How to Cut and Layer Curly Hair in Sections

Straight-haired girls spend hundreds of dollars on perms and hot rollers to try to get the curly effect some lucky girls come by naturally. If your hair is curly, consider a layer cut to emphasis your locks without making your hair poof up. Layering your curls allows soft definition while controlling thickness.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comb
• Haircutting shears
• Hair clips
• Cape or large towel

1. Shampoo and towel dry the hair. Place a large towel or plastic cape over the shoulders of the person receiving the haircut. Arrange their chair by a counter or a tray where you can easily reach the tools you will need.

2. Gently comb any snarls from the wet hair. Use only a little spray-in conditioner, if needed but avoid conditioning hair before cutting as it makes the hair shaft slippery and may prevent an even cut.

3. Section the model's hair by parting in the middle and again, straight down from the top of the head on either side to just behind the ears. Clip each section in front of the part forward and out of the way.

4. Make another section in the back of the head by parting horizontally around the back from the tip of one ear to the other ear. Clip the top portion of the hair up and out of your way.

5. Comb the remaining back section of hair straight down and cut off the desired amount in a horizontal cut. Do this by making an initial cut and then picking up a little more hair with a comb and your fingers and combing straight downwards, cutting the new hair when you reach the previous cut mark. Continue that process until the entire section is cut evenly.

6. Re-section the hair above the just-cut portion by taking out the clips and making a new part, still horizontal to the last one but one inch higher. Repeat the cutting pattern, using the cut hair as your guide. Re-section and repeat.

7. Cut the sides of the hair next, using the same technique but stand directly to the side of your model and section the hair in one-inch increments, starting at the bottom and working upwards. Use the same cutting guide from the back of the hair to measure from when cutting the sides.

8. Angle the front of your model's curly hair after finishing the basic length by separating a section from the center part directly to the tip of each ear and comb the part in the front forward. Hold the hair parallel to the part and cut to the desired length. Repeat on the other side.

Tips & Warnings

• Use very sharp haircutting shears when cutting hair to prevent ragged split ends.
• If you're not comfortable cutting hair, try taking only a tiny bit off at first until you get the hang of cutting the hair in sections. Use the previous cuts as guides.

Resources

• Watch a curly haircut demonstration.