Cutting in layers, compact cut, official thread!

[lapushka]

Dessi gave me the idea for this thread! Thank you Dessi! :D


There's several ways to cut in layers, freehand or according to some technique. The most well-known technique is the "compact cut" method for layers. This method is given in the book, "Haircutting for dummies".

You can cut layers in by making a ponytail, you either make it:

- on the top of your head
You will get layers throughout the hair; longer layers.
"Dummies" book link: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/cutting-hair-with-lightning-speed.html

OR

- on the top of the forehead
You will get short to long layers in a gradual way. To give you an idea. I have this method cut into my hair. I am classic+ now, and my shortest layer is BSL+.

Tip! If your hair is too long to reach (for making the ponytail). Put a first elastic in your hair to where you can still reach, then bring down the ponytail and continue to segment the pony with elastics every 4-6 inches all while preserving the integrity of the first segment (if that makes sense).


Do NOT cut them in when you have hair that is shorter or around BSL. Or, you will have *very* short layers. If you don't want that, then stay away if your hair is not long enough.


Here's a few more thread links on the compact cutting technique, in case you have questions. Read them through.
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=133125
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=130983
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=117777
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=123666

[Mademoiselle]

I like this lapushka, is a good idea this thread!
Now my shorter layers are almost bsl and I'm leaving them grow, but this is great to know fiddle around oneself, even for microtrim as they grow out ! :)

[sillyme]

Thanks for the info, lapushka! I would so love to be able to cut my own layers since I've finally admitted that one-length hairstyles just DO NOT work for me. I've got some growing out of locks to do before it's long enought to cut myself though. (Thanks for that warning too!)

[lapushka]

Thanks for the info, lapushka! I would so love to be able to cut my own layers since I've finally admitted that one-length hairstyles just DO NOT work for me. I've got some growing out of locks to do before it's long enought to cut myself though. (Thanks for that warning too!)

Oh yeah, please don't cut that method when you're SL or you'll end up with bangs and an 80s cut (the second method with the ponytail on the forehead). Did it once. :) And I'm guessing the other method won't be any better at this length either. :)

[lapushka]

This is the ponytail on the forehead method with curls. You can see the results on a 3a/3b hairtype.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAiyF_qa5ec

[lapushka]

This is a very good example of how I cut my layers! (only do this method from waist onwards!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEyVLsS3O0M

ETA/except for her sectioning bit - I don't do that at all!

[Hasse]

I cut (a bit of) layers in my SL hair using the ponytail on top of your head method. The layers are around NL, which is exactly what I was going for. Trying to tame that triangle head just a little bit.

[lapushka]

Hasse what is NL? Nape length? I'm guessing it's that.

[Hasse]

Oh eh neck length, between chin length and shouder length.

[Wusel]

This is the ponytail on the forehead method with curls. You can see the results on a 3a/3b hairtype.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAiyF_qa5ec

Watched... I don't like it. The shortest layers are around shoulder+... Too short on my opinion. Looks strange. Would be nice if the shortest layer was about 3 inches longer and this part more gradually layered. Like this it looks to me like she's wearing extensions. It's a big triangle on her head to shoulder+ and below it is a much narrower inverted triangle which looks like extensions. But that's only my very personal opinion.

[Wusel]

This is a very good example of how I cut my layers! (only do this method from waist onwards!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEyVLsS3O0M

ETA/except for her sectioning bit - I don't do that at all!

This is a great result, yes. :)

[lapushka]

I just cut my layers in on wet hair. I hate cutting wet hair, but it's easier. I wash upside down anyway, and so when my hair comes out the towel damp it is in the right "direction" for it to be cut. Brushed it out, 2 elastics on it (learned my lesson with 1 yikes, snapadeedoodle LOL) and cut an inch off. Didn't need to be more so short into the year.

I used to have to brush it out pre-wash (right side up), then bend at the waist and re-brush (and that sucked big time, the tangles yikes).

This way it's just easier, even though, for some reason, like I mentioned, I hate cutting wet hair. LOL!

I use the ponytail on the forehead method!

[dagny]

This is the way I used to cut my hair when it was about BSL before I started to grow it out (you can still see the layers in my siggy at WL). It worked great!

