Can you self trim layers?

[bakertwins2004]

I have long layers and would like to just take the very ends off. It there tutorial for this?

[Furiana]

Yep! :)

These are the instructions I used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNzLZ7H7FfI

I cut off 4" pulled straight. It turned out exactly like every layered haircut I've ever gotten from a stylist. On my APL/BSL hair (somewhere in between), the shortest layers were shoulder/collarbone length.

I cut my hair several weeks ago, but this is how it looked yesterday. (Photo links to a big one in my album.)
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?pictureid=41962&albumid=2798&dl=1245192900&thumb=1 (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=2798&pictureid=41962)

Amaiaisabella tried those instructions too, but she trimmed 1". She said her hair felt a lot healthier afterwards!


The big catch with this technique is that you can't control how short the shortest layers go, IIRC. You might be able to, but you'd need to research it first. Maybe the woman said something in her video about that, and I just forgot? :shrug:


ETA: Oh, I forgot! A while back, I compiled a blog entry (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/blog.php?b=40825) about layering techniques. It's sloppy, but maybe you'll find it useful?

[amaiaisabella]

Furiana, I knew you'd be all over this thread :D

I very much recommend this method of trimming- in fact, I can't recommend it enough! This from a girl who can barely cut a straight line; I ended up trimming exactly what I needed, and my hair is healthier than ever :)

[Furiana]

Never thought I'd see you here, either! :p

[amaiaisabella]

I'm in shock, I tell you! :)

[SimplyViki]

Uh, yes, just keep in mind, depending on how long your hair is, your arms might not reach the end of that ponytail! My arms got really tired when I self-trimmed/cut my layers (they kinda lost their shape after a year or so without a proper trim, so it was sort of a trim and sort of re-cutting them entirely).

[bakertwins2004]

AWESOME I will try this tonight. I only want to take a tiny bit off.

[Furiana]

Sounds good! Let us know how it goes, and DON'T FORGET PICTURES! :D

[Flynn]

Uh, yes, just keep in mind, depending on how long your hair is, your arms might not reach the end of that ponytail! My arms got really tired when I self-trimmed/cut my layers (they kinda lost their shape after a year or so without a proper trim, so it was sort of a trim and sort of re-cutting them entirely).

*Laughs* I'm only about waist length, (actually, a little shy of it) and there is no way I could do that!

[Furiana]

Ok, ok, you two. She's only at APL! :silly:

[bakertwins2004]

I did it! I only took MAYBE 1/8 of an inch off. I just wanted to knock the ends off and trim my bangs up.

** I bout cried to see she's ONLY at APL. LOL I am working on it.

[Furiana]

Oh, no! Whoops! :oops:

Well, I'm only ;) a little past that, so we can work on it together! :rollin:

[amaiaisabella]

Congratulations on your trim! I am just past APL as well *waves* I'm so glad you're happy with your results!