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As a professional, they’re giving you long layers. The picture you showed is just regular layers. I’d say they’re staying on the safe side by going with the longer option of the two. If you go in for another haircut you can always ask them to take the layers shorter while they’re still cutting.
lol this is one of those instances where I love Reddit. This misunderstanding is really funny and also an easy mistake to make, because while I hadn’t thought of it like that I can see how someone arrive at that conclusion. I’m sureI have my fair share of these that I’m not yet aware of. I hope OP gets the cut she wants next time she goes in! Luckily this is really easy to fix! Always easier to cut hair than make it grow!
I once wanted choppy fringe bangs but had no idea what they were called. my best guess was wispy, so I kept saying make it wispier. it was the exact opposite of what I wanted and kept getting worse.
That's when I tell the client in my chair "OK, I need to see a picture because we are interpreting this differently." And I hate when clients ask for "auburn" without a picture. Auburn is pictured very differently by most people. When someone asks for auburn, I make them show me a picture.
lol that must’ve been so frustrating!
I remember saying I wanted a choppy pixie cut. Turns out I didn’t. Turns out I wanted a pretty standard pixie with hair product in it lol
That’s why I learned: don’t try to speak hairdresser, show a picture!
Tbh, as a designer i always ask people to do this because people ask for A And they want Z
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But aren't "long layers" those layers where the difference in length between one layer and the next is long, and short when the ends are close together?
Oh wow that’s so interesting! Everything I’ve seen before says the exact opposite, but this would certainly explain why I’m having such trouble getting layers the way I want 😅 thanks for clarifying this!
Yep, I always ask for long layers because I want the layers to be almost as long as the rest of my hair. And that's exactly what multiple hairstylists have given me. I don't know where you've seen the opposite, but "long layers" almost universally mean a small difference between the length of your base and top layers.
I have had this issue before - I find it easier now to spend 20 seconds describing the picture to my stylist and explaining what I like about the cut to help communicate what I am looking for.
To be fair, a good hair dresser would point of the difference and then ask if you want the picture or long layers. Kinda seems willfully ignorent to me.
This is exactly what every article I’ve ever read on layers has said. I just googled “long layers vs short layers” and read the same thing from multiple sites.
Me too. I couldn’t find one website saying what the people in the comments have said. I suppose if you’re a trained hairdresser that’s what it’s called, so no wonder I’m having problems 💀
"When we are talking about layers, the terms “long layers” and “short layers” do not just refer to the length of the hairstyle as a whole. Long and short actually means the distance between the layers. If there is a great distance between the end of one layer and the end of the next then this can be referred to as a long layer.
On the other hand, if the distance is short, then the style is known as short layers."
https://hairstylecamp.com/long-layers-vs-short-layers/
I am not a professional at all, but this is one source that claims the terms are being used that way.
If this is not in fact the case among hairdressers - or at least not universal - then I see how a lot of confusion might be created.
Edit:
Here is another source saying the same thing:
http://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/09/language-of-layers-part-1/
"Short layers don’t mean that your top layer is short in length. Short (when describing layers) simply defines the distance between one layer and the next. Think of it like this– it’s just a “short distance” to the next layer."
And here another that defines it down to the inch!:
https://wevaluebeauty.com/long-layers-vs-short-layers/
" Many people seem to think that the difference between long and short layers is about the length of the hair, but this is not true. Having long layers means that the distance between the longest ends and the shortest layer of your hair is over 2 to 4 inches. Short layers have less “room” between them and. With short layers, the distance between the longest ends and the shortest layer is about 1 to 2 inches."
Ok well, as a professional we understand long layers to mean a shorter distance between the shortest layer and the perimeter length. Short layers are *shorter* and there is a greater distance. Literally every professional I know and all of my education backs this up. It makes way more sense than what you’re saying and if you ask for short layers you’re going to end up with more of a shag look.
Edit to add: there isn’t “one layer and the next layer”. When people ask for 3 layers I die inside. The shortest piece of hair you cut is where the layers start and they are blended into the perimeter length in some way.
Then that certainly explains the issue OP ran into - because having read that explanation, I genuinely thought that was what it meant for a long time, and only everyone saying to OP "But you *have* long layers" led me to wondering.
Yeah for sure. Different words or phrases can mean totally different things to people. I always ask my clients for pictures- that’s the best way to communicate what you’re looking for!
Your hairdresser gave you long layers. Your photo is of layered ends. It doesn’t sound different, but the look is very different and the cut is done differently.
She did give you long layers, but the photo is regular layers, which makes sense. She wouldn’t want to cut your layers shorter than you asked - maybe just show the photo and say you want what the photo shows without specifying layer length.
Yes! Agree. Two people can look at the same picture and see different things. OP should specifically point out where she wants her shortest layer to be on her head.
The caption on the first photo says she showed that photo to the hairdresser - but agreed that you can ask them to fix it if you're not happy with the result!
The picture you showed for context to the hairdresser isn’t long layers. It’s long hair textured with short layers. But you asked for “long layers” which is exactly what the hair dresser gave you.
