How To Cut Your Own Shoulder Length Hair In Layers A Step By Step Guide

If you're looking for a fresh new look but don't want to spend money on a salon, cutting your own hair at home is a great option. Layering your hair can add volume and texture, making it perfect for shoulder length hair. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to cut your own hair in layers and provide tips on how to care for your new 'do.

Table of Contents

• How to Cut Your Own Shoulder Length Hair in Layers
• Step-by-Step Guide
• Tips for Cutting Your Own Hair
• FAQs
• Hair Care Tips for Layered Hair

How to Cut Your Own Shoulder Length Hair in Layers

Cutting your own hair can seem daunting, but with the right tools and technique, it can be done. Here's what you'll need:

• Sharp scissors
• Comb
• Clips to section your hair
• A mirror

Before you start cutting, it's important to have a clear idea of the type of layers you want. Do you want long layers, short layers, or something in between? Take some time to research different styles and find inspiration photos to bring with you to the mirror.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your tools and inspiration, it's time to get started. Follow these steps:

1. Start with clean, dry hair. Comb out any tangles and part your hair in the middle or to one side, whichever you prefer.
2. Section your hair. Use clips to section off the top layer of your hair and clip it on top of your head. This will give you access to the bottom layer.
3. Trim the ends. Take a small section of hair from the bottom layer and hold it straight up. Trim the ends to the length you want your shortest layer to be.
4. Continue to cut. Take another small section of hair and use the previously cut section as a guide to cut the same length. Continue cutting small sections until you've finished the bottom layer.
5. Release the top layer. Let down the clipped section and use it as a guide to cut the top layer. Take small sections of hair and cut to the same length as the bottom layer.
6. Create longer layers (optional). If you want longer layers, use the same technique as above, but instead of cutting straight across, angle the scissors downwards as you cut. This will create longer layers that blend in with the shorter layers.
7. Blend the layers. Use the scissors to blend the layers together by lightly cutting into the ends of the hair.

Once you've finished cutting, comb through your hair to ensure it's even. If you notice any uneven spots, go back and trim them until you're satisfied with the length and shape of your new layers.

Tips for Cutting Your Own Hair

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when cutting your own hair:

• Start with small snips. It's better to take off a little bit of hair at a time than to cut off too much and regret it later.
• Use sharp scissors. Dull scissors can damage your hair and make it harder to cut.
• Take breaks. Cutting your own hair can be tiring, so take breaks if you need to.

FAQs

Here are a few frequently asked questions about cutting your own hair.

Can I cut my hair if it's curly?

Cutting curly hair can be a bit trickier than straight hair, but it's definitely doable. Just keep in mind that curly hair tends to shrink up when it dries, so cut it a bit longer than you want it to be.

How often should I cut my hair?

It's recommended to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends. If you're cutting your own hair, you can do it more frequently if you notice your ends are getting damaged.

What should I do if I make a mistake?

If you accidentally cut off too much hair or make a mistake, don't panic. You can always go to a salon and have a professional fix it. In the meantime, try styling your hair differently to hide the mistake.

Hair Care Tips for Layered Hair

Now that you've cut your hair in layers, it's important to take care of it to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips:

• Use a hair mask once a week. Layered hair can be more prone to damage, so using a hair mask can help keep it healthy and hydrated.
• Avoid heat styling too often. Heat can damage your hair, so try to limit your use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons.
• Get regular trims. As we mentioned earlier, getting regular trims can help prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy.

Cutting your own hair can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you're happy with the results. With the right tools and technique, you can create beautiful layers that add volume and texture to your shoulder length hair. Just remember to take your time, start with small snips, and have fun!