How To Cut Hair in Layers

Before you start your layered hair cut, learn how to cut hair in layers for different face shapes.

Long layered hair cut styles can compliment a variety of facial shapes. However, the same style isn’t right for every face, and the same trendy hair styles don’t look good on every person. Finding the right cut and style for your facial shape will accentuate your good points and make you feel great.

Hair Styles and Face Shape

When choosing long layered hair cut styles the first step is to determine which style works with the shape of your face. Use the list of the eight principal face shapes below to determine how best to wear your hair.

Oval

Long layered hair cut styles look good with an oval-shaped face which is longer than it is wide. Hairstylists consider it the most versatile of the facial shapes because a variety of haircuts and styles flatter an oval face. Avoid hair styles with short layers at the top of the head. It makes an oval face look longer.

Round

For a round face, choose a style that adds height at the top of your head. To give your face more of an oval look, cut volume from the sides. Choose layered hair cut styles that fall just below the chin. Cutting layers helps elongate the round face. Avoid one-length cuts.

Square

Shorter faces with a square jaw line and hairline want a hairstyle that contributes length and roundness. Wispy medium layered hair cut styles falling at the jaw line soften the boxlike quality of a square face. Avoid chin-length blunt cuts or straight-cut bangs.

Heart

Heart-shaped faces are widest at the temples and taper at the jaw line leading to a dainty, frequently pointed chin. Look for a hair style that adds width at the jaw line. Long layered hair cut styles should stay away from harsh, uneven layers but incorporate soft layers. Instead of blunt cut bangs, try layers that sweep across to your cheekbone.

Rectangular

A rectangular-shaped face is long and narrow with a square chin and a square hairline. Hairstyles should minimize the face’s length by adding width. Accomplish this by adding bangs and a side part. Choose long layered hair cut styles that incorporate short layers that elongate the face by adding volume. Chin-length bobs also add width to the face. Avoid drastically short or long styles.

Pear

Pear-shaped faces are wide at the jaw and narrow at the forehead. People with pear-shaped facial features will want to add width to the forehead and the temples and limit attention to the ample jaw. For a layered hair cut style, wear the hair wide and full at the top and temples. Brush the upper part of your style away from the face and toward the ears. From the ears down choose a cut that falls along the chin. This softens the jaw line, giving it a narrower look.

Diamond

If your face is widest in the middle and diminishes at the forehead and chin you’ll want to pick hair styles for a diamond-shaped face. Add more wisps and bangs to add volume to the forehead and chin areas. At the sides of the face, keep hair smooth to accentuate the cheekbones. Sweep bangs across the forehead to give your face a wider look by making it appear shorter.

Need more help? Check out how to cut hair in layers and many other techniques and styles easily with the new guide for beginners and start saving money on your hairdressers bill! You can see the guide by clicking on the flashing banner to your right.