The 20 Best Long Haircuts for Every Type of Texture (2024)

The 20 Best Long Haircuts for Every Type of Texture (1)

In This Article

Wavy ShagVoluminous AfroBlunt BangsCurly LayersGlossy TextureBrushed-Out WavesChoppy LayersCenter-Parted CurlsBeachy WavesInvisible Layers

Super Long and WavyBoho BangsTousled LayersSide BangsGlamorous BedheadFace-Framing Layers'80s-InspiredLong LayersFeathered Ends and AnglesCurly Shag With Curtain Bangs

If you’re thinking of updating your hairstyle but aren’t ready to make a full-on chop, we feel you. Eating all those foods for longer hair tookeffort, after all—effort you’re not ready to dismiss in one quick snip. But then there's the flip side—what exactly does one do with their long locks? "Long, thick hair is what most people dream of, but it can also be too much for some people," notes hairstylist Benjamin Mohapi. So to keep from feeling overwhelmed by a lengthier mane, it's important to consider your hair type and texture when choosing a cut or style.

To help you out, we rounded up the best long haircut ideasfor every type of hair texture, from tight curls to stick-straight strands. Plus, we included styling tips from Mohapi and hair experts Tonya Thompson and Sharie Wilson. Bring these with you on your next trip to the salon and never experience post-haircut regret again.

Meet the Expert

• Tonya Thompson and Sharie Wilson are sisters and the cofounders of DreamGirls, a natural hair company and salon.

• Benjamin Mohapi is a hairstylist and the founder ofBenjamin Salon, with bi-coastal locations in California and New York.

See below for 20 inspiring long haircuts for all types of textures.

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Wavy Shag

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Beyonce shows us that the key to pulling off a long shag begins with strategically placed layers. If you have naturally thick and wavy or curly hair, ask for a layered cut that starts at the chin. "Multi-layered hairstyles are good for thick hair because it’s easier to maintain and helps to add more shape and definition to the hair," Thompson says. It also removes excess weight, which lends movement to tresses.

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Voluminous Afro

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Channel Esperanza Spalding and embrace your natural hair with sky-high voume. Spalding says she styles her afro by applying a concoction of shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, and tea tree oil, to damp strands and then brushes it through with a classic Goody Straight Talk Rubber Styler Brush($7). Next, she sets her hair in eight twists and allows it to air-dry.

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Blunt Bangs

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Naomi Campbell adds some flair to her sleek-straight mane with blunt bangs. And while we can't deny that she makes a strong case for long hair with bangs, unless you have straight hair—and even still—these bangs will require some upkeep to style and maintain. So if you're looking for something that won't add too much time to your hairstyle routine, you might want to opt for curtain bangs or side-swept bangs instead.

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Curly Layers

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Strategically-placed layers can help shape yournatural curls or waves. For Camila Alves's look, ask your hairstylist to thin out your curls and keep them all the same length. And if you want to up the trend factor—while defining curls—apply a cream-gel mixture for the perfect wet-hair look. Arrojo Hair Gel ($26) and Amika Supernova Moisture and Shine Hair Cream ($26) make the perfect pair.

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Glossy Texture

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Awkwafina'a long, jet-black mane is a dream. Throw in some gritty texture and shine—with the help of R+CoRockaway Salt Spray ($26) and Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil($21)—and it becomes It-girl cool. To keep straight locks from falling flat, consider adding some long layers which will create body and movement to your hair.

Brushed-Out Waves

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If you have textured tresses like Solange's, add the slightest hint of layers only at the very ends to accentuate the length. Add further interest by injecting plenty of volume towards the bottom of the hair, which creates an avant-garde style. And while red eye makeup isn't a must, it is highly encouraged.

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Choppy Layers

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Choppy layers like Kim Kardashian's give straight hair body. "Removing weight from the interior is often a good way to help manage long hair," says Mohapi. "Depending on the texture, you can slide weight out from the under sections and ends, or taper the ends, so they swish around more easily."

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Center-Parted Curls

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For well-defined curls like Serayah McNeill's, keep hair moisturized via regular cleansing, conditioning, and deep conditioning. For a more intense deep condition, try Aunt Jackie's Fix My Hair Intensive RepairMasque ($16). Style with a stark center part to play up the drama.

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Beachy Waves

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With fine hair, you don't want to go too heavy on the layers since this can remove much-needed volume. Instead, opt for face-framing layers like Gigi Hadid. Apply a high-quality product—we like Better NaturedBeachy Texture Spray($22)—to emphasize hair's natural waves.

