How to Get Layered Hair

John Dean
3 min readAug 27, 2018

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A layered hairstyle uses a combination of variable lengths throughout the haircut. A layered hairstyle can work on a variety of overall lengths, from long, medium to short. Hair layering is not used to enhance or alter an existing hairstyle, but is rather done to create a new hairstyle to define your features and highlight your face. Here are some things to keep in mind when getting layered hair.

Take note that you shouldn’t attempt to cut your own hair unless you’ve been professionally trained. Hairstyling is no joke and having a bad haircut is something you’ll have to live with until your hair grows out again. Knowing what type of layered haircut you want and going to a trusted and reputable hairstylist are the best tools you have at hand.

Tools to Use for Layered Haircut

Sharp hair scissors for cutting and trimming

  1. Fine-toothed comb
  2. Grip clips
  3. Towel
  4. Water
  5. Cape
  6. Loose Powder
  7. Neck Duster
  8. Shampoo (optional)

What to Consider When Getting a Layered Haircut

While some claim that the layered hairstyle is “the perfect hairstyle” due to the subtle effects of layering as well as its easy-to-wear characteristics, you still have to consider:

  1. Your Facial Structure. There are seven kinds of face shapes, each with different prescribed hair lengths and hair styles. Consult with your hairstylist on what would suit your face shape the best and complement your features.
  2. What Kind of Layering. There are two ways to layer your hair: Graduating Layer cuts and Uniform Layer cuts. Graduating Layer cuts are where the layers blend into each other, the longer strands gradually leading to longer strands. The Uniform Layer cut has layers cut straight across in the same length, creating even volume and balance.
  3. Your Hair Type. Layered hair is not good for those with frizzy or wiry hair. Consult with your hairstylist first to find out your hair type’s suitability for the layered haircut. Fine hair is also considered quite tricky to layer.
  4. Be as Specific as Possible. Look at hairstyle websites and magazines, or even a celebrity’s layered haircut; chances are, there is a particular style that you will prefer over others. Try to bring a copy of the layered hairstyle to your stylist so he or she will have a clear idea of what you want.

Below the video will help!

Getting a Layered Haircut

Before getting your hair cut, it’s advisable to do the trimming and cutting with wet hair. Not only does wet hair make cutting easier, it also reveals how long your hair really is, making the cuts and trims more accurate and neater.

When layering hair, your head is divided into these sections:

  1. Your crown
  2. Along the top of your head
  3. The upper part of the forehead fringe or bangs
  4. The nape
  5. The area above your ears
  6. The hairline surrounding your face
  7. Your natural hair part.

Your stylist will put the upper layer of your hair up in grip clips and start with the layer next to your nape. When locks of hair are held 90 degrees from where your hair naturally falls, expect a more severe cut typical of a Uniform Cut layer. When they are held away 45 degrees or less, you can expect a softer and typical of the Gradual Layering Cut.

Your stylist will then cut all throughout the crown and the top of your head. The layers along this part of your head will be the shortest as to create volume and not to make your hairstyle too heavy on top and in the front.

You will then get your hair blow-dried, and your hairstylist will then make some trims to polish your haircut.

Some layered hairstyles require regular maintenance and trimming, so inquire about how often you have to come back to maintain your particular style. You may also want to consider getting highlights and lowlights on your hair to enhance your layered hairstyle for a more attractive look.

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