For the unskilled makeup amateurs among us, the face-sculpting technique of contouring is a little too intimidating. Luckily, some smart hairstylists have found a workaround via a haircut that mimics the sculpting effects—no makeup palette required. Meet “marquise layers,” an aughts-inspired haircut that gives volume and shape to the face with just a few flattering layers.
Named for the cut of a marquise gemstone—an elegant oval shape—this haircut is all about long, face-framing layers that seem to “chisel” the face by drawing attention to the jawline, cheekbones, and eyes. To get the sculpting effect, soft layers are cut into face-framing levels starting around the forehead, moving outward from the eyes and cheekbones, and returning to frame the jawline. For an extra “sculpting” effect, curtain bangs can be incorporated to finish the look.
Instagram content
How to style marquise layers
Of course, styling plays a big role in the face-framing impact of this haircut: The layers around the eyes and cheekbones should curve outwards, while the layers closer to the jawline and chin should curve inwards before curving out again at the shoulders.
To get the look, first prep the hair using a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant spray, then do a rough dry with a hair dryer until the hair is about 80% dry, moving the fingers through the roots to create volume.
Next, attach a nozzle to the hair dryer to focus the air flow. Working in sections with a large, round brush, smooth the hair around the brush. (It helps to clip the top layer of hair up and work from back to front.) To get the most volume in the front section, blow-dry forward first, then blow-dry hair bacwards around the brush to create a gentle, swooping curve.
To emphasize the wave, use a large barrel curling iron or large, hot rollers after blow drying. Then, set with hairspray. To finish, use fingers to gently “mess” the look up. The goal? Bouncy, lived-in layers that don’t look too perfect. Need further inspiration? See below.
Celebrities with the marquise layer haircut
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.