[lapushka]

I cut 2 inches more with the compact cut (forehead ponytail aka unicorn cut). I still didn't lose that much length. That is 3 inches total. I basically cut in my layers, but didn't lose that much length.

It had been since early this year that I had cut. So I guess it is your "growth" per year that you need to cut off (which makes sense) to keep the layered effect and the same length. Duh, why didn't I think of that.

So half the year, and 3 inches makes sense! I think if I go shorter now, I will lose length.


I still would recommend people go slow when cutting this in for the first time. Go slow, and inch per inch!

[lapushka]

I keep forgetting I should cut at least 3 inches per half year, so 6 inches total a year with the compact cut. I need to maintain these layers. I could just about do a Nautilus just now, after my cut yesterday (3 inches total), with the layering in place.

Last year I did not cut that much with the compact cut, but did a lot of Feye's trimming of the ends.

[Bat]

Great topic should be added to the resource list

[lapushka]

Great topic should be added to the resource list

Really? Well, hmm... why not. It is a method to trim.

[Bat]

Really? Well, hmm... why not. It is a method to trim.

Yep it is, always can use more resources an techniques of cutting hair

[Lady Stardust]

There is a sticky for the compact cut already
https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=117777

It’s an old-ish thread and a few more have popped up since then. I’m sure one of the lovely mods would merge the threads that you think are useful, if you report a post to ask them to do it.

[lapushka]

There is a sticky for the compact cut already
https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=117777

It’s an old-ish thread and a few more have popped up since then. I’m sure one of the lovely mods would merge the threads that you think are useful, if you report a post to ask them to do it.

I sure would not mind if they were all merged, but with this one as the headliner (since it's the "official" thread).

I kept having people try to cut this in (early days) in shorter hair, and that is a no-no! Hence that thread that Lady Stardust is referring to. Unless the 80s rocker-vibe suits ya! ;)

[CuteCrow]

I used to have a compact cut. I'll see if I can find a picture. I did it twice, the first time I loved it the second time not so much, I'm guessing now it's probably because the first time I didn't cut enough and it just gave me some really nice layers without thinning too much of my already thin hair. I also did it on hair that was probably BSL at most :doh:

[lapushka]

She is a hair stylist (Manes by Mell on YT) and so knows first hand what compact cuts do. She actually demonstrates with some temporary color what this cut would do on short hair.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEtxIvrwmE8

She also gives us a new "type" of compact cut, the "pigtails" cut. I used to vertically cut the sides when I was 15. My mom had an insert from a magazine at the time with guidelines just like this!

[sumidha]

I did a compact cut and bangs, and I love it. The first cut I stopped at tailbone length but today I decided I wanted to hit my original goal of waist length so I went back and trimmed a bit more. At classic/FTL my hair was like this heavy curtain that just sat there, with no volume and I wore it up literally every single day, and I was just so tired of it, and always having this reflexive 'what about my hair?' thought every time I did anything, it had become like a child I had to take care of and constantly think about. :laugh:

The second time I did a minor tweak that I haven't seen anywhere else but I think really softened up the choppiness of this style, which is that after making the cut I went through and 'thinned' like the last inch of hair while it was still in the pony tail, so the layers are more blended and subtle looking. Anyways here's pictures!

First time at tailbone length, a huge improvement but still a little 'curtainy' for me:

https://i.imgur.com/jK4uY6M.jpg?1

Second cut from the front, it's still damp, I'll get pictures of the back once it's all the way dry:

https://i.imgur.com/4rR5RDM.jpg?1

[lapushka]

I think it suits you very well. :D :inlove:

[sumidha]

Thank you, me too!

Last pictures, I swear, this is after drying completely and the final trim; waist length seems to be the magic spot for getting volume/wurlies all the way up to my roots:

https://i.imgur.com/jUkn0TQ.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/n82oP7W.jpg?1

[lapushka]

I like how it lays; a lot. Kind of looks like my signature. ;)

Yeah, what can I say? I really love this cut for wurly hair!!! If you don't cut it too short!!!

Classic is my "sweet spot" because waist is a little bit short for me to bun (hip gets comfortable for me). But it looks great on you, sumidha!

