How to Layer a Hair Cut

Performing a layer hair cut is a useful skill to acquire if you would like to save money on frequent hair cuts. When you learn how to layer a hair cut, you will be able to help your family save money by cutting hair as it is necessary. Once you learn the basic techniques, you will see that cutting hair into a layer cut is not that difficult. With practice, you could be giving hair cuts that are just as stylish as a salon.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comb
• Hair cutting scissors
• Four clips
• Spray bottle
• Bath towel

1. Dampen the hair completely with a spray bottle. Towel dry the hair lightly and place the towel around the shoulders of the person having the hair cut.

2. Divide the hair into four sections with the comb. First, part the hair down the middle all the way from the front to the crown. Then part the hair from ear to ear. Place each section into a clip to create four sections of hair.

3. Begin by taking a small portion of hair from both front sections. Comb through the hair and hold it together straight out from the head.

4. Decide on the length you are going to cut the hair while still holding the section straight out. Place your second and third fingers straight across the hair section and cut across the ends of the section of hair using your fingers as a guide.

5. Choose which front section you will cut first and add another small amount of hair from this section while you are still holding the portion of hair that was just cut. Comb through all of the hair you are holding out and notice the hair you are holding that has been cut and the hair that has not been cut yet. Using the hair that has already been cut as a guide, place your second and third fingers straight across the hair section at this point and make your second cut.

6. Allow the section of hair that was cut first to drop down onto the head but continue to hold the section of hair that was cut second. Add another small portion of uncut hair to the hair that is being held straight out from the head. Comb through all of the hair together and notice the hair that has been cut and the hair that has not been cut yet. Using the hair that has already been cut as a guide, place your second and third fingers straight across the hair section at this point and make the third cut.

7. Repeat Step 6 until you have cut the section completely. Clip the section back when it is finished being cut, except you must keep a small portion out to use as a guide for the next section.

8. Cut the other section in the front and then the two sections in the back using the same method as in Steps 6 and 7.

9. Remove the clips and comb the hair straight.

10. Trim the bottom edges of the hair while the hair is combed straight down making sure that it is even.

Tips & Warnings

• Be conservative with your first cuts. If it does not end up being short enough, you can always go through and trim more hair off.