A: Box Layers (or box layering) is a technique where the upper layers of the hair are cut into layers with a strong perimeter
hairline. It is called ‘box layering’ because if the head were inverted the hair would hang and form a flat plane with the ends of the
hair being completely even. It is an effective style for hair that is collar-length or shorter, but can be performed on longer hair.
To create the box layers, cut the hair using a stationary guide at the top of the head, at the
center parting. Cut your guide to the desired length at the front hairline or behind the bangs (in some cases you may want to use the
bangs as your guide). Work in small sections starting at the front guide and working your way back. Hold these sections straight up
from the head and cut your guide length. (This is known as 180-degree elevation.)
As you cut the center sections at the top, be sure to stop at the back of the head around the
occipital bone so that you avoid cutting into the perimeter line. You should also leave down ½ inch on each side to avoid cutting into
the perimeter on the sides. You can blend the lower sections on the sides and in back after you’ve finished layering the hair.
Cut the center hair first, then take small sections from alternating sides and cut to the top
guide length, slowly working front-to-back, and from side to side. You can get more accurate cutting by working from the side in this
process. This process is time-consuming, but will give the best results. As you get more practiced, you can switch to a faster method
where once your center guide cut has been completed front to back, you can take vertical sections (working from the front of the head
or the back) and cut them to the guide length.
