28 Long Hairstyles for Women — Elegant, Trendy & Easy Ideas

As a stylist with over a decade behind the chair, I’ve photographed and perfected 28 long hairstyles designed to flatter different face shapes, textures, and lifestyles. In this post I walk you through classic layered cuts, soft beach waves, sleek straight looks, braided variations, romantic updos, and easy everyday styles—all shown in 28 curated images. These long styles suit women who want versatility: add face-framing layers for fullness, long blunt ends for a modern edge, or long layers and waves to soften angular features. I’ll share salon-tested tips for prepping hair, choosing the right styling tools, and extending your style’s hold without heat damage. Whether your hair is fine, thick, curly, or relaxed, you’ll find options that balance maintenance and impact. Use the images as inspiration and adapt techniques I teach to create a long-hair look that’s uniquely yours.

Boho Half-Up Textured Braid with Loose Waves

Suitable for medium to long hair (fine to medium-thick). This half-up style works best on hair with natural texture or hair prepped with a texturizing spray; clip-in extensions can be used for extra fullness. Technique: create lift at the crown by backcombing a top section, then loosely French/Dutch-braid from each temple toward the back and secure the braids into a low half-up knot or small pony. Leave soft face-framing pieces and add loose, undone waves to the remaining lengths with a 1 curling wand or flat iron. Gently pancake the braid and tug sections for a lived-in, voluminous look. Tools: tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, 1 curling wand or straightener, small elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light mousse or volumizing powder at roots, flexible-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: Intermediate — expect 25–45 minutes depending on length and thickness. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo and a spritz of sea-salt spray, re-pin loose pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz, and avoid heavy oils at the crown to preserve volume.

Long Layered Waves with Soft Curtain Bangs

A salon-friendly, long layered style with soft curtain bangs that enhances natural movement and face shape. Best suited for medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or loose-curly textures; straight hair can achieve the look with heat styling. To create: start on towel-dried hair with a lightweight leave-in or curl cream, then rough-dry with a diffuser to build volume and texture. For more defined waves, wrap sections around a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating direction and leaving ends slightly free for a lived-in finish. Style bangs with a small round brush or flat iron to create a gentle curtain part. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), 1–1.25 curling wand, round brush, wide-tooth comb, clips. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or curl cream, sea-salt or texture spray, smoothing serum, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium — roughly 20–40 minutes depending on length and density. Maintenance tips: trim layers and bangs every 8–12 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh waves with a mist of water + sea-salt spray, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Long Layered Blowout with Voluminous Face‑Framing Waves

This look is a salon-friendly long layered blowout that creates soft, voluminous waves and face-framing movement. Best suited to medium-to-thick straight or wavy hair; fine hair can achieve similar lift with long layers or clip-in extensions, while very curly hair should be smoothed and then re-textured. Start on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse or volumizing spray, then apply a thermal protectant. Work in 2–3 sections, rough-dry to remove moisture, then use a round brush and blow dryer to create lift at the roots and smooth the lengths. For body, wrap mid-lengths around a large (1.25–2 inch) curling iron or use hot rollers, alternating direction and leaving ends slightly loose for movement. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, sectioning clips, large-barrel curling iron or hot rollers, paddle brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizer or mousse, light smoothing cream/serum, flexible-hold hairspray and texture spray. Difficulty: moderate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh with dry shampoo between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid to preserve shape.

Long Layered Beach Waves for Natural Volume and Texture

This long, layered beach-wave look suits medium to thick hair and works well on naturally wavy or slightly curly textures; fine hair can achieve the same effect with added layering and root-lifting products. Create the style by cutting long, face-framing layers and light texturizing at the ends to avoid heaviness. Styling technique: start on damp hair with a lightweight leave-in conditioner and heat protector, then either diffuse on low heat while scrunching or air-dry until mostly dry. To enhance waves, wrap random 1–2 inch sections around a 1–1.25-inch curling wand or gently bend sections with a flat iron for soft S-waves. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, diffuser or blow dryer, 1–1.25 curling wand (or flat iron). Products required: leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, sea-salt/texturizing spray, lightweight oil or serum for ends, optional volumizing mousse and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium — simple for everyday wear once cut properly. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to prevent split ends, deep-condition weekly, refresh with a water/sea-salt spritz between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Long Layered Chestnut Waves — Tousled Beachy Waves for Medium–Thick Hair

