21 Face-Framing Layers That Look Flattering on Everyone

Face-framing layers are having a total renaissance, with modern takes on layered haircuts showing up on celebs like Ariana Greenblatt, Madelyn Cline, and “the Rachel” pioneer herself Jennifer Aniston.

As for why the look is booming in popularity, hairstylist Serina Battaglini, owner of Serina Styles in Sola Salons, says face-framing layers are flattering on everyone—no matter your face shape or hair type. “All faces can benefit from face-framing layers,” says Battaglini. “The reason why is that you can customize what areas of the face are highlighted.”

The layering technique can accentuate your face or create shape depending on your preference. “This is done by customizing the placement of shorter pieces of hair around either the eyebrow, cheekbone, jawline, or collarbone to help accentuate the best features of the face and hide features that disturb the balance of the face,” adds Battaglini. “Face-framing layers also help give tons of movement below the jawline as well by either curving in toward the neck and chest to create shape or away to create fullness.”

What are face-framing layers?

Hairstylist and Zotos professional educator Angie Ceja describes face-framing layers as “soft flattering movement that frames around the face.” The length of the layers can depend on your facial structure and personal preference.

“Face-framing layers create a seamless blend between the hair and face and bring out shape and balance, giving your hairstyle a polished, finished look,” Ceja adds.

Do face-framing layers work for all face shapes?

Yes, all face shapes can benefit from face-framing layers. “For example, a person with an oval face can have their shortest layer placed around their cheekbone to accentuate the width there and a longer layer placed at the jawline to accentuate the curvature of the jawline, or even below the face entirely,” says Battaglini. “Someone with a more square face can have a shorter layer or bang placed at eyebrow level to offset the width of the forehead and a slightly longer layer between the cheekbone and jawline to help soften the bottom corner of the face.”

Do face-framing layers work for all hair types?

From textured hair to straight hair, you’ll be able to customize your face-framing style to suit your hair type. “Face-framing layers can help create dimension and definition for curls around the face, whereas straight hair can benefit from face-framing layers to provide movement or even wispiness,” says Battaglini. “Others with wavy hair also benefit from face-framing layers as they help to define the waves and prevent them from getting weighed down.”

How long should my face-framing layers be?

A good rule of thumb is to work with the length you already have. “If your hair is medium length, go with shorter layers,” says Ceja “If you have long hair, opt for long face-framing layers that swing softly around your face. This can be customized depending on your go-to style.”

Face-framing layers maintenance

Face-framing haircuts are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to upkeep. “Depending on the length of your shortest layer, I would recommend getting a trim every three months to maintain the haircut length,” says Battaglini. If you want longer hair, you can afford to wait a bit. “Every four to six months if you want to help grow out the length of your hair and establish layers just to help remove any damaged ends,” she adds.