Tools You’ll Need
Sharp Haircutting Scissors
Quality Matters: Invest in a good pair of haircutting scissors. Regular household scissors can damage your hair, leaving it frayed and split. Haircutting scissors are specifically designed with sharp blades that make clean cuts. Look for scissors that are comfortable to hold and have a smooth cutting action.
Size and Grip: Choose scissors that are the right size for your hand. A good grip is essential to ensure control during the cutting process. Some scissors have ergonomic handles that reduce hand fatigue, especially if you’ll be cutting your hair for an extended period.
Comb
Wide – Toothed Comb: A wide – toothed comb is ideal for detangling your hair before you start cutting. It’s gentle on the hair and won’t cause breakage. Use it to remove any knots or tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
Parting Comb: A parting comb with a pointed end can be helpful for creating precise sections in your hair. You can use it to divide your hair into different sections for cutting, making sure each layer is even and well – defined.
Hair Clips
Sectioning Clips: These clips are used to hold sections of hair in place while you work on other parts. They come in various sizes and designs. Look for clips that are strong enough to hold the hair firmly but won’t pull or damage it. You can separate your hair into top, middle, and bottom sections using these clips, making the cutting process more organized.
Alligator Clips: Alligator clips are also useful for securing hair. They have a strong grip and can be used to hold larger sections of hair, especially when you’re working on longer hair or creating more complex layer patterns.
Mirror Setup
Two Mirrors: To see the back of your head, you’ll need two mirrors. One mirror can be a regular handheld mirror, and the other can be a wall – mounted or standing mirror. Position the mirrors in such a way that you can clearly see the back of your head as you cut. This may take some adjusting, but it’s crucial for an even haircut.
Good Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential. Natural light is best, but if you’re cutting your hair indoors, make sure you have bright, even lighting. Shadows can make it difficult to see what you’re doing and lead to uneven cuts. You can use a combination of overhead lights and a lamp directed at your head.
Preparing Your Hair
Clean and Dry Hair
Cleanliness: Start with clean hair. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and make sure it’s completely dry before you begin cutting. Wet hair can be deceptive in length, and cutting it wet may result in a shorter haircut than you intended once it dries.
Drying Technique: When drying your hair, you can either let it air – dry or use a blow – dryer on a low heat setting. If you use a blow – dryer, make sure to move it constantly to avoid overheating the hair. A smooth, dry surface will make it easier to cut the hair evenly.
Detangling
Gentle Detangling: Use the wide – toothed comb to carefully detangle your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. This prevents pulling and breakage. If you encounter a particularly stubborn knot, you can use a small amount of leave – in conditioner or detangling spray to help loosen it.
Even Distribution: Make sure the hair is evenly distributed around your head. You can shake your head or run your fingers through your hair to achieve this. This will ensure that the layers are cut evenly and there are no lumps or uneven sections.
The Cutting Process
Deciding on the Layer Lengths
Face Shape Consideration: Think about your face shape when determining the length of the layers. For example, if you have a round face, longer layers that start below the chin can help elongate the face. If you have a square face, soft, wavy layers can help soften the angles. You can look at pictures of different layered hairstyles online or in magazines for inspiration based on your face shape.
Hair Type and Length: Your hair type and current length also play a role. If you have thick hair, you can handle more layers and longer lengths without the hair looking too thin. For thin hair, shorter, more subtle layers can add volume without sacrificing too much hair. If you have long hair, you can create more dramatic layers that start higher up on the head. For short hair, the layers will be more limited in length but can still add texture.
Sectioning the Hair
Top Section: Start by creating a top section of hair. Use the parting comb to separate the hair from the front of your head to the crown. Clip this section up and out of the way. This will be the last part you cut.
Middle Section: Next, create a middle section that includes the hair from the crown to the ears. Divide this section into smaller sub – sections using the clips. You can make the sub – sections about an inch or two wide, depending on how thick your hair is.
Bottom Section: The bottom section is the hair below the ears. This is usually the longest part of the hair and will form the base layer. Again, divide this section into smaller parts for easier cutting.
Cutting the Layers
Starting with the Bottom Layer: Begin with the bottom section. Take a small subsection of hair and hold it between your fingers. Decide on the desired length of the layer and cut straight across. Make sure to keep your fingers straight and parallel to the floor to ensure an even cut. As you cut each subsection, release it and check the overall length and evenness.
Adding Gradation: For a more graduated look, cut the middle section slightly shorter than the bottom section. Hold the hair at an angle and cut diagonally. This will create a smooth transition between the layers. The angle of the cut will determine how gradual the layer is. A steeper angle will result in a more pronounced layer.
Top Layer: When you get to the top section, cut the layers even shorter. You can create a more textured look by cutting the hair at different lengths within this section. Use the tips of the scissors to make small, angled cuts for a choppy effect. This adds volume and movement to the top of the hair.
Checking for Symmetry
Using the Mirrors: Use the two – mirror setup to check the symmetry of the layers. Look at the back of your head from different angles to make sure the layers are even on both sides. If you notice any uneven areas, you can make small adjustments. However, be careful not to over – cut, as it’s easier to take off more hair than to put it back on.
Smoothing and Blending: After cutting all the layers, run your fingers through your hair to smooth it out. You can also use the comb to blend the layers together. This will help the haircut look more natural and seamless. If you find any harsh lines between the layers, you can use the scissors to make small, feathering cuts to blend them better.
Finishing Touches
Trimming the Ends
Evening Out the Ends: After cutting the layers, you may notice some uneven ends. Use the scissors to carefully trim the ends of the hair to make them even. This gives the haircut a more polished look. Trim only a small amount at a time, as you don’t want to shorten the layers too much.
Removing Split Ends: If you have split ends, this is a good time to remove them. Look for the tell – tale signs of split ends, such as frayed or forked ends. Cut just above the split end to prevent it from traveling further up the hair shaft.
Styling Your New Layered Haircut
Blow – Drying: You can use a blow – dryer to style your new layered haircut. Tilt your head upside down and blow – dry your hair to add volume. Use a round brush to smooth the layers and create a more finished look. Direct the air flow from the roots to the ends to enhance the layer effect.
Product Application: Depending on the look you want, you can apply styling products. For a sleek look, use a small amount of serum or smoothing cream. For a more textured, tousled look, apply a texturizing spray or mousse. Work the products through your hair, focusing on the mid – lengths and ends.
Conclusion
Related Topics: