How to add square or vertical layers to hair without losing the length

Add Layers to Hair

Q: I currently have long wavy hair that is all cut to the same length. It forms a triangle shape that I don't like. I want to add layers to may hair without losing the length. I have found information on your site about square layers and vertical layers. What is the difference as far as how it will look and which would be best for me?

A: Well, the easiest definition is that "square layers" are cut by holding the hair being "layered" at 180-degree elevation and cutting the hair using a horizontal cutting line. It should be also noted that "square layers" (also sometimes called "box layers") also implies that the hair's base line (the bottom edge of the hair) is left untouched.

Vertical layers are created by holding the hair at anything from 45-degrees to 135-degrees of elevation and cutting the hair using a vertical cutting line (perpendicular to the floor). Vertical layers can also be "box layers", but are not necessarily such.

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The finished results are often similar, with the square layers providing smoother transitions in the layers. Vertical layers can be useful for adjusting the position of a weight line within the hairstyle. In order to determine what will be best for you, you should discuss with your stylist what exactly you want the final shape of your hair's silhouette to be, and how he/she can help you achieve this.

My initial thoughts are to give you box layers using the square layering technique to offer some uniform distribution of the bulk in your wavy hair. You may also want to talk to the stylist about thinning the hair using thinning shears, but make sure he/she understands that you only want a minimum of thinning done to your hair.

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