Are you tired of your flat, lifeless hair? Do you crave volume and movement? Cutting your short hair into layers is a great way to achieve both. Layers add dimension and texture, making your hair look thicker and fuller. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to style. You don’t need to be a professional hairstylist to cut layers into your own hair. With a little patience and the right tools, you can do it yourself at home.
To start, you’ll need a sharp pair of shears, a comb, and a spray bottle filled with water. Wet your hair thoroughly and comb it out to remove any tangles. Then, section your hair into four equal parts: two in the front and two in the back. Clip up the top two sections so they’re out of the way. Starting with the bottom back section, take a small section of hair and hold it taut between your fingers. Use the shears to cut the hair at a 45-degree angle, creating a V-shape. Repeat this process for the remaining bottom back section.
Next, unclip the top back section and cut layers into it in the same way. Be sure to blend the layers into the bottom layers so they look seamless. Once you’ve cut the back layers, move on to the front layers. Start by sectioning off a small piece of hair at the top of your head. Hold it taut and cut it at a 45-degree angle, creating a V-shape. Repeat this process for the remaining front sections, blending the layers as you go. Once you’ve cut all the layers, check your work in a mirror. If any of the layers are too short or uneven, trim them as needed. Style your hair as usual and enjoy your new layered look!
Sectioning the Hair
Now that you have your hair clean and combed, it’s time to section it, which is dividing it into smaller sections to make cutting easier and ensure even layers.
There are two main methods of sectioning hair for layering:
Horizontal Sectioning
This method involves creating horizontal partings across the head to separate each layer. The partings should be parallel to the floor and angled slightly downward towards the back of the head.
To section the hair horizontally:
- Part the hair down the center from the front of the head to the nape of the neck.
- Create a horizontal parting about 2-3 inches from the top of the head.
- Continue creating horizontal partings at 2-3 inch intervals until you reach the desired number of layers.
- Secure each section with a hair clip to keep it out of the way.
Radial Sectioning
This method involves creating radial partings around the head, with the crown of the head as the center point. The partings should be like spokes on a wheel, extending from the crown to the perimeter of the head.
To section the hair radially:
- Part the hair down the center from the front of the head to the nape of the neck.
- Create a radial parting from the crown towards the front of the head.
- Continue creating radial partings at 2-3 inch intervals around the head.
- Secure each section with a hair clip to keep it out of the way.
| Horizontal Sectioning | Radial Sectioning |
|---|---|
| Partings are parallel to the floor. | Partings radiate from the crown of the head. |
| Best for even, uniform layers. | Best for adding volume and movement to the hair. |
| Easier to execute for beginners. | Requires more skill and experience. |
Cutting the Upper Layers
Begin by creating the shorter upper layers that will frame your face. These layers should be cut at a backward angle to ensure that they blend seamlessly with the longer bottom layers:
Step 1: Section the Upper Hair
Part your hair horizontally from temple to temple, creating a top section and a bottom section. Secure the bottom section with a hair tie.
Step 2: Determine the Shortest Layer
Take a small section of hair from the front of the top section and hold it straight out from your head. Use your fingers to measure the desired length of the shortest layer.
Step 3: Cut the First Layer
Hold the scissors parallel to the floor and cut the section of hair at the desired length, holding the scissors at a backward angle of 45 degrees. This angle will create the illusion of shorter layers without drastically reducing the length of the hair.
Step 4: Continue Cutting Layers
Repeat the process of taking small sections of hair from the top section and cutting them at the same length and angle. Work your way from the front of the head towards the back, overlapping the sections slightly to create a smooth transition.
Step 5: Adjust the Layers
Once you have cut all the upper layers, check the results. Use your fingers to blend the layers and adjust any uneven sections. Wet your hair and blow it dry to see the final effect.
Blending the Layers
Once you have cut all the layers, it’s time to blend them together. This will help to create a more natural and seamless look. To blend the layers, use a sharp pair of shears or a razor. Hold the shears or razor at a 45-degree angle and cut into the hair in small, light strokes. Be sure to follow the natural curve of the hair.
If you are using shears, you can also use a thinning shear to help blend the layers. A thinning shear has teeth that help to remove weight from the hair. This can make the layers look more natural and less bulky.
To use a thinning shear, hold the shear perpendicular to the hair and cut into the hair in small, light strokes. Be sure to only cut into the ends of the hair, as cutting into the middle of the hair can damage it.
Once you have blended the layers, check to see if there are any areas that are still too choppy or uneven. If so, you can use the shears or razor to trim these areas. Be sure to cut into the hair in small, light strokes and follow the natural curve of the hair.