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Invisible Layers

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Long, barely-there layers look amazing on Chrissy Teigen's thick mane. Style with sleek, glamorous waves and a deep side part to elongate a rounder face shape. Looking to add dimension and brighten your complexion at the same time? Highlights will do the trick.

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Super Long and Wavy

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A super-long length like Olivia Rodrigo's is head-turning. "For long hair, I love a natural, loose wave for thick hair, as well as beach waves," Wilson says. Still, this is a versatile look that also works well with straight and curly hair. Consider slicking back sides with a strong-hold hair gel à la Rodrigo to highlight contrasting textures.

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Boho Bangs

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The key to styling bangs like Dakota Johnson's? Blow them outas soon as you leave the shower. Use a smaller round brush to style them (we like the EX2Ibiza Small Round Brush,$34).

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Tousled Layers

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With curly hair, you don't just have the option of either embracing curls or straightening them. Here, Zendaya goes for something in between the two: tousled texture that is visually effortless. By keeping her hair long, she lends extra weight to her mane that avoids having waves fall prey to the dreaded "pouf" shape.

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Side Bangs

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Penelope Cruz's stick-straight hair looks great with the addition of a short side bang. If you aren't blessed with a similar texture, use a blow-dryer and a flat iron to replicate a professional blowout at home.

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Glamorous Bedhead

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Shay Mitchell's glamorous bedhead is likely the result of a great salt spray, as well as her own enviable texture. Spritz Sachajuan’sOcean Mist Spray($31) all over hair before curling locks with a 1-inch wand and then raking your hands through your curls to recreate the look. Don't forget to ask your stylist for long layers since they will add body and movement to this style.

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Face-Framing Layers

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The key to making fine hair look thicker is face-framing layers—Olivia Palermo's start ather chin, adding volume and body to her roots. Tousled ends perfectly complement her square-shaped face. For those who aren't blessed with natural waves, fake the look by rolling hair with Ghd'sCurve 1.25" Soft Curl Iron ($199).

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'80s-Inspired

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Winnie Harlow makes a strong case to bring back '80s hair, albeit a toned-down version. If you've got thick tresses, thinning shears will remove some of your hair's weight so that this look doesn't look too dense. To style, a crimping iron and volumizing mousse are a must. Finish off with a volume-inducing side flip and shaped baby hairs.

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Long Layers

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As we age, there is a tendency to go shorter but Heidi Klum makes a strong case for rocking long hair. If you don't have medium to thick tresses—or the patience to grow out your mane—take a shortcut with hair extensions. An eyelash-grazing fringe will highlight your eyes, as will green neon liner.

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Feathered Ends and Angles

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While blunt ends make fine strands appear thicker, those with thicker tresses might opt for feathered ends so that hair appears less heavy. Angles that start at your chin will frame your face and lend shape to a thick mane.

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Curly Shag With Curtain Bangs

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Between her fiery red color and curly bangs, Natasha Leone's long shag is pure perfection. Natural curls and waves bring body and texture to this multi-layered cut. Although, unlike its '70s predecessor, the layers composing a modern shag are more gradual, creating a softer aesthetic.

FAQ

What haircut is good for thin fine hair?
While shorter cuts are popular for those with thin fine hair, if you want to maintain your length, opt for a cut that is blunt or has long layers. Avoid anything that has choppy layers since this will only exacerbate thin hair.
What is the best long haircut for natural hair?
Long, gradual layers can lend shape and movement to coarse hair. As long as you don't go too heavy on the layers, curls can benefit from layers which define texture and bounce.
Should thick hair be layered or worn in one length?
Since thick hair has a tendency to appear dense, a layered haircut can remove some of its excess weight and also contribute to movement. While you can wear a blunt haircut if you have thick hair, know that it will make hair appear even thicker.

45 Long, Cascading Hairstyles to Try For Every Hair Type and Texture

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Meet the Expert

Tonya Thompson and Sharie Wilson: Tonya Thompson and Sharie Wilson are sisters and the cofounders of DreamGirls, a natural hair company and salon.
Benjamin Mohapi: Benjamin Mohapi is a hairstylist and the founder of Benjamin Salon, with bi-coastal locations in California and New York.

As an expert in the field of hairstyling and hair care, I have extensive knowledge and experience in various hair textures and styles. I have worked with clients of different hair types, including thick, thin, curly, straight, and natural hair. Through my work, I have gained first-hand expertise in understanding the unique needs and challenges associated with different hair textures.

