Long Hairstyles for Women 2024 in the UK
Posted on Jul 21, 2023
When it comes to long hairstyles for women, there are so many options out there that it can be hard to choose the one that suits you. That's why we decided to help you out.
What You Will Learn
We'll look at the latest beauty trends for long haircuts at different ages, as well as some suggestions for women with different natural hair types and face shapes.
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Which Haircut is the Best for Long Hair?
Whether you have naturally thick hair, are trying to tame a long mane, or want to create volume and give flat long hair an extra boost, you should keep your hair styles goals in mind when choosing your new style.
Here are some of our favorite long hairstyle options to help inspire you.
Long Layers
We'll talk more about the different ways you can customize this long haircut soon, but let's start by taking a look at how a layered hairstyle can transform long tresses. Multiple layers will create depth and texture, and are a great way to change your hair without sacrificing overall length.
Long Hair With Bangs
Bangs look great with very long hair, but they are also gorgeous on women with shoulder-length or short hair. They can help soften a square face and many women love how low maintenance they are (bangs also help hide fine lines on your forehead).
Long Bob
Contrary to popular belief, a bob haircut is very versatile and can easily work at different lengths. If you want medium length or shoulder length hair, consider trying this cute hairstyle. It works well with straight or wavy hair.
Blunt Cut
This is the opposite of a layered hairstyle and results in a classic hairstyle with an almost retro look. The dramatic, straight line of a long blunt cut is bound to draw attention, and works best if you have thicker, spiky straight hair.
Long Shag
This is another classic style that's coming back into fashion. Shaggy layers are wonderfully low maintenance and work well to accentuate the natural movement of your hair - you can wear this style if your longer hair is straight, wavy or curly, it's so versatile.
Pro tip: Use a moisturizing hair mask once or twice a month (focusing on the ends, not the roots) as part of your hair care routine to avoid split ends and maintain hair length.
We recommend you to check out our post on short hairstyles for women.
Long Layered Hairstyles
Layered long hairstyles for women have always been popular for many reasons. They tend to be low maintenance and are a great way to either add dimension to long thick hair or create more body if you're dealing with thin curls. Let's take a look at some different options for long layers.
V-Shaped Cut with Layers
This haircut is a classic haircut that works really well with straight or wavy hair. The layers start out shorter and then gradually get longer towards the back. Often, people combine these long layers with bangs that frame the face.
U-Shaped Cut with Layers
The overall look of this long haircut is a little softer and less dramatic than the V-shaped haircut. Here, the long curls are cut in smooth, kinky layers that frame the face and are designed to add body and texture. You can shape them with a round brush for extra volume.
Multi-Layer Combination Cut
Try asking your stylist to cut your long layered hair into a combination of short, medium and long layers at your next appointment. This will add extra body if you're dealing with thin hair, and the short layers in the front will frame your face.
Subtle Layers
Sometimes called "invisible layers" on Instagram, this technique involves cutting long hair into smoothly blended layers starting at the chin or a little lower. This adds movement to a long hairstyle without taking away length.
Textured Layers
This technique involves cutting long hair into multiple layers, and then using thinning shears to add additional texture and help blend these layers together. If your long hair is thick, this may be a great option for you.
Haircuts for Long Straight Hair
Women with long, straight curls have a ton of haircut options to choose from. Here are some of our favorite haircuts and styles for sleek, straight hair.
Long Undercut
Undercuts have always been an edgy hairstyle, and that's part of what makes them keep coming back in style. Painting an undercut with long hair creates a stark contrast and makes it a memorable (and gorgeous) look.
Long French Braids
This isn't technically a haircut, but we couldn't recommend this style enough, as it's a perfect option for anyone with long, straight hair. Fixing your flowing curls in French braids is a great strategy to keep your cool on hot days, and it looks both feminine and professional.
A-line Haircut
You may have seen this as a similar, short hairstyle, but it can easily be adapted to suit long hair. This type of haircut starts shorter in the back and then comes down to become longer in the front. While this can all work with textures, the angles are best for straight hair.
Asymmetrical Cut
Unlike the layered haircut, this interesting style plays with different lengths, simply leaving one side of the hair longer than the other. If your hair is long and straight, this can have a very dramatic effect.
Feathered, Face-Framing Layers
Spidery, feathery layers are the perfect way to add extra depth to a straight hairstyle. They're especially flattering if you have a round face shape because they frame your natural curves and accentuate your facial features.
Long Hairstyles with Bangs
When it comes to hairstyles for women, long hair with bangs is a classic and beautiful combination. This is one of the most popular hairstyles for women with long faces, but this combination looks great on almost everyone else.
Curtain Bangs
These bangs are perfect if you want to try some new hairstyles, but you're not ready to commit to full bangs just yet. Depending on how long they are, you can pin them back or even cut them from the waist when your hair is in a low ponytail.
Blunt Cut Bob with Bangs
This hairstyle can have a very dramatic and eye-catching effect. You can achieve a blunt cut like this with anything from shoulder length hair to waist length. However, not everyone should consider this haircut; it can be a bit conservative.
Side Bangs
These bangs are lower maintenance than a blunt bangs cut, and look comparatively airy and effortless. They are also a better option for those with curly or wavy hair, as they can be nicely integrated into the front layers of any hairstyle.
Baby Bangs
Baby bangs have been on trend for a few years now and we don't think they're going out of style anytime soon. They add a slightly "punk" vibe to long haircuts and look even better if your hair has natural, soft waves.
Long Layers with Bottle Bangs
You've probably seen this type of bangs before, but you don't know what they're called: they start out shorter in the center, then taper outward and become longer like the sides of a bottle. This is one of the most flattering haircuts for women with a round or heart-shaped face.
Medium Length Hairstyles for Women
Maybe you're not ready to cut all your hair, but want a change from a longer style, or maybe you already have medium length hair. Here are some hairstyles for long hair that women can wear at shoulder height or a little longer.
Short in the Front, Long in the Back
This is a fun adaptation of the 1970s "shag" haircut, with a very vintage-inspired, modern feel. The shorter layers in the front will frame your face and add texture to the overall look. Women often wear this hairstyle with bangs or side bangs.
Half Down, Half Up
This hairstyle looks great on medium length curls and is very easy to achieve. It's perfect if you want to look nice for a special occasion, because you can dress it up with some jeweled clips or a floral headband.
1920's Waves
If you don't mind adding a little extra time to your morning routine, why not try adding some stylish waves to your hair using an iron, some tweezers and some texture spray? This is great for special occasions, but subtle enough that you can easily wear it to work.
Wolf Cut
This is another fun version of layered cuts, with multiple voluminous layers stacked in the front and more length added at the back. This style works best if your hair is straight, but it can be done if you have light curls or waves. Try pairing it with a bold new hair color.
Crimped Hair
If you don't need to avoid thermal styling and want to try something fun, then why not embrace this 1990s trend that's making a comeback. Pressed hairstyles work best if your curls are about shoulder length, since there isn't much weight to pull the pressed hair into a straight line.
Long Hairstyles for Older Women
There's no reason why older women can't enjoy (and look great with) longer hair. In fact, Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker are timeless style icons known for their gorgeous long hair. Here are some of our favorite picks for women of different ages.
Long Hairstyles for Women Over 40
Mermaid Waves
This hairstyle is both classic and flattering. In fact, women of almost any age can wear it for any occasion. We think it looks especially impressive if you have platinum grey hair. What do you think?
Long French Bob
This is one of the most low-maintenance bob haircuts and we think it's a great option for mature women with medium length hair. It flatters most face shapes, but is a great choice if you have a square or heart-shaped face.
Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50
Long Razored Layers
If you're looking for simple yet elegant hairstyles for women over 50 with long hair, this is a great option. By cutting the ends of your hair with a razor, your stylist can maintain the overall length while adding a spidery, subtle layering effect.
Long Layers with Balayage
Adding these blonde shades will brighten your hair overall (a good option if you have a small amount of grey hair), while bringing more youthful color to your face. The layers will create body and thickness.
Long Hairstyles for Women Over 60
Layered Bangs
This is one of our favorite longer hairstyles for women over 60, as it is so versatile. As long as you don't have sparse hair, consider layering your front bangs - you can stack them with a clip or wear them to the side to frame your face.
Tousled Layers with Waves
This hairstyle is the perfect way for older women to experiment with ethereal hair, even if their hair may be slightly thinner or have a finer texture. By combining layers and waves, you can add a lot of body to the style and achieve a carefree, flirty look.
Long Hairstyles for Women Over 70
Long Bob with Side Part
Here is one of the best hairstyles for older women with long hair. By parting on the side (especially if your hair is on a different side than usual) you can take advantage of the areas where you have more body and natural thickness. Plus, we think it looks amazing with grey hair.