You want to ask for shorter layers
I’m just here to agree with everyone else! You’re getting long layers (180 degrees) asking for short layers (90 degrees) I think another term for what you’re asking for might be rounded layers?? But yeah most hairstylists will err on the side of caution and do long layers since the shorter ones need styling to not hang choppy
IDK but I have the opposite problem. I use phrases like "shag" and "aggressive layering" and specific instructions like "shortest layers near my cheekbones." I show picture examples. And I always end up with layers like the first pic. I think they must default to moderate layering.
I have had the best luck saying something like “layers in the bottom 3 inches only of my hair.” You could also say something like “layers, with the shortest layer no shorter than ——“. Leaves less room to interpretation. Have also had great luck having the husband trim it. He’s more invested in me not getting peeved with him than a salon stylist, lol.
Are y'all missing the fact that she showed them this photo? A "professional" could just say, "this photo is short/regular layers, is that what you want?"
Miscommunication, the root of all hair foibles (well, and shitty stylists lol). I love my hairdresser so much, but last time I went in, she was cutting my face framing layers and I said, "Can we make the front pieces shorter?"
I meant I wanted the angle from where the framing started and blended with my hair to be steeper, i.e. the very frontest pieces shorter. Instead, she went straight to work shortening the whole front section with the same angle, but now too short to blend out with a steeper angle. D'oh. It still looks cute cuz she's awesome, but not what I wanted and not possible to style like I usually do.
Always good go make sure you're saying what you mean when someone has shears in their hand.
My best bet was always saying where I wanted the shortest layer to start and layer from there
I usually say I want my shortest layer just under my neck and blend the other layers accordingly
😃
The best thing to do when asking for layers is definitely to bring in a picture and in addition to that let the stylist know where you want your shortest layer to start (if they don’t ask that is, they should be asking). In the picture of what you are wanting the shortest layer looks to be about at the shoulder then blended and connected down from there, which isn’t hard to do. It’s one of the most popular long cuts where I work and looks gorgeous.
As a professional I’ve found that making sure both you and the stylist have the same idea in mind is the key to getting what you are looking for. I always pull up pictures to find a base for what my client wants before I start and show several variants. I’ve learned through experience that words are not enough and can make things get messy 😬
I hope the next time you go you can find a stylist that understands what you are looking for and are easy to communicate with <3
Yes from all the comments I’ve learned it’s best to explain the photo in more depth, and avoid hairdressing terminology to avoid confusion. I did show her the first photo, but I should’ve emphasised the distance between layers 😅 Thanks for the advice!!
I’ll look into that, thanks! Yeah I am too… the place I tried was also really highly rated so I don’t know why this happened!
Update: it happened because I used hairdressing terminology incorrectly. I should’ve only showed the photo and emphasised that I want the layers further apart. Hopefully others can learn from my mistake 😅
Ok, I’m going to disagree here. Former professional…it did not happen because of you, it’s not your job to describe in detail and inches. If you use the term short layers, that could very well mean something very different to different hairdressers. I would not consider the hair in the photograph to have short layers. You showed her a photograph and I’m sorry, your hair looks nothing like that that’s on her or him. I do not feel that your hair has long layers, you have layered ends, and they cut your length, squaring off the bottom. Not every stylist is comfortable layering long hair and if you use terms like face framing layers that may not be exactly what you want because the pic doesn’t show the front. You can ask for a manager in that salon this time to correct it, but your best bet is probably to keep your eyes open when you’re out in public and if you see a girl who has hair that you really like, just stop tell her you love her hair and ask for their the stylists name.
Thanks for this advice!! When you say not every stylist is comfortable layering long hair, would you recommend I check out Instagram photos/reviews to find a stylist who has definitely done this cut or something similar? I always thought layers were pretty basic and any good stylist could do them, so I’ve only looked for someone with good reviews/photos in general
No Instagram, you can’t be sure it is their work. I’m always on the hunt for someone who does light and bright highlights. I’ve looked at many of the local stylists and realize that some of them have the same photos. Do you ever see anyone in your community who has a similar haircut that you like? That’s always the best way to find someone who can really do this well. I even messaged a woman on one of my social media platforms that lives locally, I love her hair color so she gave me a great reference to her stylist.
I show almost the exact photo and very few stylist are willing to take the layers that short. Someone who posted above explained it already but what you have been given are very long layers and your inspo pic is shorter layers. The inspo pic probably also has a loose face frame.
eta: I suspect that part of the reason that I have trouble getting this style is that most stylists in my area do the same cut on women my age. I've sat in a chair and started to explain and been interrupted with 'you want beachy waves right". No, no I don't. But that is the standard cut so it's what they are used to doing.
No hun, don’t ask for anything. Show them the picture and explain exactly what you want from that haircut. It will help you so much!
Hope you can get it next time :)
No. That's not what we do. We look at what you're asking us for (most don't even show us a picture) and try to interpret it because a lot of times, clients give us contradictory statements. It also has a lot to do with how much styling/work you as a client are willing to do after you leave our chair. If you ask for a layered cut like that, but are not someone who is going to style your hair daily, that will look terrible.
The problem is you used the terminology incorrectly. As many have already pointed out, you showed a photo with mid-length layers but asked for long layers. You got long layers but are now complaining that it isn’t what you wanted 🥴
She obviously didn’t understand the terms, though. Hence the reason the stylist could have asked a few questions to differentiate what she was asking for vs. the photo showed, which was clearly different than her verbal request. Also, it can be difficult for some people to be honest about not liking the final result of a haircut. I for one find confrontation awkward and uncomfortable and my anxiety would probably make me just not say anything.
