Face-framing layers are a fantastic styling technique that adds definition, shape, and movement to your hairstyle. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, these layers can be customised to suit various hair textures and face shapes. They highlight your best features, enhance volume, and provide a modern, versatile touch to any haircut. As of 2025, face-framing layers have become a timeless trend, appearing as a customisable feature in almost every hairstyle, from chic bobs to soft waves and curls. If you’re looking to refresh your look with something flattering and contemporary, face-framing layers are an excellent choice.
Key Considerations for Face-Framing Layers
Hair Length and Texture
Face-framing layers are incredibly adaptable to different hair types. From the dramatic cut of a pixie to long, flowing curls, these layers add texture and volume without compromising the overall cut. Straight hair can appear sleek and polished, while wavy or curly hair benefits from added movement and shape. Face-framing layers can even help control volume in thicker hair, allowing it to flow more naturally.
Face Shape
A key benefit of face-framing layers is how they enhance your face shape. For oval faces, most styles work well, while for round faces, longer layers and longer bangs can create an illusion of elongation. Square faces pair beautifully with softer, angled face-framing layers that soften the jawline. Heart-shaped faces often look great with curtain bangs as they balance the forehead. When you consider face shape, you’ll find that these layers can bring out your features in the most flattering way.
Styling Commitment
Different face-framing layers require varying levels of upkeep. For instance, curtain bangs often need frequent trims every few weeks, while looser, tousled layers are much lower maintenance. Depending on your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend styling, you can choose a look that fits your needs.
Top 10 Face-Framing Layers
Here are 10 face-framing layered hairstyles to try, all offering a flattering, stylish finish for various hair lengths, textures, and face shapes:
1. Face-Framing Bob
A sleek bob with layered face-framing pieces, offering a clean and chic finish. The face-framing bob is a timeless look that brings structure to the face, with layers cut around the face to soften features. Seen on celebrities such as Victoria Beckham.
Suitable Hair Types: Works best on straight or wavy hair with a medium to fine texture.
Styling Tips: Use a straightener for sleekness or curl for soft waves to add movement.
2. Short Curly Face-Framing Layers
Curly hair styled with face-framing layers that enhance volume and natural texture. The short curly face-framing layers work perfectly with the natural bounce of curls. The layers add definition and shape while strengthening natural texture. Seen on celebrities such as Zendaya.
Suitable Hair Types: Curly hair (from tight curls to loose waves) and medium-length cuts.
Styling Tips: Use a curl cream or mousse to define curls, and finish with a diffuser for enhanced volume.
3. Layered Lob with Side Bangs
A layered lob with side-swept bangs that frame the face beautifully. A long bob (lob) with side-swept bangs creates an elegant face-framing look with layers that add movement and fullness. Seen on celebrities such as Taylor Swift.
Suitable Hair Types: Best for medium to thick hair, both straight and wavy textures.
Styling Tips: Add volume with a round brush while blow-drying and use a light hairspray to keep the side bangs in place.
4. Curtain Bangs with Medium-Length Hair
Medium-length hair with curtain bangs, offering a soft, face-framing effect. Curtain bangs are a softer version of traditional bangs, parted down the middle and falling gently along each side of the face. They are a perfect match for medium-length hair, creating a relaxed yet polished vibe. Seen on celebrities such Dakota Johnson.
Suitable Hair Types: Works best on straight to wavy hair, and medium-length cuts.
Styling Tips: Blow-dry bangs with a round brush for soft volume and use a lightweight mousse for texture.
5. Layered Curls with Face-Framing Pieces
Layers of curls are styled with face-framing pieces to define the face shape. For curly-haired clients, face-framing layers that emphasise the natural curl pattern can enhance the volume and shape of the hair while framing the face perfectly. Seen on celebrities such as Shakira.
Suitable Hair Types: Best for thick, curly textured hair types.
Styling Tips: Use curl-enhancing products to define the curls and a diffuser to dry them to minimise frizz.
6. Face-Framing Long Bob
A sleek and sophisticated take on the classic bob, this style falls just above or at the shoulders with soft, face-framing layers that highlight your best features. It provides movement and shape without compromising length, making it a great option for those who want a shorter style with versatility. Seen on celebrities such as Hailey Bieber.
Suitable Hair Types: Very versatile, works on both straight to wavy hair types, giving a sleek or tousled look.
Styling Tips: Use a round brush and blow dryer to create a smooth, polished finish. To add soft waves, use a curling tong for a casual, undone look.
7. Soft Waves with Face-Framing Layers
This style features soft waves combined with delicate face-framing layers that blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair. The layers add dimension, making it perfect for enhancing natural texture. Seen on celebrities such as Margot Robbie.
Suitable Hair Types: Works best on naturally wavy or loose curly hair.
Styling Tips: Use a large-barrel curling tong or wand for loose, natural-looking waves.
8. Blended Face-Framing Layers
This subtle yet flattering style features seamless, blended layers that softly frame the face without being too defined. It creates a natural, effortless look with movement while keeping the overall length intact. Seen on celebrities Jennifer Aniston.
Suitable Hair Types: Works well on medium to thick hair, and prevents heaviness while maintaining length.
Styling Tips: Use straighteners to enhance the smoothness of the layers while keeping a slight curve inward.
9. Layered Waves with Face-Framing Pieces
A dynamic, voluminous style that combines layered waves with face-framing sections to create a soft, feminine look. The layering enhances natural waves or curls while maintaining body and shape. Seen on celebrities such as Blake Lively.
Suitable Hair Types: Perfect for wavy to curly hair, layers enhance movement and definition
Styling Tips: Apply a lightweight mousse or curl cream to enhance and hold waves.
10. Voluminous Blowout with Face-Framing Layers
This glamorous variation features bouncy, voluminous layers that frame the face beautifully. The layers add movement and body while keeping the hair looking full and polished. It’s the perfect look for those who love a classic, salon-fresh blowout. Seen on celebrities such as Cindy Crawford.
Suitable Hair Types: Best for straight to wavy hair that holds volume well.
Styling Tips: Use a round brush and blow dryer to create lift at the roots and a smooth, bouncy finish. Set the style with large Velcro rollers for long-lasting volume and movement.
Tips for Styling Face-Framing Layers
Use the Right Tools
To get the most out of your face-framing layers, it’s essential to have the right tools. A curling tong or a straightener is great for shaping and defining the layers, while a round brush can help add volume and smoothness during styling.
Embrace Natural Texture
Let your natural hair texture work for you! Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, face-framing layers can be styled to complement your natural locks. Let the layers enhance your texture instead of working against it.
Regular Maintenance
To keep your layers fresh and defined, schedule regular trims. This will help maintain the shape of the layers and keep the face-framing pieces looking sharp.
Add Volume
For those with finer hair, use a texturising spray or dry shampoo at the roots to give face-framing layers extra volume and fullness. This will make your hairstyle appear more dynamic and voluminous.
FAQ’s
Face-framing layers are designed to highlight and frame your facial features, adding shape, volume, and movement to the hairstyle.
Face-framing layers can be adapted to suit all face shapes and hair types, making them versatile for everyone.
Yes! When styled correctly, face-framing layers can create the illusion of a slimmer face by adding structure and elongating features.
You can style face-framing layers with bangs by using a straightener or round brush to create volume and shape. Lightly curl or straighten the bangs to frame your face beautifully.
While it’s possible to create face-framing layers at home, we recommend visiting a professional stylist to achieve the most flattering look for your face shape and hair texture.
Are face-framing layers high maintenance?
It depends on the style. Some styles like curtain bangs require regular trims, while others are low-maintenance and easy to style.
