I've got a wild hair to get layers in my hair.
DH says NO! of course.
DDs say YES! of course.
What do you guys think?

I'd say no. You can do much more with your hair without layers. Plus,if you don't like them,you may have to cut your hair to get rid of them. Long hair is so pretty without!

Give yourself 3 weeks to think about it :) Don't get them cut on a whim.

For the record, I had layers for some 4+ years and I loved them. I have wavy hair and they really brought out my waves and made my hair seem more bouncy. I also rarely wore updos. My hair was either loose, in a half up or in a ponytail.

Now that I've learned more updos I find that not all of them look good with layers. Shorter ends of hair will be poking out and this goes for braids too. I've also decided to grow out my layers, just for a change and also to see what my hair looks like wavy and all one length (it was straighter before then I cut it to chinlength, it grew out wavier and I had layers ever since). Layers are a pain to grow out! My hair is brushing my hips but my shortest layers are only at my shoulders. I have a long way to go! Layers also make your ends thinner than they normally are as part of the hair that should be there has been cut shorter.

In your siggy you wrote your hair is at tailbone. IMO if I had grown my hair that long I would leave it as it is. If my hair were a bit shorter (say BSL) long layers could be a fun change and they would eventually grow out on the way to your longer length goal.

ETA: Just checked and you put your next goal as classic. Bear in mind that if you have layers, those layered locks will take a *much longer* time to reach classic.

The 3 week rule still holds :wink:

i loved my layers when it was shorter: and they were very deep layers (cut by razor). past waist i thought i missed the hair "quantity" for them to look still nice. i think very soft layers might be ok, but in general i think only highly texturized hair looks good with it. my hair also looks constantly uncombed. i mean, all one length my hair looked "cleaner" even if i didn't comb it at all.

i think a nice solution is a U/V cut: clean cut but shaped.

do note: i braid my hair at night and i think it's partly responsible for the "unkept" look: especially the shorter layers - not cut in years - curl up in the most strange ways :rolleyes:

i don't think though they are annoying styling wise if they are not overly deep. on the contrary: thinned ends make buns easier.

Just be sure you really want them before you cut because they are a pain to grow out. I have the same hair type as you. Layers look choppy on me. It is your hair and you should do what makes you happy. Just be sure.

I agree with the three-weeks to make your decision. It is really a hard decision to make. When my hair is one length, I want layers; when I have layers I want it grown out one length. With a lot of curl in my hair, I think some layering is probably needed, but right now I have layers that are too short (the shortest one is just below shoulder length). I think layering toward the bottom of my hair would be better. Layering can make the ends look thinner, but with the thickness of my hair and the curls, this has never been a problem. Since you have straight hair, this may be more of an issue. If you do decide you want to put some layers in, you may want to consider just having some put in at the bottom (maybe the bottom two inches) so that if you decide you want to grow them out it won't be as long a process.

Good luck with your decision.

^j^

I currently have layers I am trying to grow out, all to one length with a slight U-shape. I had the layers done by a stylist before my long hair journey began and they were cut 'deep' (there are many many layers, spanning 7" or so down my length). They looked great when I blow-dried and when my hair was shorter. My ends are actually quite thin now because so many layers were cut.

I personally don't like them on my head because they sometimes look choppy and messy, and I prefer a 'cleaner' look. I also would like to start self-trimming and think this would be too difficult to trim the layers, especially with this many layers (I think I have too many). I may change my mind in the future, and get a few layers closer to the ends. I don't remember what it is like to have long one-length hair, and I may not like it as much I think I think I will.

I would like my layers more if they were longer (farther down the length), and not constantly falling in front of my shoulders. It just looks messy on me. They would not be so bad if they stayed behind my shoulders.

I would also give myself some time make this decision because of the time involved in correcting it should the result not be as desired.

This is my experience, I hope it helps a little!

Don't do it, I hated mine so much that I ended up cutting to the shortest layer. Not all stylist can do it well, you might end up with a butched "style".
Think about it long and hard so if you do it you won't regret it.

I have layers that I am growing out. I don't really think they add that much to very long hair, imo. I mean look at my sig pic. What good are they doing me? And they are bad for braids. But it's your hair and your decision. If you decide to get them, I would recommend starting out small in case you change your mind. That way you wouldn't have too long to go to grow them out.

