Complete Tutorial: How to Cut Natural Layers Yourself at Home (Salon-Quality Results!)

Complete Tutorial: How to Cut Natural Layers Yourself at Home (Salon-Quality Results!)

Dreaming of long hair that still looks neat, voluminous, and full of movement, as if you just stepped out of a salon? The key might be a natural layered cut. Natural layers are the perfect choice for those who want to add dimension to their hair without sacrificing length, providing a sweet and elegant look.

Unlike other layered styles that might have noticeable differences in length between layers, natural layers are designed with closer spacing between layers and a smooth transition. The result is a hairstyle that looks more cohesive, organic, and naturally voluminous. At SalwaSalon.com, we believe everyone can have their dream hair. This step-by-step guide will help you create beautiful natural layers at home.

Ready to take control of your hairstyle? Let’s begin!

Initial Preparation: Key to Successful Haircutting at Home

Before we start cutting, thorough preparation is half the battle. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and your hair is in the right condition.

Tools You Need

• Professional Hair Scissors: This is your best investment. Never use paper or kitchen scissors as they will damage hair ends and result in an untidy cut. Professional hair scissors have very sharp blades and are specifically designed for clean cuts.
• Fine-Tooth Comb: Essential for ensuring every strand of hair is perfectly combed and tangle-free before cutting.
• Hair Clips: To separate sections of hair for a more organized and easier cutting process.
• Spray Bottle with Water: Hair should be damp when cutting.
• Large Mirror and Hand Mirror: Allows you to see all angles of your hair to ensure symmetry.
• Towel: To keep your shoulders and clothes clean from cut hair.

Proper Hair Preparation

Start with clean hair. Wash your hair as usual, then towel-dry it until damp—not soaking wet, nor too dry. Damp hair is easier to manage and cut with precision. Comb your hair until there are no tangles at all. Tangled hair can lead to uneven cut lengths.

Understanding the Concept of Natural Layers

As we mentioned, natural layers aim to provide texture and movement to the hair without drastically reducing length. It’s not about stark, multi-layered cuts, but rather creating the illusion of volume and lightness at the hair ends.

What is a Natural Layer?

A natural layer is a hair cutting technique where layers are created with minimal length differences and very smooth transitions. The philosophy is to maintain the silhouette of your long hair, but with a more defined, neat touch, and giving a sweeter effect. These layers will fall naturally, providing volume in specific areas and gently framing the face.

Benefits of Natural Layers for Your Hair

• Adds Volume: Ideal for thin or flat hair that needs an extra boost.
• Adds Movement: Hair will not look stiff but will flow beautifully as you move.
• Frames the Face: Shorter front layers can enhance your facial features.
• Maintains Length: You don’t have to worry about significantly losing your hair length.
• Reduces Bulk: For thick hair, natural layers can help reduce weight, making it feel lighter and easier to manage.

Step-by-Step: How to Cut Natural Layers Yourself

Follow these steps carefully. Remember, patience is key!

1. Step 1: Dividing Hair into Sections

   To ensure every cut is neat, it’s important to divide your hair into several sections. Use hair clips to isolate each section. We recommend the following divisions:

   • Bottom Section (Nape): Create a horizontal line just above the nape of your neck. This will be the base section that determines the longest length of your hair. Clip the rest of your hair up.
   • Middle Section (Crown): Create another horizontal line from ear to ear, passing over the crown of your head.
   • Top Section (Top): The remaining hair above the middle section is the top section.
   • Side Sections (Sides): If your hair is thick enough, you can divide the middle and top sections into two sides (left and right) for easier management.

   Focus on one section at a time. Clip all sections you are not currently working on.

2. Step 2: Determining the Length of the First Layer (Bottom Guide)

   We will start from the bottom section of your hair. Release the clip from the hair at the nape of your neck. Comb this section evenly and pull it straight down. Determine the final hair length you desire. Cut horizontally or slightly curved following the shape of your neck. This will be the longest length guide for all your hair. Remember, always start by cutting little by little. It’s better to cut less than too short.