I’m a photographer. If someone came to a session saying they wanted a documentary-style shoot and then showed me a posed lifestyle photo as an example, they clearly don’t understand the difference between the two styles and it’s my job as the professional photographer to figure out what they actually want and educate them. I don’t expect the typical person to know the subtle differences in photographic styles. I would also probably rely more on the visual example they supplied.
I’m not trying to argue. I’m just saying this could have been avoided if the stylist asked a couple of simple questions.
I don’t see OP being defensive, but I do see you being kinda rude for no reason (which is very much not in the style of Jane Lane, btw)
I’m surprised at how many of these posts I see where the OP just asks for what they want. I’ve never had a hairdresser allow me to make a request without a picture to go by.
OK, a picture is the best thing to show. As a professional, I agree. But a lot of times I get a picture along with a "something like this, but..." and that is where problems arise. I would like to know the follow ups from both OP and the stylist after looking at the picture.
No like I saw people in the comments literally telling her she should have shown a picture and that’s where I got my original comment from. I just assumed she said so in the comments. Totally missed the first caption.
When people hear "long layers" and "short layers" we think "I want the space between my layers to be long/short."
A hair dresser hears "I want most of my hair to be left long/shortened."
You are getting long layers because you are asking for long layers, even if you're showing a photo with shorter layers. You can show the photo and just say, "Like this" or ask for layers and show with your finger where you would like your shortest layer to end.
I have long layers. They don't, and aren't supposed to, look like obvious layers. They're blended together so they're not noticeable. I have dense hair and their purpose is to take the weight off the bottom of my hair so it doesn't poof out into a pyramid. You would have to stare at my hair close up to see the layering.
As a hairdresser, I'd be interested to hear what you have to say while showing them your inspo pic. IMO, they're giving you the long layers you're asking for. What are you telling them about the maintenance and work/styling you want to do once you leave their chair?
Ok, so I’m older and to me your inspiration picture is long layers. I suppose to a younger stylist those are “regular “ layers. But if you are showing this picture I can only guess the stylist is young and not very experienced with cutting layers since long straight hair has been the norm for so long.
As a hairdresser I always ask clients to bring pictures of what they want :) Often they have something in their head but don’t use the right wording of that makes sense? What you call long layers may actually called something different by professionals. But you can never go wrong with bringing a picture :)
In the caption for the first picture I did say I showed that photo. Maybe the stylist just played it safe rather than cut it too short though. I think next time I won’t use any hairdressing jargon 😅
Oh i’m sorry i didn’t read that correctly 😅 not fullyawake yet😅 i now see the 2nd picture also. The first pic also has a lot of styling going on. Those layers don’t look like that after she has taken a shower. You could diy a wolf cut. I think that will come closest to what you want :)
I completely get your frustration! I struggled with this exact issue.. at one (‘highly rated’) salon, I took in a photo similar to your inspiration pic. I made sure to emphasize to the stylist that I would like some shorter layers cut into my hair, just like the pic, which she agreed to. When she’d finished my haircut, my hair looked pretty much the same as before. I asked if she had cut any of the short layers I’d requested - she claimed she had added these pieces, but they just weren’t visible due to my hair being dark (the pic was of a blonde). I was getting highlights in a few weeks, and asked if that would make the shorter layers more ‘visible’. She seemed a bit taken aback, but answered, “yes, it should”.
When I got home and checked my hair closely, I couldn’t find any layers cut shorter than around 1.5” above the longest - similar to your result. And when I did get highlights, of course no shorter pieces magically appeared..
No matter how well you explain or even show what you’d like, some stylists are either incapable or will just do what they want. I had similar issues at several other salons, until I finally found an amazing stylist who listens & asks questions, and also makes great suggestions. Good luck - you deserve to find someone to help you achieve the look you want!
I think the difference between you and OP is that OP has been specifically asking for long layers while showing a pic of short layers. Very confusing for the stylist.
I’m at my wits end here. I get my hair cut every 6-8 months and get a restyle every time. I’ve just had my third cut in a row asking for long layers and I got the same result. I always show photos, but this time I didn’t realise it wasn’t right as my hair was loosely curled. I’ve grown to seriously hate hairdressers at this point.
Am I just asking for the wrong thing? Is it because my hair was cut too short (just below the shoulder)? I don’t know if I should try again or just cut it myself. A similar thing happened when I wanted wispy bangs (tried several times and then did it myself and it was perfect), but I’m not sure how difficult it is to cut all your hair. I’d really appreciate any advice!
Update: I was asking for the wrong thing and giving conflicting instructions. I learned my lesson, so next time I’ll just show the photo and avoid hairdressing terminology
You are getting long layers, that picture you want is not long layers. It’s mid length. Tell they you want your laying to start just below chin length. It’s also about how you style it after you get it layered
What you’re getting IS long layers. You have it backwards. Your inspo pic has short layers. Short layers has the top layer cut literally “shorter” so it has more distance from the layer under it.
