How to Layer When Cutting Hair

Layering hair is a simple technique that makes a big difference in the style of the final haircut. Layers help define the shape of the head, separate the hair and add volume. A layered cut can be a fashionable and fun look on any type of hair, and is a simple cut to achieve with scissors. Read on to learn how to layer when cutting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Shampoo and condition hair, and cut hair to the desired base length. Initially, the hair should be cut to a uniform length slightly longer than the desired length for the longest layer.

2. Comb the hair into triangular parts. Exaggerate the parts to achieve greater volume with the layers in the finished cut.

3. Take small sections of hair, starting from the center of the back of the head and moving forward, and pull them out with a comb to a 45-degree angle to the head.

4. Hold the hair flat between your index and middle fingers just above the ends of the hair. Using scissors, cut straight across the ends.

5. Work your way up from the bottom layers to the top, cutting the top layers shorter if desired. When you are finished cutting the layers, texture them so that they will separate and be more noticeable.

Tips & Warnings

• If attempting to layer your own hair, don't use these techniques, which are meant for use by a hairdresser when cutting another person's hair. Cutting your own hair requires specialized techniques to accommodate for the limited visibility and range of motion.
• These steps are primarily useful for short-to-medium hairstyles where the layers are close together in length. For long hair with more drastic differences between layers, you will need to repeat the layering steps multiple times at different lengths.