Skip to Content

Correct Layer Terminology

A common phenomenon of the hairstyling world is when customers miscommunicate what they want. For instance, I’m sure every single hairstylist has heard many customers ask for “3 or 4 layers” in their hair. Well, let me explain to you a little bit about correct layer terminology. When you tell your hair stylist that you want 3 or 4 layers, this is what that means…

Have you ever asked your hairstylist to put "3 or 4 layers" in your hair? Let me explain to you how correct layer terminology works...

Have you ever asked your hairstylist to put "3 or 4 layers" in your hair? Let me explain to you how correct layer terminology works...

Have you ever asked your hairstylist to put "3 or 4 layers" in your hair? Let me explain to you how correct layer terminology works...

Correct Layer Terminology Explained:

When a hairstylist gives someone a layered haircut, there are no set number of layers. There are really thousands of layers that are all blended together. This might start to get pretty technical for the layman, but most layers are cut with a vertical guide, meaning that all the layers will blend together beautifully when dropped down.

The only way to truly give hair “3 layers” would be to cut three different horizontal sections, which would look like the pictures above.. aka an unblended mess. However, the illusion of “3 layers” could be created by styling the hair in sections, like the image below.

Have you ever asked your hairstylist to put "3 or 4 layers" in your hair? Let me explain to you how correct layer terminology works...

So now you know what not to say. You’re so welcome. Just tell your hairstylist you want a layered haircut, and maybe show them where you want your shortest layers to fall and/or if you want long layers. A good hairstylist will ask you more questions to determine how you want your hair cut.

What do you think about this article? Did it clear up some confusion for you? I’d love to hear  your feedback in the comments section below…

Rosemarie T Percox

Sunday 23rd of April 2023

Great explanation. Thank you.

Kathy

Wednesday 2nd of September 2020

I appreciate the terminology explanation. Is there pics of the last explanation of lots of blended layers? I have fine hair but it feels heavy on the top with no movement but I don't want those spikey too short in the back? Does that make sense? So texture without layers or are they one in the same? Thanks!

Hollee Wood

Thursday 3rd of September 2020

There are ways that they can add "ghost layers" to add volume up top without cutting choppy layers. They'd just be subtle and blended. I'll have to eventually rewrite this post with better explanations and pictures... I'll add it to my to-do list. Hope that helps :)

Cookie

Saturday 16th of May 2020

This is so very helpful. wish i would have known this 2 years ago.

Casey Marshall

Thursday 6th of February 2020

Thankyou this does mean a lot knowibg this

Cathy

Thursday 21st of November 2019

Thank you❤️I loved and saved your article. I have enjoyed “a Bob” for many years. Always confused when i try to communicate to my stylist which type i want. Thank you for clarifying. This is very helpful! ❤️🐞