Figuring out the perfect hairstyle for yourself is quite a task. You cannot just wake up one day and expect your hair to be all fine and fancy for the rest of your life. Different haircuts and hairstyles make it to the list based on trends and demands, but it doesn’t mean all of them are going to be the perfect pick for you.
If you search the internet, you will find many videos on haircut fails. Lack of proper research before getting your haircut leads to such consequences, and this is why you need to understand the type of haircut you are going for before actually chopping off your hair.
Now, let’s come to the main point. We are sure you must have heard about the super-popular step cut and layer cut at least once in your life. But do you actually know the difference between these two haircuts? Imagine sitting in the salon and expecting a great result, but you do not end up liking your hairstyle just because the haircut doesn’t suit you. Hard to picture, isn’t it?
So lately, if you have been thinking of giving your hair a new look and you have narrowed down the options to step cut and layer cut, we are here to help you decide which one will be the best for you. But before that, let’s know how these haircuts are actually done.
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How to Step Cut Hair in the Easiest Way?
The process of giving your hair a step cut is quite easy and it also doesn’t take much time. First of all, start with wet hair. Give your hair two partings-one will be the ear-to-ear parting and the other one will be the center parting. Now separate a section of hair from your nape area, as this one will be the guideline to determine the length of your hair.
Divide the separated hair into three parts. Keep in mind that you have to cut off 2 to 3 inches of hair from this separated section. Start with the middle part of the hair from the section and cut off your hair. Now take this middle part of the hair and divide it into two further sections, then blend the sections with the parts of hair on the sides. This will help you adjust the length on the sides. Cut accordingly on both sides, and your guideline is now complete.
Now take the rest of your hair from behind the ear-to-ear parting. Assemble all the hair together and then divide your hair into two parts. Taking the guideline into account, start with one side of the hair, comb and take your hair in an angular position, and then cut it according to the length of your guideline. Make sure to comb your hair thoroughly so that you get a clean and precise cut. Repeat the same process on the other side as well.
Your back hair has now achieved a perfect step cut style. Now proceed to the front section. Grabbing one section of hair from the front in an angular position, take some of your hair from the back and blend them with the front section of your hair, so that you achieve a new guideline. Now cut your hair based on the length of your guideline, and repeat the same process on the other side as well.
As a final step, you can separate the hair at the front and give it a proper and precise cut for achieving a complete look. Once it’s done, your beautiful step haircut will be ready to rock. Trust us, it will only take a few minutes!
How to Do a Layer Haircut?
For this part, we are going to talk about the long layers. This haircut is so simple but the outcome will be elegant enough to rock the red carpet.
First of all, create a middle part and an ear-to-ear parting on your hair. Tie up the back part and start working with the front part. From the front part, separate some of your hair from both sides so that you get a section of hair right in the middle. This middle section of hair will work as your guide. Take it all the way up, and then bring it down and give it a straight cut.
Now mix this guide hair with both sides of hair at the front. Take one side into account at first, bring your hair up diagonally, and then cut your hair according to the length of your guide. Take some hair from this side and mix it with the other side. Follow the same process on the other side as well. Make sure to point-cut upwards after cutting each section of hair.
Now that your front section is done, untie the back section of your hair and make a middle part all the way down to your nape. Bring all your hair to the front, and start with one section of hair. Now you need to cut this portion of hair by dividing it twice.
With the first segment, take your first guide into account and cut the rest of your hair an inch lower than your guide. Then take your second segment which will include some of the hair that you just cut; let’s consider it as your second guide. Cut the second segment of hair one inch lower than your second guide, and all your job on this side will be complete.
Move on to the other section of hair and repeat the same process. Remember to point-cut upwards so that everything looks perfect. When the cutting process will be completed on the other side as well, your long layers will be ready to roll!
As a final touch, you can divide your entire hair into two sections by parting in the middle, and then give the ends a proper diagonal shape to achieve the perfect outcome.
What are the Differences Between Step Cut and Layer Cut?
If you have read everything thoroughly up until now, then you might have already figured out that there’s a huge difference between step cut and layer cut. Although many people think that both of these haircuts are the same, they are actually not. Apart from the entire haircutting process, there are many other factors that differentiate a step cut from a layer cut.