[sumidha]

Thanks, I was super ready for a change. :o

[Amenahh]

sumidha, it looks amazing on you!! :D

[sumidha]

Thank you, I'm super happy with the compact cut method for sure. :)

[wo]

Okayyyy I've gone back and forth from layers to a blunt cut so many times over the years I've lost count. 😆 Anyway after watching like 20 "unicorn haircut" videos on YouTube, I felt like I had to do it! Now, my hair isn't long enough for the length to get cut in this method so it was only for layers in my case. If I cut the ponytail where my longest (nape area) hair ends, I would be getting a bang or mullet at this length. So about 2/3 or maybe less of my hair got cut this time. So anyway I did it right in front on my forehead, and I did the 45 degree downward cutting angle and I love it! A great refreshed shape without messing with the length.

[wo]

I thought I should add, that a couple days before, I had followed a different haircut by manes by mell, the one she did on her sister, and it just didn't really do anything noticeably different enough, so I did this more extreme layering cut, and now I'm happy. 😁 And done lol. Don't worry!

[lapushka]

I'm glad you like it, because at shorter lengths that could definitely have been a disaster! I love it! :D

[wo]

I'm glad you like it, because at shorter lengths that could definitely have been a disaster! I love it! :D
Thanks! Lol yeah I know. I was so careful and I was doing all kinds of math 🤣 I cut it 4 times bit by bit, taking it out of the ponytail to check every time lol. It took forever but I was very cautious.

[florenonite]

Bumping this thread as I think I'm going to try this soon. I currently have a U-shape hemline a little above waist, as well as a nape undershave that's now about collarbone length. I've been encouraging my natural waves more recently and I think I'm about a 2a, and I love V-shape hemlines with layers on wavy hair. I'd love to see pictures from people with a similar length/hair type with this cut :)

ETA: I've not had layers in years because I wear my hair up most of the time and hate when the layers all poke out of buns and braids. I'm not super concerned about that at the moment because my undershave sticks out of everything anyway, but I'd love to hear if it's an issue for other thick-haired folk with this cut.

[lapushka]

florenonite, if your hair is BSL or shorter (your stats say MBL), I would not do it. The more length you actually have, the better.

I use the ponytail on the forehead method and that gives you short layers in front, and longer at the back. I have classic length and my shortest layer is waist/hip; so that means if you cut TBL, your shortest layer will be APL/BSL, so beware!

The other method will give you longer layers.

If you can't reach, make a ponytail on the top of your head, then follow the "line" and tension and band along the length as far as your arms can reach, then follow the band/setting for further length... if that makes *any* sense at all.

[florenonite]

florenonite, if your hair is BSL or shorter (your stats say MBL), I would not do it. The more length you actually have, the better.

I use the ponytail on the forehead method and that gives you short layers in front, and longer at the back. I have classic length and my shortest layer is waist/hip; so that means if you cut TBL, your shortest layer will be APL/BSL, so beware!

The other method will give you longer layers.

If you can't reach, make a ponytail on the top of your head, then follow the "line" and tension and band along the length as far as your arms can reach, then follow the band/setting for further length... if that makes *any* sense at all.

My hair is actually about an inch above waist; I don't measure BSL because it's less than 2" above waist on me, so I just count MBL between APL and WL :) I think it's about 29" (waist is 30" on me).

I'm planning on trying the ponytail on the top of the head because my hair is shorter, I think.

And that does make sense about doing multiple ponytail bands if necessary; I think I've seen that called a caterpillar braid somewhere around here.

[lapushka]

My hair is actually about an inch above waist; I don't measure BSL because it's less than 2" above waist on me, so I just count MBL between APL and WL :) I think it's about 29" (waist is 30" on me).

I'm planning on trying the ponytail on the top of the head because my hair is shorter, I think.

And that does make sense about doing multiple ponytail bands if necessary; I think I've seen that called a caterpillar braid somewhere around here.

Yes, plus it makes for a more secure cut if you don't band it once and have to hold all that hair in your hand!

Good luck! :)

If I can offer some advice? Go slow. Cut an inch to 2 inches off tops. See how you like it. You can always cut more, and go in tiny increments each time, but you can't glue it back on!

[florenonite]

Yes, plus it makes for a more secure cut if you don't band it once and have to hold all that hair in your hand!