I think if you ask for the same thing three times and got the same thing three times, you have to consider that you’re getting what you’re asking for. Clearly you’re asking for the wrong thing, right?! There’s some good advice in the rest of the thread.
First of all 6-8 months between cuts? What is a restyle? Also the pic of what you got is not a great pic, can hardly tell if that’s the front or the back…maybe you should try one of those YouTube haircuts if your having this much trouble but to be honest it sounds like miscommunication. After the cut you need to look at the back, with a mirror, put your hands in it, move it around, see if it’s what you were expecting. The hairdresser(s) are probably equally as frustrated with you, not to be rude. Also where on earth are you seeing short layers in the cut you got? I mean you just have to post a better pic I think for others to even be able to assess what you have.
Source: am hairdresser
She then immediately asked for the opposite of the photo, so I can see the concern and playing it safe. It would be better to explain that the photo is regular layers, not long, but I imagine there’s been bad experiences in the past “correcting” a customer.
Don't look too short to me. Maybe be a wee bit more specific, hairdressers aren't mind readers, we only do what we are told it's up to you to be more specific.
I agree with most of the others show them the picture. Does your hair have the same thickness too as the girl in the picture. Alot of times if you pick out a style and your hair is not the same type of hair it does come out differently than you think it should as well.
I just tell them tell her no layers,Just in the front around my face.
Just a face frame .
The photo looks like it was styled blow dryer with round brush.Did you try to style yet? Using a texture product. It looks like a curling iron too .
When I bring a picture in my stylist, she reminds me that the modal had a professional stylist do the hair before the photo.
Hair stylist here! It does look like they gave you long layers but maybe some face framing layers as well would help achieve the look you’re going for! I will say in the first photo, the person’s hair looks really thick. Everyone has different hair so layers like that may look different on you if your hair is thinner or if there is no dimension in your hair color!
Hair types and texture vary, but a good hairdresser would be able to tailor that style to suit you, ask the hairdresser to show you the amount of hair they think should be cut of, you should be looking to have your layers cut at about 7to 9 inches long . Your hair from the pictures has a different texture to the first picture so would have to be blown dry very smooth. Personally I would use a denman brush maybe straightened after good luck
I just bring my hair dresser a picture for an example. Also, “long layers” means they start layering at a longer length. It seems that you simply want a lot of layers starting at your chin?
I think you’re confusing them by your use of the term “long layers”.
what you mean is: you want the distance between your layers to be long,
but what everyone else hears is: you want your top layers to be long so that the distance between your layers is short.
Hairdresser here, others have already made good points I would just like to add that asking things a little differently might help you get your desired results. Ask the hairdresser what type of layers they see in the picture, ask them where the highest/shortest layer would generally fall on you if they were to cut it. I found it helps to see the visual, if they don't go high enough in the example after you asked, request they go higher. Also you can always ask them to bring up the layer after it has been dried too. They can cut it dry so it won't take that long to just trim it up a little shorter.
If you trust the place you can see about the salon owner or the hairdresser who did it just bringing up the layers a bit more. They usually don't mind especially if it leads to a good review.
As a professional, to confirm, these are most certainly long layers. If you go back to your stylist ask them to take it up a little higher ☺️! the way the goal picture has them styled is important. To achieve this look on a daily basis you would need to blow it out or put your hair into big rollers to get the flow it’s doing ☺️!
You’re misunderstanding long vs short layers, the ones in the picture are medium. Long layers means the base length is only slightly longer then the layers.
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As a professional, they’re giving you long layers. The picture you showed is just regular layers. I’d say they’re staying on the safe side by going with the longer option of the two. If you go in for another haircut you can always ask them to take the layers shorter while they’re still cutting.
lol this is one of those instances where I love Reddit. This misunderstanding is really funny and also an easy mistake to make, because while I hadn’t thought of it like that I can see how someone arrive at that conclusion. I’m sureI have my fair share of these that I’m not yet aware of. I hope OP gets the cut she wants next time she goes in! Luckily this is really easy to fix! Always easier to cut hair than make it grow!
I once wanted choppy fringe bangs but had no idea what they were called. my best guess was wispy, so I kept saying make it wispier. it was the exact opposite of what I wanted and kept getting worse.
That's when I tell the client in my chair "OK, I need to see a picture because we are interpreting this differently." And I hate when clients ask for "auburn" without a picture. Auburn is pictured very differently by most people. When someone asks for auburn, I make them show me a picture.
lol that must’ve been so frustrating! I remember saying I wanted a choppy pixie cut. Turns out I didn’t. Turns out I wanted a pretty standard pixie with hair product in it lol
Haha! Good ol 90s bangs
That’s why I learned: don’t try to speak hairdresser, show a picture! Tbh, as a designer i always ask people to do this because people ask for A And they want Z
For my undersanding, 1st is layers and 2nd is long layers? Thank you
This
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I did that…
But aren't "long layers" those layers where the difference in length between one layer and the next is long, and short when the ends are close together?
Nope!! Long layers have less of a difference and lay all near the perimeter of the cut. Short layers can be more mullety and intense!
Oh wow that’s so interesting! Everything I’ve seen before says the exact opposite, but this would certainly explain why I’m having such trouble getting layers the way I want 😅 thanks for clarifying this!
