20 Layered Haircuts Organized by Length and Type

3. Shaggy Layers (Short to Medium)

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The modern shag is a revival of the 1970s silhouette, but with a contemporary twist. This version features shorter layers on top for volume and movement, with progressively longer layers moving down, creating a distinctive shape that’s unmistakably shag-inspired. It’s short enough to feel modern and manageable but long enough on the bottom to have real substance. The layers are more dramatic and defined than subtle, creating clear lines and texture throughout the cut.

Why Shags Are Back (And Better)

The shag works for people who want visible texture and movement without committing to long hair. The short layers on top create lift at the crown, which is flattering on most face shapes and particularly helpful for people with fine hair struggling with volume. The longer layers underneath add fullness and create the distinctive shag silhouette. Because layers are cut at different lengths throughout, the hair moves in multiple directions, creating a dynamic, dimensional look. It’s the kind of cut that looks better slightly messy than perfectly styled, which makes it appealing to people who value low-maintenance styling.

Making the Shag Work for You

• Best for people with naturally wavy or curly hair, or those willing to add waves with a styling tool
• Requires a stylist experienced with shag cuts—the placement and length of each layer is crucial to achieving the right silhouette
• Styling involves either enhancing natural texture with product or creating waves with a curling tool or blow dryer
• Maintenance includes trims every 6-8 weeks to keep the layered shape defined
• Looks great on people with oval, heart, or oblong face shapes; can add width to very narrow faces

4. Feathered Pixie Layers

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Feathering is the technique of creating soft, flowing layers that taper gradually rather than having blunt edges. A feathered pixie uses this method throughout a short cut, resulting in ultra-soft, delicate layers that move gently rather than creating sharp, choppy texture. The feathering gives the pixie an almost romantic quality while maintaining the short, practical silhouette. It’s sophisticated without being severe.

The Softness Factor

This cut appeals to people who love short hair but want it to feel softer and more elegant than choppy or textured alternatives. Feathering creates a gradual transition between layers, so hair naturally falls into place without looking structured or architectural. The technique works beautifully for all hair types but is particularly transformative for naturally straight or fine hair, where it creates the illusion of movement and texture. For curly hair, feathering highlights the natural curl pattern and prevents the hair from appearing too bulky or heavy around the face.

Styling and Maintenance

• Works well with minimal styling—simply run your fingers through damp hair and let it air dry, or blow dry for more shape
• Requires regular maintenance every 4-6 weeks to preserve the feathered shape and keep the layers soft
• Best for people who don’t want an overly edgy or statement-making look
• Feathering technique is essential—a stylist who understands feathering will achieve softness; one who doesn’t will create a choppy, messy effect
• Flattering for most face shapes, though particularly effective at softening angular features

5. Blunt Bob with Internal Layers

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This is the sophisticated middle ground: a chin-length bob with a clean, blunt perimeter line but hidden layers inside that add movement and texture only visible when the hair moves. From the front, it appears to be a simple, structured bob. From the sides and back, you see the clever internal layering that adds dimension. This cut appeals to people who want a polished, professional appearance with subtle personality.

Subtlety as Strategy

The appeal of this cut is that it looks put-together and intentional from a distance, but up close reveals thoughtful layering that prevents a heavy, blunt appearance. The internal layers allow the hair to move more naturally than a true blunt cut, reducing the helmet-like feeling some people experience with unmessy bobs. It’s professional enough for conservative workplaces while offering enough personality and movement for people who don’t want a truly plain cut. The layering also means that styling is easier than with a purely blunt bob—the hair naturally falls into place rather than requiring a precise blow-dry to look right.

