5 medium-length layered haircuts that stylists swear by
Not sure which layered style suits you? These five stylist-recommended cuts deliver movement, volume, and serious hair envy
By: Elisa García Faya, Carolina Urquiola
AUGUST 6, 2025 6:39 PM EDT
Layered haircuts are designed to create movement and lightness without losing the overall structure of the hair. That’s exactly how professional stylist Rosi Fernández, owner of the Ananda Ferdi salon describes it.
This style has been embraced by celebrities everywhere. Hailey Bieber wears a polished, mid-length cut with soft layers and Kaia Gerber opts for a more boho, natural version. “It’s a timeless cut that reinvents itself season after season,” Rosi affirms.
“It’s not about excessive layers,” she explains, “but about a subtle progression that adds movement and dynamism to the hair. It can be adapted to different hair types and face shapes.”
Layered Mid-Length Cut vs. Traditional Layered Haircut
A layered mid-length cut works with the hair’s natural shape, enhancing balance and structure. In contrast, a traditional layered cut tends to focus on thinning the ends, especially around the face, to create a softer, more delicate look. While layers can add movement, they won’t increase volume. For fine hair, the result will be a lighter, airier feel, not thicker. “These are techniques that can be combined,” Rosi says, “but they are not the same.”
Layered haircuts are incredibly versatile and flattering. They help reduce bulk in thick hair, bring life to fine strands, and naturally follow the hair’s own texture. They also provide a more youthful and dynamic appearance that straight, blunt styles often can’t achieve.
According to Rosi Fernández, the biggest trend for 2025 is the mid-length butterfly bob, featuring long layers and soft, open bangs.
This haircut blends the timeless elegance of a midi bob with the light, face-framing movement of butterfly layers, so named because they resemble the wings of a butterfly. It’s a look Selena Gomez has already embraced, offering volume and texture without compromising sophistication.
The Birkin boho look is another standout this year. With soft, blended layers and a relaxed, deconstructed fringe, this cut is effortlessly chic. The bangs can take on different forms: curtain, side-swept, long, or even a baby fringe, each adapting to the shape of the face.
Invisible layers are often added throughout the cut. “You can’t see them, but they help lighten the hair internally without reducing density,” Rosi explains. This technique enhances natural texture and makes the hair easier to style.
Inspired by the ‘70s, the shaggy midi is ideal for medium-length hair. This cut features heavily feathered ends and textured layers for a bold, rock-inspired finish.
It’s especially flattering on longer face shapes, as it creates width at the sides. Pair it with curtain or open bangs for a youthful and effortlessly cool vibe.
The clavicut is a straight, collarbone-length cut with soft internal layers that add movement while maintaining visual fullness. Perfect for fine hair that needs a boost, this style is universally flattering and highly versatile, whether worn sleek and straight or styled in soft waves.
This bold take on the classic bob features soft layers and longer front pieces that frame the face. The result is a dynamic, elegant, and low-maintenance hairstyle. It works beautifully on both straight and curly hair and pairs well with warm tones like honey or chestnut, which enhance dimension and movement.
“These tones are especially flattering on oval, round, and even square faces, as they help customize the cut and balance proportions,” Rosi notes. “If the jawline is strong, layers should fall below it. For longer faces, volume should be added on the sides. The key is to adapt the cut to each face’s unique features.” Think of Victoria Beckham in the late 2000s: elegant, modern, and chic.
“This is a haircut that can be adapted to all hair types,” Rosi confirms. “With fine hair, we work with subtle layers to avoid making it look even thinner. On thicker hair, the layers are more visible to reduce weight.” She emphasizes the importance of studying the natural texture before applying any technique: “You can't approach all hair the same way.”
How often should you get a trim?
The most common question? How often should you refresh the cut?
“It depends on your hair’s growth rate,” she says, “but to maintain the shape and flattering effect, ideally every two to three months.” “As hair grows, layers lose definition. A small trim is all you need to keep the look polished with minimal effort.”