Long Layers: 3 Tips For Visible Texture

Long Layers: 3 Tips For Creating Visible Texture 

Want to give long-haired clients visible texture and movement but avoid the dreaded shelf layer? We feel you, so we had IGK Hair co-founder Aaron Grenia (@aarongreniahair) stop by The BTC House to teach his texturizing techniques. He broke down how to protect length, create interior texture and his best styling tricks for making all that movement visible. Scroll down for all the details and click here to get Aaron’s class on BTC University FOR FREE. 

This Before & After Is A Whole VIBE

1. Use Overdirection To Protect Length

To open up the baseline and give the haircut more visible texture and style versatility, Aaron takes vertical panel sections along the occipital bone. Bringing the section 90 degrees off of the head, Aaron point cuts to soften. To protect length in the front, Aaron will over direct the section directly behind the ear to the center back of the head. 

Pro Tip: When texturizing clients with thinner or finer hair, Aaron suggests taking horizontal sections and keeping both the elevation and over direction lower, closer to the baseline.

2. Create Deeper Texture With Point Cut Progression

To create movement within the interior, Aaron uses a unique point cutting technique that allows his point cuts to go deeper, which he calls “Deep, Point Cut Progression.” Here’s how Aaron breaks down this technique:

• First thing to remember is that this technique is a visual. Aaron suggests moving around your client, get your hands in their hair and determine where there is heaviness. 

• Take a very large section—thickness will depend on the density of the client’s hair and fold the section over your index finger. This will get the hair at the perimeter out of the way and allow for more control.

• Once you determine where the texture will live—how deep into the section to cut—use the tip of the shears to shallow point cut into the hair curved over your finger. While point cutting, slide the section through your finger to establish progression.

• Then comb the section out and soften the ends again if needed.

3. Styling Texture Is Not One Size Fits All

Once it’s time to style, don’t let all that texture get hidden away. Here’s how he creates visible, soft texture:

• Alternate the direction of the waves, bending sections both towards and away from the face.

• Use different section sizes and heat settings throughout the bottom and sides.
  • Smaller sections + higher heat = a more predominant bend.
  • Larger sections + lower heat setting = softer, looser bend.

• When styling the crown, work with the shape of the layer. Aaron suggests taking diagonal sections throughout the top of the head to help the texture be more visible.

• Use styling products that won’t weigh the hair down. Aaron finished his style with IGK Hair products Beach Club Texturizing Spray and the Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner, an aerosol leave-in that comes out of the can dry and gives the hair visible softness.

Click Through The Slideshow To See More Of Aaron At The BTC House!

Products Used

Beachwaves

Beach Club Texture Spray

Leave-In

Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner

IGK Hair

Ready To Learn This Cut? Click Here For Aaron’s FREE BTC University Class!