Getting It Right

• The cut’s success depends on the placement of internal layers—they should be completely invisible when the hair is smooth and blunt
• Best styled with a sleek blow-dry and a smoothing product for polish, though it can also work with slightly textured, undone styling
• Works beautifully on all hair types and textures, though it’s particularly flattering on thick or straight hair
• Requires maintenance every 6-8 weeks to keep the blunt line crisp
• Timeless and professional, making it an excellent choice for people who want style that works in any setting

6. Tousled Lob with Choppy Layers

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A lob is a longer bob, typically hitting somewhere between chin and shoulder length. When you add choppy, textured layers throughout, you create a cut that’s longer and therefore more versatile than a traditional bob, but with movement and texture that prevents the length from feeling heavy. The layers are deliberately uneven, creating a tousled, piece-y appearance that suggests movement even when the hair is still.

Why Length Plus Layers Works

This length is ideal for people who want to move beyond short hair but aren’t ready for truly long hair. The layers prevent the lob from feeling like a shapeless blob hanging at the shoulder—they add dimension and movement that makes the style feel intentional. The choppy layering also means the cut works with your hair’s natural texture rather than requiring constant styling. For naturally wavy or curly hair, the layers enhance the natural pattern and prevent frizz from forming a solid, undefined shape. For straight hair, the layers create the visual impression of waves and movement.

Styling Flexibility

• Can be worn sleek and straight for a polished look, or textured and tousled for a more casual vibe
• Works beautifully with ocean waves, beachy texture, or slightly undone styling
• Requires trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain the layered shape and choppy edge
• Versatile enough for most face shapes, though the choppy layers are particularly flattering on round or square faces because they add length and softness to the jawline
• Great transitional cut for people growing out of shorter hair—you get some length while maintaining movement and shape

7. Shag with Choppy Layers (Medium Length)

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The medium-length shag takes the classic shag concept and makes it work for shoulder-length or slightly longer hair. Rather than the short, stacked silhouette of a short shag, this version features layers that start moderate in length at the top and gradually become longer toward the bottom, creating a more gradual, flowing shape. The layers are still distinct and textured, creating the signature shag movement, but the longer length gives more styling options and versatility.

Movement Meets Length

This cut is ideal for people who want the distinctive shag silhouette but prefer more length to work with. The layers allow the hair to move independently in multiple directions, creating that characteristic shag texture, but the longer length means you can pull the hair back into a ponytail, style it into waves, or wear it down. The textured, choppy layers throughout add dimension and prevent the longer length from appearing monotonous or heavy. It’s particularly effective for people with naturally wavy or curly hair, where the layers emphasize and enhance the natural pattern.

Making It Work Daily

• Requires some styling attention—best enhanced with waves, texture, or a slightly undone tousled look
• Works beautifully with texturizing products, sea salt spray, or matte finish styling creams
• Maintenance involves trims every 8 weeks to keep the layered shape defined and prevent the ends from becoming wispy and unraveled
• Best for people comfortable with texture and movement rather than sleek, polished styles
• Flattering on most face shapes, though particularly effective for oval and heart-shaped faces

8. Wispy Bangs with Layered Crown

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This style features wispy, face-framing bangs paired with layered hair throughout, where the layers are most prominent at the crown to create lift and volume. The wispy bangs blend seamlessly with the face-framing layers, creating a cohesive look rather than bangs appearing separate from the rest of the cut. The layering extends throughout the length, but is most noticeable around the face and at the crown.

Softness and Dimension

This approach works beautifully for people who want to soften their face shape with bangs but don’t want a thick, blunt bang line. The wispy, feathered quality of the bangs is continued through the layers of the rest of the cut, creating a unified, intentional appearance. The layered crown adds volume at the top of the head, which is flattering for most face shapes and particularly helpful for people with fine hair. The face-framing aspect of the wispy elements draws focus upward, which is flattering for people with longer face shapes or prominent chins.

Styling Considerations

• Requires regular trims every 4-6 weeks to maintain the wispy bang shape and the layered crown definition
• Best styled with some texture or waves rather than completely straight—the wispy elements are most effective when there’s movement
• Works with most hair types but is particularly flattering on fine or straight hair where the layers create visible movement
• The wispy bangs require blending with the face-framing layers to look intentional rather than like a separate cutting issue
• Provides a softer, more romantic alternative to blunt bangs for people who want face-framing without severity

9. Long Layered Cut with Subtle Texture

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This is a classic, timeless long-hair cut featuring layers distributed throughout that add movement and texture without creating a dramatic or choppy appearance. The layers are subtle, meaning the hair maintains overall length while gaining internal movement. This isn’t a shag or a heavily textured cut—it’s simply long hair made more dynamic and easier to style through strategic layering.

