Finding the perfect balance between texture and movement transforms your look instantly.
Open hair allows for ultimate versatility and natural elegance in every setting.
Waves and curls add incredible dimension to any hair type or length.
Face-framing layers highlight your best features while providing effortless structure to your style.
Explore these 17 open hair hairstyles with waves, curls and face-framing layers for your next transformation.
1. Classic Beachy Waves with Curtain Bangs
This style combines effortless texture with flattering movement around the face. The curtain bangs blend seamlessly into soft, sun-kissed waves for a relaxed and approachable vibe.
Achieving this look requires a medium-barrel curling wand and a light sea salt spray. Focus on curling the mid-lengths while leaving the ends straight for a modern finish.
This combination is perfect for daily wear or casual outings. It provides a soft frame that softens facial features and adds significant volume to finer hair types.
2. Hollywood Glam Curls with Deep Side Part
For a more sophisticated appearance, these structured curls offer timeless elegance. The face-framing layers are swept to one side to create a dramatic and voluminous silhouette.
Use a large curling iron and set the curls with clips to ensure longevity. Brushing them out gently transforms tight coils into smooth, continuous waves that catch the light.
This style radiates luxury and works beautifully for formal events or evening celebrations. The layers around the face provide a lifting effect that enhances the overall facial structure.
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Big, bouncy, and full of life, this style focuses on maximum volume at the roots. Large curls at the ends interact perfectly with short, face-framing layers for high-impact movement.
A round brush and a high-heat hairdryer are essential tools for this masterpiece. Blow-drying the front sections away from the face creates that iconic wind-swept aesthetic.
It is the ultimate choice for those wanting to showcase hair health and shine. The layers prevent the weight of the hair from flattening the style throughout the day.
4. Spiral Curls with Chin-Length Layers
Defined spiral curls offer a playful and energetic look that feels fresh and modern. Chin-length layers help distribute the volume evenly across the head for a balanced shape.
Use a small-diameter curling iron or flexible rods to create tight, bouncy spirals. Applying a light-hold mousse helps maintain the shape without making the hair feel stiff.
This style is excellent for adding width to the face and creating a youthful energy. The shorter layers in the front prevent the curls from overwhelming the eyes.
5. Messy Textured Waves with Money Piece
Embracing imperfection is the key to this edgy and trendy open hair look. Textured waves are paired with highlights that accentuate the face-framing sections for a bold finish.
Apply a dry texture spray to the hair after waving it with a flat iron. This technique creates “lived-in” movement that looks better as the day goes on.
The contrast between the textured waves and the bright framing layers creates a stunning focal point. It is a low-maintenance option for anyone seeking a stylish yet rugged feel.
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Inspired by classical art, these waves are long, fluid, and ethereal. Delicate layers around the face are left loose to create a dreamy, romantic halo of hair.
Braiding damp hair overnight is an easy, heat-free way to achieve this specific wave pattern. Finish with a glossing serum to enhance the light-reflecting properties of the curls.
This look is ideal for long-hair enthusiasts who want to maintain length while adding visual interest. The face-framing tendrils soften the jawline and add a touch of whimsy.
7. Deep Side Part Waves with Layered Ends
Shifting the part to the side adds instant volume and a touch of mystery to your appearance. The waves cascade over one shoulder while the face-framing layers peek through.
Use a volumizing powder at the roots to keep the side part from falling flat. Curling the hair away from the face ensures the layers don’t obscure your vision.
This is a versatile look that transitions easily from a professional environment to a dinner party. It provides a polished aesthetic that feels curated and intentional.
8. Shaggy Layers with Loose Ringlets
Combining a shag cut with loose ringlets creates a rock-and-roll vibe with plenty of movement. Multiple layers throughout the hair add incredible depth and bounce to the silhouette.
A diffuser attachment is perfect for drying this style while maintaining the integrity of the ringlets. Scrunching in a curl cream helps define the layers without adding weight.
This style is particularly effective for those with naturally thick or curly hair. The face-framing layers are cut at varying lengths to create a choppy, modern edge.
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Long, flowing mermaid waves offer a high-impact look that feels both natural and glamorous. Wispy layers around the face prevent the hair from looking too heavy or overwhelming.
A triple-barrel waver is the quickest tool to achieve this consistent, crimp-like wave pattern. Ensure the face-framing layers are styled with a slight inward curve for softness.
This hairstyle is perfect for vacations or outdoor celebrations where movement is encouraged. It creates a sense of effortless beauty that works on all hair colors.
