If I could recommend one single hair change that offers maximum impact for minimal commitment, it would be stunning, customized face-framing layers! Think of them as contouring for your hair—they instantly highlight your cheekbones, add dynamic movement, and breathe new life into an otherwise flat cut.
For 2026, the trend is all about using these layers to create purposeful shape and amazing volume. I’ve gathered my 22 favorite, most flattering ideas—from the chic Bottleneck Curve to the voluminous ’90s Supermodel Frame—that are guaranteed to give you that instant, confidence-boosting definition.
Get ready to find your perfect frame!
1. The Bottleneck Curve
This cut is the trendiest update to face-framing layers. The Bottleneck Curve starts with shorter layers near the brow that gently curve inward around the cheekbones and jawline (like a bottle’s neck) before blending seamlessly into the length. This technique instantly adds volume, soft structure, and highlights your facial features beautifully.
Ask your stylist for layers that start short near the brow and sweep down past the cheekbones, curving inward. To style, use a medium round brush to blow-dry these layers forward and under, holding the curve to set the shape. The rest of the hair can be worn straight or wavy.
Regular trims maintain the crucial curvature around the face. Use a lightweight heat protectant to shield the frequently styled front pieces. Refresh the curve daily with a quick round brush and blow-dryer touch-up.
2. The Long Curtain Fringe
A universally flattering style that works on almost any hair length. The Long Curtain Fringe features layers that part down the center and sweep to the sides, often starting around the eyebrows and lengthening toward the jawline. This fringe adds soft volume around the face and is extremely low-maintenance compared to a straight bang.
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Ask for a central fringe that begins around the eyebrows and angles down to the cheekbones or jaw. To style, use a small round brush to blow-dry the bangs forward and then flick them back and away from the face, encouraging the soft “curtain” shape.
The fringe needs shaping every 4-6 weeks to maintain the perfect sweep. Use a light volumizing mousse for root lift. Quickly refresh the bangs with a round brush and blow dryer each morning.
3. The Face-Framing Flip Layers
Inspired by retro glamour, this style is all about playful movement. The Face-Framing Flip Layers feature longer layers around the face that are deliberately styled to curl outward and away from the face and shoulders. This sharp, outward flick adds dynamic bounce and volume.
Ask for long, feathered layers around the face that encourage an outward movement. To style, use a large round brush or flat iron to turn the ends outward and away from the face, holding the heat to set the flip. Finish with a light wax on the ends for definition.
Use a light styling wax on the flipped ends for sharp definition and hold. Protect the layers with a heat protectant spray before styling. A quick touch-up with a flat iron revives the sharp outward flip daily.
4. The Short-to-Long Tapered Frame
This cut uses layers to create a significant difference between the shortest face-framing piece and the overall length. The Short-to-Long Tapered Frame often features layers that start as short as the cheekbone but quickly taper down into the rest of the hair, maximizing lift on top while keeping the ends dense.
Request face-framing layers that start high (cheekbone level) and are aggressively tapered down to blend into the long length. To style, use a round brush to blow-dry the short layers up and away from the face to showcase the lift and graduation.
Regular trims maintain the sharp graduation and lift of the shortest layer. Use a volumizing mousse on the front layers for extra lift. Avoid straightening, which flattens the tapered shape.
5. The Deep Side Part Swoop
This style uses the face-framing layers combined with a dramatic part to create immense, asymmetrical volume. The Deep Side Part Swoop is parted far off-center, allowing the layers on the heavy side to swoop over the forehead, creating instant root lift and an elegant frame.
Use a rat-tail comb to create a deep side part (far over the arch of the eyebrow). To style, apply a root-lifting spray and blow-dry the layers on the heavier side up and over to the opposite side to set the volume and swoop.
Use a volumizing powder at the root for daily lift maintenance. Sleep with a large roller on the root of the deep side to preserve the height. Use a flexible, light hairspray to hold the swoop elegantly.
6. The Textured Fringe Layer
Perfect for curly or wavy hair, this frame uses layering to support and enhance the natural texture around the face. The Textured Fringe Layer is characterized by soft, diffused layers that look best when air-dried, creating a voluminous, natural wave that frames the eyes and cheekbones without looking “heavy.”
Ask for face-framing layers that are cut to support your natural texture (often cut dry). To style, apply a curl cream or wave spray. Gently scrunch the layers and let the hair air-dry naturally to enhance the soft, full wave around the face.
Use a micro-fiber towel to blot hair gently after washing. Refresh the texture daily with a spritz of water or light wave spray. Avoid brushing when dry to maintain the textured, voluminous shape.
7. The Long, Seamless Blend
Ideal for women who want movement but dislike visible layers. The Long, Seamless Blend uses very subtle, long layers placed around the face that are heavily texturized to blend seamlessly into the length. This adds lightness and flow without the choppy appearance.
