Have you ever wondered how to cut layered long hair? Layered haircuts are a great way to add volume and texture to your hair, and they can also be used to frame your face and accentuate your features. Cutting layered long hair can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow the right steps.
The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need a pair of sharp scissors, a comb, and a spray bottle filled with water. If you have thick or curly hair, you may also want to use a detangling spray or conditioner to make the cutting process easier. Once you have your supplies, you are ready to start cutting.
Begin by sectioning your hair into two equal parts. Then, starting at the bottom of one section, take a small piece of hair and hold it between your fingers. Slide your fingers down the hair until you reach the desired length, and then cut the hair off at an angle. Repeat this process until you have cut all of the hair in that section. Once you have finished one section, repeat the process on the other side.
Establishing a Guide Section
Sectioning the Hair
Before beginning the haircut, it is crucial to prep the hair by dividing it into sections. Use clips to isolate and secure smaller portions, ensuring a more manageable and precise cutting process. Depending on the overall length and desired layering effect, the number of sections may vary. For example, for a subtle, face-framing layering, you may opt for two sections: one from the crown to the nape and another for the front. For more intricate and voluminous layers, you can create additional sections, such as an upper and lower back section, as well as sections for the sides.
Creating the Center Back Guide
Once the hair is sectioned, identify the center back of the head. This point will serve as the foundation for establishing the guide section, which determines the overall length and shape of the haircut. To create the center back guide, take a small section of hair from the nape and hold it taut. Comb the hair smoothly downwards, forming a straight vertical section that extends from the crown to the tips. This guide section will act as a reference point for cutting the rest of the hair.
Subdividing the Guide Section
To achieve a blended and natural-looking layering effect, it is essential to further subdivide the center back guide section. Divide the section horizontally into smaller intervals, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Each subsection represents a different layer, and its length will determine the depth and volume of that layer. For instance, shorter subsections will result in more pronounced layers, while longer subsections will create subtler, more blended layers. This step allows for meticulous customization and control over the layering pattern.
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Upper Back Section | Crown to upper nape |
| Lower Back Section | Upper nape to bottom of hair |
| Sides | Temples to crown |
| Front | Bangs or face-framing layers |
Cutting the Layers
Step 1: Determine the Layers
Start by parting your hair vertically down the center of your head. Divide the front section of your hair into two equal halves. Create a horizontal part at the crown of your head, dividing the top section from the middle section. Repeat the horizontal parting process to create the bottom section. You should now have three horizontal layers.
Step 2: Cut the Top Layer
Hold the top layer straight up, parallel to the floor. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the ends of the hair straight across. Be sure to maintain an even tension throughout the cut, holding the scissors slightly open to create a slight angle on the ends. This angle will help to create movement and volume in the layers.
Step 3: Layer the Middle and Bottom Sections
Take a small section of hair from the middle layer and hold it at a 45-degree angle to the straight-across cut of the top layer. Cut the ends of this section slightly longer than the top layer, creating a gradual transition between the two layers. Repeat this process for the remaining sections of the middle layer.
| Layer | Angle | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Top | 0 degrees | Shortest |
| Middle | 45 degrees | Slightly longer than top |
| Bottom | 90 degrees | Longest |
For the bottom layer, hold each section at a 90-degree angle to the straight-across cut of the top layer. Cut the ends of these sections longer than both the top and middle layers, creating the longest length of the hair.
Layering the Back
To layer the back, start by sectioning the hair into two equal parts, from the crown to the nape of the neck. Clip one section out of the way. Working with the remaining section, take a small subsection of hair from the bottom and comb it straight out from the head, holding it perpendicular to the parting. Cut the hair at a 45-degree angle, slightly above the desired length. Repeat this process, working your way up the section, cutting shorter layers as you go. Once you reach the top of the section, blend the layers by point cutting the ends. Repeat the process on the other side of the head.
Creating Graduated Layers
To create graduated layers, start by sectioning the hair as before. Working with one section, take a small subsection of hair from the bottom and comb it straight out from the head. Cut the hair at a 45-degree angle, slightly above the desired length. Repeat this process, working your way up the section, cutting shorter layers as you go. However, instead of blending the layers, leave a small gap between each layer. This will create a more dramatic, graduated effect.
Adding Movement and Texture
To add movement and texture to the layers, use a razor or thinning shears to slightly texturize the ends of the hair. This will create a more piecey, lived-in look. You can also add layers to the sides of the head to frame the face and create a more flattering shape.
| Layer Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Graduated Layers | Layers that are cut in a staggered fashion, with shorter layers at the bottom and longer layers at the top. |
| Textured Layers | Layers that have been texturized with a razor or thinning shears to create a more piecey, lived-in look. |
Creating Texture
Point Cutting:
Hold the hair at a slight angle and cut upward using the tips of the shears. This creates jagged, uneven edges that add texture and volume.
Razor Cutting:
Using a sharp razor, gently slide it down the hair to remove small sections of hair. This technique creates soft, wispy layers that give the hair a flowing, natural look.
Dry Cutting:
Cut the hair while it’s dry to see the exact length and shape of the layers. This allows for more precision and control, especially when working with curly or textured hair.
Blunt Cutting:
Cut the hair straight across, creating a sharp, clean line. This technique emphasizes the overall length and shape of the hair, rather than adding texture.
Texturizing Shears:
Use shears with small, uneven teeth to create subtle texture throughout the hair. This technique is ideal for adding volume to fine or flat hair.