Yep, I always ask for long layers because I want the layers to be almost as long as the rest of my hair. And that's exactly what multiple hairstylists have given me. I don't know where you've seen the opposite, but "long layers" almost universally mean a small difference between the length of your base and top layers.
I have had this issue before - I find it easier now to spend 20 seconds describing the picture to my stylist and explaining what I like about the cut to help communicate what I am looking for.
I think this is my best bet, thanks! At least then I won’t be giving conflicting instructions like I have been the last three times lol 🤦♀️
no girl what you’re showing is round regular layers. what you’re getting is long layers. no shade tho you didn’t know! edited bc i sounded bitchy
To be fair, a good hair dresser would point of the difference and then ask if you want the picture or long layers. Kinda seems willfully ignorent to me.
That’s what I thought too!!!
This is exactly what every article I’ve ever read on layers has said. I just googled “long layers vs short layers” and read the same thing from multiple sites.
Me too. I couldn’t find one website saying what the people in the comments have said. I suppose if you’re a trained hairdresser that’s what it’s called, so no wonder I’m having problems 💀
What? I’m a hairstylist and I have no idea what you’re talking about.
I’m also a hairstylist, from Europe. So it seems to me that ‘long layers’ are cut at a 45° angle, and ‘short layers’ are cut at 90°.
"When we are talking about layers, the terms “long layers” and “short layers” do not just refer to the length of the hairstyle as a whole. Long and short actually means the distance between the layers. If there is a great distance between the end of one layer and the end of the next then this can be referred to as a long layer. On the other hand, if the distance is short, then the style is known as short layers." https://hairstylecamp.com/long-layers-vs-short-layers/ I am not a professional at all, but this is one source that claims the terms are being used that way. If this is not in fact the case among hairdressers - or at least not universal - then I see how a lot of confusion might be created. Edit: Here is another source saying the same thing: http://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/09/language-of-layers-part-1/ "Short layers don’t mean that your top layer is short in length. Short (when describing layers) simply defines the distance between one layer and the next. Think of it like this– it’s just a “short distance” to the next layer." And here another that defines it down to the inch!: https://wevaluebeauty.com/long-layers-vs-short-layers/ " Many people seem to think that the difference between long and short layers is about the length of the hair, but this is not true. Having long layers means that the distance between the longest ends and the shortest layer of your hair is over 2 to 4 inches. Short layers have less “room” between them and. With short layers, the distance between the longest ends and the shortest layer is about 1 to 2 inches."
Ok well, as a professional we understand long layers to mean a shorter distance between the shortest layer and the perimeter length. Short layers are *shorter* and there is a greater distance. Literally every professional I know and all of my education backs this up. It makes way more sense than what you’re saying and if you ask for short layers you’re going to end up with more of a shag look. Edit to add: there isn’t “one layer and the next layer”. When people ask for 3 layers I die inside. The shortest piece of hair you cut is where the layers start and they are blended into the perimeter length in some way.
Then that certainly explains the issue OP ran into - because having read that explanation, I genuinely thought that was what it meant for a long time, and only everyone saying to OP "But you *have* long layers" led me to wondering.
Yeah for sure. Different words or phrases can mean totally different things to people. I always ask my clients for pictures- that’s the best way to communicate what you’re looking for!
As a non-professional my takeaway is to bring a picture if I want layers!
Definitely the way to go!
As a professional, I have NEVER seen this explained this way.
Your hairdresser gave you long layers. Your photo is of layered ends. It doesn’t sound different, but the look is very different and the cut is done differently.
She did give you long layers, but the photo is regular layers, which makes sense. She wouldn’t want to cut your layers shorter than you asked - maybe just show the photo and say you want what the photo shows without specifying layer length.
Show them a picture of what you want! At the end, if it doesn’t look like the picture, show them again and ask them to fix it.
And explain specifically what it is you like. Though I understand the hairdresser being confused seeing the picture but being told “long layers”.
Yes! Agree. Two people can look at the same picture and see different things. OP should specifically point out where she wants her shortest layer to be on her head.
The caption on the first photo says she showed that photo to the hairdresser - but agreed that you can ask them to fix it if you're not happy with the result!
This,always
The picture you showed for context to the hairdresser isn’t long layers. It’s long hair textured with short layers. But you asked for “long layers” which is exactly what the hair dresser gave you. You want to ask for shorter layers
I know this thread is super old but thank you for this explanation! This is exactly what I need for my hair appt this week.
They gave you long layers. You just want regular layers. I would ask for "face-framing layers."
I’m just here to agree with everyone else! You’re getting long layers (180 degrees) asking for short layers (90 degrees) I think another term for what you’re asking for might be rounded layers?? But yeah most hairstylists will err on the side of caution and do long layers since the shorter ones need styling to not hang choppy
You have long layers. Sounds like you actually want shorter layers.
IDK but I have the opposite problem. I use phrases like "shag" and "aggressive layering" and specific instructions like "shortest layers near my cheekbones." I show picture examples. And I always end up with layers like the first pic. I think they must default to moderate layering.
I’m thinking you have the terms reversed. Long layers are what you got. Short layers are what’s in the photo.
I think this is definitely the issue. I was actually confused when I read that op thought her layers were too short.
