17+ Flattering Face-Framing Layered Styles for Mid-Length Hair You’ll Want to Copy

Let me be honest with you – as someone who’s been cutting hair for over a decade, I’ve seen countless clients walk into my salon clutching photos of gorgeous layered styles, only to leave disappointed because their stylist didn’t understand the magic behind proper face-framing layers. The truth is, mid-length hair with the right layered cut can be absolutely transformative, giving you that effortless, “I woke up like this” vibe that we all secretly crave.

Mid-length hair sits in that sweet spot between shoulder and collarbone length, making it incredibly versatile for layering techniques that can enhance your natural features while adding movement and dimension. I’ve curated these 17+ stunning face-framing layered styles that work beautifully on various face shapes and hair textures. Trust me, once you find your perfect match from this list, you’ll wonder why you ever struggled with boring, one-length cuts.

1. The Classic Curtain Bang Layer

This timeless style combines soft, wispy curtain bangs with graduated layers that frame your face like a gentle embrace. I love how the longer pieces in front create a natural spotlight effect on your cheekbones.

The key to nailing this look is ensuring your stylist cuts the curtain bangs to hit right at your brow bone, then layers the rest to cascade seamlessly. The magic happens when you blow-dry with a round brush, flipping the front pieces slightly outward for that coveted 70s-inspired bounce.

2. The Shag Revival

The modern shag is having a major moment, and I’m here for it! This isn’t your mother’s 80s shag – it’s refined, sophisticated, and gives you that perfectly undone texture without looking messy.

I always tell my clients that the shag works best on hair with natural movement or wave. The choppy layers create incredible volume at the crown while the longer pieces maintain length and femininity. Style it with texturizing spray and scrunch lightly for that effortless rock-chic vibe.

3. The Soft Graduated Bob

This is my go-to recommendation for clients who want something chic but not too dramatic. The soft graduated layers create beautiful movement while maintaining a polished, professional appearance.

The beauty of this cut lies in its versatility – you can wear it sleek and straight for the office or add some loose waves for weekend vibes. I always cut the back slightly shorter than the front to create that subtle A-line effect that’s so flattering on most face shapes.

4. The Beachy Wave Layer

This style screams “I just got back from vacation” in the best possible way. The layers are cut to enhance natural wave patterns, creating that coveted beachy texture that looks effortlessly chic.

I recommend this cut for anyone with naturally wavy or curly hair who wants to embrace their texture. The key is cutting the layers when the hair is wet to follow your natural curl pattern. Style with sea salt spray and let air dry for that perfect undone finish.

5. The Razor-Cut Shag

For my clients who want serious edge and texture, the razor-cut shag is pure magic. This technique creates softer, more feathered ends that move beautifully and add incredible dimension to your hair.

The razor cutting technique removes bulk while creating those gorgeous wispy ends that make every strand look intentional. I love how this cut looks amazing whether you style it sleek or embrace your natural texture – it’s truly the ultimate low-maintenance, high-impact style.

6. The Long Layered Lob

The lob (long bob) with layers is probably the most requested cut in my chair, and for good reason. It’s sophisticated, versatile, and works on virtually every face shape when customized properly.

I always start with a classic lob length and then add strategic layers to create movement and prevent that dreaded triangle effect. The face-framing pieces are cut to hit just below your jawline, creating the most flattering silhouette. Style it straight for elegance or add waves for a more relaxed vibe.

7. The Textured Pixie Grow-Out

This is perfect for anyone growing out a pixie cut who doesn’t want to suffer through those awkward in-between stages. The strategic layering creates shape and style during the transition period.

I work with your existing length to create texture and movement, focusing on the areas that tend to stick out awkwardly during grow-out phases. The result is a chic, intentional style that looks nothing like a “growing out” cut. It’s all about working with what you have and making it fabulous.

8. The Feathered Flip

Bringing back the 70s with a modern twist, the feathered flip is all about those gorgeous layers that curve away from your face. It’s feminine, flattering, and gives you that timeless glamour vibe.

