Layering the Top of the Head

The diagonal, horizontal, and vertical layering techniques

leave the decision of how to layer the top to you and your

client. There are several different sectioning patterns that

you can use depending on:

• Where he/she wears a part.

• Where you want to maximize and minimize the weight.

• Your client’s preferences.

Layering the Top of the Head

Layering the Top of the Head Procedure

The procedure for cutting varies slightly depending on the

pattern you use. This procedure is for cutting a horizontal

layered top.

1. Stand on the client’s right side.

2. Position the client’s head upright.

3. Cut a vertical, 1" center guide to the back of the crown,

cutting from front to back. For patterns other than

horizontal, make certain that the guide section is placed

correctly for the pattern.

4. Stand behind the client.

5. Make a 1/2" to 1" horizontal subsection behind the front

perimeter.

6. From this subsection, pick up part of the center guide andthe hair to the right of it.

7. Hold the hair at 90°.

8. Cut the hair to the guide.

9. Repeat on the left side of the subsection.

Note: If you can control all the hair at once, hold it at

90° and cut the hair on both the right and left sides of

the guide.

10. Repeat steps 5 through 9, working to the back crown. The number of subsections will depend on the density of the

hair.

11. Cross check the hair with vertical subsections. For

patterns other than horizontal, cross check the hair using subsections opposite to the way it was cut.

Possible subsection patterns for layering the top include thefollowing:

Horizontal

Commonly used when a part is not

desired.Medium weight in left and right parietal areas; minimal weight in the center of

the head. Creates a square shape (squarelayers).

Vertical

Commonly used when a part is not desiredand the hair is worn forward.Medium weight in the right and left parietal areas; follows the head shape.

Diagonal

Commonly used with a side parting.Maximum weight above the left parietal area; minimal weight above the right parietal area.

❗️Note: The guide is set when you cut the safety sectionand is followed according to the shape being cut.

Concave

Part can be worn on the left, right, or

center.Maximum weight in both the right and

left parietal areas; minimal weight at thecenter or side part.

Convex

Part can be worn on the left, right, or

center.Minimal weight in both the right and leftparietal areas; maximum weight at the

center or side part.

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