3. Step 3: Cutting the Left and Right Sides

   Release the hair sections on the left and right sides (if you divided them). Comb this hair forward, towards your chin or shoulder. Use the length guide from the back section that you have already cut. Cut at a diagonal angle, following the shape of your face and connecting it with the length of the back section. This technique will create soft, face-framing layers.

4. Step 4: Creating Layers in the Top Section (Crown)

   Now, it’s time to create layers at the top of your head to add volume. Release the hair section at the crown of your head. Take a small part of hair from the center of the crown and lift it straight up (90 degrees from the head). Determine how short you want the shortest layer to be in this area. Cut vertically or using the “point cutting” technique (cutting the hair ends at a small angle) for a softer and more natural result.

   Repeat this process for the remaining hair in the crown section, always using the first cut as a guide. Make sure you pull each hair section to the same angle for even layers.

5. Step 5: Blending & Softening Hair Ends

   After all main sections are cut, release all clips. Comb through all your hair and check for symmetry. This is the most crucial stage for creating a “natural look.”

   • Cross-Checking: Take hair sections horizontally, then vertically. Check if there are any sections that are too long or uneven.
   • Point Cutting: To soften the ends of the layers and add texture, use the point cutting technique. Take the ends of the hair and cut vertically into the hair, not straight across. This will make the layers look more blended and less blunt.
6. Step 6: Adjusting Front Layers (Face-Framing)

   The front layers frame your face. Take a small section of hair on the sides of your face, from your temples to your ears. Comb it forward. Determine where you want these shortest layers to start (e.g., below the chin or at collarbone level). Cut diagonally, connecting them with the side layers. We recommend starting slightly longer, as you can always cut shorter if needed. This cut will give the impression of a slimmer face and highlight your features.

Pro Tips from Salwa Salon for Optimal Results

As beauty instructors, we have a few little secrets for more satisfying results:

Use the Right Hair Scissors
It’s not just about sharpness, but also grip and balance. Ergonomically designed scissors will make the cutting process more comfortable and precise. You can find various professional hair scissor options at leading beauty stores or online. Consider this a long-term investment for your beautiful hair.

Start Small
The golden rule of hair cutting is: you can always cut shorter, but you can’t lengthen hair that has already been cut. Always start by cutting little by little and check the results. If necessary, you can cut again.

Pay Attention to Hair Elevation Angle
The angle at which you pull the hair before cutting will greatly affect how the layers fall. For softer, more natural layers, pull the hair at a slightly lower angle. For more defined layers, pull the hair at a higher angle. Consistency is key.

Don’t Rush
Cutting your own hair requires patience. Take your time. If you feel tired or frustrated, take a break. Mistakes often happen when rushing.

Check for Symmetry Repeatedly
After every few cuts, comb your hair and check for symmetry using both mirrors. This is important to ensure both sides of your hair have the same layer length.

Consider Professional Consultation
If you feel unsure, or want truly salon-perfect results, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. We at SalwaSalon.com are ready to provide consultations and natural layered haircut services tailored to your face shape and personal style. Sometimes, an expert touch is best!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your cutting experience goes smoothly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Cutting When Hair is Dry: Dry hair will shrink when wet, so you could end up with layers that are too short.
• Ignoring Hair Sectioning: Skipping neat sections will make it difficult to control the cut and result in unevenness.
• Taking Too Much Hair at Once: Take small, manageable sections of hair.
• Not Using Sharp Scissors: Dull scissors will “pull” and damage hair, not cut cleanly.

Caring for Your Layered Hair

After successfully cutting natural layers, proper care is also important to maintain its beauty. Use shampoo and conditioner appropriate for your hair type. To add shine and reduce frizz, apply hair serum or leave-in conditioner, especially on the layered ends. When styling, use a round brush with a blow dryer to give extra volume to the layers and enhance their shape.

Salwa Hair Stylist’s Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully created beautiful natural layers in your hair. This cut will provide the dimension, movement, and volume you desire, making your hair look more vibrant and defined. Remember that practice makes perfect. The more often you practice (carefully, of course!), the more skilled you will become.

If you encounter difficulties during the process, or feel that the results you desire still require an expert touch, never hesitate to contact us. The professional team at SalwaSalon.com is always ready to help you achieve your dream hairstyle. Visit our website for a free consultation or appointment!