Request long, subtle face-framing layers that are heavily texturized or sliced to blend invisibly. To style, use a smoothing serum and blow-dry straight, focusing on the fluidity and gentle inward curve of the layers.
Use a high-shine serum daily to emphasize the seamless, fluid look. Trim the layers every 10 weeks to maintain the subtle blend. Avoid aggressive curling, which highlights the layers’ presence.
8. The ’90s Supermodel Frame
A high-glamour look defined by heavy volume and sleek ends. The ’90s Supermodel Frame features long layers that start near the chin and are styled with massive bounce at the root, with the ends curled back and away from the face in large, polished flicks.
Request long layers starting at the chin. To style, use large hot rollers or a huge round brush, curling the front sections back and away from the face. Brush out the set curls thoroughly to create one large, voluminous wave.
Use a strong volumizing spray before setting the rollers. Protect the layers with heat protectant. Preserve the volume overnight by tying the hair loosely on top of the head in a “pineapple” style.
9. The Face-Framing Undercut Layer
This cut uses an invisible short layer underneath the face-framing piece to remove bulk. The Face-Framing Undercut Layer keeps the top layer long, but the hidden undercut allows the front section to sit lighter, giving it maximum lift and bounce without feeling heavy.
Ask for long face-framing layers, requesting a small, hidden undercut beneath these layers at the temple area. To style, focus on blow-drying the top, longer layer with a round brush, pulling it up and away from the root to maximize the lift achieved by the weight removal.
The small undercut needs trimming every 4-6 weeks to maintain the lifting effect. Use a light volumizing mousse on the front layers for extra lift. Protect the face-framing pieces with heat shielding products.
10. The Deep Side-Swept Bang
A structural fringe that is worn entirely to one side. The Deep Side-Swept Bang starts from a far off-center part and is styled across the forehead, blending into the longest layers around the opposite temple. This is highly flattering for rounder faces, adding length and angle.
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Request a fringe that starts high on one side and angles down across the forehead to blend into the lengths. To style, use a paddle brush and blow-dry the fringe flat and across the forehead, setting the swoop with a blast of cool air.
Use a light styling cream on the fringe for a smooth, cohesive sweep. Trimming the bang every 4 weeks maintains the flattering angle. Use a soft hairspray to keep the fringe in place without stiffness.
11. The Long Layers with Tapered Ends
This frame is subtle, focusing on fluid movement. The Long Layers with Tapered Ends uses long layers that flow into a perimeter that is cut to gradually thin out towards the very ends. The face-framing pieces are kept long and soft, adding movement without harsh lines.
Ask for soft, long face-framing layers that blend into a tapered perimeter (ends thinned out). To style, use a large round brush or flat iron to straighten, allowing the tapering to create a clean, fluid finish around the face.
Trim the tapered ends every 8 weeks to maintain the clean effect. Use a lightweight oil on the ends to emphasize the healthy flow. Avoid aggressive blunt cuts that would ruin the taper effect.
12. The Wavy Lob with Side-Part Bang
A medium-length cut where the soft face-framing layers are styled with a slight wave and worn with a side part. The Wavy Lob with Side-Part Bang uses minimal layering to encourage natural texture, and the side part adds a casual, voluminous lift.
Request a collarbone lob with soft, minimal layering and a side-part fringe. To style, apply a wave spray and diffuse, ensuring the fringe is gently guided to one side for the side-part look.
Use a micro-fiber towel to blot hair gently after washing. Refresh the waves daily with a scrunching spray. Use a light styling cream to keep the side-part fringe defined.
13. The Straight-Across Full Fringe
This frame is bold and structural, drawing immediate attention to the eyes. The Straight-Across Full Fringe is thick and hits just below the brow, paired with minimal layers on the rest of the hair. The density of the fringe instantly makes the entire style look intentional and polished.
Request a thick, straight-across fringe that hits just below the brow, paired with minimal face-framing layers. To style, blow-dry the fringe straight down immediately after washing. Flat-iron the rest of the hair for a sleek contrast.
Fringe trims are vital every 3 weeks to maintain the length. Use dry shampoo specifically on the fringe daily to prevent oiliness. A weekly shine serum keeps the length looking healthy.
14. The Curled Under Frame
A classic, polished look where the layers around the face are styled with a soft inward curve. The Curled Under Frame adds a smooth, rounded shape that complements the jawline and neck beautifully, looking best when worn sleek or with a subtle, gentle wave.
Request soft, face-framing layers. To style, use a large round brush or flat iron to turn the layers inward toward the face and neck, holding the curve. Ensure the rest of the hair flows smoothly.
Use a light styling wax on the ends for definition and hold of the curve. Avoid humidity, which can disrupt the inward curve. Quickly touch up the front pieces with a round brush.
15. The Long Layered Frame for Coil
This cut uses face-framing layers specifically designed to support and enhance the tight coil pattern of natural hair. The Long Layered Frame for Coil uses dry-cutting techniques to create a voluminous, defined, and beautifully shaped frame around the face.