Long, layered chestnut waves with a soft, tousled finish — ideal for medium to thick hair and naturally wavy types, but easily adapted for straight hair with heat styling. To recreate: start on damp, towel-blotted hair; apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray from mid-lengths to ends. Rough-dry with a diffuser on low heat while scrunching to enhance the natural wave, or air-dry for a softer result. For added definition, wrap 1–2 inch sections loosely around a large-barrel (1¼–1½) curling wand, alternate directions, then finger-comb once cooled. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, diffuser-equipped blow dryer, large-barrel curling wand, and a spray bottle for touch-ups. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, lightweight conditioner, heat protectant, sea-salt spray or mousse, light-hold hairspray, and a few drops of lightweight hair oil. Difficulty: easy–medium (basic drying skills, occasional curling). Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, deep-condition weekly, minimize daily heat, refresh waves with water + texturizing spray, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz and preserve wave shape.

Long Layered Beach Waves with Soft Face‑Framing Layers

This long, layered beach-wave style is ideal for medium to thick hair and flatters natural straight or wavy textures; fine hair can achieve the look with a light volumizing cut or extensions. Technique: cut long, tapered layers and subtle face‑framing pieces to remove bulk and add movement. For styling, roughly blow-dry with a round brush to create body, then wrap 1–2 inch sections loosely around a 1–1.25 inch curling wand, alternating directions and leaving ends softer for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, 1–1.25 in curling wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root lift, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold flexible hairspray, and a small amount of smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: Intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes for styling after a professional cut. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to preserve shape, use a weekly deep-conditioning treatment to prevent split ends, refresh waves with dry shampoo and a quick re-heat of a few pieces, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Long Layered Voluminous Waves for Wavy to Curly Hair

This long, layered voluminous wave is ideal for natural wavy, curly and thick hair textures; fine hair can use added layers and texturizing or clip-in extensions to simulate body. Create the shape by cutting in long, graduated layers (cut on dry hair to set natural fall) and soft face‑framing pieces. To style: apply a leave‑in conditioner to damp hair, then a curl‑defining cream or mousse from mid-lengths to ends; use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle. Scrunch sections and diffuse on low-to-medium heat, encouraging the waves; alternate twist-and-dry for more defined spirals and touch up sporadic pieces with a 1–1.25

Long Layered Blonde with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs & Beachy Waves

This long, layered blonde with face‑framing curtain layers and beachy waves suits fine to medium hair textures and works on naturally straight or slightly wavy hair; very thick or very curly hair will need weight removal and smoothing. Technique: start with long, graduated layers that begin around the chin to add movement without losing length, and soften the front with curtain layers to frame the face. For styling, blow‑dry with a round brush to lift roots and smooth midlengths, then use a 1” curling wand to create loose alternating waves, leaving the ends straighter for a lived‑in look. Tools needed: hairdryer with nozzle, medium round brush, 1” curling wand, sectioning clips, wide‑tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root lift, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, light mist hairspray, and a small amount of smoothing serum for shine. Difficulty: intermediate — about 20–30 minutes to style. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, use purple shampoo as needed for blonde tones, deep condition weekly, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz and preserve shape.

Long Layered Platinum Waves with Side‑Swept Fringe

This long, layered platinum style with a soft side‑swept fringe suits fine to medium hair densities and can be adapted for thicker hair with careful thinning. The cut features long face‑framing layers to keep weight off the ends and create movement. Styling technique: apply a root‑lift mousse to damp hair, blow‑dry with a large round brush to add crown lift and smooth layers, then form loose S‑waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions and leaving the ends slightly undone for a natural finish. Run a pea‑sized amount of lightweight serum through mid‑lengths and ends, rake with fingers, and lock with a flexible‑hold hairspray and a light texturizing spray for separation. Tools needed: hairdryer, large round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, sectioning clips, wide‑tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, lightweight oil or serum, flexible hairspray, purple/toning shampoo and bond‑builder for bleached hair. Difficulty: intermediate — professional cut and color recommended; styling is achievable at home with practice. Maintenance: root touch‑ups every 4–6 weeks, weekly toning, deep conditioning and bond treatments after bleaching, trims every 8–12 weeks, sleep on silk and minimize daily high heat.

