37 Shoulder-Length Haircuts With Layers That Bring Volume And Texture To Your Look
The right layers can completely change your look, turning your shoulder-length hair into a bouncy, dimensional hairstyle. Add some well-placed layers, and your hair transforms – suddenly it has much-needed texture and depth. This is the kind of medium-length haircut that feels refreshingly low-maintenance but carries a subtle “wow” factor that makes it look like you spent hours on your hair. Here are some of our favorite shoulder-length haircuts with layers
1. Textured Tousled Layers With Bangs
![Textured Tousled Layers With Bangs Haircut on a smiling older woman with ash brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-textured-tousled-layers-with-bangs.jpg)
This shoulder-length hairstyle strikes that sweet spot between lively and refined. If you have medium or thick hair, this style will bring out its best qualities. The soft bangs are like a gentle finishing touch, blending seamlessly into the layers.
2. Side-Parted Layers
![Side-Parted Layers Haircut on a smiling young woman with brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2-side-parted-layers.jpg)
This shoulder-length look is created with a deep side part. The side part gives you an instant lift, creating a focal point. Layers fall naturally, adding lovely waves to your hair’s flow. Women with straight or slightly wavy hair will find this style adds body while keeping things sleek.
3. Smooth Feathered Layers
![Smooth Feathered Layers Haircut on a woman with brown hair, back side view.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3-smooth-feathered-layers.jpg)
This medium style is elegance made effortless. Perfect for women who want a timeless look that still feels fresh, this cut is all about balance. The windswept layers are almost like a soft waterfall of hair. So pretty!
4. Shoulder-Length Thick Highlighted Layers
![Shoulder-Length Thick Highlighted Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair and blonde highlights.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4-shoulder-length-thick-highlighted-layers.jpg)
If your hair is thick and full, this cut helps tame your hair. The layers are cut to bring balance, reducing excess thickness while highlighting your natural volume. Add some sunlit highlights, and suddenly, your hair comes alive with dimension and glow.
5. Tousled Layers With Bangs
![Tousled Layers With Bangs Haircut on a young woman with deep copper red hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5-tousled-layers-with-bangs.jpg)
This style has layers that create a soft, windswept effect. It’s stunning in a deep copper shade like this. Plus, the lightweight cut keeps your hair from feeling heavy, no matter the season.
6. Medium Feathery Layers
![Medium Feathery Layers Haircut on a woman with brown hair and highlights.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6-medium-feathery-layers.jpg)
Medium-length layers are perfect for creating a sense of fullness without adding weight to your hair. The layers are soft and full. Whether your hair is fine or medium, this cut amplifies volume while keeping things looking lifted and natural.
7. Voluminous Layered Curls
![Voluminous Layered Curls Haircut on a smiling young woman with dark brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7-voluminous-layered-curls.jpg)
This style gives you three Bs – big, bold, and bouncy. The layers are cut to stack your curls perfectly, giving you height and dimension. The layers keep the curls from feeling weighed down, so they spring back with every movement.
8. Shoulder-Length Layers With Loose Curls
![Shoulder-Length Layers With Loose Curls Haircut on a smiling woman with blonde hair and dark roots.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8-shoulder-length-layers-with-loose-curls.jpg)
Loose curls paired with layers create an undeniably romantic look. The layers give the curls room to breathe, making them look soft and effortless. A large-barrel curling iron is ideal for crafting those relaxed waves that cascade beautifully. Finish with a shine spray to bring out the luminosity in each curl.
9. Tapered Shoulder-Length Layers
![Tapered Shoulder-Length Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9-tapered-shoulder-length-layers.jpg)
This sleek, tapered style has layers that gradually shorten towards the ends, giving your hair a clean, streamlined look. The beauty of this cut is in its simplicity – it’s low-maintenance but high on style. Blow-dry with a round brush to smooth the layers and add a hint of volume at the roots.
10. Textured Layers For Thin Hair
![Textured Layers For Thin Hair Haircut on a smiling woman with gray hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10-textured-layers-for-thin-hair.jpg)
This shoulder-length cut is a miracle worker for fine or thin hair. The layers are designed to add texture and create the look of fullness, transforming flat hair into something a little more dramatic. A root-lifting spray will be your secret weapon, giving the crown an airy boost. Blow-dry upside down for even more volume, and finish with a texturizing powder for added grip.
11. Shoulder-Length Layers With Subtle Highlights
![Shoulder-Length Layers With Subtle Highlights Haircut on a smiling woman with dark brown hair and subtle highlights.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11-shoulder-length-layers-with-subtle-highlights.jpg)
Soft, flowing layers add movement to THICK hair – and those subtle highlights? They’re like sunlight dancing through your strands. Think of it as understated glamour that still manages to glow in every light.