Hair Length: If you are willing to go for a step haircut, your hair will be achieving a shorter look as it gradually goes up because that is the specialty of a step cut. And in the case of the layer cut, you don’t have to compromise the length of your hair because the technique allows you to flaunt your length.
Hair Type: We recommend opting for a step haircut if you have hair that is thicker in nature. Thin hair doesn’t complement this haircut, so a layer cut is best suited for thin hair.
Visibility: In a step cut, all the gaps will be visible because it will be giving you a clear look of the steps. This is why the hair length becomes longer gradually in a visually appealing way. On the other hand, the layers in a layered haircut are not so noticeable because the goal of this haircut is to achieve a mixed and merged look. That is one of the most important differences in the case of these two haircuts.
Outcome: With a step cut, you can achieve bounce on your hair. It also looks quite fascinating because you will be able to see the steps quite well and precisely. As for a layer cut, it’s all about the volume. This is why a layer cut is deemed to be best for thin hair as it makes hair look voluminous in appearance.
Trendiest Hairstyles with Step Cut and Layer Cut
Both step cut and layer cut are considered to be trendy and stylish because of their appearance. Many women love to opt for the layered haircut with their straight hair, while many others just prefer to go for the step cut. Here we have rounded up some of our favorite hairstyles that are perfect for those with step cut and layer cut hait. Let’s check them out now!
Medium Steps
Step haircut is a great option for those who have long or medium lengths of hair. It is a classy and timeless hairstyle that has been tried and tested by many women, so for an upgrade, you can definitely try out a medium-length step haircut.
To get you started, here is a simple example of a medium-length step haircut. The style looks pretty attractive and the steps are quite visible. For something simple but elegant, this one is a great option.
Blonde Hair
If you have beautiful and naturally blonde long hair, a step haircut is sure to complement your hair. The key is to pick the perfect style for your haircut, and you will be good to go.
For something simple yet sweet, this blonde hair with the perfect step cut is one of our favorites. We love the side part style, and the steps are properly visible in the picture. The bouncy look that her hair has gotten is sure to make everyone go aww!
Layer with Curtain Bangs
A layered haircut looks the best when it’s paired with curtain bangs at the front. This particular style has become quite trendy in recent times, and girls with long hair love to try out this look. So if your hair is crying for an upgrade, you can definitely give this a try.
The lady in this picture has a perfect layered haircut accompanied by beautiful curtain bangs. We love how healthy her hair looks, and the color of her hair is also charming. This is a hairstyle that is suitable for any event, so giving this a try is a must!
Short Layer
Trying out a layer cut doesn’t mean that your hair has to be longer in length only. For those willing to chop off their long hair while maintaining the volume, a short layer will be the best option to achieve such an amazing outcome!
The lady in this picture had long hair previously, and she went for the short layer to step up her hair game. We love how pretty the haircut looks, and the blonde highlights on the brown hair are totally captivating. Bold and beautiful, that’s what this hairstyle is all about!
Step or Layer, Which Haircut is the Best?
Now that you know almost everything about the pros and cons of having a step cut and a layer cut, it’s time to decide which one will be the best pick for you. However, there is no easy answer for that because both of these hairstyles are similarly stylish.
The thing with step hair is that it gives you a defined look with all the steps. But it might become a hassle to try out braided hairstyles with a step cut, so we recommend keeping your hair untied and flowing if you are trying out a step cut.
With a layer cut, it’s all about giving your hair the volume it deserves. If you have thin hair and you feel like your current haircut isn’t complimenting your style, then a layer cut is the best option to opt for.
Based on your hair type, length, and texture, you need to figure out which one of these amazing haircuts is going to be the best option for you. You can also consult with your hairdresser and then pick the right option. No matter which one you choose, you are going to look fabulous for sure!
Final Thoughts
As we approach the end of this article, it’s now time for you to determine the type and texture of your hair and go for one of these cuts accordingly. For visible aspects, a step cut can be a great pick. And for a blended look, we totally recommend the layer cut.
Try out the styles we have mentioned in this article to achieve the trendiest look with your step cut and layer cut. Make sure that you understand the differences properly before opting for either one so that the outcomes are perfect and you can flaunt your new haircut like a diva!
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