Long Voluminous Beach Waves — Textured Waves for Thick or Wavy Hair

Suitability: Ideal for medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or curly textures; fine hair can achieve this look with root-lifting products or clip-in extensions. From salon experience, the cut should keep long layers to remove bulk and encourage movement. Styling technique: Start on towel-dried hair with a light leave-in and heat protectant. Rough-dry with a diffuser or blow-dryer until 80% dry, then wrap 1–1.5 inch sections around a large-barrel curling wand, alternating direction and leaving ends slightly undone for a lived-in wave. Finger-comb curls and finish with a texturizing spray, scrunching to add separation. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, 1–1.5 curling wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, and a boar-bristle or paddle brush for smoothing. Products required: moisturizing shampoo/conditioner, leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root lift, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light hair oil/serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: Medium — 30–45 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: deep-condition weekly, trim every 8–12 weeks, refresh waves with water + leave-in mist, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid to preserve shape, and avoid heavy products at the roots.

Long Layered Balayage Waves with Face‑Framing Layers

This long, layered balayage style suits medium to thick hair and natural waves best, but can be adapted for fine hair with added texturizing or light extensions. Start on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse and heat protectant. Blow-dry using a round brush to create volume at the crown and smooth through the lengths. Create loose, lived-in waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand: wrap alternating sections away and toward the face, leaving ends out for a relaxed finish. Cool the curls, then gently finger-comb or use a wide-tooth comb to break them into soft waves. Finish with a sea-salt or texturizing spray for separation and a lightweight hair oil on the ends for shine; lock with a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain movement. Tools needed: blow-dryer, round brush, curling wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray, lightweight serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling technique and sectioning. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, use color-safe sulfate-free shampoo, deep-condition weekly, and refresh waves between washes with dry shampoo and texturizer; sleep on a silk pillow or loose braid to preserve shape.

Long Layered Beach Waves with Soft Curtain Bangs

Designed for long, naturally wavy to curly hair (medium to thick), this long layered beach-wave style with soft curtain bangs adds movement without bulk—fine hair benefits from graduated layers and root‑boosting products. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a leave‑in conditioner, curl‑defining cream or light mousse, and a sea‑salt spray at mid‑lengths. Use a wide‑tooth comb to detangle, scrunch upward and diffuse on low‑medium heat to set waves, or air‑dry for softer texture. For polished pieces, wrap 1‑inch sections around a curling wand loosely, alternating directions for natural flow. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, diffuser, 1‑inch curling wand, and sharp shears for layering. Products: gentle hydrating shampoo and conditioner, leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, sea‑salt spray, heat protectant, lightweight oil or serum, and dry shampoo. Difficulty: moderate — requires a skilled stylist for the cut; daily styling is straightforward. Maintenance: trim layers every 8–12 weeks and bangs every 6–8 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, refresh second‑day waves by misting with water plus leave‑in and scrunching, and sleep on silk or in a loose pineapple to preserve shape.

Boho Chunky Double Braids with Soft Face‑Framing Pieces

Suitable for medium to very long hair and best on hair with natural wave or light texture — thick hair creates the fullest look, while fine hair benefits from clip‑in extensions or a texturizing powder for grip. Start on towel‑dry or second‑day hair: apply heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for hold, and a little smoothing serum on the ends. Create a center or slightly off‑center part, leave two face‑framing sections, then backcomb lightly at the crown for lift. Braid each side in a loose Dutch or fishtail, pulling (“pancaking”) the braid loops outward as you go to build volume; secure with small elastics and conceal with a wrapped strand or pin if desired. Tools needed: tail comb, small clear elastics, hair pins, 1–1.25” curling wand (optional for extra waves), and a brush. Products: texturizing spray/powder, heat protectant, light‑hold hairspray, and anti‑frizz serum. Difficulty: intermediate — requires braid control and pancaking technique; allow 20–40 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, re‑pancake daily, sleep with a silk scarf, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks.

Voluminous Boho Double Dutch Braids with Pancaked Texture

This look suits long to mid-back lengths and medium-to-thick hair best — textured or slightly wavy hair gives the fullest, most lived-in result. Fine hair can be adapted with light clip‑in extensions or by backcombing sections for grip. Technique: create a deep part, take a wide front section and Dutch-braid along the hairline into two low Dutch/three‑strand braids, then pancake (gently pull apart) each braid to build volume and softness. Leave a few face‑framing pieces loose for a relaxed, romantic finish. Tools needed: fine tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a wide-tooth brush. Helpful tools: curling iron to add soft texture beforehand and a blow‑dryer for volume. Products required: texturizing or sea‑salt spray for grip, lightweight mousse or root‑lift at the start, dry shampoo to add texture on unwashed hair, a small amount of smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate to advanced — expect 30–50 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap loosely, refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pancake/smooth morning pieces, and resecure any loose sections with pins to extend wear for 2–3 days.

