DIY Hairstyling: Wild Layers!

Let's face it, not all of us women have the luxury of spending $40 or more on a great hairstyle, plus dishing out more dough later on, just to maintain it. Forget that! I'd like to keep my arm and leg, thank you!

Bargain Salons: $10 for a whole new you?

Some of us can live with the same hairstyle for years and be totally content, while others, such as myself, like a change every so often. However, when you are on a tight budget, that "brand new you" gets put on the backburner, or ends up settling for the 10 buck poverty-do.

Cheap salons are great to go to for a trim, or even some "light" styling. Those 10 buck haircuts are a sure bargain for trims and simple styles. I've had some nice results after walking out of salons like these, but when it came down to me wanting a more elaborate/funky hairstyle, the hairstylists would look at me as though I was speaking another language. So, I knew if I wanted the good stuff, I'd have to splurge. Most of the time, splurge is not even in my vocabulary.

On the other hand, some women have had great success at these types of salons. It really depends on the look you want, what you are willing to spend, and also willing to spend to maintain it.

I've spent a long time going to the cheap salons, and never truly got what I really wanted.

With some experimenting, research and word of mouth, I have finally been able to achieve the look of a full head of layers by doing it on my own. Not only was I super pleased with the results, but I have also saved a ton of money by doing it myself. This very simple guide will teach those of you with long straight hair, how to achieve a full head of beautiful layers, without having to pay an arm & leg for it.

Getting Started

A sharp pair of professional hair scissors is essential. Using a cheap, or dull pair of scissors will make cutting your hair much more difficult and cause an uneven cut. The best place to purchase professional hair scissors is at your local beauty supply store.

Clean hair is very important when achieving this style. Shampoo your hair and comb it through using a fine toothcomb. Make sure the hair is free of any residue (i.e. Hairspray, Hair Gel etc.). Hair can be wet or dry when cutting it. Most people prefer it to be wet for easier cutting.

Using a hair elastic, make a ponytail on the very top of your head, making sure all the hair is smooth and evenly combed through. It is important that your pony tail is nice and snug and that there are no bumps.

Since you will be looking at the actual hair, instead of in a mirror while cutting it, you will not need to wrap yourself in any plastic covering, or need to use a towel on your shoulders. Lie something on the floor to catch the cut hair. I use a regular trash bag for this. It's easy to clean up, and you can just throw it away afterwards.

Start cutting!

Bend over, flipping your hair towards the floor

Comb your ponytail to make sure it's straight and smooth (tighten ponytail if need be)

Make a cut straight across the ponytail (as straight as possible). If you have thicker hair, you may need to make a few cuts. Cut as little or as many inches as you'd like.

Note: The distance from the scissors to the top of your head will be the length of your longest layer. All layers above that will be shorter in length.

Take your hair out of the ponytail and flip hair back.

La La La Layers!!

You now have a full head of layers! Make adjustments where needed if you wish, and style hair as you normally would.

Don't forget to give yourself a pat on the back while you're at it!