The return of long layers

After years of short, choppy layers dominating the catwalk and celebrity circuit, it seems that long layers are finally making a return to popularity. And it's not hard to see why: a long layered cut is one of the most versatile hairstyles you can choose from, and flatters the majority of face shapes. It's easy to maintain and gives volume and texture to flat hair, while providing the ideal shape for naturally curly hair... the list of reasons to choose this cut practically goes on forever!

The long layered cut is expected to be the key hairstyle of 2010

Long layered cuts were all over the catwalks of this year's New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week. These two fashion events are the most influential global fashion indicators not only in terms of clothes, accessories and shoes, but also in regards to makeup and hair. Not only that, but several high-profile celebrities have taken to sporting long layers too, which is usually a sign of things to come in terms of hairstyles in the public arena.

Donatella Versace with her models, all with long layered haircuts, at last month's Milan Fashion Week.

With a long layered cut, your shortest layers are still longer than chin-length, which means that they won't blow in your eyes when your hair is loose, and they'll make it into the band or clip of most updos. This cut will still give your hair texture and volume, but it will be a smoother and more natural shape than what is created by short layers. Best of all is that you can make your touch-ups less regular. As a long layered cut has less of a forced shape than a short layered cut, it won't need trimming as regularly to keep it looking its best. As such, long layers are an ideal choice for those of us who are growing our hair to our waists.

Here are just a few celebrities who have already chosen to make the long layered cut their hairstyle of late 2009. By the time 2010 rolls around, this look is set to be huge!