Soft, voluminous and beautifully flattering, heart shape layers are emerging as one of the most romantic haircut trends of 2026. Also known as “love layers”, this style uses carefully positioned, face-framing sections to create the appearance of a soft heart around the face.
The look is an updated interpretation of the classic C-cut. Instead of layers falling in one continuous curve, the hair is shaped to create volume through the top and sides before gradually narrowing towards the ends. The result is bouncy, polished hair that frames the face without sacrificing overall length.
Recently seen on Gigi Hadid, heart shape layers typically begin just below the chin and continue softly through the lengths. When styled with movement and inward-curving ends, the layers form their distinctive heart-like silhouette.
What Are Heart Shape Layers?
Heart shape layers are long, blended layers designed to follow the natural contours of the face. The shortest pieces usually sit between the chin and collarbone, depending on your face shape, hair length and desired level of volume.
Unlike heavily feathered or choppy styles, the layers should transition seamlessly into the rest of the hair. This creates softness around the cheeks and jaw while maintaining fullness through the ends.
The cut can help:
- Add bounce and movement to long hair
- Create volume around the roots and cheekbones
- Remove heaviness from thick hair
- Give fine hair the appearance of greater shape
- Highlight dimensional colour, balayage or face-framing highlights
While the finished look is polished, it can also be worn with natural waves, curls or a softer air-dried texture.
What Face Shapes Suit This Hairstyle?
One of the advantages of heart shape layers is that they can be customised for almost every face shape. Face-framing layers can enhance straight, wavy and curly hair, provided their length and placement are tailored to the individual.
Oval faces suit most variations of this haircut. Layers can begin around the cheekbones or chin to bring attention to the centre of the face.
Round faces may benefit from longer face-framing pieces beginning below the chin. This creates a more elongated effect while avoiding excessive width through the cheeks.
Square faces can be softened with curved layers that fall around the jawline. Gentle movement helps balance stronger angles without hiding the face.
Heart-shaped faces often suit layers that add softness around the lower half of the face. A stylist may begin the shortest sections near the cheekbones or jaw to balance a wider forehead and narrower chin.
Long or rectangular faces may benefit from greater volume at the sides, with layers beginning near the cheekbones to create the appearance of width.
Your stylist should also consider your hair density, natural texture, daily styling routine and preferred part before deciding where each layer will sit.
How to Ask Your Hairdresser for This Look
When visiting your hairdresser, ask for long, blended face-framing layers that create a soft heart shape around the face. Explain that you would like volume through the roots and sides, with the layers gradually becoming longer and narrower towards the ends.
You can also request:
- The shortest layer to begin just below the chin
- Soft, curved sections rather than sharp or disconnected layers
- Fullness to remain through the perimeter
- Layers that can be styled inward with a round brush
- A cut that works with both a blow-dry and your natural texture
Bringing reference images is helpful. However, your stylist may adjust the length and shape to complement your features and ensure the haircut works with your natural hair.
How to Style Heart Shape Layers
A smooth, bouncy blow-dry will showcase the shape most clearly. Apply heat protection before using a large round brush to lift the roots and curve the face-framing sections inwards. Allow each section to cool before gently brushing or separating the layers with your fingers.
For a more relaxed finish, use a curling iron or straightener to create soft bends through the mid-lengths. Avoid making every section identical, as varied movement will give the haircut a more effortless appearance.
The Best Products for Styling Heart Shape Layers
Using the right products for styling heart shape layers will help create the volume, bounce and glossy finish that define this haircut. Before blow-drying, apply ghd Body Goals Total Volume Foam to damp hair to build fullness and lift around the roots and face-framing layers. For lightweight body and shine, mist Kerasilk Volumizing Spray through the mid-lengths and ends without weighing the hair down.
Next, use KMS ThermaShape 2-in-1 Spray before styling with a curling iron, straightener or round brush. This heat-protecting spray adds flexible hold and helps maintain the soft, curved shape of the layers. Finish with a small amount of lightweight hair serum or oil through the ends to reduce flyaways and add shine.
These professional hair styling products help heart shape layers look smooth, defined and full of movement.
Book Your Heart Shape Layers at Epic Hair Designs
The key to beautiful heart shape layers is personalisation. At Epic Hair Designs, your stylist can assess your face shape, hair texture, density and styling preferences before creating a layered haircut designed specifically for you.
Visit one of our 18 Brisbane and Gold Coast salons to discover a softer, fuller and more romantic way to refresh your hair while keeping the length you love.
