Feathered Hairstyles Are the Next Big Thing

We’re all about a retro beauty look—and feathered hair allows us to embrace just that. Feathered hairstyles, which were initially the talk of the town in the ‘70s due to a certain TV star, are making a comeback in a big way this year. Whether you’re interested in a feather cut for short or long hair, this soft, layered haircut is flattering on just about anybody and can work with any hair type. Sounds like a no-brainer to us! Ready to try feathered layers for yourself? Below, find 15 feathered haircuts and styles to try.

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #1: STRAIGHT AND LONG

One of the most classic ways to rock a feathered hairstyle, long, straight locks look particularly stunning with this soft layered cut. To get the look, straighten your hair with a flat iron and slightly flip the ends out for some added dimension. Just make sure to apply a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, before styling! It also won’t hurt to add some shine to your feathered cut, so finish your ‘do with a bit of the L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum, which will tame frizz and flyaways and add weightless shine to your mane.

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #2: THICK AND WAVY

Really want to embrace those throwback vibes? A thick and wavy feathered style is the perfect way to do just that. Use a wide barrel curling iron or some rollers to create large, voluminous curls that highlight your feathered layers. After curling your hair, spritz your roots with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray for an extra boost of volume. Once you’re done styling, grab a can of hairspray—we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray—and spritz your style to keep it in place all day and night!

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #3: LONG AND SHAGGY

Shag hairstyles are trendy regardless of hair length, but a long, feathered, shaggy hairstyle happens to be particularly flattering on all face shapes. This look is a bit more messy and carefree, making it easy to recreate and customize to your own personal style. Simply grab a hair pomade or paste, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty, and work it throughout your mine to define your feathered layers. Add more product as needed to create a messy, textured shag!

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #4: SHORT AND TEXTURED

In case you haven’t heard, short hair is seriously in for 2020—and short feathered hair looks with endless texture are the perfect way to hop on that bandwagon. Whether you choose to rock a textured bob or a soft pixie is totally up to you. Just grab a hair pomade or texturizing spray to define your hair’s feathered shape and texture.

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #5: WAVY AND LONG

Another feathered style for long hair, waves do this cut the utmost justice. And there’s more than one way you can get this look for yourself. Choose from the following three options:

1. CURLING WAND WAVES

If you don’t mind using a little heat, reach for a curling wand to create loose beachy waves throughout your mane. Just make sure to brush through your waves when you finish so they aren’t too tight!

2. HEAT-FREE WAVES

Would you rather create this look sans heat? No problem! If you’re in a pinch, reach for a curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to liven up your ‘do. Simply apply a dime-sized amount to your strands, scrunch, and call it a day.

3. OVERNIGHT WAVES

If you have a little more time before you need to rock this look, consider creating overnight waves. This option does all the work for you while you catch some z’s. Interested? After washing your hair, gently brush through your strands (using a brush meant for wet hair) to remove any unwanted knots and tangles. Then braid your hair into one to two braids. Sleep on your braids to give your hair time to dry, and remove them when you wake up. Hello, beautiful heat-free waves!

Editor’s tip: If you want to keep frizz far away from your feathered waves, consider wrapping your braided hair in a silk scarf or sleeping on a silk pillowcase.

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #6: LAYERS WITH SIDE-SWEPT BANGS

Looking for a feather cut for long hair that can take you from day to night? This style, which pairs side-swept bangs with feathered layers, should definitely be on your radar. Effortlessly chic and stylish, this look makes a gorgeous statement. Best of all, it’s super easy to style. Kick things off by creating a side part and brushing your strands over to either side to get a swooped shape. Apply a small amount of hair mousse to your strands, scrunch, and go!

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #7: CURTAIN BANGS

Speaking of bangs, curtain bangs are a great pick for showing off your feathered strands. This trendy style features longer bangs that are parted down the middle to frame your face. While this look flaunts a cool-girl vibe, the feathered ends instantly put an edgy twist on your ‘do. All you need is a small amount of hair pomade on the ends of your bangs and a touch of hairspray to make this look all your own.

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #8: STACKED BOB

If you can’t resist styling your mane into a bob, it’s time to turn your attention to the feathered stacked bob. This short feathered cut features long, angled hair at the front and a shorter, rounder shape at the back with lots of layers for a gorgeous finish. Since this look is all about creating chic angles, you’ll want to book an appointment with your hairstylist to bring it to life. 

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #9: TOUSLED BOB

Want to give your bob a little tousled action? A feathered tousled bob will suit your needs. This style is all about turning up the volume and is sure to also turn heads with ease. Using a dime-sized amount of hair putty, rub it on separate sections of your hair, making sure to shape your strands in different directions. Spritz a bit of strong-hold spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Hold Volume over your strands, and your locks are ready to star in one major Instagram selfie!

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #10: ASYMMETRICAL A-LINE BOB

If you haven’t noticed, we have a thing for bobs. And after you give this look a go, we have a feeling you’ll jump on the bandwagon, too. This look sweeps your hair to the side to make your feathered ends the star of the show. To get the look, start by brushing your strands over to either side. Add a bit of hair pomade to the top layer of hair to amp up your texture and flip the ends with a curling iron. Mist hairspray evenly over your hair, and you have a feathered look that’s swoon-worthy.

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #11: MESSY WAVES

Is doing only minimal styling a top priority? Messy waves may be just what you need. Offering a modern take on a retro style, this undone textured look is the true epitome of an effortless ‘do. Best of all, we totally dig that you only need one product to recreate this look. Take a small amount of hair putty on your fingertips, rub it on individual sections of your hair, then style your strands in different directions. Voila!

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #12: FLIPPED ENDS

Flipped hair has also been having a major moment in the beauty world, and when paired with feathered detailing, it instantly steals the show! With true retro flair and a touch of sophistication, this look can be your go-to style for special occasions and beyond. Bring the look to life with the help of a curling iron and a hair pomade. Set the stage by applying a dime-sized amount of hair putty to your strands, then shape your mane. Next, curl the ends of your hair inward and holding the curls in place for a few seconds before letting them drop. Once all of your ends are curled, mist hairspray over your mane, and you’re all set.

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #13: SIDE BRAID

Ready to add a playful vibe to your throwback look? Style your feathered cut with a side braid to do just that. Flattering and super pretty, this hairstyle works for both short and long hair. To get the look, start by parting your hair to one side. Pick up a small section of hair from your hairline on the side with more hair, and split it into three equal strands. Use those strands to create a classic Dutch braid, incorporating more hair as you go. Braid toward the back of your head, and once you reach behind your ear, tie off your braid and pin it in place. Ta-da!

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #14: SIDE UNDERCUT

If you’re looking to revamp a traditional pixie cut, look no further than a side undercut. The perfect mix of modern and retro styling, this cut frames your face while highlighting your features. It’s also a great way to show off your long length at the front while keeping things nice and short in the back. Basically, you won’t be able to get enough of this look. We recommend visiting your stylist to sculpt this cut perfectly to fit your face shape. 

FEATHERED HAIRSTYLE #15: CHOPPY LAYERS

On the hunt for a hairstyle that speaks to your love of movement and texture? Choppy feathered layers are where it’s at. They’re stylish, trendy, and can be customized to your liking. Since this look is all about highlighting your face shape and features, this is another feathered cut where it’s best to book in with your stylist.

Ready for more hairstyle ideas? Check out our articles, 25 Hairstyles with Bangs to Update Your Look and 5 Pixie Hairstyles for the Short Hair of Your Dreams, for some on-trend inspo.