Good luck! :)

If I can offer some advice? Go slow. Cut an inch to 2 inches off tops. See how you like it. You can always cut more, and go in tiny increments each time, but you can't glue it back on!

Haha, yes! I always cut much less than I think I want to remove when I cut my hair :lol: The great thing about doing it myself is I can come back a few days or a week later and cut some more off.

[lapushka]

Haha, yes! I always cut much less than I think I want to remove when I cut my hair :lol: The great thing about doing it myself is I can come back a few days or a week later and cut some more off.

Yay! I went from classic to hip once, just by compact cutting a whole lot off. My mom refused, absolutely refused to cut more off, and thank goodness, because I could just barely manage a bun. I so regretted that!

[ExpectoPatronum]

I don't plan on cutting my hair until December/January, but when I do, it will be this method. I also want to chime in and say this method isn't the greatest for shorter hair. I did it many times and never liked how short my front layers were, even with putting the ponytail further back. My hair is just brushing MBL while curly so it still might be a little too short, but this is longer than it's been when I've done this cut in the past. Of course, I will go in short increments. I don't really want to lose a lot of length but my ends really need a good trim and I never get even results with other trimming methods.

[lapushka]

I don't plan on cutting my hair until December/January, but when I do, it will be this method. I also want to chime in and say this method isn't the greatest for shorter hair. I did it many times and never liked how short my front layers were, even with putting the ponytail further back. My hair is just brushing MBL while curly so it still might be a little too short, but this is longer than it's been when I've done this cut in the past. Of course, I will go in short increments. I don't really want to lose a lot of length but my ends really need a good trim and I never get even results with other trimming methods.

Oh definitely!!!

With the "unicorn" cut (ponytail on forehead) you'll look like an 80s rocker dude if you cut above BSL, even BSL is short for this! Don't have to believe me, you guys, but... Of course I've been there, done that. :lol: ;)

[TheLuckyLurker]

I need some advice. I've done this cut and I like it, but the back is still longer than I think I want it (after chopping off between four and six inches, mind you). How do I shorten up the back without making the layers shorter or messing up the v hemline? The longest part is still about bsl, if that helps.

[Rowdy]

I need some advice. I've done this cut and I like it, but the back is still longer than I think I want it (after chopping off between four and six inches, mind you). How do I shorten up the back without making the layers shorter or messing up the v hemline? The longest part is still about bsl, if that helps.

To shorten the hemline during these kind of cuts you have to cut past where the nape hairs start. To check how much this would be flip your hair over, grab the bottom hair by the nape and follow it to see where it ends in your unicorn ponytail. You would have to cut past that point to shorten the hemline. This will also make the layers start higher in the hair however.

Or you could look up Feye's directions for a v-cut to just trim the bottom.

[lapushka]

I need some advice. I've done this cut and I like it, but the back is still longer than I think I want it (after chopping off between four and six inches, mind you). How do I shorten up the back without making the layers shorter or messing up the v hemline? The longest part is still about bsl, if that helps.

I sometimes used to do a little Feye's after. Works like a charm! The V cut. I don't recall but I think I went for a shallow V! Definitely no longer do the compact cut or you will end up with real short layers. It is very normal for the back to be veeeery long and the front veeeery short. So be careful. That is why you can't be scissor happy with this cut.

Do Feye's!

[florenonite]

I sometimes used to do a little Feye's after. Works like a charm! The V cut. I don't recall but I think I went for a shallow V! Definitely no longer do the compact cut or you will end up with real short layers. It is very normal for the back to be veeeery long and the front veeeery short. So be careful. That is why you can't be scissor happy with this cut.

Do Feye's!

Yeah, I would go with the V-shaped Feye's trim (https://feyeselftrim.livejournal.com/2156.html#cutid1) to keep the V hemline without shortening the rest of the layers.

[spidermom]

If I just wanted to take the back a little shorter, I'd make a ponytail at the nape of my neck, then take a second hair-tie below the first one and slide it down toward the ends in the back until only the amount I wanted to cut was below the hair tie.

[curlynyi]

When I get a V cut, I usually pull all my hair to the front cause the strands near my face are so much shorter and it looks like half my actual lenght. I really don't like V cuts for that reason but they look so pretty from the back.

[TheLuckyLurker]

Okay thanks, I'll try Feye's method.

