How to Cut Hair with Layers

Preparing Your Tools and Workspace

Before you start cutting hair with layers, it’s important to prepare your tools and workspace. Here are some steps you can take to get ready:

1. Gather your tools: You’ll need a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors, a comb, hair clips, and a spray bottle filled with water. You may also want to have thinning shears on hand if you want to create a more textured look.

2. Clean your workspace: Make sure your cutting area is clean and well-lit. You don’t want any clutter or distractions while you’re working.

3. Prepare your client: If you’re cutting someone else’s hair, make sure they’re wearing a smock or an old shirt to protect their clothes from any loose hair. You should also have a towel handy to wipe away any excess hair or water.

By taking these steps to prepare your tools and workspace, you’ll be able to focus on creating a clean and precise layered haircut.

Sectioning the Hair for Layering

Sectioning the hair is a crucial step in creating a layered haircut. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Start by dividing the hair into four sections: top, sides, and back. Use clips to keep each section separated.

2. Take a small section of hair from the top of the head, near the crown. Hold it straight up and comb it straight out from the head.

3. Decide how long you want the first layer to be, and cut the hair at a slight angle. This will create a graduated effect.

4. Repeat this process on each section of the hair, working from the back to the front. Make sure each layer is even and follows the same angle as the previous layer.

5. Once you’ve finished cutting the layers, remove the clips and comb through the hair to ensure there are no uneven sections.

By sectioning the hair properly, you’ll be able to create a layered look that is even and balanced.

Creating the First Layer

Creating the first layer is the foundation of a layered haircut. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Take a small section of hair from the top of the head, near the crown. Hold it straight up and comb it straight out from the head.

2. Decide how long you want the first layer to be, and cut the hair at a slight angle. This will create a graduated effect.

3. Use the cut hair as a guide to cut the remaining hair in the same section. Make sure the hair is evenly distributed between your fingers, and cut at the same angle as the first cut.

4. Move on to the next section of hair and repeat the process.

5. After you’ve cut all the sections, remove the clips and comb through the hair to ensure there are no uneven sections.

Creating the first layer sets the tone for the rest of the haircut. Take your time and be precise to ensure a clean and even cut.

Adding Subsequent Layers

After creating the first layer, it’s time to add subsequent layers to create depth and texture in the haircut. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Take a small section of hair from the next layer, just below the first layer. Hold it straight up and comb it straight out from the head.

2. Decide how long you want this layer to be, and cut the hair at a slight angle. Make sure the angle matches the angle of the first layer.

3. Use the cut hair as a guide to cut the remaining hair in the same section. Make sure the hair is evenly distributed between your fingers, and cut at the same angle as the first cut.

4. Move on to the next section of hair and repeat the process. Make sure each subsequent layer is shorter than the previous layer to create the desired length and texture.

5. After you’ve cut all the layers, remove the clips and comb through the hair to ensure there are no uneven sections.

Adding subsequent layers is what creates the depth and texture in a layered haircut. Be mindful of the angle and length of each layer to achieve the desired look.

Finishing and Styling the Layered Haircut

Once you’ve finished cutting the layers, it’s time to finish and style the haircut. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Remove any excess hair or loose strands with a brush or towel.

2. Use thinning shears to texturize the hair if desired. This will give the hair a softer, more natural look.

3. Style the hair using a blow dryer, curling iron, or flat iron. You can also add hair products such as mousse, gel, or hairspray to create a desired style.

4. Check for any uneven sections and trim as needed.

5. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the style in place.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to finish and style the layered haircut to create a polished and professional look.