The 35 Best Haircut Ideas for Long Hair

Photo:

local_honey / curlswithalexa

For many, a relationship with long hair—growing it out, finding your style, chopping it all off, growing it again—is a cyclical, lifelong affair. On the one hand, manes left long and loose allow natural texture some room to roam free. On the other, caring for down-to-there hair is a full-time job and one that starts with finding the perfect haircut. Fortunately, autumn provides a perfect starting point. 

“Fall is the kickoff to cozy season; it’s only fitting that long, silky strands,” make a comeback, says hairstylist Sam LaBella. “Long hair is popular in chillier months because it gives an extra layer of warmth around the neckline.” She’s right: Whether tucked into coat collars or worn in a tumble over sweater shoulders, some extra length seems to double as a sumptuous accessory as temperatures drop. 

meet the expert

Sam LaBella is a hairstylist based in Denver, Colorado.

Ready to reinvigorate your full-on mane? These are some of the best haircuts for long hair. 

01 of 35

Dimensional Butterfly

long haircuts

latesthair

The butterfly cut is everywhere right now. This dimensional version provides the movement and variance for which the style is known, but with long enough layers to allow for a relatively low-maintenance look.

02 of 35

Curls and Bangs

long haircuts

curlswithalexa

Ringlets grown long are a stunning style all on their own, and the addition of bangs and some short, face-framing layers provides even more bounce and lift. Hone your curly hair routine to encourage curls that are coiled to their full potential. 

03 of 35

Minimalist Long Layers

long haircuts

nicole__vincent

Even minimal layers can make a strong statement. Though cut well below the face, these long and wispy layers offer shape and movement, enhancing waves and straight lengths alike. 

04 of 35

Long Brushed Curls

long haircuts

bellus_styles

Finger-raked curls with the correct cut and styling products allow your texture to reach longer lengths. Some thoughtful layers can help create a flattering, flowing shape.

05 of 35

Blunt Bangs

long haircuts

pinkdagger

Blunt bangs can elevate virtually any long haircut, but this pairing of full fringe and long, blended layers is particularly appealing. Lash-skimming bangs can be parted and worn as curtain bangs, allowing for two styles with one cut. 

06 of 35

Bangs and Layers

long haircuts

julesbakersulo

Cascading layers are boosted by full bangs. Fringe gives way seamlessly to front layers that fall in neat fashion. Finish this look in your favorite oil to prevent unwanted frizz and tame flyaways. 

07 of 35

Low-Maintenance Shag

long haircuts

local_honey

For rugged layering minus the extra maintenance, work with your stylist to dream up a cut that works with your natural texture rather than against it. This long shag is stronger for its organic waves.

08 of 35

Angel Wing Layers

long haircuts

azhak.makeover

Though many layers are snipped to frame the face, adding them in well below shoulder-level keeps a cut polished while still offering eye-catching fluidity and shape. These ultra-low layers are styled to splay like wings. 

09 of 35

Graphic Wolf Cut

long haircuts

mizzchoi

The wolf cut is bold by nature, but adding super-short, razor-cut sections throughout the topmost portion takes the style to another level. Invest in a texture spray, and if you plan to air-dry, commit to honoring the chaos rather than attempting to reign it in.

10 of 35

Layer and Curtain Bangs

long haircuts

zwindaaliem_

The curtain bang is a contemporary take on the boho bang—a section of strands snipped to the cheekbone to create the fringe-layering hybrid normally born of a grow-out. Adding some layers into the mix ensures that the bang is well-blended.

11 of 35

Modern Mullet

long haircuts

__k_vu__

Mullets in their many guises remain a major part of the conversation. This entirely of-the-moment mullet combines micro fringe, a pixie chop at the crown, and long, wolfish layers designed to curl and cascade.

12 of 35

Blunt Beach Waves

long haircuts

treehousehair

Blunt beach waves turn the would-be bohemian style into something a touch more sophisticated. Subtle layers help create tousled volume, easily furthered with the help of dry texture spray.

13 of 35

Micro Bangs

long haircuts

local_honey

For an unexpectedly pretty pairing, consider snipping micro bangs into your naturally cascading mane for a funky, fun, and subversive take on princess hair.

14 of 35

Soft, Long Layers

long haircuts

ryennesnow

There’s something to be said for layers cut long and soft. The cascading style feels romantic and timeless—and still allows for an easy updo.

15 of 35

Polished Long Bangs

long haircuts

anoushkachhabra

A long and lightly layered cut is strengthened by a simple, barely there curtain bang. The addition flatters the face while removing weight from the front of the style, resulting in a more effortless look. 

16 of 35

Long Wolf Cut With Bangs

long haircuts

jasminpak.work

An elongated wolf cut with wispy fringe provides an effortless interpretation of the style. Polished, easy, and somewhat beachy, this one is ideal for those who want a wolf cut that’s slightly subtler than the traditional take.