[lapushka]

Just found this stylist doing layers. Kind of compact-cut based, but done in pieces, not in one-go. And then the length in back can be cut off with Feye's blunt cut technique.

This might be do-able if you get some help, but it might help those of us that can have this done or are pretty handy on their own!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw8PSdcGk8o

Or just compact-cut / unicorn cut it. ;)

But maybe it's nice to see how the layers "form" with such a cut?

ETA/

And, if you see when she cuts her first layer it is below chin, and then when she brings the hair from the nape forward, you can see how long that will be in the back. So if you have say long hair, your shortest layer, with this method, will be very short... which is one of the main reasons I don't recommend this for hair shorter than BSL.

[spidermom]

Here's a photo of my results from the compact cut method (done first) combined with the beard cut method ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPd2ehmDaGE ) done second to thicken the ends. My compact cut ponytail was positioned about 1/2 inch above the hairline at my forehead. I cut straight across for both cuts and skipped the point cutting that is so popular these days. I like heaviness at the bottom.
https://i.imgur.com/2euxHtc.jpg?1

I like more of a U shape than a V.

[Jools69]

Here's a photo of my results from the compact cut method (done first) combined with the beard cut method ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPd2ehmDaGE ) done second to thicken the ends. My compact cut ponytail was positioned about 1/2 inch above the hairline at my forehead. I cut straight across for both cuts and skipped the point cutting that is so popular these days. I like heaviness at the bottom.
https://i.imgur.com/2euxHtc.jpg?1

I like more of a U shape than a V.

Looks good Spidermom and thanks for the video link. I’m thinking of trimming my hair soon when the no-trimming challenge ends. Just have to wait for my hairdressing scissors to arrive. :D

[lapushka]

spidermom, that looks *awesome*; I mean look at your texture. I love it! :D It's a cut that suits you(r hair)!

[Lady Stardust]

Your hair looks glorious spidermom! The “beard cut” method looks very much like your own method, minus the book and with the addition of point cutting! (I stay away from point cutting too, my hemline looks better with weight.)

I enjoyed Wildly Ethical’s video, partly because I was trying to pinpoint her (English but where?) accent, but she’s just nice and relaxed :)

[spidermom]

Thank you lapushka, Jools, and Lady Stardust. I agree that these cuts very much suit my hair, and now I can save the money I used to spend on stylists.

I was happy to run across the beard method on YouTube because it is very much like the cut I figured out for myself but didn't have a video or illustrations to share with others.

[lapushka]

Thank you lapushka, Jools, and Lady Stardust. I agree that these cuts very much suit my hair, and now I can save the money I used to spend on stylists.

I was happy to run across the beard method on YouTube because it is very much like the cut I figured out for myself but didn't have a video or illustrations to share with others.

Thanks for linking that, BTW! :thumbsup: :D

I am glad you're happy with it!

[DropStitches]

Your hair looks glorious spidermom! The “beard cut” method looks very much like your own method, minus the book and with the addition of point cutting! (I stay away from point cutting too, my hemline looks better with weight.)

I enjoyed Wildly Ethical’s video, partly because I was trying to pinpoint her (English but where?) accent, but she’s just nice and relaxed :)

I would guess somewhere Northern (Sheffield? Leeds?), but maybe she's lived in the South for a while.

Also, thanks, spidermom for that link - it looks like such a quick and easy method!

[Lady Stardust]

I would guess somewhere Northern (Sheffield? Leeds?), but maybe she's lived in the South for a while.

Yes a bit of northern or maybe even midlands pops up, but sometimes she sounds quite West Country too. I agree, wherever she’s from, she’s moved :)

[PeonyBlue]

Here's a photo of my results from the compact cut method (done first) combined with the beard cut method ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPd2ehmDaGE ) done second to thicken the ends. My compact cut ponytail was positioned about 1/2 inch above the hairline at my forehead. I cut straight across for both cuts and skipped the point cutting that is so popular these days. I like heaviness at the bottom.
https://i.imgur.com/2euxHtc.jpg?1
I like more of a U shape than a V.

Oh my - what gorgeous hair! I’ve been growing out my layers from last time I did this, but now you all are giving me hair envy, and I’m thinking of maybe cutting again....

