how to layer the back of your hair
Popular Techniques for Layering the Back of Your Hair
Layering the back of your hair can add volume, texture, and movement to your hairstyle. There are several popular techniques that hairstylists use to achieve layered looks in the back:
Razor Cutting:
Razor cutting is a technique where a hairstylist uses a razor to create layers in the hair. This technique can give a more textured and edgy look to the layers in the back. The razor cuts through the hair at an angle, creating soft, wispy ends.
Point Cutting:
Point cutting is a technique where a hairstylist uses scissors to cut into the ends of the hair at various angles. This creates texture and movement in the layers. Point cutting can be used to create subtle or more dramatic layers in the back of your hair.
Slicing:
Slicing is a technique where thin sections of hair are cut vertically with scissors. This creates seamless layers that blend well with each other. Slicing can be used to create soft, natural-looking layers in the back of your hair.
Determining the Right Length and Angle for Layered Hair at the Back
The length and angle of layered hair at the back will depend on several factors, including your face shape, hair type, and personal style preferences. Here are some tips for determining the right length and angle for layered hair at the back:
Consider Face Shape:
If you have a round face shape, longer layers that start below chin level can help elongate your face. For square or angular face shapes, softer layers that start around chin level can help soften your features.
Take Hair Type into Account:
If you have thick hair, longer layers can help reduce bulk and add movement. For fine hair, shorter layers can create the illusion of more volume.
Personal Style Preferences:
Consider your personal style preferences when deciding on the length and angle of layered hair at the back. If you prefer a more edgy and textured look, shorter and choppier layers may be suitable. If you prefer a softer and more natural look, longer and blended layers may be preferable.
Recommended Tools and Products for Layering the Back of Your Hair
To achieve a layered look in the back of your hair, you will need some essential tools and products:
Sharp Hair Cutting Scissors:
- A pair of sharp hair cutting scissors is essential for achieving clean and precise cuts when layering the back of your hair.
Razor or Thinning Shears (optional):
- If you want to add texture to your layers, you may consider using a razor or thinning shears. These tools can help create a softer and more blended look.
Hair Clips:
- Hair clips are useful for sectioning off different parts of your hair while layering. They help keep the rest of your hair out of the way as you work on one section at a time.
Heat Protectant Spray:
- If you plan on using heat styling tools after layering your hair, it’s important to protect it from heat damage. A heat protectant spray will create a barrier between your hair and the hot tool.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Layer the Back of Your Hair at Home
Layering the back of your hair at home can be a bit challenging, but with the right technique and tools, it’s possible to achieve a layered look. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair:
Start by washing and drying your hair as you normally would. Make sure your hair is completely dry before you begin layering.
Step 2: Section Off Your Hair:
Using hair clips, section off the top portion of your hair and clip it out of the way. This will allow you to focus on layering the back of your hair first.
Step 3: Determine the Length:
Decide on the length you want for your layers in the back. Use a comb to create a horizontal parting line where you want the layers to start.
Step 4: Start Layering:
Take a small section of hair from the bottom and hold it between your index and middle fingers. Use sharp scissors to cut into the ends at an angle, creating a layered effect. Continue this technique with small sections of hair until you have achieved your desired layers.
Step 5: Blend the Layers:
To create a more seamless look, use point cutting or slicing techniques to blend the layers together. This will help avoid any harsh lines or unevenness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Layering the Back of Your Hair
- Avoid cutting too much hair at once, as it can lead to uneven results.
- Avoid using dull scissors, as they can cause damage and create uneven cuts.
- Avoid cutting the layers too short, as it can result in a choppy and unflattering look.
- Avoid skipping the blending step, as it can make the layers appear disconnected and unnatural.
Face Shapes that Benefit from Layered Hair in the Back
Layered hair in the back can complement various face shapes. Here are some face shapes that benefit from layered hair:
Oval Face Shape:
An oval face shape is considered versatile and can pull off different hairstyles. Layered hair in the back can add volume and movement to an oval face shape.
Round Face Shape:
Layered hair in the back can help elongate a round face shape by creating vertical lines. Longer layers that start below chin level are particularly flattering for this face shape.
Square Face Shape:
Soft, blended layers in the back can help soften the angles of a square face shape. Layers that start around chin level work well for this face shape.
Maintaining and Trimming Layers in the Back of Your Hair: How Often?
To maintain your layered hairstyle at the back, regular trims are essential. The frequency of trims will depend on how quickly your hair grows and how well you want to maintain the shape of your layers. On average, getting a trim every 6-8 weeks is recommended to keep your layers looking fresh and prevent split ends.
Alternative Methods or Techniques for Layering the Back of Your Hair
In addition to razor cutting, point cutting, and slicing techniques mentioned earlier, there are alternative methods for layering the back of your hair:
Slide Cutting:
Slide cutting is a technique where the scissors are held parallel to the hair shaft and slid down, creating layers that blend seamlessly. This technique is often used for creating long layers in the back of the hair.
Feathering:
Feathering is a technique where the ends of the hair are lightly razored or point cut to create soft, feather-like layers. This technique can give a more natural and blended look to the layers in the back of your hair.
Hairstyles that Work Well with Layered Hair at the Back
Layered hair at the back can work well with various hairstyles. Here are some hairstyles that complement layered hair:
Layers with Loose Waves:
Create loose waves using a curling iron or hot rollers to enhance the texture and movement of your layered hair at the back. This hairstyle looks effortless and beachy.
Ponytail with Face-Framing Layers:
Pull your layered hair at the back into a high ponytail, leaving out face-framing layers on either side. This hairstyle showcases your layers while keeping your hair off your face.
Recommended Professional Hairstylists and Tutorials for Layering the Back of Your Hair Effectively
- Hair By Chrissy (@hairby_chrissy): Chrissy specializes in balayage and lived-in color techniques, as well as creating beautifully layered hairstyles.
- Sam Villa (@samvillahair): Sam Villa is an award-winning hairstylist known for his educational videos and tutorials on various cutting techniques, including layering.
- Guy Tang (@guy_tang): Guy Tang is a renowned hairstylist and educator who shares his expertise in creating stunning layered hairstyles through his tutorials.
In conclusion, mastering the technique of layering the back of your hair can add depth and dimension to your hairstyle, creating a more voluminous and textured look. With the right tools and guidance, you can achieve professional-looking layers that enhance your overall appearance.