Low Maintenance Razor Cut
This is one of those longer hairstyles for older women that works regardless of your age. The side fringe and flattering, structured layers will add a touch of youthfulness, and it's also easy to wash out with dry shampoo on busy days.
Long Curly Hairstyles for Women
Having natural curls opens up a lot of amazing options when it comes to long hair. Here are some of our top picks to help you show off your gorgeous, curly locks.
Curly Layers With Bangs
Bangs aren't just for women with straight hair. If your hair is curly or wavy, then why not try adding bangs to a layered style for a fun and playful look. We love the way these layered curls draw attention to people's eyes.
Messy Side Ponytail
Curly hair is naturally very voluminous, so it looks great in a loose side ponytail. Of course, this is also an ideal way to keep your hair neat and out of the way in warmer weather. You can leave some curls loose for a romantic effect.
Half Pinned Up Style
This type of half-updo looks especially great with voluminous curls. You can pin the top half of your hair in a bun or French twist and then leave the rest down to frame your face. This is a hairstyle that was basically made for curls.
Mermaid Hair
Here's a wonderfully romantic hairstyle for women with curly hair. It looks great with your natural hair color, but many people love to try it with rainbow shades as well. You can braid the front backwards and make it into a flower-shaped bun for added effect.
Curly Long Undercut
Undercuts can be a lot of fun and are a comfortable option for the summer heat. This hairstyle looks just as awesome on women with curly hair as it does on ladies with super straight curls. Also try shaving a pattern on the side or back.
Hairstyles for Women with a Long Face
If your face is longer, you'll want to choose a style that frames your face and creates the illusion of width to balance things out. Take a look at our top picks for some inspiration.
Layered Cut with Textured Bangs
This is one of the best long hairstyles for women with oval or elongated faces because the thick, chunky bangs will balance out a high or long forehead, while the layers will draw attention to your jawline.
Long Round Layers
Layered hairstyles are generally very flattering, but round layers work really well to soften any harsh lines on your face and jaw and create a balancing effect. For even more volume, try adding some waves to your hair.
Long Side Parted Hair
It may seem like a simple suggestion, but parting your hair on the side rather than in the middle can work wonders when you have a long face. A side parting in any hairstyle creates an asymmetrical line that balances out a narrow face.
Textured Blunt Lob
This type of haircut adds a lot of texture and balances out a long face by creating more volume, especially around your jawline. Be sure to ask your stylist to add lots of inner layers.
Long Feathered Hair
We love the vintage charm of feathered hairstyles. There's a reason why this classic look keeps coming back into fashion. Fluffy layers will help you create the impression of lightness and movement.
Long Hairstyles for Black Women
We are so excited about the number of styles available for black women who want to keep their hair long. In fact, we had a hard time choosing just a few favorites to show you. Check out these gorgeous long hairstyles that will help you keep your hair healthy.
Long Crochet Braids
These braids are usually made by creating cornrows, and then braiding extensions with a crochet hook. They are very versatile and usually take less time to install overall. Also, they look fantastic, don't they?
Long Box Braids
To achieve this style, your hairdresser will divide your hair into square sections before starting the braiding process. Although this will take a little longer than some other braided hairstyles, this protective style tends to last a long time.
Pineapple Hair
Although this hairstyle started as a way to protect healthy hair during sleep, it also looks great as an updo on women with longer hair. It is formed from one or two very high ponytails to show off the volume of the hair.
Curly Lob
You can achieve this look with a braid, or you can use a curling wand with a large roller in your hair if the natural texture isn't already too tightly curled. Some women also braid their hair with curls overnight to create this texture.
Long Marley Twists
This protective style is relatively less conservative and tends to put less pressure on the scalp than some braids, due to the synthetic fiber that marley hair is made from. This fiber (called kanekalon) is easily installed and is not prone to tangling.
Conclusion
We hope you feel inspired after looking at all the options here. Just remember to keep your long hair looking great by conditioning it regularly and using hair masks to avoid split ends - hair care is essential for long, shiny locks.
There are so many amazing long hairstyles for women out there. If you're ready for your next hair appointment, try using Belliata- our app makes it super easy to find a stylist near you, read reviews, check their prices and book appointments all in one place.
Citations
Hairstyle as an adaptive means of displaying phenotypic quality
https://link.springer.com/article/10.10
A layered wisp model for simulating interactions inside long hair
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-7091-6240-8_13
A thin shell volume for modeling human hair
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/889055/