Long Layered Cut with Soft Curtain Bangs for Medium-to-Thick Hair

This long layered haircut with soft curtain bangs suits medium to thick hair and straight-to-wavy textures. Salon cutting uses long, graduated layers and subtle face-framing to remove bulk while preserving length; slide-cutting or point-cutting creates feathered ends and natural movement. To style, towel-dry and apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry using a large round brush to create root lift and shape the curtain bangs, then use a 1–1.25 curling wand or flat iron to add loose bends to the mid-lengths for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: blow dryer, large round brush, sectioning clips, 1–1.25 wand or flat iron, and a paddle brush for smoothing. Recommended products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, light styling cream or sea-salt spray for texture, finishing light-hold hairspray, and a small amount of shine serum on ends. Difficulty: moderate — takes 20–30 minutes daily to achieve the polished tousled look. Maintenance: trims every 8–12 weeks, bangs refreshed every 4–6 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning mask, and dry shampoo between washes to preserve volume.

Long Voluminous Natural Waves with Face‑Framing Layers

This look suits medium to thick hair with natural waves or loose curls; fine hair can achieve similar volume with root-lifting products and strategic layering. Ask your stylist for long, graduated layers and soft face‑framing pieces to remove weight and enhance movement. To style: start on damp, freshly washed hair. Apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at roots and a curl‑defining cream through mid-lengths and ends. Diffuse with a blow dryer on low heat while scrunching for texture, or create loose S‑shaped waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly out for a lived‑in finish. Tools: blow dryer with diffuser, curling wand, wide‑tooth comb, sectioning clips, and a boar/bristle brush for smoothing. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, curl cream or sea‑salt spray, lightweight oil for shine, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate—about 30–45 minutes at home depending on length. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple the hair, refresh with water + curl cream or texturizing spray between washes, and use a weekly deep conditioner to preserve bounce and shine.

Boho Crown Braid into Loose Textured Side Braid — Long Hair

An elegant boho crown braid that flows into a loose, textured side braid — ideal for long, medium-to-thick hair with natural wave or body. Begin on dry, detangled hair: apply heat protectant if you’ll use hot tools, then mist with sea-salt or texturizing spray and rough-dry for grip. Create a Dutch or French braid along the hairline to form a crown, feeding in sections and directing hair toward one side; transition into a large three-strand or loose fishtail braid and secure with a small elastic. Pancake the braid by gently pulling outer loops to increase volume and soften the look. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and an optional curling wand for shaping ends. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea-salt spray, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, volumizing powder or dry shampoo, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — best for stylists or confident at-home braiders; allow 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo or salt spray, re-pin loose pieces, and re-curl ends lightly to restore shape. Fine hair benefits from root teasing or padding for extra volume.

Long Layered Natural Beach Waves with Face‑Framing Layers

This look suits medium to thick long hair and works best on naturally wavy or slightly straight textures—fine hair can achieve the same effect with added volume techniques. The salon technique combines long, blended layers and subtle face‑framing pieces cut with point‑cutting and dry texturizing to remove bulk while preserving length. For styling: towel dry, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or salt spray at the roots and a leave‑in conditioner through the midlengths and ends. Rough‑dry with a diffuser or blow dryer for natural lift, then create loose bends with a 1–1.25” curling wand or by twisting sections with a flat iron, alternating direction for a lived‑in wave. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, round brush, 1–1.25” curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, wide‑tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, flexible hold hairspray, small amount of hair oil on ends. Difficulty: moderate — 15–30 minutes depending on hair density. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, use dry shampoo between washes, sleep on a silk pillowcase and refresh waves with a light mist of water and texturizer.

Long Layered Beach Waves with Face-Framing Volume

This long, layered beach-wave look is ideal for medium to thick hair and for naturally wavy or loosely curly textures; fine hair can achieve a similar effect with added layering, texturizing, or lightweight extensions. The salon technique combines long, graduated layers and soft face-framing pieces, then styling with a root-lift blow-dry and large-barrel curling wand or diffuser to create loose, separated waves. Key tools: blow dryer with nozzle or diffuser, 1¼–1½ inch curling wand, round brush, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips. Essential products: volumizing mousse or root-lift spray applied to damp hair, a good heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray for separation, light-hold hairspray, and a few drops of smoothing serum on ends. Difficulty: moderate — cutting requires a professional to blend layers; styling is approachable at home once you master sectioning and wand technique. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks to preserve shape, deep-condition weekly to maintain shine, use sulfate-free shampoo, refresh day-two texture with dry shampoo and a spritz of salt spray, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid to reduce frizz.