The Versatility of Subtle Layering

Subtle layers are the secret weapon of long-haired people who want their hair to move and feel lighter without sacrificing length or having a dramatically styled appearance. The layers are distributed throughout but not obvious at first glance; the cut’s genius is that it makes the hair fall beautifully and move naturally without looking “cut into.” This approach works for all hair types but is particularly effective for thick hair, where layers remove weight and prevent the hair from appearing heavy or immobile. For fine hair, subtle layers add texture and dimension without creating separation that might emphasize sparseness.

Everyday Wearability

• Works beautifully worn down in waves, straight, or in updos—the layers enhance all styling options
• Can be styled with minimal effort for a casual look or enhanced with waves and products for a more polished appearance
• Requires maintenance trims every 12 weeks to keep the layered shape fresh and prevent the ends from becoming blunt and shapeless
• Timeless and works in any setting, from casual to professional
• Flattering for most face shapes and hair types, making it an excellent choice for people who want something classic but textured

10. Curtain Layers with Center Part

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Curtain layers are face-framing layers that sweep away from the face on both sides, creating a distinctive silhouette when paired with a center part. The layers begin at or near the face and are longer in the middle (around the center part) and progressively shorter as you move toward the outer layers. This creates a flattering frame that draws focus to the eyes and cheekbones. The cut can be short, medium, or long—this style is about the layer placement rather than the overall length.

Face-Framing Magic

This cut is beloved because curtain layers and a center part naturally frame and soften the face. The face-framing layers draw attention to the eyes, and the way the layers fall on either side of a center part creates a balanced, symmetrical appearance that’s flattering on most face shapes. The layering also means the hair moves away from the face naturally, creating airiness and preventing the hair from clinging to the skin. For people with strong jawlines or angular features, the soft frame of curtain layers provides balance. For people with round faces, the layers help create the illusion of length and narrowness.

Styling the Look

• Works beautifully with a center part and slightly wavy or textured styling
• Requires regular trims every 8 weeks to maintain the curtain layering and keep the face-framing layers at the right length
• Best styled with some texture or movement—sleek, perfectly straight curtain layers can appear stringy or overly styled
• Works on all hair lengths but is most commonly seen on medium to long hair
• Requires commitment to the center part for the style to be most effective, though it can work with a slightly off-center part as well

11. Heavily Layered Long Hair with Choppy Ends

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This cut features prominent, visible layers distributed throughout long hair, with deliberately choppy, uneven ends that create texture and movement. Unlike subtle layers that blend invisibly, these layers are clearly visible, creating distinct separation between each layer. The choppy ends prevent the bottom from appearing blunt or heavy, and the numerous layers throughout mean the hair moves with multiplicity and dimension.

Drama Through Movement

This style is for people who love long hair but want it to feel dynamic and textured rather than heavy or one-note. The heavy layering removes weight throughout the length, making the hair easier to manage despite the length. The choppy ends add an element of edge and intentionality—this isn’t a basic long cut, it’s a styled, deliberate choice. For thick hair, the layering is transformative, removing bulk while maintaining length. For fine hair, the layers add visible texture and dimension, creating the impression of fullness through movement rather than density.

Maintenance and Styling

• Requires commitment to trims every 8-10 weeks to maintain the choppy ends and prevent the cut from becoming overly wispy or shapeless
• Best styled with some waves or texture to enhance the movement created by the layers
• Works beautifully with texturizing products, sea salt spray, or a curling wand
• Makes a statement—this isn’t a subtle cut, it’s clearly intentional and styled
• Flattering on most face shapes, though particularly effective for people with longer faces or prominent foreheads because the layers frame and soften those areas

12. Soft Waves with Minimal Layering

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This cut features long or medium-long hair with minimal but strategically placed layering that adds subtle movement without creating visible texture. The layers are so subtle that they’re only apparent in how the hair moves and falls, not in distinct, visible separation. The cut is paired with soft waves or curls, whether natural, enhanced, or created through styling. The result is romantic, flowing, and effortlessly beautiful without appearing deliberately styled.

