action too. This classic, shorter style finishes around the chin and can be personalized by adding bangs or by wearing it straight, curly, or with your hair's natural texture. Aim for dramatic, blunt layers, as Jenna Spino tells us, "Layers give the cut tons of movement, creating a very full look."

For those who like to keep their tresses very short but still want volume, give the pixie a try. "The pixie cut is short [and] heavily layered throughout," Jenna Spino exclusively tells us, noting, "Volume is very easy to achieve at this shorter length." The pixie, which works on all textures, can be particularly flattering for those with thinner tresses because it really creates the illusion of fullness, especially with super choppy layers.

Adding curtain bangs to a long, layered haircut is another way to add instant volume to your hair. The longer layers bring dimension and fullness to the lower parts of your mane, while the curtain bangs (longer, face-framing strands that fall on either side of the face) can be styled using a round brush and rollers for added height and bounce. Try Kitsch's Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers or Drybar's High Tops Self-Grip Rollers.

Looking for more volume and dimension in a longer cut that doesn't need constant upkeep? Try a shag. "The shag is a super layered, super textured cut. It creates messy textured volume," Jenna Spino explains. Because it's meant to be worn a little unkempt and look lived in, you won't need regular cuts to keep a strict shape. "It works well on wavy hair because it can be an easy wash-and-wear style," Spino adds.

Not quite ready to go as short as the bob? Give a lob (aka long bob) with choppy layers a go instead. This shoulder-skimming 'do retains some length but isn't as heavy as long hair, so it'll be easy to create more volume, movement, and bounce when you style it. It's ideal for a wide range of hair textures as well, because everything from the straightest strands to the curliest locks look gorgeous in a lob.