Long Textured Beach Waves with Face‑Framing Layers

This look suits medium-to-thick long hair and natural waves, and adapts well to straight hair with added texture. Fine hair can achieve similar volume with a root-lifting mousse or light extensions; very curly hair benefits from a relaxed blow-dry before styling. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protector and a small amount of volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray, then rough‑dry with fingers or a diffuser to retain natural movement. Section hair and use a 1–1.5 curling wand or large flat iron to create loose S‑shaped bends, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly straighter for a modern, lived‑in finish. Finger‑comb curls while cooling, then mist with a flexible hold hairspray and finish with a texturizing spray for separation and a few drops of lightweight oil on ends for shine. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), curling wand or flat iron, clips, wide‑tooth comb. Difficulty: intermediate—about 20–40 minutes depending on length. Maintenance: sleep on a satin pillowcase or loose braid, refresh with water + sea‑salt spray, deep‑condition weekly, and trim layers every 8–12 weeks to keep shape.

Long Layered Cut with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs and Soft Waves

This long layered style with curtain bangs and feathered ends is built for movement and natural volume. Suitability: ideal for medium to thick straight or wavy hair; fine hair can wear it with added texturizing or light extensions for fullness; very tight curls will need smoothing before styling. Styling technique: start with towel‑dried hair, apply a root‑lift mousse, then blow‑dry using a large round brush to shape the face‑framing layers and sweep the bangs. Create soft, large waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, wrapping mid-lengths and leaving ends slightly undone for a lived‑in finish. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush (1.5–2), 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, sectioning clips, wide tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, lightweight smoothing cream or oil for ends, flexible‑hold hairspray, optional texturizing spray for piecey definition. Difficulty level: moderate — basic blowout and curling skills required. Maintenance tips: trim layers and bangs every 8–12 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, refresh volume with dry shampoo between washes, and protect from heat damage with regular treatments.

Long Layered Cut with Soft Beach Waves

This look suits long, medium-to-thick hair with natural straight-to-wavy texture; fine hair can achieve similar volume with added layers or clip-in long extensions, while very curly hair benefits from a smoothing blowout first. Technique: start on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse or spray, then blow-dry using a round brush to create lift at the crown and soften the ends. Create loose beach waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand or iron, wrapping mid-lengths and leaving the last 1–2 inches out for a lived-in finish; alternate direction and keep curls loose. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, curling wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb or fingers. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a lightweight hair oil or serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — styling takes 15–25 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to preserve layers, use a sulfate-free shampoo and weekly deep conditioner, refresh texture with dry shampoo and salt spray between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.

Long Layered Beachy Waves with Side-Swept Volume

A salon-friendly long layered style with loose beachy waves and a deep side sweep — ideal for medium to thick hair and natural waves or straight hair. Fine hair can wear this look with added thickening products; very tight curls will need a relaxed blowout first. Styling technique: towel-dry and apply a leave-in heat protectant and volumizing mousse through roots to mid-lengths. Blow-dry using a round brush (or diffuse on low for texture), lifting at the crown for volume. Section hair and use a 1¼–1½ curling wand to create loose S-shaped bends, alternating directions and leaving the ends out for a modern, lived-in finish. Let curls cool, then gently separate with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Finish with sea-salt/texturizing spray for grit, a light-hold hairspray for hold, and a tiny amount of shine serum on the ends. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle or diffuser, round brush, 1¼–1½ curling wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt/texturizer, light-hold hairspray, lightweight oil/serum, dry shampoo. Difficulty: Medium — 20–35 minutes depending on length. Maintenance: trims every 8–12 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning, refresh with dry shampoo or texturizer between washes, sleep on silk to reduce frizz, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve volume.

Long Layered Voluminous Waves with Side-Swept Texture

A salon-friendly long layered cut styled into soft, voluminous waves that frame the face with a side-swept part. Best suited to medium and thick hair or naturally wavy textures — fine hair can achieve this look with a root-boosting mousse and strategic layering or clip-in extensions for density. Technique: start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush and nozzle to create lift at the crown, then section hair and wrap medium-to-large sections (1–1.5 in) around a curling wand or iron, alternating direction for natural movement. Let curls cool, then gently break them up with fingers or a wide-tooth comb and shape the side sweep. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, 1–1.5 curling wand or iron, sectioning clips, tail comb. Products required: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, root lifter or spray, light smoothing serum, texturizing spray and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, refresh waves with low-heat touch-ups, use dry shampoo between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid to preserve texture.