Simplicity as Sophistication

This approach appeals to people who want layering for movement and shape but don’t want an obviously “cut into” appearance. The minimal layering means the hair retains length and density while gaining the mobility that layers provide. It’s an excellent choice for people who prefer a softer, less edgy aesthetic. The cut works beautifully with natural waves or curls, where the layers enhance the pattern without fighting it. For straight-haired people, the minimal layering combined with soft waves created through styling achieves a romantic, flowing aesthetic.

Styling and Care

• Can be worn with or without styling—works with natural texture or enhanced waves from a curling tool
• Best for people comfortable with some daily styling or who naturally have waves or curls to enhance
• Requires maintenance trims every 10-12 weeks to keep the minimal layers fresh and prevent the ends from becoming blunt
• Works beautifully styled half-up, in loose braids, or down in waves
• Timeless and romantic, making it excellent for people who want femininity without edge

13. Asymmetrical Layered Bob

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An asymmetrical layered bob is longer on one side than the other, with visible layers throughout that add texture and dimension. The length difference between the two sides might be subtle (an inch or two) or dramatic (several inches), depending on personal preference. The layers ensure the style doesn’t appear lopsided or unbalanced despite the length difference; instead, the asymmetry feels intentional and styled.

Asymmetry as Statement

This cut works for people who want something visibly different from the typical symmetrical bob—it makes a clear statement about personal style and willingness to take risks. The asymmetry draws attention and creates visual interest, while the layers prevent it from appearing accidental or unfinished. The longer side provides some length to style, while the shorter side offers the practicality and ease of shorter hair. For people with strong features or confident personal style, the asymmetry flatters. It’s also excellent for people with one side of their face they prefer to emphasize—the longer side naturally draws more attention.

Styling and Confidence

• Requires a skilled stylist to execute properly—the asymmetry should appear intentional and balanced
• Best for people comfortable with an obviously styled, somewhat edgy look
• Works with textured styling or sleek, polished blow-outs depending on personal preference
• Requires regular maintenance every 6 weeks to keep the length difference and layering sharp
• Flattering for people with confident personal style and for those who want to emphasize one side of their face over the other

14. Butterfly Layers (Medium Hair)

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Butterfly layers are a specific layering technique where the shortest layers sit at the crown and gradually become longer as you move down the head, creating a silhouette that’s reminiscent of butterfly wings. The layers are distinct and visible, but they’re cut in a specific pattern that creates a flattering, dimensional shape. This is typically applied to medium-length hair where the shape is most apparent and effective.

Volume Where You Need It

Butterfly layers are named for the way they create lift and volume at the crown while allowing the hair to extend longer underneath. This shape is flattering on most face shapes because the lift at the crown adds proportion and the longer bottom layers frame the face softly. The technique is particularly effective for people with flat, thin hair at the crown or those with round faces who want to add height and narrowness. The distinct layers create visible texture and movement, preventing the hair from appearing flat or heavy.

Creating the Effect

• Requires a stylist experienced with the butterfly layer technique—the specific placement of each layer is crucial
• Best enhanced with waves or texture to emphasize the movement created by the layers
• Works beautifully on all hair types but is particularly effective on naturally straight or wavy hair where the layers create visible movement
• Requires maintenance every 8 weeks to preserve the butterfly shape and keep the layers defined
• Flattering on most face shapes, particularly helpful for round or square faces where the crown lift provides balance

15. Razor-Cut Layers for Texture

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Razor-cutting is a technique where layers are cut using a razor rather than scissors, creating a softer, more blended blend between layers. When applied throughout a cut, razor-cut layers create texture and movement that’s softer than scissor-cut choppy layers. This technique creates a more organic, less-obviously-cut appearance while still adding significant dimension and texture.