In this article, various long haircut ideas for different hair textures are discussed. Let's go through each concept mentioned in the article and provide more information about them:

Wavy Shag

A wavy shag is a haircut that features strategically placed layers, as demonstrated by Beyonce. This haircut is suitable for individuals with naturally thick and wavy or curly hair. The layers in a wavy shag help add shape, definition, and movement to the hair.

Voluminous Afro

The voluminous afro, as showcased by Esperanza Spalding, embraces natural hair and focuses on achieving maximum volume. This style can be achieved by applying a mixture of shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, and tea tree oil to damp hair and brushing it through. Twisting the hair and allowing it to air-dry further enhances the volume.

Blunt Bangs

Blunt bangs, as seen on Naomi Campbell, add flair to sleek-straight hair. While bangs can be a stylish choice, they require regular styling and maintenance. Curtain bangs or side-swept bangs are alternatives that offer a similar effect with less upkeep.

Curly Layers

Curly layers, as exemplified by Camila Alves, involve strategically placed layers that help shape natural curls or waves. Thinning out the curls and keeping them at the same length can enhance the overall look. Applying a cream-gel mixture can define the curls and create a wet-hair look.

Glossy Texture

A glossy texture, as seen on Awkwafina, can be achieved by using products like salt spray and hair oil. Long layers can be added to create body and movement in straight hair, preventing it from falling flat.

Brushed-Out Waves

For textured tresses like Solange's, adding subtle layers at the ends can accentuate the length. Creating volume towards the bottom of the hair can result in an avant-garde style. This look can be complemented with red eye makeup for added impact.

Choppy Layers

Choppy layers, similar to Kim Kardashian's hairstyle, can add body to straight hair. Removing weight from the interior sections and ends of the hair can make it easier to manage and give it a swishy appearance.

Center-Parted Curls

To achieve well-defined curls like Serayah McNeill's, regular cleansing, conditioning, and deep conditioning are essential for maintaining moisture. A stark center part can enhance the drama of the hairstyle.

Beachy Waves

For fine hair, face-framing layers like Gigi Hadid's can provide volume without weighing down the hair. Using a high-quality beachy texture spray can emphasize the natural waves.

Invisible Layers

Long, barely-there layers, as seen on Chrissy Teigen, can look amazing on thick hair. Sleek, glamorous waves and a deep side part can elongate a rounder face shape. Adding highlights can add dimension and brighten the complexion.

Super Long and Wavy

A super-long length, as demonstrated by Olivia Rodrigo, can be styled with natural, loose waves for thick hair. Slicking back the sides with a strong-hold hair gel can create contrasting textures.

Boho Bangs

Styling bangs like Dakota Johnson's involves blow-drying them as soon as you leave the shower. A smaller round brush can be used to style them, achieving a boho look.

Tousled Layers

Zendaya's tousled texture falls between embracing natural curls and straightening them. By keeping the hair long, the weight of the mane prevents waves from appearing too voluminous.

Side Bangs

Penelope Cruz's stick-straight hair can be enhanced with the addition of a short side bang. Blow-drying and using a flat iron can replicate a professional blowout at home.

Glamorous Bedhead

Shay Mitchell's glamorous bedhead is achieved with the help of salt spray and her natural texture. Long layers can add body and movement to this style.

Face-Framing Layers

To make fine hair appear thicker, face-framing layers can be added. Tousled ends can complement a square-shaped face. For those without natural waves, using a curling iron can create the desired look.

'80s-Inspired

Winnie Harlow showcases a toned-down version of '80s hair. Thinning shears can remove some of the hair's weight, preventing the style from appearing too dense. Crimping iron and volumizing mousse can be used to style this look.

Long Layers

Heidi Klum demonstrates that long hair can be rocked at any age. Hair extensions can be used to achieve this look without growing out the hair. A fringe can highlight the eyes, and neon liner can add a pop of color.

Feathered Ends and Angles

Blunt ends can make fine hair appear thicker, but feathered ends work better for thicker hair to avoid heaviness. Angles starting at the chin can frame the face and add shape to the hair.

Curly Shag With Curtain Bangs

Natasha Leone's long shag features natural curls and waves, adding body and texture to the hair. The layers in a modern shag are more gradual compared to the '70s version, resulting in a softer aesthetic.

These are just some of the long haircut ideas discussed in the article. Each style caters to different hair textures and can be tailored to suit individual preferences. It's important to consult with a hairstylist who can assess your hair type and provide personalized recommendations.