15 Long Haircuts to Ask for at the Salon ASAP
As much as we love spunky short hair, there is something so timeless about sporting long tresses. The movement, the opportunity for all kinds of layers, not to mention all the various ways you can style it... However not all long haircuts are created equal. There are a number of different ways you can ask your hairdresser to cut your hair depending on factors like your face shape, hair type, and overall vibe.
Looking for a bit of inspiration to take to your next salon appointment? Here are 15 long hairstyles we're loving.
Meet the Expert
Brooke Jordan is the creative director and co-owner of the Brooklyn-based hair salon The Bird House. She has been named as one of New York’s top stylists by Brooklyn Magazine and New York Magazine. See more of her work as well as work by other Bird House stylists on their Instagram @birhousenyc.
1. One Length
As popular and common as layers are in a long haircut, there's also something stunning long straight hair that's all one length. If you decide to go sans layers, Brooke Jordan, the creative director at the NYC salon The Bird House, has a few words of advice: "This look definitely works better on people with fine hair, even if it’s dense," she says. "But if you have thick hair and want to rock one-length, definitely make sure to have your stylist add a lot of internal texture—almost like invisible layers—to remove weight from the ends and create movement."
2. Barely-There Layers
Don't want to go super layered but looking for a bit more movement than totally one-length? Try something similar to this look which pairs long locks with minimal, face-framing layers in the front. If you are curious about a one-length cut but your hair is a bit too thick or textured, this might be the next best thing.
3. Long With Blunt Bangs
Copy Dakota Johnson's trademark cut by pairing long locks with a set of blunt bangs. Keep them right about at the eyebrow to wear them straight, or let them grow longer to transform them into trendy curtain bangs.
4. Shag Cut
Take your look straight back to the '70s with a retro shag haircut. This cut is all about going heavy on texture, with choppy ends and a copious amount of layers throughout. If you have naturally wavy hair or curly hair, your hair type will likely thrive when rocking this classic cut.
5. The Hollywood Cut
If you're sporting some super long, thick hair give this classic layered haircut a try. With long layers throughout it styles beautifully into just about any hair look you could be after: soft beach waves, a round brush-powered Hollywood blowout, etc. The key to keeping hair this long looking super healthy is to be diligent about frequent trims. Try to aim for a touch-up every six to seven weeks for dusting and shaping.
6. Super Long Lob
If you once sported a trendy medium-length lob, here's an ideal way to transition that cut into something a little bit longer without really changing much. Here, Ciara keeps her natural hair super simple, with almost no layering added. Instead, the cut features a slight angle from the front to the back to add dimension. And don't forget the center part for some added drama.
If you have naturally curly hair like Ciara does and you're hoping to sport it slick straight, you might try asking for a silk press next time you're at the salon for a temporary straightening treatment.
7. Micro Braids
Looking to go long the next time you treat yourself to a new set of braids? If you're looking to keep heaviness to a minimum, you might try sporting long micro braids like the kind Zoe Kravitz is famous for rocking. These delicate braids can be easily styled and move naturally for a protective hairstyle that feels relatively low maintenance.
8. Hidden Undercut
While most undercuts are clipped or shaved along the lower half of the head, Ellie Goulding's edgy cut shows us another way to wear the haircut. Instead, her undercut features a shorter section along one side of the hairline. When sporting a deep part, the undercut is on full display, but with a center or slight side part, you can hide this undercut with ease.
9. Curtain Bangs
"We are seeing a ton of requests for long layers with curtain bangs at the salon," says Jordan. It's no surprise that these long bangs are at the top of everyone's list, they're a cinch to style, easy to grow out, and can even be juuuust long enough to tuck behind the ears when you want to be able to keep your hair out of your face. Pair these bangs with soft layers throughout to help them blend in and to create a flattering flow for any face shape.
10. Flowing Curls
Working with natural hair or a curly hair texture? While it will certainly take time to grow your gorgeous locks out long, they look so stunning when styled into a lightly layered cut. While there are layers working in this hairdo, they're not necessarily designed to make the hair look piecey or thin—mega volume is the goal here. Instead, they take some much-needed weight off the bottom to make it softer and a bit less heavy.
11. Face-Framing Layers
If you're sporting straight hair or a round face shape, you might try keeping those face-framing layers super long—like almost shoulder-length long. If you're sporting super long locks, this layered hairstyle will still feature a nice amount of distance between these layers and your ends while also helping to elongate the face.
12. Side-Swept Bangs
Forget about the awkward side bangs that still haunt you from the early 2000s. This version of the look blends into the rest of the hair in a much softer way, almost reading as a dramatic side part if you don't look close enough.
Jordan notes that this kind of seamless transition is key when pairing bangs with a longer haircut. "Unless you’re going for a very straight, severe bang, always be sure that the bangs are blended and connected to the face-framing to soften the line and make sure the bangs feel cohesive."
13. Disconnected Face Framing
Jordan notes that "disconnected" face-framing is also a highly requested look at the salon that stylists are loving. Unlike classic face framing that seamlessly blends in with the rest of the hair, disconnected face frame is where the shorter pieces up front aren’t connected to the longer pieces. Instead, they’re two distinctly different lengths.
14. Front Feathering
If you're sporting fine or thin hair, it may feel like your ends often look stringy anytime you veer away from a short haircut. But longer hair doesn't have to be off the table. If you have this hair type, Jordan suggests going heavier with the face-framing when rocking a long cut. "This can add movement and texture without having to add layers throughout which can make the ends look thinner."
15. Heightened Volume
If you love a tousled texture and beach waves, this is a winning cut. The key to copying this look is to focus mainly on creating short layers up top so that most of the volume happens just below the crown of the head. As these layers blend in with the rest of your hair, it takes the weight off of loose waves, allowing for both long length and body. If you love to air dry your hair, it's hard to beat this cut. Just add a touch of texturizing spray and you're all set.
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