A lot of women are quick to add layers to their haircut. Not only are they trendy but they have the potential to give your hair lots of volume and texture but they also come with their drawbacks. The most important thing to consider when you’re pondering if you should chop your one-length hair is your hair’s type in addition to the pros and cons.

Here’s your quick guide to layers

Hair Type

Layers have two primary purposes: thin excess thickness or boost volume, depending on how full and thick your hair is. However, if you don’t want to thin out your hair or lose some fullness then layers are probably not advisable. The best type of layers for your hair type are:

Fine Hair: A one-length cut is best for ladies with fine hair. If you have fine hair and you add layers then there’s a likely risk of your hair looking stringy and flat, especially if it’s straight. If you need layers then keep it soft and subtle with longer layers at the base of your hairline.

Thick Hair: Layers in thick hair can be tricky because a lot of layered styles add volume but you might feel that you already have enough. You and your stylist should have a thorough consultation about what your desired outcome is with your layers. Generally, layers compliment full hair by making it more manageable and giving it some volume.

Curly Hair: Regardless if you have fine or thick curly hair layers can be a great option. Generally they enhance your curls by removing the extra weight that is pulling it down. If you have curly hair then a few long layers can add some bounce. If you have thick curly hair then layers are the best way to lighten the thick and heaviness of your tresses.

Pro’s of Layers

Add movement. Layers add lots of movement and style to your haircut and if you’re looking for a way to switch up your hair without losing length then layers are the best option.

Frame your face. Layered haircuts don’t have to be ‘all or nothing’. By adding a few layers around the face you can frame your face for a very flattering look.

Compliment your face shape. A lot of face shapes can benefit from strategically places layers to add better proportions or emphasize your cheeks, eyes or lips.

More Volume. Layers remove the excess weight from heavy or limp hair and adds volume. Whether you want a cut that is described as chunky, piece, flicky, airy, edgy, soft, etc. your layers can give you the texture and style that you desire.

Con’s to Consider

Maintenance. Layers definitely have additional maintenance. from spending additional time trying to curl or straighten the layers to extra trips to the hair salon for 6-week trims.

Difficult to grow out. Unfortunately, our hair doesn’t grow at the same rate and you might find that you have different layered sections growing at different speeds and you’ll have to keep getting trims to even out the sections which can be frustrating if you want to grow them out.

Limited hairstyles. Depending on the length of your layers you might discover more limited hairstyling options. Braids aren’t as smooth, you need bobby pins and hairspray to keep the end of the layers in place for ponytails, buns and other up dos.

Not for every hair type. As mentioned above, not every hair type – or face shape – can pull off layers. If you long straight or fine hair then layers could give you less shape and body.