I agree with everyone else, give it some thought, then if you decide to go ahead, start small. Personally (aside from the trouble they cause with updo's) I don't understand why everyone hates layers so much. I think sometimes long hair that's all one length can look a tad boring. It really just depends on the person. I have a few long layers right now but I'm considering getting a couple more. I always had layers in the past when my hair was shoulder/BSL and loved them...my hair just seems to "hang" without them. Maybe it's just me. :ponder:

I have very layered hair that's just starting it's growing out journey. When my hair is shorter it needs to be layered because it's really thick and wavy and becomes pretty bushy and unmanageable. I had all one length past BSL hair about 10years ago and I loved it. Not sure if I will now, but I'll be getting these layers eliminated gradually by trims as I go.

I say if you want them, start gradually with a few longer ones at a time. I agree with everyone else that they are a pain to grow out if you change your mind. I know what it's like to think "If only my hair had this...". I'm not satisfied until I know the results and no one can convince me that it's a train wreck waiting to happen. I have to see it for myself.

Good Luck.

Do not do it

I got my layers when I had sholder lenth hair and it worked for a while.
Like everyone has said, they work great if you want to blowdry, straighten and put chemicals on your hair. I am also trying to grow mine out and when ever I put my hair up there are bits hanging out. Well, a bang on the outgrowth doesn't really improve things either :(

I'd say no. Actually a resounding NO. Speaking from experience. All layers do is give you less hair. In my book that is not a good thing. Layers will limit your style options. With buns and braids you will have all those little hair sticking out. You can use gel to control them but that doesnt always work. I think layers are a pain. You will have to "style"your hair more. Straighter hair like yours takes a ton of styling if it has layers. Yes been there done that. Never again. Sorry to be so negative about layers but I hated mine and I'll never cut them again. You could do a gentle U shape cut and not have the problems I mention above. I'd think long and hard about cutting anything. Remember once it's cut you can't glue it back on. :silly:

As a professional hairdresser, I would suggest that if you are bound and determined to try something new, try some face framing pieces, just some layering around the face, not the entire sides, and don't touch the back. This way you can still have some variety and if you want to pull it back, it looks sexy/cute when the pieces fall out of the ponytail.It can be nice for french twists too to have some face framing-I'm not talking bangs,I just mean very little layering effect on the ends. Its also much easier to grow out if you don't like it.Oh, and don't let anyone razor your hair!!!!! YOu will regret it big time,I don't care what they tell you about movement and all that jazz, it will fray your ends and cause breakage,its not a big deal on short hair because you get it cut constantly,on long hair,its like murder.

I think layers can be a good solution if your hair is very heavy, like mine. I also need layers to make my hair look wavy.

Since you're heading towards a longer goal, I'd suggest that, if you want layers at goal, you should wait until the bulk of your hair reaches goal before cutting them. Layers that work at one length don't often grow into layers that work well at a longer length. And keeping layers well maintained may require more trims than you'd need without layers, slowing down your overall increase in length.

At goal length, you may decide to get layers - and you'll get layers that suit that length. But working with layers in-between is likely to cause more headaches then they are worth.

DEFINATELY give it some time and thought. I am always bouncing back and forth, and it never has gotten me anywhere. I have a bad habit of cutting my own hair, so I always do it on a whim and regret it later. I would vote NO if I had to give my opinion. I always hate mine when it is layered (but I'm such a nut I end up doing it again.) DON'T DO IT!!!

I agree with those who suggested thinking on it Seriously for at Least 3 weeks...after that, it is your hair, and your decision. Having said that, it is a real PITA to grow layers out, if you really do want long lengths overall. Just my :twocents:

I would say no to layers unless you hair is super thick... layers takes away from the thickness of your ends. My MIL has them and has thin hair and even though her hair is short it still looks very sparse on the ends.

I had long layers put into my hair a couple months ago, and I'm so glad I did. It makes my hair look better (the one-length hair is not flattering to my face), plus my hair is thick, so it did take some weight out and give it some movement/style. I'm very happy with my layers. I did think about it for a LONG time, though, so definitely give it a decent amount of thought before you make a decision.

If you do end up getting layers, finding a good stylist is important. I explained to my stylist that I wanted to be able to get it all back in a ponytail, and she was very good about showing me exactly how much she was cutting off, and double-checking with me to make sure it was OK. That made me feel a lot better about the whole ordeal.

