5 Tips For Creating Your Best Layers
Layering. It can cause some stress for even the most experienced stylists. That’s why we grabbed some tips from the experts who’ve already mastered it. Here are five tricks to remember when creating beautiful layers.
Watch Your Weight
Layering is about removing weight, so the thicker the hair, the more you must layer. If hair is fine, longer layers will produce movement and texture. But if you over-layer fine hair, it could appear thin and lifeless, so balance and adjust your technique accordingly, says Schwarzkopf Professional North American Creative Director Damien Carney.
Get Vertical
Most layers are created by using vertical partings, the lightest form of cutting. Keep over-direction to a minimum because it creates length and weight. Remember that hair is most dense at the back nape area and finer, less dense at the front hairline so adjust your over-direction as necessary.
Shape Shifting
Round layers are excellent for softening hard, strong facial features or body shapes. Square layers will neutralize roundness in the facial features or body shape. Asymmetrical layering is excellent for producing modern, trendy long layers. Keep in mind that the objective is to create the illusion of an oval face shape, so you’re almost always neutralizing. Round neutralizes square, square neutralizes round.
For An Always-Even Cut
When working with hair that falls at the shoulder or collarbone, PHYTO Global Artistic Director Anthony Cristiano suggests turning your client’s head to the side and then having them lean back. This keeps the shoulder out of the way of the cut and allows you to continue cutting evenly.
Dry vs. Wet
Cutting hair dry can sometimes produce a more natural and grown-out style. The lines are softer and less harsh, which is more flattering. And according to Redken Education Artistic Director Sam Villa,, sometimes you can control your layers more by cutting dry because you can see how the weight, length and density of the hair fall immediately.