[lapushka]

Oh my - what gorgeous hair! I’ve been growing out my layers from last time I did this, but now you all are giving me hair envy, and I’m thinking of maybe cutting again....

You know, that's about the worst you can do, from someone else's picture that you love, try cutting your own hair to match, without thinking of your own hair needs and likes for your own hair first.

It is pretty but do you really want layers?

[ExpectoPatronum]

Here's a photo of my results from the compact cut method (done first) combined with the beard cut method ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPd2ehmDaGE ) done second to thicken the ends. My compact cut ponytail was positioned about 1/2 inch above the hairline at my forehead. I cut straight across for both cuts and skipped the point cutting that is so popular these days. I like heaviness at the bottom.
https://i.imgur.com/2euxHtc.jpg?1

I like more of a U shape than a V.

Your hair came out great!

I will probably do what you do did when I trim my hair - compact cut + "beard" method- but I do have one question for you, spidermom. Since your hair is textured, when you cut, do you wet it and brush it straight? Or leave it wavy? I'm never sure what to do with my curls and waves when I trim.

Edit: Anyone with some texture - please share how you trim your hair! Straight? Wavy/curly?

[Dragon]

Here's a photo of my results from the compact cut method (done first) combined with the beard cut method ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPd2ehmDaGE ) done second to thicken the ends. My compact cut ponytail was positioned about 1/2 inch above the hairline at my forehead. I cut straight across for both cuts and skipped the point cutting that is so popular these days. I like heaviness at the bottom.
https://i.imgur.com/2euxHtc.jpg?1

I like more of a U shape than a V.

That looks really good spidermom. Do the layers affect braiding?

[PeonyBlue]

You know, that's about the worst you can do, from someone else's picture that you love, try cutting your own hair to match, without thinking of your own hair needs and likes for your own hair first.

It is pretty but do you really want layers?

Thank you for being the voice of reason! It’s an excellent point, and it reminds me why I’m growing my layers out right now.

I actually loved how my hair looked with a deeper U and some long layers...when I wore it down. But it was soo annoying in updos - bits poking out everywhere! And since I mostly wear my hair up when I’m out and especially when at work, I figured I’d go no layers.

*sigh* Guess I’ll just admire from afar for now. :)

[wo]

Your hair came out great!

I will probably do what you do did when I trim my hair - compact cut + "beard" method- but I do have one question for you, spidermom. Since your hair is textured, when you cut, do you wet it and brush it straight? Or leave it wavy? I'm never sure what to do with my curls and waves when I trim.

Edit: Anyone with some texture - please share how you trim your hair! Straight? Wavy/curly?

I did this same compact cut + beard thing back in October, and after a lot of trial and error I got my best results from washing and styling my hair like normal, then when it's fully dry, I gently wide tooth combed it out before cutting.

When I cut it wet and combed out, it turned out bad and crooked when it was dry and curly. But if I had cut it totally curly and styled, it would be a crazy haircut with all kinds of lumps and bumps not making it smoothly into the ponytail. So I took the middle road and combed out my normal freshly styled curly hair enough to cooperate with the haircut, but still able to shrink up the way it naturally does... My hair is like 3a I think if that helps.

[lapushka]

Your hair came out great!

I will probably do what you do did when I trim my hair - compact cut + "beard" method- but I do have one question for you, spidermom. Since your hair is textured, when you cut, do you wet it and brush it straight? Or leave it wavy? I'm never sure what to do with my curls and waves when I trim.

Edit: Anyone with some texture - please share how you trim your hair! Straight? Wavy/curly?

I used to wait until I needed to wash my hair, when waves had sagged a bit, and do it on dry hair.

Now I wash, and when it comes out of the towel, I usually brush it one last time before I put the stylers in. It's after that brush out, that I just ponytail it, and snip. It is really better than dry, for me, because when it's wet you can really brush it down/straight and it will stay that way for a bit until you can cut it.

[lapushka]

Just found this video, kind of a mix between a bit of Feye's and a bit of layering (with a middle part):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBtEN8ylepA

The hair shown after the cut is about bra strap, with face framing layers (and how to section to do it). She goes section by section (small increments) to layer. This might be great for someone who can't do the cuts in one go.

[Kathie]

The compact cut is trending across social media at the moment. But its currently called the wolf cut.

