Long Hair with Short Layers: The Secret to Built-In Volume in 20 Looks

Instant volume is now right at your fingertips.

Anyone who has ever had long hair knows that the longer your strands are, the more easily they’re weighed down. While those coveted, long mermaid-like strands are definitely something to work towards, it’s important to know how to counteract that weight and maintain volume at your roots. And while there are some hair products that will help you in this endeavor, opting for long hair with short layers is one of the easiest ways to ensure built-in volume.

Consider asking your stylist for long hair with short layers that will allow you to maintain the length of your strands without worrying about them getting weighed down. We’ve created a collection of 20 ways to wear short layers on long hair to inspire your new look:

20 Looks Featuring Long Hair with Short Layers

long hair with short layers soft brown — Pair this signature style with a soft brown hair color.

1. Soft Brown

Once you cut shorter layers into your hair, we guarantee, you’ll never go back. Pair your new signature style with a soft brown hair color for the ultimate chic look.

long hair with short layers soft blonde brushed — Soften up a serious hairstyle by brushing through your curls.

2. Brushed Out

Show off your new haircut with a change of texture, too. Brush your curls out to create these oversized waves and skip the hair product altogether.

long hair with short layers slight ombre curls — Find an understated way to get in on this color trend.

3. Subtle Ombré

Consider a subtle ombré hairstyle to show off your new short layers.

long hair with short layers shiny highlights messy curls — Draw even more attention to your new volume.

4. High Shine

Give your strands a fresh coat of high shine by prepping them with Dove Style+Care Smooth & Shine Heat-Protection Spray before you create your curls. This spray will protect your strands from heat damage while also giving you some gloss to work with.

DOVE STYLE+CARE SMOOTH AND SHINE HEAT PROTECTION SPRAY

long hair with short layers red brown curls — Breathe new life into your natural curls.

5. Natural Curls

Breathe new life in your natural curls by cutting short layers into your long haircut. The shorter layers will bounce up and frame your face in the perfect way. For even extra volume and hold, run TRESemmé Flawless Curls Extra Hold Mousse through your strands while they’re still damp.

TRESemmé FLAWLESS CURLS EXTRA HOLD MOUSSE

long hair with short layers medium brown curls — The messier the better.

6. Messy Texture

An easy way to take your messy texture to the next level it to incorporate these easy short layers.

long hair with short layers long light brown curls — Long hair with short layers: Lighten up your length.

7. Long and Light

Lighten up your hair with a soft wash of beautiful light brown hair color.

long hair with short layers light red curls — Consider this subtle shade of red hair color.

8. A Touch of Red

Or brighten up your curls with an understated shade of red color.

long hair with short layers light brown volume — Learn how to create volume on straight hair.

9. Straight Volume

After you wash and condition your hair, flip your strands over and blow dry them with your head upside down. By drying the roots of your hair away from your head you’ll create visible lift in even the straightest hair.

long hair with short layers light brown volume curls — Long hair with short layers: The most voluminous curls you’ll ever wear.

10. Mega Volume

Use a 2-inch curling iron to create these beautiful oversized curls.

long hair with short layers light blonde black hat — Show off your blonde highlights with a high contrast accessory.

11. High Contrast

One of the best ways to show off your bright blonde hair color is by wearing a contrasting colored accessory. Top your look off with a black hat to strike a high contrast look that will show off your color.

long hair with short layers highlights curls — Highlight your curls with a light shade of caramel brown.

12. Highlighted Curls

Lighten up your curls with a warm shade of latte-reminiscent brunette color.

long hair with short layers fiery red — Go bolder than you’ve ever gone before.

13. Fiery Red

All bets are off with this bright shade of fiery red hair color. Go bolder than you’ve ever gone before.

a side view of beautiful woman on grey background — Try a bold and beautiful deep shade of brown hair color.

14. Dark Brown

Make sure to ask your stylist to include short, face-framing layers into your style to highlight your very best features. This dark brown wash of color is the finishing touch on what’s already an edgy and chic look.

long hair with short layers dark brown — An ‘I woke up like this’ hairstyle we can get behind.

15. Textured Curls

Let your curls air dry for a perfect mix of texture and finish.

long hair with short layers caramel brown — Long hair with short layers: Flip your hair over to the opposite side for even more volume.

16. Flipped Over

Add even more volume to your look by flipping your strands over. Set your look with Catwalk by TIGI Firm Hold Hair Spray to keep the volume and curls in place.