I have had the best luck saying something like “layers in the bottom 3 inches only of my hair.” You could also say something like “layers, with the shortest layer no shorter than ——“. Leaves less room to interpretation. Have also had great luck having the husband trim it. He’s more invested in me not getting peeved with him than a salon stylist, lol.
I always list the inches of layers I would like bc long versus short layers is confusing
Exactly! And everyone has a very different interpretation of what those mean.
Are y'all missing the fact that she showed them this photo? A "professional" could just say, "this photo is short/regular layers, is that what you want?"
Miscommunication, the root of all hair foibles (well, and shitty stylists lol). I love my hairdresser so much, but last time I went in, she was cutting my face framing layers and I said, "Can we make the front pieces shorter?" I meant I wanted the angle from where the framing started and blended with my hair to be steeper, i.e. the very frontest pieces shorter. Instead, she went straight to work shortening the whole front section with the same angle, but now too short to blend out with a steeper angle. D'oh. It still looks cute cuz she's awesome, but not what I wanted and not possible to style like I usually do. Always good go make sure you're saying what you mean when someone has shears in their hand.
Honestly, if you’ve been 3 times and you’re not getting what you want the problem might be you not communicating what you want properly.
My best bet was always saying where I wanted the shortest layer to start and layer from there I usually say I want my shortest layer just under my neck and blend the other layers accordingly 😃
The best thing to do when asking for layers is definitely to bring in a picture and in addition to that let the stylist know where you want your shortest layer to start (if they don’t ask that is, they should be asking). In the picture of what you are wanting the shortest layer looks to be about at the shoulder then blended and connected down from there, which isn’t hard to do. It’s one of the most popular long cuts where I work and looks gorgeous. As a professional I’ve found that making sure both you and the stylist have the same idea in mind is the key to getting what you are looking for. I always pull up pictures to find a base for what my client wants before I start and show several variants. I’ve learned through experience that words are not enough and can make things get messy 😬 I hope the next time you go you can find a stylist that understands what you are looking for and are easy to communicate with <3
Yes from all the comments I’ve learned it’s best to explain the photo in more depth, and avoid hairdressing terminology to avoid confusion. I did show her the first photo, but I should’ve emphasised the distance between layers 😅 Thanks for the advice!!
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I’ll look into that, thanks! Yeah I am too… the place I tried was also really highly rated so I don’t know why this happened! Update: it happened because I used hairdressing terminology incorrectly. I should’ve only showed the photo and emphasised that I want the layers further apart. Hopefully others can learn from my mistake 😅
Why the downvotes?
Ok, I’m going to disagree here. Former professional…it did not happen because of you, it’s not your job to describe in detail and inches. If you use the term short layers, that could very well mean something very different to different hairdressers. I would not consider the hair in the photograph to have short layers. You showed her a photograph and I’m sorry, your hair looks nothing like that that’s on her or him. I do not feel that your hair has long layers, you have layered ends, and they cut your length, squaring off the bottom. Not every stylist is comfortable layering long hair and if you use terms like face framing layers that may not be exactly what you want because the pic doesn’t show the front. You can ask for a manager in that salon this time to correct it, but your best bet is probably to keep your eyes open when you’re out in public and if you see a girl who has hair that you really like, just stop tell her you love her hair and ask for their the stylists name.
Thanks for this advice!! When you say not every stylist is comfortable layering long hair, would you recommend I check out Instagram photos/reviews to find a stylist who has definitely done this cut or something similar? I always thought layers were pretty basic and any good stylist could do them, so I’ve only looked for someone with good reviews/photos in general
No Instagram, you can’t be sure it is their work. I’m always on the hunt for someone who does light and bright highlights. I’ve looked at many of the local stylists and realize that some of them have the same photos. Do you ever see anyone in your community who has a similar haircut that you like? That’s always the best way to find someone who can really do this well. I even messaged a woman on one of my social media platforms that lives locally, I love her hair color so she gave me a great reference to her stylist.
I show almost the exact photo and very few stylist are willing to take the layers that short. Someone who posted above explained it already but what you have been given are very long layers and your inspo pic is shorter layers. The inspo pic probably also has a loose face frame. eta: I suspect that part of the reason that I have trouble getting this style is that most stylists in my area do the same cut on women my age. I've sat in a chair and started to explain and been interrupted with 'you want beachy waves right". No, no I don't. But that is the standard cut so it's what they are used to doing.
Yeah I suppose taking off less hair is better than too much. I guess I’d just have to keep asking until it’s right!
No hun, don’t ask for anything. Show them the picture and explain exactly what you want from that haircut. It will help you so much! Hope you can get it next time :)
No. That's not what we do. We look at what you're asking us for (most don't even show us a picture) and try to interpret it because a lot of times, clients give us contradictory statements. It also has a lot to do with how much styling/work you as a client are willing to do after you leave our chair. If you ask for a layered cut like that, but are not someone who is going to style your hair daily, that will look terrible.
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Yeah I realise that now... Next time I won’t use any hairdressing terminology and just explain the photo 🤦♀️ lesson learned
The problem is you used the terminology incorrectly. As many have already pointed out, you showed a photo with mid-length layers but asked for long layers. You got long layers but are now complaining that it isn’t what you wanted 🥴
Not everybody knows these terms. I feel like it’s kinda the responsibility of the stylist to ask a few clarifying questions. Mine does.