The Texture Advantage

Razor-cut layers are ideal for people who want visible texture and movement but prefer it to look organic rather than deliberately styled. The softer edges created by razor-cutting prevent the choppy, piece-y appearance of scissor-cut layers while still providing excellent movement and dimension. This technique works beautifully on all hair types but is particularly effective for people with naturally wavy or curly hair, where it enhances the natural pattern beautifully. For straight hair, razor-cut layers add movement and texture without creating the sharper, more dramatic look of scissor-cut layers.

Maintaining Razor-Cut Texture

• Requires a stylist skilled in razor-cutting to execute properly—the technique is different from scissor-cutting and requires specific training
• Best for people who want movement and texture without obvious, choppy separation between layers
• Works beautifully on medium to long hair where the soft texture is most apparent
• Requires regular trims every 8-10 weeks to keep the texture fresh and prevent the blended layers from becoming blunt
• Versatile enough to style sleekly when needed but naturally textured for everyday wear

16. Stacked Layers (Short Back, Long Front)

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Stacked layers involve shorter layers at the back of the head (often quite short) that gradually become longer toward the front, creating height at the back and length at the front. This creates a distinctive shape with dramatic variation in layer lengths. The back is textured and voluminous, while the front features longer, face-framing pieces. It’s a bold, architectural cut that makes a clear statement.

Bold Structure

This cut works for people who want visible dimension and are comfortable with an obviously structured, somewhat edgy style. The stacking creates volume and shape at the back, which is flattering for people with fine hair or those wanting to add proportion to the head shape. The longer front layers provide length to frame the face softly despite the shorter back. For people with strong personal style, this cut is a way to express that through a distinctive silhouette.

Everyday Wear

• Requires a skilled stylist to execute the stacking properly—the graduation between layer lengths is crucial
• Best for people comfortable with regular styling to maintain shape and definition
• Works beautifully on all hair types but requires regular trims every 4-6 weeks to maintain the stacked shape
• Makes a statement—this isn’t a subtle cut, it’s clearly intentional
• Particularly flattering for people with fine or thin hair, where the stacking creates the illusion of density and volume

17. Face-Framing Layers with Long Hair

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Face-framing layers are strategically placed short layers that begin at or near the face and extend only a few inches, framing the face while leaving the bulk of the hair at longer length. This approach adds softness and dimension to the face area without cutting away significant length. The shorter face-framing pieces contrast with the longer length behind, creating a cohesive, intentional look.

The Best of Both Worlds

This technique appeals to people who love long hair but want the softness and face-flattering qualities that layers provide. The face-framing layers draw attention upward and create a flattering frame, particularly effective for people with long face shapes or prominent chins. The layers frame the face while the longer length behind maintains volume and provides styling versatility. For people with long, thick hair, the face-framing layers reduce bulk around the face without requiring an overall shorter cut.

Styling Flexibility

• Works beautifully styled down in waves, straight, or in updos—the face-framing layers enhance all styling options
• Can be worn down to emphasize the face-framing effect or pulled back to showcase the longer, blunt bottom
• Requires maintenance trims every 10-12 weeks to keep the face-framing layers fresh
• Versatile enough for any setting and hair type
• Particularly flattering for people wanting to soften their face shape while maintaining long hair

18. Disconnected Layers (Choppy and Separated)

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Disconnected layers are intentionally separated, creating distinct gaps and texture throughout the cut rather than blending smoothly from one layer to the next. Each layer is clearly visible and distinct, creating a deliberately choppy, textured appearance. This is a bold approach that creates significant visual movement and an obviously styled aesthetic.

Intentional Texture

This cut is for people who want obvious, visible texture and aren’t trying to hide the fact that the hair is cut into layers. The disconnection creates visual movement even when the hair is still, and the distinct layers prevent the cut from appearing accidental or undone. For people with thick or heavy hair, disconnected layers remove weight and create movement. For people with fine hair, the layers add visible texture and dimension through the separation between sections.

