DIY haircut - layer problems

[maegalcarwen]

Dear LCH members,

I have gotten a really bad haircut in August. The hairdresser cut my front layer really short and I hated it. I have been growing it out since August, and I have made a really great progress. But now I ended up with two big layers that are so separate from each other, my hair moves like if I had extensions, it is so bad... plus I have those few short things above the layer. I will attach some (bad) pictures. I would love to hear some advice on how to deal with this...From the back its not that bad, I am quite fine with it.. But maybe it is because of the whole V shape, longer on the back thing why I don't like it ( had to cut it that way because of the damage).

Should I trim it? Should I wait more and see how it is? Is there anyone who had a similar thing (on similar hair)? Thank you in advance!

http://s30.postimg.org/7njkgemcd/20141112_004552.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/7njkgemcd/)
http://s30.postimg.org/fzkderq1p/20141112_004856.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/fzkderq1p/)
http://s30.postimg.org/pcbb80y3h/20141112_005139.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/pcbb80y3h/)
[img=http://s30.postimg.org/eul9c9x99/20141112_005142.jpg] (http://postimg.org/image/eul9c9x99/)

[Night_Kitten]

I think you have several options, depending on what you want to achieve eventually
- You could trim about half your monthly growth from the longest sections (or trim all the growth if your'e OK with maintaining for a while) until all the hair is one length again, in the meantime trying to wear it up / half-up / pin the front somehow to disguise the layer you don't like
- You could ignore it for a year or so (if your usual style is wearing your hair up) and then reevaluate (natural taper / uneven grow might fix some of the "harsh" layer issue naturally after a long time)... This won't work as well if you prefer wearing your hair down though (unless your'e willing to put up with the "sharp" layer)
-You could go to a good hairdresser / stylist that may be able to fix the "sharp layer" look without cutting your hair shorter (maybe somehow restyle the length below the layer to look more "together" with the layer, or slightly change how the layer is cut or something? Might be an option...)
-You could cut it all to the length of the shortest layer or a U or V hemline that starts with the shortest layer - that's what I'd least suggest though, as you'll be loosing a substantial length all at once...

I didn't experience a similar situation, so can't really say what would be best or what I would do (and it also depends on what your'e willing to put up with and for how long), and there could be other options I just didn't think of...
Hope you find a good solution to your problem :)

[spidermom]

My hair is cut in a similar shape but is longer. Let it grow for as long as you can stand it. When you go for a trim, ask for blended layers.

Or you could trim it yourself using the compact cut method. There are a lot of videos and tutorials about it around the web.

[Hotrox]

I would wear it mostly up and trim the ends monthly until the big layer has caught up with the rest, maybe it would just take about 6 months or so.

That said, it doesn't look too bad as it is. We are our own worst hair critics, what is terrible to us is usually barely noticeable to others. So, do what will make you feel happiest about it.

[Addy]

That would drive me absolutely batty. If it were my hair, I'd cut it to the short layer and start over. I know a lot of people wouldn't n couldn't but that's just me. I'm so sorry you've been dealing with this! Bad hair cuts are the worst!!!!

[JustPam]

I managed to do something like this to my own hair a few years ago trying to "correct" a grown out inverse bob, had a blunt chunk of chin length hair right in the front. I just ended up clipping the front section back all the time until it grew long enough to go get a better cut at the hairdressers.

[lapushka]

The compact cut method has 2 techniques. 1/ place ponytail on top of the head (longer layers) 2/ place ponytail on top of the forehead (short layers). It looks like you have 2/ in your hair already, so I wouldn't mess with it too much!

My vote is for letting it grow, and maybe microtrimming the bottom.

[Johannah]

I'd leave it for now, wear it up and forget about it. I've had the same thing years ago, really annoying.

[maegalcarwen]

Thank you for all the advice!

I never wear my hair up, only if I am at home and doing something where it is in the way. So "wear it up and forget about it" is not really an option for me:) I'd have short hair then. I usually wear it down and clip the right side away, and that way it doesn't look that bad. But when its all out it really bothers me.

http://s2.postimg.org/vzlctpd6t/20140928_191739.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/vzlctpd6t/)

I am not sure though if I want on to grow out layers - when I didn't have layers, my hair looked like a tent. I used to call it the triangle. So I'd prefer not to have that.

NightKitten, I might go to a hairdresser and just ask for their opinion, ask what they would do. I will only do it if I feel 100% sure.

Spidermom, Lapushka: I will look up that method! Thank you!

JustPam: I will probably end up doing the same... Your hair looks very pretty now!:)

Is for now, I think I will just leave it, maybe it becomes better if the shorter layer reaches around armpit length on the front?

[knhess]

I had the exact same problem about a year and a half ago! It annoyed me so badly when the shortest layer was around collarbone and the rest of my hair was past apl. I just stopped worrying about it and would clip it off to the side just like in that last picture you posted. Now that the shortest layer has reached apl it bothers me way less. Of course, I've been micro trimming as well so the two layers are only about two inches apart now. If you can find a hairdresser you trust, you might be able to have it blended better. Although you might just want to try to suffer through it until it grows out a little. You may find it is less noticeable then.

[maegalcarwen]

knhess, it is always reassuring that other people overcame the same (or very similar) problem, thank you! I will probably wait a bit more, maybe half a year, and get it cut then. But just to be sure, I will ask a few hairdressers as well.

[maegalcarwen]

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[JellyBene]

I don't think whoever cut that intended it to be layers, I think it's a face frame gone wrong. I would recommend going somewhere and asking for it to be blended into a face frame. the shortest parts will have to be an inch or two shorter but I think that's your best option. I think it would be very flattering and it would get rid of that shelf part :)

[UltraBella]

I agree with having it blended in by a skilled and experienced stylist. I wish I could share my gal with you, she is awesome and I love, love, LOVE my layers.
I don't know how that even happened. Sorry you've had to deal with that.

[maegalcarwen]

Jennebelle, I don't know what it was intended as... i asked for a trim. Maybe the layers were in already, and she trimmed too much from the middle one... Eh, I don't know.
UltraBella, yeah, it would be great!:DD And thank you!

For everyone: I will ask a few hairdressers!: ) Only problem is that I don't speak the language of the country where I live too well, so I am really scared that my point gets lost in translation..any ideas how to deal with that? What to ask for exactly?

[lapushka]

I'd not go to a hairdresser right now. I'd leave it alone and slowly trim yourself. Bit by bit. Microtrimming for the win. :)

I fear they might have to cut huge chunks out to get rid of the "style" you have right now, and you'll end up with much shorter hair.

[CurlyCap]

Another vote for getting it all blended into face framing.

It'll add the layers you want for manageable thickness and fix the look enough that you can grow it out without hating it.

Get plenty of recommendations on a stylist, and if you don't speak the language well ask someone you DO know to go with you.

[lapushka]

I doubt there is a term in Dutch for "blended layers". "In elkaar opgaande lagen?" Pretty tough to explain and I fear you'll end up with collar bone or shorter. Which is why I'd not go the hairdresser route at all. But hey, you have to decide what's best.