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The 'Step Haircut' Is The Ultimate Way To Add Dimension To Your Look

They say everything old is new again, and we're all about the return of one layered hairstyle: the step haircut, now reimagined with a modern twist. Trust us, these are not your mama's layers. To learn what differentiates the step haircut from other layered styles, Glam spoke exclusively to stylist Raven Hurtado from Maxine Salon in Chicago. She gave us the skinny on the step haircut's original roots.

"A step haircut is mostly a two-layer cut when there's [the] layer below the ear or [that] hits around the shoulder and the bottom layer that is the perimeter of the length — therefore, it looks like steps. There's space between the two." Essentially, step haircuts are less blended than other layered styles, playing with length in distinctly visible tiers. This is not only one way to get trendy, '90s-inspired supermodel layers, but it also creates incredible movement and visual interest in the look, whether your hair is short, medium, or Rapunzel-worthy.

And these days, step haircuts aren't limited to two layers — the longer your hair, the more tiers can be put in. Of course, this variety makes communication with your stylist all the more important. As Hurtado advised, "To ask for this cut, I recommend taking pictures for inspiration. Ask for layers to be visible starting between the shoulder to ear." Fortunately, there's plenty of inspo to choose from. Whether you're hoping for chic, face-framing layers or long, romantic locks, there's a fun and dynamic version of the step haircut for you.

Step haircuts are naturally face-framing

The distinct shape and layering of step haircuts will, of course, vary a little based on your unique tresses. Step haircuts on fine or very straight hair create a sleek style, while wavy or thick haircuts will offer a more voluminous look. But one of the best features of these gradated layers is that they're naturally face-framing for any hair type. Depending on the length of your style, its layers might hit key points like your cheekbones, jaw, shoulders, and collarbones for a versatile silhouette that flatters every face shape.

Step layers add interest to short haircuts

Short hair is in vogue right now, but there's more to the world of short hairstyles than blunt bobs and close-cropped pixies. For a light, airy haircut that still offers movement and dimension, try a short step haircut. The tiered layers create beautiful texture that can be emphasized with your favorite products — a bit of mousse or sea salt spray, anyone? — for a pleasantly disheveled look. It's serving designer bedhead.

A swoopy medium-length step haircut adds shape and movement

"A step haircut can also work on shorter hair lengths from shoulder length to collarbone," stylist Raven Hurtado exclusively told Glam, and we love the look of sharp layers on these medium styles. Shoulder-length hair offers plenty of room to work in at least three gorgeously layered tiers and still have a few distinct inches of space between each.

Long step haircuts create layers from root to tip

Seeking long layered hairstyles to freshen up your look? Let's put it this way: If each tier of a haircut is like the tempting layers in a pastry or dessert, then long step haircuts are the wedding cake of hairstyles. There's so much room to play with lengths and add dimension to long hair, creating a finished style that's almost hypnotically intricate. Whether you gently curl the ends or let your layers fall where they may, step haircuts are the absolute GOAT for long tresses.

Long styles with step-layered ends offer a subtler take on the cut

For a look that's less messy, you can confine those gradated layers to the very ends of your hair. And, FYI, upkeep is also important to tame the style. Step haircuts, while often gloriously chaotic, require touch-ups to preserve the sharp intentionality of all those layers. "You should get trims regularly to keep the ends healthy," Raven Hurtado exclusively recommended to Glam. "You should also apply leave-in products to keep the hair nourished and hydrated and ... protect your hair if you're going to use a hot tool."