Hair Cut Instructions - Long Layered Locks

This cut is for medium to long hair, and creates even, long layers.

What you need:

1. Sharp Scissors (if they're not high quality, at least make sure they are new or you will damage the hair).

2. Wall Mirror and Hand Mirror

3. Fine Tooth Comb

4. Ruler (or a hairdresser's comb with measurements)

5. Masking Tape (to mark the ruler)

Begin by wetting the hair, and apply a small amount of conditioner so you can easily comb through the sections. Lightly towel dry the hair to the damp stage.

Determining How Much to Cut:

Comb through the hair with a wide tooth comb and determine how long you want your top layer to be. Start by sectioning off a small section of hair from the top of your head, and combing it straight up at a 90 degree angle. Measure with a ruler the desired length, then while holding the hair at the desired measurement, bring it down to the side of your head to determine how long your top layer will be after the cut.

Remember that wet hair tends to stretch, so the result will be slightly shorter when the hair is dry. Do the same with the hair that grows above the ear, and at the nape of the neck - hold the hair straight out at a 90-degree angle, measure with the ruler, then bring it down to the side to determine what the resulting length will be.

Mark Your Ruler:

After deciding on length to cut off, mark the correct measurement with masking tape. This will insure you don't get confused or forget the desired length when you are in the middle of the cut. All of the hair on your head will be cut to the same predetermined length from the scalp, but will fall at what appears to be different lengths.

Begin The Cut:

Starting at the front of the head (if the fringe is not long enough to reach the measurement, just leave it alone), comb approximately one-inch sections of hair straight up and measure the correct length with the ruler. Hold the hair securely between your fingers keeping the hair taut (and perpendicular to the scalp) and in one motion cut the hair straight across (see illustration). For a softer look, after cutting straight across you can cut into the ends two or three times at a slight angle with the tips of the scissors.

Remember, Your Head Is Round!

Repeat this step, one inch at a time moving across the top of the head, maintaining the 90-degree angle (keep in mind the angle will constantly change because your head is round!) As you complete each cut, secure the hair that is already cut together with a hair elastic, large clip or bobby pins - this will insure you're not searching for strands that you may have missed later.

As you reach the back of the head, use both mirrors each time you section off one inch of hair. After grabbing the section and putting down the mirror, if you are unable to see the hair you are cutting with the wall mirror, you may need to enlist a friend to help you out. The hair must be pulled straight out from the neck (avoid pulling if off to the side) this will ensure the layers fall evenly.

If you maintain a 90-degree angle (perpendicular to the scalp, above the ears, and to the neck) and cut straight across each time, you will have a perfectly layered haircut. This cut looks best blow-dried with a large round brush for volume.