Best Long Hairstyles: Blended Texture With Choppy Layers
Choppy, layered hair that's a little rough at the ends is one of stylists' favorite hairstyles for long hair right now. The look is having a "cool, rocker-chick moment," says Sebastian Professional Lead Stylist Design Team Member Janine Jarman.
Instead of the meticulously blended layers that have been the norm for years, the style is a little edgier and messier. It works well with naturally wavy hair — the more texture the better. And the length can vary from long to mid-length.
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Best Long Hairstyles: Midi-Length Hair
The "midi" cut is a straight-across, blunt haircut that falls an inch above the bra strap. This length is perfect for someone who is ready to transition away from superlong hair but doesn't want anything too drastic.
"It's my favorite length right now," says Jarman. "It swings forward beautifully, and it falls about three inches below your collarbones." This cut is one of the most wearable hairstyles for long hair, as it makes your strands appear ultra-healthy. The style also looks cute in a ponytail. "It has a lot of bounce," she says.
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Best Long Hairstyles: Undercut Layers
If you have thick hair, layers cut from underneath will let your hair move in a much more natural, swinging way.
"We're getting away from visible exterior layers," says Michelle Lee, co-owner and master designer of Salon Eva Michelle in Boston. "Creating the layers inside the hair allows for more movement." One of the most versatile hairstyles for long hair, the cut works for any length — from collarbone to mid-back.
As for styling, Jarman says to avoid anything stick straight. "Embrace your natural wave pattern," she says. "Texture is back in a big way." (Play up the look with a texturizer or beach spray, such as KMS California Hair Play Playable Texture, $20, or Oribe Après Beach, $39).
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Best Long Hairstyles: Melted, Razor-Cut Layers
If you're into hippie-chic hairstyles for long hair, bring this one to your stylist. The "light, yet bountiful" look is created by cutting "exterior layers, which are then melted with a razor," says Lee. The razored edges lighten the style, giving it an almost feathered appearance.
This technique thins out very thick or curly hair, while still enhancing its natural texture. The loose, effortless result aligns with the recent bohemian throwback trend.
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Best Long Hairstyles: Textured Ends
If you're not into boho waves, ask your stylist to texturize your ends for a current style that you can wear long and straight.
"The tips of the hair are texturized using thinning scissors," explains celebrity stylist Vanessa Collington of Louis Licari in New York City. One of the more streamlined hairstyles for long hair, this cut is smooth, layer-free and can work for midi-length to long hair. "A great blowout and flatiron are essential to this style," Collington says.
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So you want to switch up your haircut, but you don't want to go short. We get it. Hairstyles for long hair have been in since before the invention of scissors — though the decades have shown us myriad ways to rock long hair, from big '40s curls to '90s graduated layers.
So what are the newest hairstyles for long hair, the ones that will allow you to keep your length, while still looking up-to-date?
"We're seeing a very '60s and '70s vibe right now," says Brad Taylor, senior stylist at Pyara Spa & Salon in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That means feathered waves, volume and messy layers. "Everything right now is about embracing your natural texture, while using products suited for your hair type to enhance it," he says.
So if you're ready for a change, but not quite convinced a pixie or a bob is for you, try one of these. They're the best hairstyles for long hair happening right now — for every hair texture and personality.
