Long layers can add movement, shape, and volume to curly hair. However, going to a salon for a haircut can be expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, with the right tools and techniques, you can cut long layers in curly hair at home. In this DIY guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve a beautiful, layered look without leaving your house.
Preparing for Your Haircut
Before you start cutting your hair, make sure you have all the necessary tools. Here are some things you’ll need:
- Sharp scissors: Use hairdressing scissors or sharp scissors that are specifically made for cutting hair. Dull scissors can cause split ends and uneven cuts.
- Clips: Use clips to section off your hair and keep it out of the way while you work on different sections.
- Comb: Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair before cutting it.
- Spray bottle: Fill a spray bottle with water so you can dampen your hair as needed.
- Mirror: Use a mirror to check the back of your head as you cut.
Once you have all the necessary tools, you can begin preparing your hair. Follow these steps to get your hair ready for cutting:
Step 1: Wash your hair and let it air dry until it’s about 75% dry. Cutting your hair when it’s wet can lead to uneven results since your hair will shrink as it dries.
Step 2: Detangle your hair using a wide-toothed comb. You don’t want any knots or tangles getting in the way of your cutting.
Step 3: Divide your hair into sections. Start by taking a section from the top of your head and clipping the rest away.
Step 4: Wet the section you’re working on using a spray bottle. Make sure it’s evenly damp, but not soaking wet.
Cutting Your Hair
Now that your hair is prepped and sectioned, it’s time to start cutting. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Take a small section of hair from the front of your head. Hold it straight up in the air, and use your fingers or a comb to measure the length you want to cut. If you’re new to cutting your own hair, start with a small amount – you can always cut more later.
Step 2: Use your scissors to cut the hair at the length you measured. Cut slowly and carefully, making sure to keep the scissors perpendicular to your hair.
Step 3: Move on to the next section, taking care to match the length of the previous section. Continue cutting sections until you’ve finished the front of your head.
Step 4: Move on to the sides of your head, again working in small sections and matching the length of the previous sections.
Step 5: Finally, move to the back of your head. This is where a mirror comes in handy so you can see what you’re doing. Pull the hair straight up and cut as needed to match the length of the other sections.
Tips for Achieving the Best Results
Cutting long layers in curly hair takes practice, but these tips can help make the process easier:
- Start small: It’s better to cut too little than too much. You can always go back and cut more if needed, but it’s harder to fix a mistake if you’ve cut too much hair.
- Don’t rush: Take your time and be patient. Cutting hair can be tedious, but it’s important to take your time to ensure an even cut.
- Keep your cuts perpendicular: To achieve an even cut, make sure your scissors are perpendicular to your hair.
- Check your work: Use a mirror to check the back of your head as you cut, and make sure the length is consistent throughout.
- Embrace imperfection: Curly hair can be unpredictable, so don’t stress too much about achieving a perfectly symmetrical cut. Some variation can add character to your look.
Cutting long layers in curly hair can be a great way to refresh your hairstyle without spending a lot of money. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve beautiful, layered results from the comfort of your own home. Just remember to start small, take your time, and check your work as you go. Happy cutting!
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