17 of 35

Blunt and Straight

long haircuts

kelseygusto

Sometimes, simplicity wins the day. Whether you opt to flat iron or you come by the texture naturally, a straight style that's cut long and blunt is polished and timeless. It's also ripe for super-subtle face-framing layers, should you ever feel the need.

18 of 35

Bohemian Shag

long haircuts

hirohair

This funky style centers on volume at the crown via blunt bangs, strategic layering, and lifted styling. Incorporate loose waves at eye- and jaw-level to achieve a similar jellyfish effect.

19 of 35

Polished Curls

long haircuts

jesseniaspallet

Long, natural ringlets are all the more luxurious when trimmed and tended. A face-framing cut and removal of any frayed ends ensures that your curls will have the gloss and bounce you desire. 

20 of 35

Blunt Texture

long haircuts

leejrjensen

This predominantly blunt cut features built-in, blended layering that lends itself to body and texture rather than framing, though the barely there baby bang provides a little something. 

21 of 35

Box Braids and Curls

Whether you want to give your natural hair a breather or you're seeking more seamless everyday styling, box braids are an option for down-to-there hair. Leaving the ends of the braids loose for curling offers an appealing layer of undone texture that makes the whole look seem effortless. 

22 of 35

Banged Butterfly

long haircuts

visavisthesalon

With full bangs, face-framing layers, and piece-y styling, this butterfly cut skews ‘70s in the coolest way. While a full blowout offers the glamour of the butterfly, there’s something to be said for rocking the style straight.

23 of 35

Face-Framing Layers

long haircuts

alban.gram

Strategic layers can create practically any shape. Snipped to arc beneath the jawline, this take on long layers frames the face in a literal sense, combining the drama of a coiffed lob and the loose luxury of a longer cut.

24 of 35

Cascading Bangs

long haircuts

laecybeauty

Bangs snipped long and designed to softly cascade into the bulk of your mane are wispy and wearable, but still romantic. Plus, fringe that's trimmed past eye-level makes for an easy grow-out!

25 of 35

Soft Waves

long haircuts

kseniakomleva

A long and soft cut with minimal layers is timeless. This style is easy to personalize and works well with virtually any texture.

26 of 35

Long and Flippy Layers

long haircuts

ryennesnow

Thick manes do well with a bit of lightening up, and these flippy layers are just the thing. Whether they're styled to veer out or in, or simply to swing straight, the tiered lengths lend fluidity and visual impact.

27 of 35

‘60s Style

long haircuts

borisboriswho

The Mod era favored all things blunt and rounded, and this style is the ultimate embodiment thereof. Artfully arched fringe meets even ends in a cut that, for all of its referential appeal, feels entirely modern.

28 of 35

All Natural Curls

long haircuts

curlelia

Tight coils trimmed and styled to perfection are the ultimate option for those blessed with natural curls. Maximizing your organic texture may take time, but the results are well worth the commitment. 

29 of 35

Wavy Wolf

long haircuts

mohamad_hairart

Wolf cuts are all about adding texture, so showing up to the salon with length and texture only furthers the final look. This waist-skimming shag is soft and romantic despite its funky flair.  

30 of 35

Jagged Bangs

long haircuts

manemisfit

Regardless of your chosen cut, the addition of stylized fringe makes any look feel a touch more idiosyncratic. These micro-bangs are cut in a jagged, rugged finish and feel perfectly irreverent. This style is best reserved for those with straight or nearly straight hair, the better to avoid damage through constant heat styling.

31 of 35

Waist-Grazing Waves

long haircuts

donovanmillshair

A favorite of celebrities and influencers alike, glossy waves that reach toward the waist are a forever sort of thing. Though the style can be cut blunt depending on your texture, adding soft, long layers throughout can add a bit of extra oomph and disrupt any potential triangular shape.

32 of 35

Curly Wolf Cut With Bangs

long haircuts

ernestomeneses

This wolf cut relies on texture for its statement-making appeal. After air-drying or diffusing, a dry texture spray (and some thoughtful tousling) will ensure maximum visual impact.

33 of 35

Wispy Butterfly

long haircuts

_idbeauty

Long bangs and wispy layers throughout make longer lengths appear especially romantic. Worn wavy, this style will boast a wealth of touchable texture, while straight and glossy skews chic and sleek.

34 of 35

Feathered Layers

long haircuts

ryennesnow

This bouncy butterfly is ideal for those undaunted by flouncy and feathered layers. The look is best when blown-out to bouncy perfection, a modern take on the splayed styles of the 1970s.

35 of 35

Blunt Layers

long haircuts

madisonsworld22

It’s just hair. Why not have some fun with it? This cut is defined by a trio of blunt layers—almost like three cuts in one—that come together for a graphic, somewhat abstract moment.

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