12. Curly Shoulder-Length Layers
![Curly Shoulder-Length Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with highlighted curly brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12-curly-shoulder-length-layers.jpg)
Let’s talk texture – this style is about showing off your curls with zero compromise. The layers give every curl its own moment in the spotlight, creating a flow of soft, bouncy ringlets. It’s like a love letter to your natural hair texture.
13. Sleek Layers For Thick Hair
![Sleek Layers For Thick Hair Haircut on a smiling woman with blonde hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13-sleek-layers-for-thick-hair.jpg)
This hairstyle is a lesson in turning thick hair into a silky masterpiece. The sleek layers work to tame the heaviness, leaving you with a look that’s smooth but never flat. The layers keep it interesting, giving the style the perfect amount of movement.
14. Loose Layered Waves
![Loose Layered Waves Haircut on a smiling woman with golden medium blonde hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14-loose-layered-waves.jpg)
Loose waves meet layered perfection shoulder-length hairstyle. The layers are cut to let the waves flow smoothly – soft, serene, and oh-so-pretty. Grab a large-barrel curling iron and a spritz of texturizing spray, and you’re set for hair that looks like it belongs on a windswept beach.
15. Tousled Face-Framing Layers
![Tousled Face-Framing Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair and highlights.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15-tousled-face-framing-layers.jpg)
Layers bring a soft, face-framing effect to this medium-length cut without feeling overly styled. The face-framing strands feel like they were designed to highlight your features. The best part is how easily it transitions from day to evening without skipping a beat.
16. Tousled Shaggy Layers With Bangs
![Tousled Shaggy Layers With Bangs Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16-tousled-shaggy-layers-with-bangs.jpg)
Shaggy layers are back, and they’ve never looked better. This cut is all about texture – think rock-and-roll chic meets laid-back charm. Use a little dry shampoo to amp up the volume and add that perfect piecey texture.
17. Voluminous Layers With Middle Part
![Voluminous Layers With Middle Part Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair and highlights.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17-voluminous-layers-with-middle-part.jpg)
There’s something so timeless about a middle part paired with lush, voluminous layers. This hairstyle takes that classic look and gives it a fresh, modern update with layers that practically float. Blow-dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots for maximum height, and let those layers stream down like a waterfall.
18. Shoulder-Length Long Layers
![Shoulder-Length Long Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with blonde hair and a center part.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18-shoulder-length-long-layers.jpg)
This cut is for women who want a little length but crave the bounce that only layers can bring. Long layers add texture without sacrificing the beauty of your hair’s natural flow. Blow-dry the ends with a round brush for a soft, flipped finish.
19. Fluffy Layers With Bangs
![Fluffy Layers With Bangs Haircut on a smiling woman with layered brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19-fluffy-layers-with-bangs.jpg)
This shoulder-length hairstyle gives your hair that “soft cloud” effect. The fluffy layers create airy lightness and movement. To style, use a texturizing spray to amplify the natural bounce, then give the bangs a gentle sweep to frame your features.
20. High-Volume Flowing Layers
![High-Volume Flowing Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with thick highlighted brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20-high-volume-flowing-layers.jpg)
Here is the queen of all things volume, giving you that big, bold look. The flowing layers create movement and fullness from root to tip. Blow-dry upside down for maximum lift, then smooth out the ends for a streamlined finish. This style is ideal for very thick hair.
21. Medium Feathered Layers
![Medium Feathered Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair, side view.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21-medium-feathered-layers-f.jpg)
These feathery layers flow and bounce with every turn. The layers taper gradually, creating a soft, flowing effect. When it comes to styling, grab a round brush and some heat-protectant spray to coax out that perfect, airy swoop. It’s chic, breezy, and always camera-ready.
22. Loose Layers With Volume
![Loose Layers With Volume Haircut on a smiling woman with blonde hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22-loose-layers-with-volume.jpg)
Loose layers are crafted to bring maximum volume without weighing your hair down – i.e., you get all the lift and none of the bulkiness. The secret is in the placement of the layers – they add dimension in just the right spots for a naturally full look. Whether your hair is thick or fine, these layers bring major volume and lift.
23. Textured Straight Layers
![Textured Straight Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair and blonde face-framing highlights.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23-textured-straight-layers.jpg)
If sleek and chic had a baby, it’d be these textured straight layers. Each layer is sliced to perfection, creating sharp definition and a finish that’s straight out of a magazine. The texture is what keeps this cut from feeling too serious, adding just enough edginess to keep things modern.
24. Tousled Voluminous Layers
![Tousled Voluminous Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair, side view.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24-tousled-voluminous-layers.jpg)
Tousled and voluminous, this hairstyle is like the life of the party – fun, lively, and impossible to ignore. The layers are stacked to create a soft, windswept effect and lots of volume. This cut thrives on texture, so use a texturizing spray for added definition.
25. Face-Framing Layers With Feathered Ends
![Face-Framing Layers With Feathered Ends Haircut on a smiling woman with white blonde hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25-face-framing-layers-with-feathered-ends.jpg)
These face-framing layers are used so often in styling because they just work. The feathered ends add a touch of softness, creating a look that’s elegant but not too perfect. Whether you’re curling or straightening, the layers fall into place, giving your hair that “just left the salon” look.