Consult a curl specialist for long face-framing layers that are cut to support the coil pattern when dry. To style, apply a moisturizing cream and setting gel. Use the shingling method and allow the coils to air-dry naturally.
Deep condition weekly for moisture and coil elasticity. Use a curl refreshing spray daily to maintain definition. Protect the shape overnight with a silk bonnet or ‘pineapple’ updo.
16. The Mid-Shaft Texture Frame
This style adds a playful, undone texture specifically through the middle of the hair, with the face-framing layers following suit. The Mid-Shaft Texture Frame has a natural root and straight ends, with a voluminous ‘S’ bend created through the mid-shaft layers for a dynamic, tousled frame.
Request soft face-framing layers. To style, use a large-barrel curling iron to create a soft ‘S’ bend only through the mid-shaft of the layers, leaving the root and ends straighter. Finish with a texture spray.
Use a flexible hairspray to maintain the mid-shaft bend. Avoid heat styling the roots or ends of the frame. Refresh the texture daily with a light salt spray and gentle scrunching.
17. The Collarbone Layer with Bounce
A medium-length cut where the layers around the face hit precisely at the collarbone. The Collarbone Layer with Bounce is cut to encourage high movement and is styled with volume and outward flow, maximizing the youthful, bouncy effect of the mid-length cut.
Request long face-framing layers that hit precisely at the collarbone. To style, use a large round brush to blow-dry, pulling the layers up and out to maximize volume and bounce at the perimeter.
Use a light volumizing mousse before blow-drying for extra lift. Trim the layers every 8 weeks to maintain the buoyant shape. A quick round-brush styling session refreshes the bounce daily.
18. The Symmetrical Mid-Part Frame
This frame relies on perfect balance and extreme sleekness. The Symmetrical Mid-Part Frame uses long, subtle layers that are split evenly by a flawless center part, draping symmetrically on either side of the face. The sleek finish emphasizes the clean, minimalist look.
Use a rat-tail comb to create a mathematically straight center part. Request long, subtle face-framing layers. To style, apply a smoothing serum and flat iron the layers perfectly straight, ensuring they drape evenly on both sides.
Maintain the center part using a fine-tooth comb daily. Use anti-frizz serum during air-drying. Trim the ends regularly to maintain the clean, sleek perimeter.
19. The Wet-Look Slick Back Frame
A dramatic styling choice that contrasts the lengths. The Wet-Look Slick Back Frame involves using high-shine gel to slick back the face-framing layers at the crown and sides, contrasting sharply with the dry, voluminous length. This looks modern and structured.
Request subtle face-framing layers. To style, apply a strong-hold, high-shine gel to the crown and face-framing pieces and comb them back sleekly. Let the rest of the hair air-dry or style with volume.
Use a clarifying shampoo weekly to prevent gel buildup on the scalp. Apply a smoothing oil to the longer lengths for a healthy look. A silk scarf can help set the wet-look top for 15 minutes.
20. The Butterfly Cut Frame
This is the most voluminous frame possible! The Butterfly Cut Frame uses aggressive layering, creating a distinct “short layer over long layer” structure around the face. The shortest layers hit the cheekbones, maximizing lift and volume, creating an elegant, bouncy frame.
Ask for aggressive face-framing layers with the shortest pieces starting at the cheekbone. To style, use a large round brush and blow-dry the layers up and away from the face to maximize lift and outward curl.
Use a root-lifting powder at the crown for daily lift. Protect the layers with heat protectant during styling. Trim the shortest layers every 8 weeks to maintain the volume and shape.
21. The Layered Shag Frame
A highly textured frame that complements a voluminous, layered cut. The Layered Shag Frame features layers of varying lengths around the face, often paired with a choppy fringe. The frame is cut to look slightly tousled and undone, emphasizing texture over sleekness.
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Request face-framing layers that are chopped and textured for a piece-y finish, often paired with a light, textured fringe. To style, apply a texture spray and styling wax. Use your fingers to tousle and define the layers, embracing the undone texture.
Use a light texture spray daily to refresh the tousled look. Maintain the choppy layering with regular trims. Avoid heavy smoothing products, which counteract the desired shag texture.
22. The Long Hair with Face-Tuck Layers
This is a low-maintenance style that uses the layers for a functional purpose. The Long Hair with Face-Tuck Layers is cut with layers that are just the right length to tuck neatly behind the ears or tuck easily under a hat or hood, keeping the hair out of the face cleanly.
Ask for long layers that are specifically cut to be just long enough (around the jawline) to tuck behind the ears. To style, apply a smoothing balm and simply tuck the front layers behind the ears for a clean, polished finish.
Use a styling wax on the layers behind the ears for a secure tuck. Trims every 10-12 weeks maintain the tuckable length. Use a flexible hairspray to hold the layers back during active wear.
