Layers can refresh any hairstyle and create the illusion of volume. Layered haircuts suit any type of face and look good on both straight and curly hair. Read on to find out how to prepare your hair for a cut, cut it and finish it as needed to make it look professional and chic.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparing your hair for a flaky haircut
Step 1. Look at yourself in the mirror
Since you will be cutting at home, take the necessary time to carefully examine your hair to decide where you want the layers to be. If you want, take a photo of the face, print it out and mark the position of the layers on it. Some people prefer long, natural looking layers of hair, while others like rougher shapes with a sharp difference in the length of the layers. Consider the following factors:
- The texture of your hair. Layered haircuts add volume to the hair, especially if some layers are short in length. If your hair is already curly or curly, you may want to use longer layers that do not vary much in length. If your hair is straight, you can opt for shorter layers to frame your face.
- Face shape. Think about the length of the layers to suit your face type. Long layers look great on round or square faces, while short layers accentuate oval or triangular faces.
- Your hairstyle preferences. If you are trying to replicate a celebrity hairstyle or just a popular hairstyle, think about how you can recreate it in your hair. Decide where the layers should fall, where there will be a parting in the hair, how you will style it.
Step 2. Get a good pair of scissors
A good, sharp professional hair clipper is the most important tool you need to keep your hair looking great (not like having a baby cut your hair in a dream). The use of stationery or kitchen scissors will not please you with the final result. So get a pair of good hair scissors from a beauty supply store.
Step 3. Set up your home hair salon
Work in a well-lit area with access to a sink and mirror, probably a bathroom. Prepare a towel to wrap around your shoulders, a set of bobby pins for securing hair sections, scissors, and a comb to keep everything close at hand. You also need a second mirror that you can use to view the hair from behind.
Step 4. Wash your hair
When you're ready to start cutting, wash your hair and comb through your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Dry your hair with a towel to keep it damp without dripping.
Method 2 of 3: Trim the layers of hair in succession
Step 1. Divide your hair into sections
Unless you intentionally want to use an asymmetrical style, you will have to ensure that each layer is the same length on both sides of the head. In other words, the hair layers at the temples should be the same length, the hair layers behind the ears should be the same, etc. To achieve this, divide your hair into sections in layers.
- Select the top section. Use a comb to create two partings: left and right. At the top will be the top section of hair between the two partings.
- Divide the top section in two, the first from the crown to the forehead and the second from the crown to the base of the neck. Use bobby pins to separate sections of your hair.
- Select the left and right sections. Two sections that start at the temples and end at the top of the ears. Select the front left and right sections and pin with bobby pins.
- Leave the rear sections free. We will not cut the longest part of your hair, so leave it down to guide the length of the cut layers.
Step 2. Trim the top front section
Fold down the upper front section. Raise your hair at a 90-degree angle to your head and keep it straight between your index and middle fingers. Keeping your hair between your fingers, push it forward onto your face. Move your fingers down towards the ends of your hair to where you want the shortest layer to be. Cut off the hair that is sticking out between your toes.
- It is common to trim the shortest layer at or just below the earlobe, or just below the cheekbone line. Use the photo you took to guide you.
- Tend to keep your hair a little longer than short, compared to what you want. As it dries, the hair shrinks slightly. You can always shorten them further if necessary.
Step 3. Trim the front right section
Release the front right section of your hair. Raise your hair with your fingers at a 90-degree angle to your head. Keep them straight between your index and middle fingers. Pull your hair down the side of your head and pull your fingers towards the ends of your hair to the level where you want to cut the side layers. Use scissors to cut off the hair that is sticking out between your toes.
Cut at an angle rather than a horizontal line for a softer look
Step 4. Trim the front left section
Release the front left section of your hair. Pull your hair up with your fingers at a 90-degree angle to your head. Keep them straight between your index and middle fingers. Pull your hair down the side of your head and pull your fingers towards the ends of your hair to the level where you want to cut the side layers. Use scissors to cut off the hair that is sticking out between your toes.
Step 5. Trim the back sections
Optionally, you can add layers of haircut on the sides and back of the head. Using a second mirror to check the work regularly, understand small sections of hair and trim with scissors. The back layers of your hair should be the longest, so don't cut them too short, they should be the same length or longer than the rest of your hair.
Step 6. Comb your hair and inspect the layers
When you're done cutting your hair, check all the layers to make sure they fall where you intended. If you notice uneven layers, carefully shorten your hair to make it look even.
Method 3 of 3: One-cut haircut
Step 1. Make a ponytail at the top of the head
The easiest way is to turn your head upside down and collect your hair with a comb. Use an elastic band to secure the tail.
- The tail should be at the very top, not at the top of the head. This will ensure the correct distribution of the layers.
- Make sure the tail does not slide to the side as this can lead to uneven layers.
Step 2. Pull the elastic off the tail
If you want short layers, pull the elastic to a few centimeters from the ends of your hair. For longer layers, pull the elastic to about 2.5 cm from the ends of the ponytail.
Step 3. Cut off the ends of the hair
Use scissors to cut off the hair sticking out of the ponytail.
- If you have thick hair, it may take more than one scissor motion to cut the hair. Make sure all hair is cut the same in this case.
- Do not cut at an angle, otherwise the layers will be torn. You should keep the scissors horizontal and cut your hair straight.
Step 4. Remove the elastic and check the layers of the haircut
You will have smooth, natural looking hair layers. You can shorten certain areas of the haircut to slightly change its appearance.
Advice
- As the saying goes, "measure seven times, cut once." It is safer to cut at first a little less than planned, and then finish cutting to the planned level.
- Dampen your hair regularly while cutting.