How to Style Long Hair

Look around any room today, and you'll notice that almost everyone has some version of the same basic cut: long layers, says Kevin Mancuso, artistic director of Kiehl's. Although the look suits everyone, it can get a tad, well, boring. So here, with Mancuso's help, as well as a few fab products and accessories, we bring you seven ways to breathe new life into old layers.

By Didi Gluck

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woman with smoky eyes and messy side bun
Greg Delves
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Try A Fun Bun

Moving a messy bun from the back of your head to the side instantly upgrades your whole look. For the best outcome, mist dry hair with spray gel to give it some hold. Next, brush all your hair to one side, pile it in one hand and twist until it folds up into a chignon. Slide in bobby pins. Try: Garnier Fructis Style Pure Fix spray.
brunette with long dark wavy hair that is pinned half back
Greg Delves
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Go Half-Up, Half-Down

To yield a soft, sexy effect, prep damp hair with volumizer (aimed at roots only). After blowing dry, gather both sides near your crown in two bobby pins, rather than one clip (which pulls hair too tightly). Try: Matrix Vavoom Take Me Higher Root Riser.
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Enhance Your Shine

Since long layers don't require frequent cutting, splurge on products that can impart serious sheen to your hair and keep it looking its best. La Prairie's Cellular Intensive Hair Mask, which is composed of Cellular Hair Repair Cream and Cellular Hair Nourishing Oil ($275 for both, plus the comb), visibly restructures the hair shaft, renewing silkiness and restoring body. Once a week, apply the oil to your scalp and comb through to your ends. Next, smooth on the cream, working from ends to roots. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.
brunette with smoky eyes and a tucked under chignon
Greg Delves
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Tuck and Roll

One of the advantages of sporting a long, layered look? It's versatile. You can even fake short hair - to do, treat wet locks with a frizz fighter, then blow-dry sleek and straight. Next, gather your hair loosely into a low pony. Roll up the tail and tuck it under the elastic. Hold in place with bobby pins. Try: John Frieda Frizz-Ease DownPlay Volume Reducer.
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Accessorize!

Combs are the new barrettes. Use them to secure a twist, or slip them into the sides of your hair or even your bangs. Shown: Futaba hair combs (made from real kimono swatches)
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Play With Your Color

New from Bumble and Bumble: spray-on Hair Powders (shown in Brown, Black, Blonde and Red). These temporary tints are perfect for intensifying your hair color, touching up your roots between appointments or just adding funky texture to your tresses.
Greg Delves
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Braid It

"Braids don't need to be neat to look nice," says Mancuso. In fact, when you have layers, chances are little bits will stick out here and there. "This is what makes the style modern," assures Mancuso. For an added twist, try teasing the end of your braid rather than securing it with an elastic. Spray to set. Try: Kiehl's Stylist Series Shine-Enhancing Non-Aerosol Spray.
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