Thinning Scissors:
These scissors have fine, closely spaced teeth and are used to remove bulk from thick or heavy hair. They can also create texture by blending different layers in the hair.
| Technique | Effect |
|---|---|
| Point Cutting | Jagged, uneven edges; adds texture and volume |
| Razor Cutting | Soft, wispy layers; creates natural movement |
| Dry Cutting | Precision and control; ideal for textured hair |
| Blunt Cutting | Sharp, clean lines; emphasizes length and shape |
| Texturizing Shears | Subtle texture; adds volume to fine hair |
| Thinning Scissors | Removes bulk; creates texture by blending layers |
Styling the Layers
Once you have cut the layers into your long hair, you can style them in a variety of ways to create different looks. Here are some styling tips for layered long hair:
Blow Dry with a Brush
Blow drying your hair with a round brush can help to create volume and shape in your layers. Start by applying a heat protectant spray to your hair, then use a medium-sized round brush to blow dry your hair in small sections. Roll the brush under each section as you blow dry it to create curl and movement.
Use a Curling Iron
Curling your hair with a curling iron can add extra definition and texture to your layers. To curl your hair, divide it into small sections and wrap each section around the barrel of a curling iron. Hold the iron in place for a few seconds, then release and allow the curl to cool. You can curl your hair in a variety of ways, such as in loose waves or tight ringlets, to create different looks.
Straighten Your Hair
Straightening your hair can give it a sleek and polished look. To straighten your hair, divide it into small sections and run a flat iron over each section. You can also use a straightening brush to smooth out your hair and reduce frizz.
Use Hairspray
To keep your layers in place, use a hairspray that is designed for your hair type. Apply the hairspray to your hair after you have styled it, and focus on the areas where you want to hold the style. You can also use hairspray to tame flyaways and frizz.
| Styling Tool | Effect | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Blow dryer with round brush | Volume and shape | Apply heat protectant, blow dry in small sections, roll brush under hair |
| Curling iron | Definition and texture | Divide hair into sections, wrap around barrel, hold for a few seconds |
| Flat iron | Sleek and polished | Divide hair into sections, run flat iron over each section |
| Hairspray | Hold style, tame flyaways | Apply after styling, focus on areas that need holding |
Maintaining the Layers
Maintaining the layers in long hair is crucial to preserve their shape and definition. Here are some detailed steps to help you keep your layers looking their best:
- Regular Trims: Schedule regular trims (every 6-8 weeks) to remove split ends and prevent breakage.
- Use a Layering Razor: Investing in a layering razor designed for long hair can help create more precise and blended layers.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into sections to make the cutting process easier and more manageable.
- Start with Dry Hair: Cutting dry hair allows you to see the natural fall and texture of your hair before cutting.
- Cut at an Angle: Hold your scissors at a slight angle to the hair shaft when cutting layers, creating depth and movement.
- Feather the Ends: Use scissor tips to softly feather the ends of the layers for a natural, blended look.
- Avoid Overcutting: Be cautious not to overcut the layers, as this can result in a choppy and uneven appearance.
- Blow Dry and Style: Blow dry your hair with a round brush to style the layers and enhance their shape.
- Use Hairspray: Apply a light hold hairspray to help define the layers and prevent frizz.
- Advanced Techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| **Point Cutting:** | Snipping the hair ends with the scissors pointed upwards creates soft, textured layers. |
| **Notching:** | Cutting small V-shaped notches into the layers adds movement and volume. |
| **Slide Cutting:** | Sliding the scissors down the hair shaft creates long, seamless layers with a natural flow. |
How to Cut Layered Long Hair
Cutting layered long hair can seem like a daunting task, but it can be done with a little patience and practice. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Start with clean, dry hair. This will help you see the natural fall of your hair and make it easier to cut.
- Section off your hair. Divide your hair into three sections: top, middle, and bottom. This will help you keep track of your progress and avoid cutting too much hair from any one section.
- Cut the top layer. Begin by cutting the top layer of hair to your desired length. Hold the scissors parallel to the hair shaft and cut straight across. Be careful not to cut too much hair, as you can always cut more later.
- Cut the middle layer. Now cut the middle layer of hair to a shorter length than the top layer. Again, hold the scissors parallel to the hair shaft and cut straight across.
- Cut the bottom layer. Finally, cut the bottom layer of hair to the shortest length. This layer should be the shortest of the three.
- Blend the layers. Once you have cut all three layers, blend them together by using a razor or thinning shears. This will help to create a smooth, natural look.
- Style your hair. You can now style your hair as desired. You can add curls, waves, or simply leave it straight. Enjoy your new layered hair!
People Also Ask
What is the best way to cut long hair in layers?
The best way to cut long hair in layers is to follow the steps outlined in the guide above. Be sure to start with clean, dry hair and section off your hair before you begin cutting. Then, cut the top layer to your desired length and continue cutting the middle and bottom layers shorter. Finally, blend the layers together to create a smooth, natural look.
How can I cut my own hair in layers at home?
You can cut your own hair in layers at home by following the steps outlined in the guide above. Be sure to take your time and be careful not to cut too much hair from any one section. You can also use a mannequin or ask a friend to help you.
What are the different types of layered haircuts?
There are many different types of layered haircuts, including long layers, short layers, and choppy layers. You can also add bangs or a fringe to your layered haircut.
How do I know what type of layered haircut is right for me?
The best way to find out what type of layered haircut is right for you is to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose a haircut that will flatter your face shape and hair type.
