Layered short haircuts have never gone out of trend like a long layered bob or pixie haircut. These haircuts add volume, frame the face, and remove the weight. Nothing is more tiring than visiting a salon every two months for a new hairstyle. How amazing would it be to cut short hair in layers with scissors at home?

Fine hair with layered cuts appears thicker and fuller. Thicker hair can also own layered cuts, but that would be difficult for styling.  So, get your popcorn ready and jump straight into getting the perfect short layers. 

What to keep in mind while layering short hair? 

What to keep in mind while layering short hair? 

Layering your short hair yourself seems quite difficult. Follow these suggestions to get a layered haircut that will make you feel loved. 

  • Must have two mirrors placed.   
  • Keep a water-filled spray bottle with yourself.
  • Take two or three sharp scissors ready for a haircut. 
  • Take a shower before cutting, and never let your hair too dry.
  • Make your division lines perfectly straight. 

7 steps to cut short hair in layers 

Don’t forget to watch this video for better understanding

Ready your hair for layering

Your hair should be a little damp. Wash your hair, and never forget to use a conditioner to keep hair soft and shiny. After that, towel dry your hair. Layering short hair is quite difficult than layering long hair as you have to give each layer a spice of scissors. 

Look at your hair and decide what layers you want and how short you keep them. Cut your hair in a room with at least two mirrors. One will be in front of you, and the other will be on the backside. It is an easy way to check your progress. 

Make your hair sections 

You must divide your hair into sections before layering. I prefer to use a rat tail comb for short hair because it can make perfect sections. First, create a top box section on either side of the crown where the head begins to round. 

These two partitions will divide the hair from the middle of the head. Make two equal parts of the rest of your hair. The first one will go from crown to forehead, and the second one will be from crown to the nape of the neck. Be careful about the top box. 

Uplift the section from the top box

Use a comb to uplift the frontmost section from the top box. Make an angle of 90 degrees from your head to take a section. Use your forefinger and middle finger to hold this section with a great grip. Both fingers should be perpendicular to your forehead. 

Trim the hair from the top box

Take sharp scissors to trim the tips of the hair that are falling in between your fingers and trim carefully. Let them fall freely. Then take a comb to lift the second section of the hair immediately from the back of the front area. Combine the first section’s hair a little bit into the new section. It will be a highlight for the exact length. 

Make an angle of 90 degrees to hold this section between your forefinger and middle finger. Then trim the tips of this section to the same length as that of the previous one that you have cut. Continue the same process for trimming all the layers and complete the top box. Keep a spray bottle filled with water with you while layering your short hair. 

If your hair gets dry, spray to get them damp again. If they get too wet, towel dry your hair. Stay aware of which sections have been trimmed and which need to be trimmed. Trimming the same section twice can make a big difference in short hair. You should cut them to the same length to appear in fine layers at the end.       

Make the hair section down the middle. 

When you get your entire top box trimmed, part your hair from the middle, and that partition will last to the down. It will provide you with a straight path to cut your layers. 

Trim the side layers 

Lift a section from the front of your head on either side and hold it between your fingers. Also do not forget to make an angle of 90 degrees perpendicular as we did before. Repeat the same action for all the sections of one side of your head and do the same for the other side. 

Review your layers 

Examine your layers, especially around the ears and at the back of your hairline. If something seems uneven, take scissors again to trim it with care. You can trim the edges to give them a refined look. 

Things to avoid while cutting short hair in layers

steps to cut your hair in layers

When cutting short hair in layers, there are a few things to avoid to ensure a successful and desirable result:

  1. Creating uneven or choppy layers: Achieving even and well-blended layers is crucial for a polished look. Avoid cutting layers haphazardly or in an irregular manner. Maintain consistency and ensure smooth transitions between each layer for a cohesive and balanced hairstyle.
  2. Avoid cutting too much length at once: It’s important to approach layering short hair gradually. Cutting off too much length in a single go can result in a drastic and potentially unwanted change. Take small sections and trim them conservatively to maintain control over the final outcome.
  3. Cutting too close to the scalp: When layering short hair, be cautious not to cut too close to the scalp. Leaving some length near the roots provides volume and allows for versatile styling options. Cutting too short near the scalp can make the hair appear thin and flat.
  4. Using dull scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for precise and clean cuts. Dull scissors can result in frayed ends, uneven layers, and an overall untidy appearance. Regularly sharpen and maintain your scissors to ensure they’re in optimal condition for cutting short hair.
  5. Excessive thinning or texturizing: While adding texture and thinning out the hair can create movement and reduce bulk, excessive thinning can make the hair look sparse and weak. Use thinning shears sparingly and strategically to maintain a balanced density throughout the hair.
  6. Cutting without a plan: It’s important to have a clear vision and plan for the desired layering technique before starting the haircut. Rushing into the process without a plan can lead to uneven layers or an inconsistent overall look. Take the time to visualize the final result and establish a cutting strategy before proceeding.

By being mindful of these considerations and avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance your ability to achieve well-executed and flattering layered hairstyles for short hair.

Also check out the latest butterfly haircut

10 trending short layered haircuts 

Here we list ten layered haircuts trending in the styling market.

  • Short layered blunt bob.
  • Short hair with wispy layers. 
  • Trendy short layered cut.
  • Layered pixie bob cut.
  • Flippy short layers. 
  • Chin-length stacked bob. 
  • Flirty A-line cut with short layers. 
  • Bold short layered haircut. 
  • Layered shaggy bob hairstyle.
  • Fun short layered haircut.

So, which one are you going to have? We love to know about it in the comment section.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you layer hair from underneath?

Yes, it is possible to layer hair from underneath. This technique is commonly known as “undercutting” or “hidden layers.” It involves cutting shorter layers underneath the top layer of hair to add texture, and volume, or create a hidden layering effect. This technique is often used to reduce weight in thick hair or add movement and dimension to hairstyles. It is recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess your hair type and desired outcome to determine if layering from underneath is suitable for you.

Can I use regular scissors to cut short hair?

Using regular scissors to cut your hair is not recommended as they are not designed for hair trimming. Regular scissors have blunt edges and can cause serious damage, resulting in split ends. To achieve a smooth and professional haircut without compromising the health of your hair, it is essential to use sharp, high-quality hairdressing scissors.


What tools do you need to layer short hair at home?

To cut your hair at home, you’ll need a few essential tools: sharp hairdressing scissors, a trimmer, a mirror, a spray bottle to prepare your hair, and a slim comb for sectioning, and even cutting. Additionally, hair clips will come in handy for securing hairstyles, and a haircut cape will elevate your experience, giving it a salon-worthy feel.

Pro tip: After you finish cutting, using talcum powder can make it easier to remove extra hair from your neck with less hassle.

The final verdict 

A layered haircut demands short hair, and everyone loves it. We shared an easy way to cut short hair into layers with tips and things to avoid in this article. Plus, a list of trending short layered haircuts will make you crazy.

Also read how to curl your hair with a straightener

Now, we thought that you don’t even need to set an appointment with your salon to get a haircut as you already know it very well. If you want to ask something more, the comment section is always open. 

Happy cutting!