Styling Approach

• Best styled with some texture, waves, or a deliberately undone tousled appearance to enhance the disconnected effect
• Requires regular maintenance every 4-6 weeks to keep the disconnected layers sharp and defined
• Makes a clear statement—this is a styled, intentional cut that requires confidence and personality
• Works on most hair types and lengths, though is most commonly seen on medium to long hair
• Particularly effective for people with bold personal style who want their hair to make a visual statement

19. Wispy Long Layers with Seamless Blending

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Wispy layers are thin, feathery sections that blend seamlessly throughout long hair, creating movement and dimension without distinct separation. The layers are subtle but visible in how the hair moves and falls rather than creating obvious gaps or texture. The blending is seamless, meaning each layer flows into the next without apparent transition. The result is romantic, flowing, and effortlessly beautiful.

Romance Through Subtlety

This approach appeals to people who want the movement and dimension that layers provide without an obviously styled or cut appearance. The seamless blending means the hair appears naturally dimensional rather than deliberately cut into layers. This technique works beautifully on all hair types but is particularly effective for straight or wavy hair where the feathery quality creates soft movement. For people with fine hair, wispy layers add dimension without creating separation that might emphasize sparseness.

Styling the Look

• Works beautifully with minimal styling—can be worn straight, wavy, or curly depending on personal preference
• The feathery quality is enhanced by soft waves or natural texture
• Requires maintenance trims every 10-12 weeks to keep the wispy layers fresh and seamless
• Timeless and romantic, working in any setting
• Flattering for most face shapes and hair types, making it an excellent choice for people who want subtle dimension

20. Shag with Heavy Textured Layers

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A heavily textured shag takes the classic shag concept to an extreme, with dramatic layers distributed throughout that create significant visible texture and movement. The layers are distinct, choppy, and obviously cut, creating an intentionally undone, rock-and-roll aesthetic. The back is fuller and shorter, the sides are layered and textured, and the front features longer face-framing pieces. It’s a bold, statement-making cut that requires confidence and a willingness to embrace visible texture.

The Ultimate Texture Statement

This cut is for people who love the shag silhouette but want it taken to the maximum, with visible layers throughout creating maximum movement and dimension. The heavily textured appearance is intentional—this isn’t a subtle cut, it’s a clear style statement. For thick hair, the layers remove bulk and create movement. For fine hair, the layers add visible texture and dimension, creating the impression of movement and fullness. The rock-and-roll aesthetic appeals to people with bold personal style.

Commitment Required

• Requires a skilled stylist experienced with textured cuts to execute the heavily layered shag properly
• Best styled with texture, waves, or a deliberately tousled appearance to enhance the movement
• Requires regular maintenance every 6-8 weeks to keep the textured layers defined and sharp
• Makes a significant style statement—this isn’t for people wanting subtlety
• Works on most hair types and lengths but requires confidence and commitment to styling
• Particularly effective for people with naturally wavy or curly hair where the layers enhance the natural pattern beautifully

The Takeaway

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Layered haircuts offer something powerful: the ability to add movement, dimension, and style to hair at virtually any length. Whether you’re drawn to the textured edge of choppy layers, the romantic flow of wispy feathering, or the architectural boldness of stacked or asymmetrical cuts, there’s a layered style that aligns with your hair type, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic.

The most important step is finding a stylist who understands not just layering as a technique, but layering as it applies to your specific hair texture, natural pattern, and the lifestyle you actually live. A cut that requires daily styling might look incredible in photos but feel like too much work on a Tuesday morning. Similarly, a cut that works beautifully for thick, wavy hair might need adjustment for fine, straight strands.

Come back to this list when you’re ready for a change, and bring images of the styles that speak to you. Let your stylist know which aspects appeal to you most—the face-framing softness, the movement, the texture, the dimension. The right layered cut doesn’t just change your hair; it changes how you feel when you look in the mirror.