Buzz
The layered hairstyle is designed to shape and highlight the facial features, making it an ideal option for all face shapes. However, this style may not suit every hair texture. It works best for those with straight or wavy hair with a fine or medium texture, but may not be ideal for thick, curly hair. If you want to try layering your hair but avoid the salon fees, you can experiment with some DIY hair cutting techniques. Cutting layered hair is not difficult!
Steps
For long hair
Prepare to cut layered hair. Start with clean, damp hair, as wet hair is harder to manage for even length. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle any knots and create even layers throughout your hair.
Gather all your hair to the top of your head. Secure the ponytail at the top of your head, using a comb to smooth out the back. Bend your head forward, comb your hair to the front, and use your hands to collect the hair into a ponytail at the top. Tie it tightly with an elastic band, then stand up straight. Make sure your hair is completely smooth, as any knots or bumps will cause the layers to look uneven.
Move the hair tie down toward the ends of your hair. With one hand holding the end of the ponytail, use the other hand to slide the elastic band down until it’s only a short distance from the ends. If you prefer a more subtle layered look, slide the band down about 2.5cm (or equivalent length). For more dramatic layers, leave the ponytail longer.
- To avoid having the front too short and the back too long, slide the band down until some hair falls around the neck.
Cut the ends of the hair. Keep the hair in place where the elastic is to prevent it from falling. Use sharp scissors to trim just above the band, then shake your head to let the hair fall.
- If your hair is thick, you may want to divide the ponytail into sections to cut. Just make sure each section is cut above the band, keeping the lengths even.
- Be careful not to cut at an angle or let the scissors slip. Always cut straight across for even layers.
Check the layers. This method creates shorter layers in the front that frame your face, with longer layers at the back. If you want to adjust the length of the layers, you can carefully trim each section with scissors.
- Remember to cut slowly and carefully to avoid mistakes or cutting too much hair.
For short hair
Prepare to cut layers for short hair. It’s best to cut layers when your short hair is still damp, as this allows you to get the precise length. Wash and condition your hair as usual, then towel-dry it in preparation for cutting.
- Cutting layers in short hair is trickier than with long hair, as you’ll need to cut each layer separately. Note that this method is only suitable for pixie cuts. Take a look at your hair to decide where you want the layers to start and how long each layer should be before beginning to cut.
- It’s advisable to cut your hair in a well-lit bathroom with at least two mirrors to help you frequently check your progress and view the back of your head.
Divide your hair into small sections. Before cutting, separate your short hair into small sections. Carefully divide it with a comb as follows:
- Part the top section of your hair by creating a part on each side of the crown, from the forehead to the back. These two parting lines will create a central section of hair.
- Comb the middle section of hair forward and smooth the hair on either side; this helps create clear boundaries for each section. Additionally, twisting the hair before cutting can be helpful.
- Split the middle section into two parts: one part should extend from the crown to the forehead, and the second part should be from the crown to the nape.
Lift the front section of hair with a comb. Hold the hair at a right angle to your head, securing it with your index and middle fingers. Your fingers should be positioned perpendicular to your forehead.
Cut the middle section of hair. Use sharp scissors to cut the hair just below your fingers. Let the hair fall, then comb up the next section – this will be directly behind the section you just cut. Next, take a bit of the first section and combine it with the new section. This will serve as your guide for ensuring the hair is cut to the same length. Pinch the hair between your index and thumb and keep it at a right angle to your head, then cut to match the length of the first section.
- Continue cutting the middle section until both the front and back parts of the middle section are even.
- Spray water on your hair to keep it damp while cutting. If it becomes too wet, use a towel to dry it.
- Be mindful of which sections have already been cut to avoid cutting the same part twice, as this can create uneven results.
- Ensure that all the hair is cut to the same length. Once finished, your hair will have the layered style.
Part your hair down the middle. Once the entire middle section has been cut, change your part by combing the hair to each side to achieve a center part.
Cut the sides of your hair. Start from the front and work your way back, taking sections of hair from the top of your head and holding them between your thumb and index finger. Keep your fingers perpendicular to your forehead. Use scissors to cut each section, then move to the next one. Repeat this process until you’ve finished cutting the upper side of one side of your hair, then switch to the other side.
Check the layers. If you notice any uneven areas or want the layers shorter, carefully trim small sections of hair one at a time. At this stage, you can also trim the edges of your hair. Style your hair the way you want and trim the edges. Be sure to check the area around your ears and especially the hair at the back along your neckline.
Tips
- If you have bangs or want to cut your bangs, you can also learn how to cut your bangs yourself.