Long Voluminous Soft Waves with Face‑Framing Layers

Suitability: Best on long hair with medium to thick density; fine hair can achieve this look with root-lifting products and texturizers, while very curly hair may need smoothing before styling. Ideal for layered cuts that add movement around the face. Styling technique: Start on towel-dried hair with a root-lift mousse, blow-dry using a round brush to create volume at the crown and smooth the lengths. Section hair into large panels and wrap 1–1.5 in (25–38 mm) sections around a large-barrel curling wand, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly looser for natural waves. Cool, then gently brush or finger-comb to soften into waves. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, medium-to-large round brush (2–2.5 in), 1–1.5 in curling wand or iron, clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root spray, light-hold hairspray, texturizing spray for finished grip, and a small amount of shine serum or cream. Difficulty level: Moderate — about 20–40 minutes depending on hair length. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, use a weekly deep-conditioning mask, refresh waves with dry shampoo or a light mist of water and texturizer, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid to preserve shape.

Voluminous Layered Blowout with Face‑Framing Side‑Swept Fringe

This classic, salon-style blowout suits straight to softly wavy hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve similar lift with volumizing products or temporary extensions, while very curly hair should be relaxed or smoothed first. Section the hair and use a root-lifting blow-dry technique with a large (2–3 ) round brush: dry roots upward for volume, then roll the brush under through mid-lengths and ends to create the feathered, flipped layers and soft side-swept fringe. Tools: professional hairdryer with concentrator, large round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, 1–1.5 curling iron or Velcro rollers for extra bend, and a cool-shot button. Products: volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, heat protectant, smoothing blow-dry cream, light flexible hairspray, and a shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice, or quick in-salon. Maintenance: trim layers every 8–12 weeks, use a clarifying/purple shampoo as needed for blonde tones, deep-condition weekly, refresh roots with dry shampoo, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape and reduce frizz.

Messy Double Fishtail Braids with Face‑Framing Layers

This relaxed, boho-inspired look works best on medium to long hair and suits fine, medium or thick textures — naturally wavy hair will take to the style fastest, while straight hair benefits from a bit of pre-texturizing. Start on towel-dried or dry hair: apply a heat protectant if you plan to curl, then mist a sea-salt or texturizing spray through mids to ends. Create a soft middle or slightly off-center part and backcomb the crown lightly for lift. Divide hair into two low sections and fishtail-braid each loosely, then pancake the braids outward to increase width and softness. Use a curling wand to add loose bends to any pieces that need extra movement; pull a few face-framing strands free. Tools: tail comb, small elastics, bobby pins, curling wand (optional). Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light pomade or smoothing serum for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braiding and pancaking skills; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely pin up, refresh texture with dry shampoo, and re-pancake or retighten elastics as needed.

Long Layered Blowout with Soft Curtain Face-Framing

This long, layered style with soft face-framing curtain pieces suits medium to thick hair and straight-to-wavy textures; fine hair can wear it with added layering and volumizing or light extensions. To create the look, cut long layers around the face and point-cut ends for movement, keeping two longer curtain pieces that graze the cheekbones. For styling, blow-dry using a round brush to lift roots and shape the curtain pieces, then create loose S-waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron or a flat iron, alternating direction and leaving ends slightly undone. Tools: blow dryer with concentrator nozzle, 1.25 round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron or flat iron, sectioning clips, tail comb, thinning shears (for cutting). Products: root-lift mousse or spray, heat protectant, light smoothing serum for ends, medium-hold texturizing spray and flexible hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic blow-dry and curling technique; expect 20–35 minutes styling time. Maintenance: trim layers and curtain pieces every 8–12 weeks, use weekly deep-conditioning for shine, refresh volume with dry shampoo, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

From my salon chair I always weigh style against upkeep — long hair looks stunning but thrives with consistent care. Choose cuts that suit your density and curl: long, face-framing layers for fine hair; blended, weight-reducing layers for thick hair; long-length shaping for waves and curls. Limit daily heat, always use a quality heat protectant, and book trims every 8–12 weeks to remove split ends. Use nourishing masks once weekly, a sulfate-free shampoo, and a silk pillowcase to reduce breakage. For easy styling, try overnight braids for texture, a 1–1.5 inch iron for soft waves, and lightweight oils to tame frizz. Bring one of the 28 images to your appointment so your stylist can adapt the look to your growth pattern and lifestyle. With small changes in technique and products, long hair can be healthier, more manageable, and endlessly versatile. —Lena