26. Shoulder-Length Wavy Layers
![Shoulder-Length Wavy Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26-shoulder-length-wavy-layers.jpg)
This hairstyle is like the perfect mix of charming and elegant. The layers give your waves a sense of movement that feels natural but never messy. The shoulder-length cut keeps it versatile, letting you show off your waves without overwhelming your face.
27. Highlighted Layers With Bangs
![Highlighted Layers With Bangs Haircut on a smiling woman with blonde hair and dark roots.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27-highlighted-layers-with-bangs.jpg)
Bangs and highlights are the dynamic duo you didn’t know your shoulder-length hair needed. The layers are designed to showcase the highlights, catching the light in all the right ways and giving your hair a summery glow. It’s playful, flirty, and perfect for showing off a fresh new hair color.
28. Piecey Feathered Layers
![Piecey Feathered Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with layered brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28-piecey-feathered-layers.jpg)
Piecey layers are your go-to for a look that’s full of wispy movement and texture. Each layer creates separation, giving your hair a pieced-apart look that’s anything but basic. The feathered ends add softness, making the cut look relaxed yet intentional.
29. Soft Layered Waves
![Soft Layered Waves Haircut on a smiling woman with highlighted brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29-soft-layered-waves.jpg)
These soft waves are all about understated glam that whispers instead of shouts. The layers are delicately placed to give your hair a graceful, flowing look. It’s a style that feels as comfortable as your favorite sweater but looks like you just stepped out of a boutique salon.
30. Soft Wispy Layers
![Soft Wispy Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30-soft-wispy-layers.jpg)
These soft, wispy layers have ends that are gently thinned to give the style a weightless feel that’s perfect for lightening up your look. It’s the kind of style that keeps you looking fresh without even trying. Use a volumizing spray or mousse to create lift at the roots and bring out the texture in the layers.
31. Full Layers With Wispy Bangs
![Full Layers With Wispy Bangs Haircut on a smiling woman with bronde hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31-full-layers-with-wispy-bangs.jpg)
This haircut speaks to layers and fluttery bangs. The full layers create a sense of luxurious volume, making your hair look alive with movement. Whether you go smooth with a flat iron or let those layers fall naturally, this style has a bit of bounce for every mood. Apply a touch of dry shampoo at the roots for a fresh lift that keeps the style light and wispy.
32. Shoulder-Length Hair With Long Layers
![Shoulder-Length Hair With Long Layers Haircut on a woman with brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32-shoulder-length-cut-with-long-layers.jpg)
This shoulder-length style is like the perfect pair of jeans – classic, flattering, and so easy to wear any day of the week. It’s perfect for showing off natural texture, whether your hair is silky straight or slightly wavy.
33. Sleek Straight Layers
![Sleek Straight Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair and blonde highlights.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33-sleek-straight-layers.jpg)
With this medium-length cut, you get razor-sharp sophistication with a touch of shine and brightness, thanks to the highlights. The straight layers sit perfectly sleek, giving your hair a clean, tailored look. Pair it with a flat iron and a heat protectant spray to achieve that mirror-like smoothness everyone wants.
34. Textured Shoulder-Length Layers
![Textured Shoulder-Length Layers Haircut on a smiling woman with frosted brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34-textured-shoulder-length-layers.jpg)
This shoulder-length hairstyle is pure energy – fun and vibrant. It’s ideal for adding volume and bounce, making your hair feel lighter and fuller. Plus, it gives you the versatility for a messy bun or a loose ponytail when needed.
35. Wavy Layers For Thick Hair
![Wavy Layers For Thick Hair Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35-wavy-layers-for-thick-hair.jpg)
Try this style if you have thick hair and want softness without sacrificing volume. The wavy layers break up the density, letting your hair move. If your hair is on the straight side, a large, wide-barrel curling wand creates loose, bodacious waves.
36. Face-Framing Layers With Bangs
![Face-Framing Layers With Bangs Haircut on a smiling woman with brown hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36-face-framing-layers-with-bangs.jpg)
Use a hairstyle like this as your personal spotlight, drawing attention to your best features with every perfectly placed layer. The face-framing strands give your hair a tailored flow, while the bangs add a playful finish. It’s a cut that radiates confidence.
37. Soft Shoulder Length Layers For Thick Hair
![Soft Shoulder Length Layers For Thick Hair Haircut on a smiling woman with blonde hair.](https://thehairstyleedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37-soft-shoulder-length-layers-for-thick-hair.jpg)
Let your thick hair shine with this cut that balances softness and volume like a pro. The shoulder length feels fresh, while the layers are blended so seamlessly they look like they grew that way. Thick hair can sometimes feel overwhelming, but a cut like this style lightens the load without losing the lushness.