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Adjusting the Length and Weight
Once you’ve established the basic layers, it’s time to adjust their length and weight. By carefully thinning out or removing excess hair, you can create a more flattering and balanced look.
Specific Techniques for Adjusting Layer Weight and Length:
1. Point Cutting: Angle your shears slightly into the hair and gently snip to create subtle layers and reduce weight.
2. Slide Cutting: Hold shears parallel to the hair and slide them down the length, removing small sections for even more movement and lightness.
3. Razor Cutting: Use a sharp razor to gently scrape hair, creating soft, diffused layers that blend seamlessly.
4. Chunking and Notching: Cut out triangular sections from the ends of hair to create dramatic layers and remove excess weight.
5. Twisting and Snipping: Twist sections of hair and carefully snip into the back to create texture and definition.
| Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Point Cutting | Subtle layers, reduced weight |
| Slide Cutting | Even movement, lightness |
| Razor Cutting | Soft, diffused layers |
| Chunking and Notching | Dramatic layers, weight removal |
| Twisting and Snipping | Texture, definition |
Troubleshooting
– **Uneven layers:** If your layers are not even, you may have cut them at different angles. Re-wet your hair and comb it through to even out the layers.
– **Too much volume:** If your layers are too volumizing, you may have cut them too short. Trim the ends slightly to reduce the volume.
– **Choppy or disconnected layers:** If your layers are choppy or disconnected, you may not have blended them well. Use a razor comb or thinning shears to soften the edges of the layers.
Tips
– Use sharp shears for clean, precise cuts.
– Wet your hair before cutting to make it more manageable.
– Comb your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots.
– Cut your hair in sections to avoid mistakes.
– Start with the top layer and cut it to the desired length.
– Layer the rest of your hair, using the top layer as a guide.
– Blend the layers using a razor comb or thinning shears.
– Use a hair dryer and round brush to style your hair.
10 Additional Troubleshooting and Tips
1. **Consider your face shape:** Layers can complement different face shapes, but it’s important to choose the right length and style for your features.
2. **Don’t over-layer:** Too many layers can create a messy or disorganized look. Aim for a few well-blended layers.
3. **Use a cutting guide:** A cutting guide can help you achieve even layers, especially if you are new to cutting your own hair.
4. **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** Experiment with different layer lengths and angles to find the style that suits you best.
5. **Use hair products to enhance your layers:** Styling products can help define and enhance your layers.
6. **Get regular trims:** Regular trims will help keep your layers looking their best and prevent split ends.
7. **Don’t wash your hair too often:** Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it more difficult to style and may cause breakage.
8. **Use a heat protectant:** Heat protectant products can help prevent damage from heat styling tools.
9. **Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet:** Brushing wet hair can damage the strands. Allow your hair to air dry or use a wide-toothed comb to detangle.
10. **Be patient:** Cutting short hair into layers takes practice and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it perfect the first time.
How To Cut Short Hair Into Layers Yourself
Cutting short hair into layers can be a great way to add volume and style to your locks. But if you’re not a professional hairstylist, the thought of doing it yourself can be daunting. Don’t worry, though! With the right tools and a little patience, you can easily give yourself a layered haircut at home.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sharp hair scissors
- Comb
- Sectioning clips
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Towel
Instructions:
- Wash and towel-dry your hair.
- Comb your hair to remove any tangles.
- Section your hair into three parts: top, middle, and bottom. Clip the top and bottom sections out of the way.
- Start with the middle section. Divide it into two equal parts.
- Hold one of the parts between your fingers, with the tips of your hair pointing towards the ceiling.
- Cut the hair straight across, at the desired length.
- Repeat with the other part of the middle section.
- Release the top section of hair and divide it into two equal parts.
- Hold one of the parts between your fingers, just above where you cut the middle section.
- Cut the hair at an angle, starting from the back and working your way forward. The angle will depend on how short you want the layers to be.
- Repeat with the other part of the top section.
- Release the bottom section of hair and divide it into two equal parts.
- Hold one of the parts between your fingers, just below where you cut the middle section.
- Cut the hair at an angle, starting from the front and working your way back. The angle will depend on how short you want the layers to be.
- Repeat with the other part of the bottom section.
- Once all of your hair is cut, comb through it to blend the layers.
People Also Ask
How short should my hair be to cut it into layers?
Your hair should be at least 4-6 inches long to cut it into layers. This will give you enough length to create the desired shape and volume.
What type of scissors should I use to cut layers?
You should use sharp hair scissors to cut layers. This will help you to create clean, precise cuts.
How often should I cut my layers?
You should cut your layers every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape and volume.
