How to Layer Medium Length Hair Yourself

If your medium length hair is in need of a makeover, consider giving yourself a layer cut to change your style. Layered cuts are versatile and add dimension to otherwise flat, boring hair. Layers can be long or short, and can be as subtle or drastic as you desire. Depending on your preference, you can add light layers that complement your existing style, heavy layers that drastically alter your hair's appearance or something in between. Although cutting layers in your hair requires precision and a steady hand, if you have these skills, you can skip the salon and give yourself a layered haircut.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Towels
• Hair clips
• Fine tooth comb
• Hair scissors

Instructions

1. Wash and condition your hair, then towel dry. Comb hair with a fine tooth comb and eliminate any knots or tangles.

2. Separate your hair into seven sections, securing with hair clips. Divide hair into one section on the top of your head, one section on the right side above the ear, one section on the left side above the ear, one section on the right crown of the head, one section on the left crown of the head, one section on the right nape above the back of the neck, one section on the left nape above the back of the neck and leave a ½-inch perimeter around the entire head hanging down.

3. Cut one inch from a short front section of the unsecured perimeter hair. Repeat at the back perimeter and the side perimeters. Use these cut sections as a guide to cut the remainder of the perimeter hair, using short sections to maintain control.

4. Check to make sure all perimeter hair is being cut evenly by pulling sections of hair from both the right and left side of the head into the front of your face. Make sure the ends meet up and are even, trimming where necessary.

5. Unfasten the back right section of hair. Divide it into two segments, letting one segment hang down and securing the other with the clip.

6. Comb hair and pull it straight out from the scalp. Use the already cut vertical hair as a guide to cut this segment of hair. Release the clip and repeat the step for the second segment.

7. Allow the hair to fall down and check the length of the layer. Comb and cut more if desired.

8. Release the clip and repeat the step for the second segment. Be sure to check for evenness while cutting.

9. Repeat with the other sections. Work from the center of the back of the head towards the right side, then from the center of the back of the head towards the left side.

10. Leave the lower sections of the hair at a longer length than the upper sections, to create the desired layer effect.

11. Continue cutting in the same manner, working from the sections lower on the head up to the sections higher on the head. Use the already cut lower sections of hair as your guide for the upper sections of hair.

12. Check hair by combing through each section separately. Be sure all hair blends well and layers are at the desired length. Trim accordingly.

13. Tousle all sections together and check to make sure the hair appears even all around. Make sure layers are even throughout and trim accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a spray bottle to mist hair with water to maintain dampness.

• Keep your feet flat and your posture even when cutting to avoid uneven layers.

References

• Hairfinder.com