If you want to layer men’s long hair, which can not only provide a man’s charm, but also make a simple hairstyle more dynamic and stylish, and give men more confidence, here is a detailed guide on how to style men’s medium long hair.
Preparation
Tools You’ll Need
Haircutting Scissors: Invest in a good pair of professional – grade haircutting scissors. These are sharp and designed specifically for cutting hair, reducing the risk of split ends and uneven cuts.
Avoid using regular household scissors as they can damage the hair.
Comb: A fine – toothed comb is essential for parting the hair and ensuring that it’s straight and even during the cutting process. It helps in creating precise sections.
Spray Bottle: Fill a spray bottle with water. You’ll use this to dampen the hair, making it easier to cut and manage. Damp hair is more pliable and allows for more accurate cutting.
Hair Clips: Have some hair clips on hand to separate different sections of the hair while you work. This keeps the hair organized and out of the way.
Pre – Cut Hair Preparation
Washing: Start with clean, dry hair. Washing the hair before cutting removes any dirt, oil, or product build – up. This ensures that the scissors can glide through the hair smoothly. However, make sure the hair is completely dry before you start cutting, as wet hair can be deceptive in length when cut.
Brushing: Use a brush to remove any tangles. Start from the ends of the hair and work your way up to the roots. This not only makes the cutting process easier but also helps in achieving a more even cut.
Sectioning the Hair
Top Section
Starting Point: Begin by creating a part from ear to ear across the top of the head. This divides the hair into a top and bottom section. Use the comb to make a straight, clean part.
Clipping the Bottom: Clip the bottom section of the hair out of the way. This allows you to focus on the top section first.
The top section is usually where you’ll create the initial layers.
Dividing the Top Section
Front to Back: On the top section, create another part from the front hairline to the crown of the head. This further divides the top section into two sub – sections. This step is crucial as it helps in creating more control when cutting the layers.
Side Sections: Next, divide each of these sub – sections into left and right side sections. You can use the comb to make these divisions. This allows you to work on each side separately and ensure symmetry.
Cutting the Layers
The First Layer (Top Front)
Length Determination: Decide on the length of the first layer. For a medium – length haircut, a good starting point might be around the eyebrows. For long hair, you could start the layer at the cheekbones. Hold a small section of hair from the front of the top section between your fingers.
Cutting Angle: Hold the scissors at a slight angle, with the blades pointing downwards. Cut the hair in a gentle curve, creating a soft, rounded edge. This angle helps in creating a more natural – looking layer.
Checking Symmetry: After cutting the first small section, use the comb to check the length and symmetry on both sides.
Make adjustments if needed before moving on to the next section.
Adding More Layers to the Top
Gradual Length Increase: As you move towards the back of the top section, gradually increase the length of the layers. For example, the layer at the crown might be a few inches longer than the front layer. This creates a graduated effect.
Cutting Technique: Take small sections of hair and cut them at an angle, following the curve of the head. Use the previously cut layer as a guide for the length. This ensures that the layers blend smoothly together.
Blending the Layers: To blend the layers in the top section, use the scissors to make small, snipping motions along the edges of the cut hair. This softens the look and prevents any harsh lines between the layers.
Lower Section Layers
Releasing the Bottom Hair: Unclip the bottom section of the hair. Now, you’ll start working on adding layers to this part.
Length Consideration: The layers in the bottom section should be longer than those in the top. They can start around the jawline for medium – length hair and extend further down for long hair. This creates a cascading effect.
Cutting Method: Similar to the top section, take small sections of hair and cut them at an angle.
However, the angle for the bottom layers can be slightly different to create a more flowing look. For example, you might cut the bottom layers with the scissors angled more towards the back of the head.
Refining the Cut
Checking for Evenness
Overall Inspection: Once you’ve cut all the layers, take a step back and look at the entire haircut.
Check for any areas that look uneven or have stray hairs. Use the comb to smooth the hair and identify any discrepancies.
Section – by – Section Check: Go through each section again, from the top to the bottom. Make sure the layers blend well and that there are no sudden jumps in length. If you notice any issues, make small, precise cuts to correct them.
Trimming the Ends
Final Length Adjustment: Use the scissors to trim the ends of the hair to achieve the desired overall length. This is also a chance to remove any split ends or damaged hair. Make sure to cut the ends evenly, especially if you want a more polished look.
Softening the Look: To give the hair a softer, more natural look, you can use the scissors to make very fine, random cuts along the ends of the layers. This technique, known as point – cutting, helps to break up any straight lines and add texture.
Styling Tips for Layered Medium and Long Hair
Product Selection
Styling Cream: For a natural, tousled look, apply a small amount of styling cream to damp hair. Work the cream through the hair from the roots to the ends. This helps to define the layers and add a bit of hold without making the hair look greasy.
Hair Wax: If you prefer a more textured, edgy look, use hair wax. Rub a small amount of wax between your palms and then apply it to the hair, scrunching and twisting the hair to enhance the layers.
Hairspray: To set the style and keep the layers in place, use a light – hold hairspray. Hold the hairspray about 6 – 8 inches away from the head and spray evenly over the hair.
Styling Techniques
Drying with a Diffuser: When blow – drying the hair, use a diffuser attachment. This helps to maintain the natural shape of the layers and adds volume. Gently lift the hair at the roots with the diffuser to create more body.
Using Fingers for Styling: Instead of using a brush, use your fingers to style the hair. This gives a more relaxed, casual look. Run your fingers through the hair to separate the layers and create the desired style.
Adding Volume at the Crown: To add volume at the crown of the head, lift the hair at the roots and apply a small amount of styling product. Then, use your fingers or a comb to create a slight lift. This makes the layers more prominent and gives the hairstyle a more dynamic look.
Conclusion
Layering men’s long hair requires attention to detail and patience. With enough detail and patience, follow these steps and tips and you’ll be able to create a stylish and flattering mid-length hairstyle that showcases the beauty of layered hair.
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