How long can you go? If these celebrities are any indication, as long as you want — just throw in some layers, bangs, or shaping to complement your face shape and hair texture. There are endless possibilities with how to cut and style your mile-long strands. Of course, before you head to the salon to make a huge chop, it's good to know what kind of cut you're actually looking for. Good thing you have us to help. Here, a few of our cuts for long strands — and how to get them.
Diagonal Lines
Rachel Green put layers on the map with chunky, piecey ones that fell every which way. That discrete choppiness was the whole point circa 1996. Today, gradual layers that slide imperceptibly from short to long — Joan Smalls' start just below her collarbone — are much more versatile and subtle, but still dripping with style. It's a great way to preserve your length without going full-on Marsha Brady.
The mommy mogul may have a few shorter pieces just around her face, but the real story here is in Jessica Alba's ends, which are gently snipped into all around her entire head. It's not about precision — some snips are deep, others quite shallow — but it is about consistency. By taking the cuts neatly all around the hair, you're left with dynamic movement, perfect if you're the kind of person who touches and flips a lot.
There's no math or science to Lais Ribeiro's cut, but there is rhyme and reason: Lots of thick, blunt layers scattered anywhere and everywhere from shoulder-length down look damn hot. You do need plenty of strands to pull it off — otherwise, the back can take on a mullet-vibe — but in general, this flatters all face shapes and hair textures.
If you want to add bangs to a long hairstyle, look no further than Camila Cabello's '60s cut. To avoid dorky-looking blunt bangs, don't cut them too wide — that is, too far outwards towards your temples — or too thick. "They should create a triangle shape that aligns with the outer corners of your eyes," says Fugate. Also, ask your stylist to snip up into the ends so they're not too blunt and add a few light, graduated layers in front. As for the rest of your hair, you could keep it one length or sprinkle in a few light layers. "Just don't make the layers around your face too short," he warns. "They'll look most flattering if they begin below the chin."
Hailee Steinfeld demonstrates cascading long hair done the right way — meaning not at all like Rapunzel. The trick is balancing the length with a few face-framing layers. "Her hair is all one length, other than a few layers starting at her cheekbones, which are sliced with a razor," says hairstylist Marcus Francis, who has styled Steinfeld's hair. Pro tip: Avoid this length if you have fine strands — they can turn feathered or limp near the ends.
Long and Natural
Meghan Markle has been the talk of the town lately — from her royal engagement, to what she’s wearing, to yes, her hair. Markle’s lengthy locks include subtle layers at the end that add definition and give off a polished feel. Whether your hair is thick or thin, this cut is flattering on everyone. The best part? It looks and is oh-so-effortless.
