How to Layer Your Own Straight Hair

Snip your way to savings by layering your own hair.

Layering straight hair can transform your style and change the look and feel of your hair in several ways. Layering can make hair look and feel fuller and give it more body than limp, straight hair of one length. Cutting into layers texturizes hair and frames the face. Layering straight hair will also remove split ends and make hair healthier than leaving it uncut.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp scissors
• Jaw-style hair clips
• Hair clips
• Wide-tooth comb
• Fine-tooth comb
• Spray bottle
• Mirror

Instructions

1. Decide upon the length of layers you will cut. Know how you want your layers to look, and stick to the style. Do not change your mind in mid-cut.

2. Wash and condition your hair. Leave your hair wet. Tuck a hand towel into your collar to keep cut hairs from scratching your neck, or put on a collarless robe. Fill a spray bottle with water to use to keep your hair wet if it should start to dry while you are cutting a layer.

3. Position yourself in front of the mirror. Place another mirror on the opposite side of your main wall mirror so that you can see all the angles of your hair that you intend to cut.

4. Make a one-inch thick horizontal part at your hairline right above the inner end of your eyebrow on one side and draw straight across to the other eyebrow. Comb this section straight down in front of your eyes. Tuck the side sections behind your ears and out of the way.

5. Grasp the hair between your index and middle fingers and cut this section straight across in front of your eyes to the desired length. This is now your cutting guide, and it will determine the length of the top layers.

6. Take your comb and make another one-inch section right behind the section you just cut. Comb all this hair straight up, and borrow a very thin slice of the previously cut hair to use as a "traveling" guide. Trim the new section of hair following the ends of the guide.

7. Repeat the pattern of parting and cutting one-inch sections using a thin parting of hair from the previously cut section. Work toward the back of your head. Drop your chin down as you go so you can see the top of your head. Work all the way to the back of the head until you finish.

8. Now part your hair in the center. Make a slanted vertical part in front of your ear, parting a one-inch section of hair. Comb it forward and grasp with two fingers. Cut just below your fingers.

9. Continue making one-inch slanted vertical sections on the side of your head. Comb it forward to match the guide, and cut. Your layers will be longer as you move to the back of your hair.

10. Repeat Step 9 on the other side of your head to complete your cut.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan your length before you cut.

• Cut in gradual steps, a little bit at each time.

• Get comfortable with the scissors before you make a radical change.

• Keep your head in the same position for the entire haircut.

• Hair stretches when it is wet, so keep in mind your hair will be a little shorter when it dries.

References

• "Haircutting for Dummies"; J. Elaine Spear; 2002
• Your Hairstyles: How to Cut Layers in Hair

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish