We love a hairstyle with tons of body and movement, but sometimes it can require a lot of styling to make bold layers look good. If your hair type doesn’t play well with unstyled layers, and you want a look that can go from sleek and straight to bouncy and wavy, ghost layers are for you. These invisible layers help create volume while maintaining length and a smooth profile. Ahead, the experts explain who should have ghost layers and how to use them as your secret weapon for unbeatable volume.
Featured Experts
- Castillo Bataille is a Matrix celebrity hairstylist
- Gonn Kinoshita is a celebrity hairstylist and Balmain Hair US Ambassador
What Are Ghost Layers?
“Ghost layers are like a little secret weapon for your hair—super subtle layers that add movement and volume without anyone knowing they’re there,” explains celebrity hairstylist and Balmain Hair U.S. ambassador, Gonn Kinoshita. “They’re blended so well that they’re practically invisible, which is why they’re called ‘ghost’ layers.”
“Ghost layers are a technique used to create a subtle layered texture in the hair without losing length,” says Matrix celebrity hairstylist Castillo Bataille. These internal layers are cut beneath a section of hair that remains longer, which is how they create volume. “Ghost layers are cut shorter than the hair length. Part of the hair is layered and can stand up and move easily by being cut shorter so the layers can create volume.”
In essence, your stylist removes just enough weight to allow your hair to move more freely, giving it a fuller, more voluminous look without sacrificing length. “The magic happens in the mid-lengths and ends, so your hair still looks long and sleek but with that extra oomph,” Kinoshita adds.
Who Benefits From Ghost Layers?
@edelydesigns Replying to @officialivyrose🌹 ghost layers for the win ✂️👻✨💇🏻♀️ it’s the best of both worlds! You can have all the body & movement when you choose to highlight the layers through a blowout look… Or you can have the full looking hair with a sleek straight style 🙌🏼 #ha#haircuth#ghostlayersu#butterflycuta#hairtok ♬ sonido original – SONIDOS LARGOS
“This cut is good for someone who wants hair movement and dimension without having to change their hair very much,” Bataille explains. Maximizing length while providing your style with more body and structure is also the goal of other cuts like the ultra-trendy butterfly cut. Notably, though, the way invisible layers mask this dimension makes them a lot easier to wear either without styling or as a sleek look. Worn styled or with a wavy or coily hair type, this added volume is even more noticeable.
“Ghost layers are a dream for anyone with fine or medium hair who wants more volume and texture without losing length,” Kinoshita says. “They’re perfect for straight or wavy hair and are great if you’re after a low-maintenance style that looks effortlessly full and bouncy.”
How to Get the Look
If your stylist isn’t up-to-date on the trendiest terms, you can still get the coveted ghost layers look. Like all things under the sun, ghost layers aren’t exactly new. A seasoned stylist will be familiar with terms like “invisible” or “soft layers,” and as long as you stress that you don’t want choppy or visible layers, you should be on track.
“When you’re ready to get ghost layers, just ask your stylist for subtle, internal layers that’ll give you more volume and movement without changing the overall length or shape,” Kinoshita advises. “Something like, ‘I want some hidden layers to add volume and texture, but I still want a smooth, seamless look,’ should do the trick.”