10. Retro Finger Waves with Modern Framing
Bringing vintage charm into the modern era, these waves are sleek and sculpted. The face-framing layers are styled into a soft “S” shape against the cheek for definition.
Use a strong-hold gel and a fine-tooth comb to set the waves while the hair is damp. Once dry, brush them out for a softer, more wearable daily look.
This style is a statement piece that draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. It provides a sophisticated structure that stands out in any crowd or photograph.
11. Butterfly Layers with S-Pattern Waves
The butterfly cut features short layers on top and longer layers on the bottom for maximum volume. Paired with S-pattern waves, it creates a dramatic, feathered appearance.
Blow-dry the shorter layers with a round brush toward the back to create the “wing” effect. Use a flat iron to create the S-waves for a sleek, contemporary finish.
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12. Polished Barrel Curls with Cheekbone Layers
Thick, polished barrel curls offer a classic look that never goes out of style. Layers that end right at the cheekbones highlight the middle of the face beautifully.
A 1.5-inch curling iron is the ideal size for creating these large, uniform curls. Spray each section with hairspray before curling to ensure the shape holds all day.
This hairstyle exudes confidence and professional polish in every strand. The cheekbone-length layers add a flattering contouring effect that enhances the face’s natural symmetry.
13. Tousled Bedhead Waves with Internal Layers
For a “just woke up like this” look, tousled waves provide a relaxed and approachable aesthetic. Internal layers reduce bulk without changing the overall silhouette of the hair.
Use a wand with varying diameters to create waves of different sizes for a truly natural feel. Finger-comb the hair rather than using a brush to keep the texture.
This is the ultimate “cool-girl” hairstyle for any setting or season. The face-framing layers are kept long and subtle to blend seamlessly into the messy texture.
14. Cascading Ombre Curls with Framing Fringe
Color meets texture in this stunning style where waves emphasize the transition of ombre shades. A soft fringe or heavy layers frame the forehead and eyes perfectly.
Focus the curling iron on the lighter ends of the hair to make the color pop. A light shine spray will make the gradient transition look smooth and healthy.
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15. Glossy Ribbon Curls with Tapered Layers
Ribbon curls are flat, wide curls that look like shiny satin ribbons cascading down. Tapered layers ensure that the curls stack beautifully without getting tangled or messy.
Hold the curling iron horizontally to achieve this specific flat-curl shape. Using a heat protectant with a high-shine finish is crucial for the glossy ribbon effect.
This style is exceptionally elegant and works well for those with high-density hair. The tapered face-framing layers provide a clean, sharp look around the jaw and neck.
16. Bohemian Braided Waves with Face-Framing Strands
Combining small accent braids with loose waves creates a textured, bohemian aesthetic. Loose strands are left out of the braids to frame the face softly and naturally.
Create several small three-strand braids throughout the hair before waving the rest with an iron. This mix of textures adds visual interest and a handcrafted feel.
Ideal for festivals or casual summer days, this look is expressive and unique. The face-framing layers add a touch of softness to the intricate braided details.
17. Choppy Waves with Textured Face-Framing
Short, choppy layers throughout the hair create a high-energy look with lots of visual “bite.” The waves are kept short and jagged rather than smooth and round.
A flat iron is the best tool to create these sharp, modern waves by twisting the wrist. Use a matte pomade on the ends for a gritty, fashion-forward finish.
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How do I maintain waves all day?
To keep waves intact, use a lightweight hairspray before and after curling. Avoid touching your hair frequently, as natural oils can weigh down the texture and cause waves to drop.
Are layers better for thin or thick hair?
Layers are beneficial for both; they add volume and “lift” to thin hair while removing excess weight and bulk from thick hair. They create movement that prevents any hair type from looking flat.
Which curling tool is best for face-framing sections?
A smaller curling wand or a flat iron offers the most control for short face-framing layers. These tools allow you to direct the hair away from the face with precision.
Can I achieve these looks without heat?
Yes, techniques like robe-belt curls, braiding damp hair, or using foam rollers can create beautiful waves and curls. These methods are gentler on the hair and provide a more natural texture.
How often should I trim face-framing layers?
Face-framing layers usually require a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain their shape. Because they are shorter, their growth is more noticeable than the rest of your hair.
What product adds the most shine to curls?
A high-quality hair oil or a silicone-based shine spray provides the best finish for curls. Apply it sparingly from the mid-lengths to the ends to avoid a greasy look at the roots.