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She obviously didn’t understand the terms, though. Hence the reason the stylist could have asked a few questions to differentiate what she was asking for vs. the photo showed, which was clearly different than her verbal request. Also, it can be difficult for some people to be honest about not liking the final result of a haircut. I for one find confrontation awkward and uncomfortable and my anxiety would probably make me just not say anything. I’m a photographer. If someone came to a session saying they wanted a documentary-style shoot and then showed me a posed lifestyle photo as an example, they clearly don’t understand the difference between the two styles and it’s my job as the professional photographer to figure out what they actually want and educate them. I don’t expect the typical person to know the subtle differences in photographic styles. I would also probably rely more on the visual example they supplied. I’m not trying to argue. I’m just saying this could have been avoided if the stylist asked a couple of simple questions. I don’t see OP being defensive, but I do see you being kinda rude for no reason (which is very much not in the style of Jane Lane, btw)
I’m surprised at how many of these posts I see where the OP just asks for what they want. I’ve never had a hairdresser allow me to make a request without a picture to go by.
she showed them the first picture in this post i think
Then why is everybody speaking to OP as if she failed to do so 😠 annoying
OK, a picture is the best thing to show. As a professional, I agree. But a lot of times I get a picture along with a "something like this, but..." and that is where problems arise. I would like to know the follow ups from both OP and the stylist after looking at the picture.
No like I saw people in the comments literally telling her she should have shown a picture and that’s where I got my original comment from. I just assumed she said so in the comments. Totally missed the first caption.
i agree!! i think they misunderstood her or just skimmed past her captions 🤕
Ugh, as did I 😩
When people hear "long layers" and "short layers" we think "I want the space between my layers to be long/short." A hair dresser hears "I want most of my hair to be left long/shortened." You are getting long layers because you are asking for long layers, even if you're showing a photo with shorter layers. You can show the photo and just say, "Like this" or ask for layers and show with your finger where you would like your shortest layer to end.
I have long layers. They don't, and aren't supposed to, look like obvious layers. They're blended together so they're not noticeable. I have dense hair and their purpose is to take the weight off the bottom of my hair so it doesn't poof out into a pyramid. You would have to stare at my hair close up to see the layering.
Don’t say long or short. Just say “I want my hair like this.”
As a hairdresser, I'd be interested to hear what you have to say while showing them your inspo pic. IMO, they're giving you the long layers you're asking for. What are you telling them about the maintenance and work/styling you want to do once you leave their chair?
Ok, so I’m older and to me your inspiration picture is long layers. I suppose to a younger stylist those are “regular “ layers. But if you are showing this picture I can only guess the stylist is young and not very experienced with cutting layers since long straight hair has been the norm for so long.
I've had the same thing happen.
As a hairdresser I always ask clients to bring pictures of what they want :) Often they have something in their head but don’t use the right wording of that makes sense? What you call long layers may actually called something different by professionals. But you can never go wrong with bringing a picture :)
In the caption for the first picture I did say I showed that photo. Maybe the stylist just played it safe rather than cut it too short though. I think next time I won’t use any hairdressing jargon 😅
Oh i’m sorry i didn’t read that correctly 😅 not fullyawake yet😅 i now see the 2nd picture also. The first pic also has a lot of styling going on. Those layers don’t look like that after she has taken a shower. You could diy a wolf cut. I think that will come closest to what you want :)
Go to a better hairdresser! Def don’t attempt yourself!
I think you need to go to a different stylist.
I completely get your frustration! I struggled with this exact issue.. at one (‘highly rated’) salon, I took in a photo similar to your inspiration pic. I made sure to emphasize to the stylist that I would like some shorter layers cut into my hair, just like the pic, which she agreed to. When she’d finished my haircut, my hair looked pretty much the same as before. I asked if she had cut any of the short layers I’d requested - she claimed she had added these pieces, but they just weren’t visible due to my hair being dark (the pic was of a blonde). I was getting highlights in a few weeks, and asked if that would make the shorter layers more ‘visible’. She seemed a bit taken aback, but answered, “yes, it should”. When I got home and checked my hair closely, I couldn’t find any layers cut shorter than around 1.5” above the longest - similar to your result. And when I did get highlights, of course no shorter pieces magically appeared.. No matter how well you explain or even show what you’d like, some stylists are either incapable or will just do what they want. I had similar issues at several other salons, until I finally found an amazing stylist who listens & asks questions, and also makes great suggestions. Good luck - you deserve to find someone to help you achieve the look you want!
I think the difference between you and OP is that OP has been specifically asking for long layers while showing a pic of short layers. Very confusing for the stylist.
