Trimming Your Own Hair: Layers

Want an easy way to get volume in your hair without having to resort to expensive treatments and salon blowouts? We've got just the perfect thing for you: layered hair! Layers can easily give your hair the illusion of volume, plus it's quite flattering regardless of your face shape, too.

Interested yet? Here's a short guide to trimming layered hair, all on your own!

1. Planning is key

While the process to trimming layered hair is quite similar to basic trimming and trimming your own bangs, there are a few key points that make it slightly different. For example, if you're interested in adding layers to your hair, you do have to plan in advance if you want it to turn out the way you want to.

Some of the questions that you need to ask yourself beforehand are:

• How long is it going to be? Hair length is completely up to you, of course. But sometimes the perfect length can do wonders to your overall look. If you've got a square or round face, you'll benefit more from longer layers. If you've got a heart-shaped or oval face though, you'll likely look best with shorter layers that don't look too different from each other.
• Is your hair thin or thick? Layers can add an illusion volume to hair that is dull and limp. At the same time, those with thinner hair can also benefit from the added body that a layered look gives.
• What style do I prefer? There are plenty of styles that you can choose from if you want layered hair, and it all depends on your personal preference. If you're trying to emulate a certain model or actress, it may be best to study their hair for a bit first before attempting to trim your own hair.

2. Use the ponytail shortcut for trimming layered hair

While you can always divide your hair into sections and trim each one to achieve the look you want, there is a shortcut that you might want to try out if you're a complete beginner in the subject.

Called the 'ponytail shortcut', this method involves tying your hair in a ponytail right at the top of your head. The best way to do this is to turn your head upside down and gather all your hair in a single ponytail.

Once that's done, you can now adjust the elastic depending on how short or long you want the layers to be. If you want short layers, you should keep the elastic closer to your scalp. If you want longer layers though, move the elastic to the end of the ponytail. Cut the part of the hair after the elastic, and that's it!

We told you, it's really easy to give yourself a layered hairstyle, even in the comforts of your own home! For more hair tips and tricks, check out the ZALA blog!