The secret to this cut is the precise angling of each layer to create that signature flip effect. I use a combination of point cutting and slide cutting to achieve those soft, feathered ends. Style with a round brush and blow dryer, flipping the ends outward for that classic Farrah Fawcett-inspired look.

9. The Asymmetrical Layer

For clients who want something unique and eye-catching, the asymmetrical layer adds an unexpected twist to the classic layered cut. One side is cut slightly longer than the other, creating beautiful movement and visual interest.

This style works particularly well on straight to slightly wavy hair where the asymmetry really shows. I love how it photographs – every angle looks different and interesting. The key is subtle asymmetry; we’re not going for dramatic, just enough to create that “something special” factor.

10. The Blunt Cut with Subtle Layers

Sometimes less is more, and this style proves it. The blunt cut with subtle internal layers maintains that clean, sharp line while adding just enough movement to prevent the hair from looking too heavy.

I add barely-there layers throughout the interior to remove bulk without sacrificing the blunt perimeter. This technique works beautifully on thick hair that tends to look triangular with traditional layering. The result is sleek, modern, and incredibly chic.

11. The Wispy Face-Framing Cut

This ethereal style is all about creating the softest, most feminine frame around your face. The wispy layers are cut with precision to create movement without bulk, giving you that dreamy, romantic look.

I use a combination of point cutting and texturizing techniques to create those gossamer-light pieces that catch the light beautifully. This cut is perfect for fine hair because it creates the illusion of thickness while maintaining that delicate, airy quality.

12. The Choppy Midi Cut

This edgy take on mid-length hair combines choppy layers with a modern midi length that hits right at the perfect spot. It’s contemporary, fresh, and gives you that effortlessly cool vibe.

The choppy layers are cut with intentional irregularity to create texture and movement. I love how this cut looks slightly different every time you wash and style it – it’s like having multiple hairstyles in one. Perfect for anyone who gets bored with their hair easily.

13. The Vintage-Inspired Victory Roll Layer

This style pays homage to the 1940s while keeping things fresh and wearable for today. The layers are cut to enhance the natural curl pattern and create that gorgeous vintage silhouette.

I cut the layers to work with your natural curl pattern, creating more volume at the crown and beautiful movement throughout. The key is understanding how curls naturally want to fall and working with that pattern rather than against it.

14. The Tousled Bedhead Layer

This is the ultimate “I woke up like this” style that actually requires strategic cutting to achieve. The layers are designed to create beautiful, effortless-looking texture that never looks messy.

The secret is cutting the layers to work with your hair’s natural cowlicks and growth patterns. I create intentional irregularity that mimics natural, tousled texture. Style with texturizing cream and scrunch lightly for that perfect undone look.

15. The Swoopy Side-Part Layer

This classic style never goes out of fashion. The deep side part combined with swooping layers creates incredible movement and adds instant glamour to any look.

I cut the layers to enhance the natural swooping motion when styled with a side part. The longer pieces in front create beautiful face-framing movement, while the shorter layers in back add volume and bounce. Style with a large barrel brush for maximum swoosh factor.

16. The Graduated A-Line Layer

This sophisticated cut combines the classic A-line silhouette with strategic layering to create the most flattering shape. It’s professional, polished, and works beautifully on all hair types.

The graduated layers are cut to create that perfect A-line shape while preventing the hair from looking too heavy or triangular. I love how this cut grows out beautifully – it maintains its shape for weeks longer than traditional cuts.

17. The Textured Shag Bob

This modern hybrid combines the best of both worlds – the classic bob length with the textured, lived-in feel of a shag. It’s edgy yet approachable, perfect for anyone wanting to make a statement.

The key is creating texture throughout while maintaining the bob’s classic proportions. I use a combination of point cutting and razor work to achieve that perfectly imperfect texture that looks effortlessly cool.

18. The Romantic Cascade Layer

This dreamy style creates the most beautiful cascading effect with layers that flow seamlessly into each other. It’s feminine, romantic, and absolutely stunning when it catches the light.

I cut each layer to blend perfectly with the next, creating a waterfall effect that’s both soft and dramatic. The face-framing pieces are cut to enhance your best features while the longer layers create beautiful movement throughout. Style with loose waves for maximum romantic impact.