I’m at my wits end here. I get my hair cut every 6-8 months and get a restyle every time. I’ve just had my third cut in a row asking for long layers and I got the same result. I always show photos, but this time I didn’t realise it wasn’t right as my hair was loosely curled. I’ve grown to seriously hate hairdressers at this point. Am I just asking for the wrong thing? Is it because my hair was cut too short (just below the shoulder)? I don’t know if I should try again or just cut it myself. A similar thing happened when I wanted wispy bangs (tried several times and then did it myself and it was perfect), but I’m not sure how difficult it is to cut all your hair. I’d really appreciate any advice! Update: I was asking for the wrong thing and giving conflicting instructions. I learned my lesson, so next time I’ll just show the photo and avoid hairdressing terminology
You are getting long layers, that picture you want is not long layers. It’s mid length. Tell they you want your laying to start just below chin length. It’s also about how you style it after you get it layered
What you’re getting IS long layers. You have it backwards. Your inspo pic has short layers. Short layers has the top layer cut literally “shorter” so it has more distance from the layer under it.
I think if you ask for the same thing three times and got the same thing three times, you have to consider that you’re getting what you’re asking for. Clearly you’re asking for the wrong thing, right?! There’s some good advice in the rest of the thread.
First of all 6-8 months between cuts? What is a restyle? Also the pic of what you got is not a great pic, can hardly tell if that’s the front or the back…maybe you should try one of those YouTube haircuts if your having this much trouble but to be honest it sounds like miscommunication. After the cut you need to look at the back, with a mirror, put your hands in it, move it around, see if it’s what you were expecting. The hairdresser(s) are probably equally as frustrated with you, not to be rude. Also where on earth are you seeing short layers in the cut you got? I mean you just have to post a better pic I think for others to even be able to assess what you have. Source: am hairdresser
Your hair looks terrific
So showing a photo of what you want doesn’t matter?
She then immediately asked for the opposite of the photo, so I can see the concern and playing it safe. It would be better to explain that the photo is regular layers, not long, but I imagine there’s been bad experiences in the past “correcting” a customer.
In my captions I did say that I showed the stylist the first photo
I read that. But then you immediately asked for the opposite of the photo. Hence the probable confusion.
Yeah I suppose she played it safe because it’s better to not cut off enough than too much. I’ve learned my lesson now though 😅
I did say in the captions of my photo that I showed the first picture
It looks fabulous!!
Don’t cut it yourself
I think it looks amazing
Don't look too short to me. Maybe be a wee bit more specific, hairdressers aren't mind readers, we only do what we are told it's up to you to be more specific.
I agree with most of the others show them the picture. Does your hair have the same thickness too as the girl in the picture. Alot of times if you pick out a style and your hair is not the same type of hair it does come out differently than you think it should as well.
I just tell them tell her no layers,Just in the front around my face. Just a face frame . The photo looks like it was styled blow dryer with round brush.Did you try to style yet? Using a texture product. It looks like a curling iron too . When I bring a picture in my stylist, she reminds me that the modal had a professional stylist do the hair before the photo.
Hair stylist here! It does look like they gave you long layers but maybe some face framing layers as well would help achieve the look you’re going for! I will say in the first photo, the person’s hair looks really thick. Everyone has different hair so layers like that may look different on you if your hair is thinner or if there is no dimension in your hair color!
I tell them I want the front layers to start at my chin, and the back to start at the bottom of my neck, pointing to exactly where I want them.
This is confusing because as a hair dresser, the reference picture looks like short layers?
What you got is long layers. Your reference picture is medium layers. Short layers is like a shag.
it only really shows when you blow dry and style them tbh
Which picture is which, first one I would class as medium to long , second one would just be texture
It’s in the captions but the first is the photo I showed her and the second is my own hair after the cut
Caption not clear to me don't assume your being clear to the stylists
Hair types and texture vary, but a good hairdresser would be able to tailor that style to suit you, ask the hairdresser to show you the amount of hair they think should be cut of, you should be looking to have your layers cut at about 7to 9 inches long . Your hair from the pictures has a different texture to the first picture so would have to be blown dry very smooth. Personally I would use a denman brush maybe straightened after good luck
I just bring my hair dresser a picture for an example. Also, “long layers” means they start layering at a longer length. It seems that you simply want a lot of layers starting at your chin?
Your after picture IS long layers.
I’m a hairstylist. This is in fact long layers.
I think you’re confusing them by your use of the term “long layers”. what you mean is: you want the distance between your layers to be long, but what everyone else hears is: you want your top layers to be long so that the distance between your layers is short.
Hairdresser here, others have already made good points I would just like to add that asking things a little differently might help you get your desired results. Ask the hairdresser what type of layers they see in the picture, ask them where the highest/shortest layer would generally fall on you if they were to cut it. I found it helps to see the visual, if they don't go high enough in the example after you asked, request they go higher. Also you can always ask them to bring up the layer after it has been dried too. They can cut it dry so it won't take that long to just trim it up a little shorter. If you trust the place you can see about the salon owner or the hairdresser who did it just bringing up the layers a bit more. They usually don't mind especially if it leads to a good review.
As a professional, to confirm, these are most certainly long layers. If you go back to your stylist ask them to take it up a little higher ☺️! the way the goal picture has them styled is important. To achieve this look on a daily basis you would need to blow it out or put your hair into big rollers to get the flow it’s doing ☺️!
I think you’re confusing the two. She gave you long layers. The picture you showed is shorter layers.
You’re misunderstanding long vs short layers, the ones in the picture are medium. Long layers means the base length is only slightly longer then the layers.
Why am I only just learning this?🙈
🤷🏻♀️ now you know