Cutting hair might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and techniques, anyone can do it. If you're looking to add some volume and movement to your hair, cutting basic layers is a great place to start. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to cut basic layers in your hair, including tips and tricks for achieving the perfect look.
Table of Contents
- Tools You'll Need
- Preparing Your Hair
- Sectioning Your Hair
- Cutting Your Layers
- Styling Your Layers
- Tips for Cutting Layers at Home
- FAQs
- Hair Care for Layered Hair
Tools You'll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here's what you'll need:
- Sharp scissors
- Comb
- Clips or hair ties
- Spray bottle with water
- Optional: thinning shears or razor
Preparing Your Hair
Start by washing and drying your hair. It's best to cut hair when it's dry, so if you can, let your hair air dry completely. If you need to blow dry your hair, use a low heat setting and avoid using a brush, as it can create tangles and make it difficult to cut your hair evenly.
Once your hair is dry, brush it thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots. If your hair is particularly thick or curly, you may want to use a detangling spray or conditioner to make it easier to work with.
Sectioning Your Hair
Next, it's time to section your hair. Start by dividing your hair in half, from your forehead to the nape of your neck, and clip the top half out of the way. Then, divide the bottom half of your hair in half again, from ear to ear, and clip the back section out of the way.
You should now have two sections of hair left: the left side and the right side. Take one of these sections and divide it into two more sections, one on top and one on the bottom. Clip the top section out of the way for now.
Cutting Your Layers
Now it's time to start cutting your layers. Take the bottom section of hair and comb it straight down. Hold the hair between your fingers and cut it straight across, starting at the length you want your layers to start.
Next, release the top section of hair and comb it straight down. Hold the hair between your fingers and cut it at an angle, starting from the same length as the bottom section. The angle you cut at will determine how pronounced your layers are, so start with a slight angle and adjust as needed.
Repeat this process on the other side of your head, making sure to cut the same length and angle on both sides.
If you want more layers, repeat the process on the back section of your hair, dividing it into two sections and cutting each section at an angle.
Optional: If you want to add more texture to your hair, you can use thinning shears or a razor to create wispy ends. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can make your hair look too thin and damaged.
Styling Your Layers
Now that your layers are cut, it's time to style your hair. You can wear your hair straight or curly, depending on your preference. To enhance your layers, try using a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray, and blow dry your hair with a round brush to create volume and movement.
Tips for Cutting Layers at Home
- Start with small cuts and work your way up. You can always cut more, but you can't put hair back once it's cut.
- Use sharp scissors to ensure a clean cut.
- Don't cut too much hair at once. It's better to make several small cuts than one big one.
- When cutting the top section of your hair, be careful not to cut too much or you may end up with choppy, uneven layers.
- Take breaks if you start to feel tired or frustrated. Cutting hair can be tiring, and it's important to take your time and not rush.
FAQs
Q: Can I cut layers in my hair if it's already layered?
A: Yes, you can. Just be sure to cut each layer at the same length and angle to avoid creating uneven layers.
Q: Can I cut layers in curly hair?
A: Yes, you can. Just be sure to cut your hair when it's dry and take into account how much your curls will bounce up when cut.
Hair Care for Layered Hair
Now that you have your layers, it's important to take care of your hair to keep it looking healthy and vibrant. Here are some tips for caring for layered hair:
- Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.
- Avoid using heat styling tools too often, as this can damage your hair.
- Trim your hair regularly to keep your layers looking fresh.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair, especially when it's wet.
With these tips and techniques, you can easily cut basic layers in your hair at home. Whether you're looking for a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, layers are a great way to add movement and volume to your hair.