I thought I would mention it here for those who might want to try it. There are heaps (!) of examples when searching using this latest name.

Edit: it does seem that the majority doing the "wolf cut" are at shorter lengths (i.e., they end up with bangs and short face framing layers), but there are some long hair examples.

[lapushka]

Wolf cut? OMG no it doesn't have to get any crazier than this.

And no one ever references the original (or they have copied so much one on top of the other that they just no longer know), which is "Haircutting for dummies". That's where it originated. The 2 cuts, the one on top of the head and the one on top of the forehead.

Anyway, thanks so much for letting us know! :thumbsup: I appreciate it.

Yeah, I would not even recommend this for hair shorter than BSL. Because that is kind of... If you aren't going for short-short layers, and don't pair it, say with a blunt cut to even the major layering out, then you're stuck with a pretty terrible cut! IMO.

But on hair longer than BSL? This can be so great, especially with wavy/curly hair!

[ReadingRenee]

The compact cut is trending across social media at the moment. But its currently called the wolf cut.

I thought I would mention it here for those who might want to try it. There are heaps (!) of examples when searching using this latest name.

Edit: it does seem that the majority doing the "wolf cut" are at shorter lengths (i.e., they end up with bangs and short face framing layers), but there are some long hair examples.

LOL! I saw that! I totally did that 20 years ago with hair that was at a shorter length and it wasn't an "in" look at the time so I hated it. I think eventually it led to me cutting my hair much shorter to get rid of the mullet. It's funny to see people doing it on purpose now. Its a very specific look.

ETA: I really liked the beard cut tutorial! Thanks for linking that spidermom. :)

[Ylva]

The compact cut is trending across social media at the moment. But its currently called the wolf cut.

I thought I would mention it here for those who might want to try it. There are heaps (!) of examples when searching using this latest name.

Edit: it does seem that the majority doing the "wolf cut" are at shorter lengths (i.e., they end up with bangs and short face framing layers), but there are some long hair examples.

I don't care for names, although I do love wolves with all my heart so I'm all for this one, but I googled it and this cut does look very good. If I kept my hair short (APL or shorter), I would definitely opt for something like this because I think it would look very good on me!

[lapushka]

I cut about 2 inches off of my hair, with the compact cut. Ponytail on the forehead style. In essence a "wolf cut". It is now somewhat close to classic (aaalmost) but that's OK for me. Classic or thereabouts? I'll take it. Means I won't have to cut it for a while. Still loving the layers! It is the look in my signature. Exactly.

[lapushka]

Another "compact cut" aka making a ponytail and snipping some off...

... is the butterfly cut. And it is a mix of both the existing compact cut methods.

You divide your hair ear to ear and take that front section and unicorn cut it. The other section you pull up top and cut.

It is a nice layering method with short(er) face framing layers. If you don't want the short face framing, do the regular totally up top cut, is what I would say.


Anyway, I made 2 ponytails both sides of my head, and cut my hair off about... 25 inches away from my head, that's roughly 60cm. That gave me BSL; mind you it is an estimation. If you do this, and want to make sure, take a strand of hair, hold it to the side and m e a s u r e... please measure? Pretty please?

I had a booklet that was the inner insert of a glossy magazine back in the 80s and it had 70s and 80s style haircuts in it, technical description of them. This was in it as well, not with a ponytail, but with all hair to the side, and a vertical line through it; comes roughly down to the same thing.

[paulownia]

I followed a hunch and made a cut again :p
It feels like I went crazy with scissors but I didn't lose any length ;)
Unicorn cut didn't work when I was at shoulder but now it seems like my waves don't mind. I cut only 1,5 cm from the ponytail made on the forehead.
And I dived into bangs again :lol:
https://i.postimg.cc/kM2ZwcYc/20230108-102028.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/DzfpGdb1/20230108-102717.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
No cutting now until July :rolling:

[lapushka]

I think it looks great! :D Do read the post, well the last one I made. There's more options in this thread now.

4 major ways to "compact cut", which just means making a ponytail and cutting a bit off in a couple ways:
- wolf-cut aka unicorn cut (ponytail on forehead)
- plain layered cut (ponytail top of the head)
- butterfly cut (half is a pony on the top, half is a unicorn)
- ponytails to the side