How to Cut Layers in Short Hair

Blunt cuts can become boring after a while. Layering is an easy-to-manage alternative. Layering hair means cutting it to different lengths. It's a trendy way to add interest to a tired bob. If you have a friend or relative who is willing to follow the instructions, or better yet has some hair-cutting experience, layering can be done at home. Perhaps you are even brave enough to cut layers into your own hair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Salon scissors (blades 5 inches or shorter)
• Shampoo
• Water
• Spray bottle

1. Cut hair the same length all the way around until you have it 1 inch longer than you want the end result to be. Use sharp scissors to ensure that every hair is cut and you are not left with gaps.

2. Wash and rinse hair thoroughly before beginning to cut. Do not dry the hair, as it will be more manageable while wet. Keep a spray bottle nearby so that you can re-wet it as it dries.

3. Comb hair straight back, leaving a 1/2- to 1-inch section in the front. Gather this section and pull it straight out from the head in front of the face, like you are creating a ponytail.

4. Hold the scissors perpendicular to the floor (so that they are straight up and down in your hand) and snip the ends of the hair you are holding out. Cut off 1/2 inch from the ends.

5. Drop this section and part the rest of the hair down the middle. Beginning on the left side, pull a 1-inch section of hair straight out from the head so that it is perpendicular to the body. For short, thick hair, begin with 1 inch of the top, then do the remaining bottom layer separately. Make the 1/2 inch snip and drop as before. Continue around the head, working on 1 inch at a time, until you reach the front.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to get the under layers of your hair as well as the top layers.
• If the hair is still too long when you are finished, make one more round with the snips.
• You do not have to match up each snip to the last. Pulling your hair out from your head before the cut will place the layers just as you need them, so no guide is needed.
• Be careful not to overdo the cutting. Too many layers can make your hair look gapped.

[jenng]

on 6/14/2009 Great article on how to cut layers in short hair 5*

[dreamteller]

on 6/14/2009 Very informative!

[sammyz408]

on 5/28/2009 Although I have short hair, great article! *5

[kh1984]

on 5/4/2009 If you wish to completely start over, you can still do step one. If you are just looking to add more layers, or trim layered hair, you can skip step one.

[woot]

on 4/25/2009 Thanks for the instructions on how to cut layers into hair. If your hair is already layered, do you just start with step 2?