Either way, best of luck!

I am currently growing out my layers. The main reason is that updos and different styles don't look as nice with all my layers sticking out. One layer down....four to go! :hollie:

I had long layers when I started growing out my hair, and quickly made the decision to focus on growing out and cutting off those layers before trying to reach my length goal. It took me a year, but I did it.

I don't hate layers. In fact, I think they look very pretty and I loved having them at the time. My reason for getting rid of layers is a very prosaic one; split ends. It's so much more difficult to keep on top of splits when hair is layered. With it all one length I can take care of almost all of my splits with one microtrim (or larger trim) and have done with it. I hate doing S&D on my hair (it's so fiddly and boring and I end up doing a half-assed job), so microtrims are my weapon of choice.

I have thinnish hair. I am currently growing out layers (AGAIN). One day I will remember at the crucial moment, that layers make my ends look thin. Ihave thin hair to begin with...it doesn't need any help in that department.

THat said, I like layers on people with curly hair..I think it helps with the shape...makes less of a pyramid shape out of their hair/head.

I also like some "face framing layers". Basically for me, I like the hair that WOULD have been bangs cut into a really sharp/deep slope so that the shortest layer is about shoulder length. I want no layers anywhere beyond what would have been my bangs.

It seems that the consensus here is don't do it...but as always, it's your hair...do what pleases YOU.

I agree with most here. No! I do not think you will be able to reach your goal length if you cut layers. Keeping your hemline as full as possible will help you reach knee length.

Also, if you choose to wear your hair in a braid, layers will really affect your braid tassel.

At knee length, your hair will probably have natural layers anyway because most hair will taper as it lengthens.

My DW Susan has straight hip length hair which is moderately thick. If she ever layered her hair, the beauty of its length would be destroyed. Honest! There is no way anyone could cut layers in her hair w/o it looking thin and hacked, save major fussing with a styling iron. This she will not do. Years ago she had it layered at her shoulders, and it looked amazing. But, that day was the last time it looked really good for about a year.
Only if your hair is naturally wavy and you absolutely cannot stand the bulk presently should you consider layers. I well understand your DH's sentiments! (lol) Blessings, Bob :grin:
Sorry, I didn't notice the original date! Bob

I think if you want them, you should get them. The worst thing that can happen is you don't like them after all and have to grow them back out. Life is short. Go for it.

I like layers on my hair because it allows me to wear it down without it just hanging there. I only had the hair around my face layered. Actually from my lips down to my shoulders.

This made it possible to wear my hair down without it always hanging in my face & provided waves & body. This is something I plan on doing myself in a few months.

hairfitness101 do you think someone could do these framing layers on themself and have it come out ok?

:spitting: I obviously read too fast because I keep seeing, "Lawyers? Yes? No? Why or Why not?"

Ahem. Okay.

Karinne, why do you want them? What is it that you think they'll do? Layers, not lawyers, that is. :wink: If you're just bored, then I'd say no. If you honestly like the look of long layers on you and your hair, then sure, give them a try. They're not permanent.

I think that if your hair is mid-back and shorter and you have a hair texture that would like layers, then they could look great and add a lot of body. But once hair is longer, it starts to look too whispy (IMO) with layers. My hair is almost BSL and I love my long, razored layers. However my hair is slightly wavy, and without the layers it made a triangular shape that wasn't very flattering, lol.

If you do decide to get them, start small and make sure you have a great hair cutter. They may be able to tell you if your hair is compatible with layers, and if so, how many there should be. Just make sure they know exactly what you want! Good luck!

I would vote NO!!! Just my opinion though since I do not like layers. :wink:

I had really mild layers at one point, and they looked really pretty when down, but were somewhat obnoxious when I tried to put it up, and although I love how the messy bun looks on others, I can't stand it on myself. I suppose that it would depend on whether you wear your hair up or down more. If you wear it up a lot, and ends poking out drive you up the wall, then layering might not be the best idea. If you do get layers, start small, as it is much easier to cut off more than put it back on.

I would not cut layers. I end up cutting the layers, then hating it and cutting it up to the shortest layer. Then I let it grow a while and do the same thing again. It is a vicious cycle.