women · layers
Feathered Haircut: The 70s LayeredLook, Updated
A feathered haircut uses layers that sweep back and away from the face. Here is how the modern version differs from the 70s original, who it suits, and how to ask.
Hairover Team
A feathered haircut is a layered cut where the hair around the face and crown is cut and styled to sweep back and away from the face, so the layers look like soft feathers. It was one of the defining looks of the 1970s. The modern version is softer and less sprayed: the same backward flick, with more natural movement.
It suits medium to long hair and is one of the easiest ways to add volume and movement without bangs.
Modern feathered hair vs. the 70s original
- Then: big, rounded volume, heavily blow-dried, set with hairspray, often with a center part and lots of height at the crown.
- Now: longer layers, a lighter blow-dry, and a softer finish. The flick is still there around the face, but the rest of the hair moves freely.
Feathered vs. butterfly vs. curtain bangs
A butterfly haircut has a distinct short top layer around the face. A feathered cut spreads the layering more evenly and is defined more by how it’s styled, swept back. Many feathered cuts include curtain bangs, which are the shortest face-framing pieces and lead into the feathered layers.
Who a feathered haircut suits
Hair type: straight to wavy, medium to thick hair holds the flick best. Fine hair can wear it with fewer, longer layers so the ends don’t look thin. Curly hair gives a different, more voluminous take, with layers cut dry.
Face shape: sweeping hair back from the face opens it up. Round and square faces benefit from layers that start below the cheekbones. Oval and heart faces suit layers starting at cheekbone level. See our face-framing layers guide for placement.
Length: shoulder length and longer. On shorter hair it becomes a shag.
How to ask for a feathered haircut
“Long, feathered layers that sweep back from my face, starting around my cheekbones, blended into curtain bangs. Keep the ends soft, not choppy.”
For men: “Medium length, ear to collar, layers swept back at the sides, longer on top, no clippers.”
How to style feathered hair
- Apply a volumizing mousse or blow-dry spray to damp roots.
- Rough-dry until mostly dry, flipping your head over for extra lift.
- Take a large round brush and dry the face-framing sections, rolling the brush up and away from your face.
- For the rest, roll the brush back on the sides and let the ends flick outward.
- Finish with a light, flexible spray. Skip heavy hairspray unless you want the full 70s look.
Our blow-dry guide covers the technique in more detail. Use a heat protectant if you blow-dry daily.
Upkeep
A trim every eight to ten weeks keeps the face-framing layers in place. The cut grows out softly, since the layers are long and blended.
Related guides
Try the look on your own photo
Feathered layers change the way your face is framed. Hairover’s Style Studio lets you try layered cuts on your own photo before your appointment. See how hairstyle try-on works.
FAQ
What is a feathered haircut?
A layered cut where the pieces around the face and crown are cut to sweep back and away from the face, so the layers look like feathers. It became iconic in the 1970s and has come back in a softer form.
What is the difference between feathered hair and a butterfly cut?
They are close relatives. A butterfly cut has a short, defined top layer around the face and long lengths underneath. A feathered cut has more gradual layers throughout that are styled flicking back and away from the face.
Can men get a feathered haircut?
Yes. A men's feathered cut is usually medium length, ear to collar, with layers swept back at the sides. It suits straight or slightly wavy hair with some thickness.
Does feathered hair need a blow-dry?
To get the classic flicked-back shape, yes. A round brush and blow-dryer, rolling the face-framing pieces back and away, is the usual method. Air-dried, the cut still looks layered but softer.
