What Are Layers & How To Ask For Them

One of the most common misconceptions about a layered haircut is that layers come in numbers.  I will admit, when looking at someone who has a long layered haircut it can look like there are 3-5 different lengths of hair going down the length but I'm here to tell you that that is not the case.  It looks like that because of the way it is styled or the natural wave of the hair.  I had a client once who insisted on having me cut exactly 3 layers into her extremely long hair.  I explained to her that layers don't come in numbers.  You basically start from where you want your shortest layer to start and blend them all the way down to the ends of your hair.  She did not understand this and kept insisting that she really just wanted 3.  If only I had this picture to show her at the time what 3 layers actually looked like:

LOL!  Looks crazy right?!  Trust me, this is not a look that is in nor will it ever be.  What I always suggest to clients who have a bit of a hard time communicating what it is they are looking for is finding a picture that embodies what you love.  Pictures speak a thousand words to stylists and having a visual that you both can look at and talk about is HUGE.  Here are some examples of layered haircuts and how you can ask your stylist about them without any confusion:

1.  The Long Layered Cut

Let's say you have hair down to the middle of your back and it is all one length.  You have never had any layers put into it.  If you have fine or thin hair, I suggest not going too short with your layers because this can actually take away more bulk than you would want, making your hair feel much more thin than it already is.  I would recommend trimming no more than an inch to an inch and a half.  If you have thick or course hair you have a lot more freedom with your layering.  You can take them as high as you want for a more dramatic layered effect or leave them as long as you want.  When asking for this cut you can say to your stylist "I'd like a long layered cut with my layers starting at about here and blended down."  Here is an example of a long layered haircut:

2.  Choppy Layered Cut

Choppy layers are most commonly seen in short bobs or what I like to call the emo cut.  It's the same concept as a long layer, cutting shortest to longest, blending everything together.  However, choppy layers are more textured.  They can be point cut, razor cut, or textured with thinning or texture shears.  When going for this particular look I highly suggest bringing a picture to your stylist so that there is no confusion about what it is you are expecting.

3.  Face Framing Layers

What I have noticed is when I am asked to give a client face framing layers they usually something along the lines of "Could you add more layers in the front?"  This could mean a bunch of different things.  It's not a very specific question so I always end up clarifying if it really is the layers they want shorter or if it's face framing they are wanting.  This look is adding layers just around your face from shortest to longest.  The most common starting point is usually around the chin and then blended down.  Think Jennifer Aniston from the show Friends when she had her hair long.  This look is extremely common and I myself still get this done.  Face framing is the common terminology that every stylist will understand so that's really all you have to say when asking for this.  

So there's my brief explanation about layers.  I hope that clears the air about what a 3 layered cut looks like LOL!  If you have any questions feel free to write a comment about it.  I would love to hear from some of my readers:)