Foundations of Layering Hair - 3 Different Elevations and How They Effect Weight Balance

Discover the foundations of layering hair as Education Director Andrew Carruthers walks you through different levels of elevation and how those effect the weight balance vertically (top to bottom) in a layered haircut.
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[@laurenswartz2688]

Can't believe how hard it is for most instructors to explain this so simply, like you do! Thanks so much- this is very helpful!

[@amandalittle9093]

right! I'm having such a hard time grasping this in class! I have to go home and KZbin everything!

[@Violetdelusions]

This was so informative. I'm not a professional but learning about this really helped me understand why I often got cuts in salons that I didn't love

[@rdoherty3580]

Andrew, this was SO helpful! I'm a DIY country mom who has always cut my own and my 3 girls' hair. I never fully grasped how the angles played out, and only had "live mannequins" to work with. We usually like the results, but not always. The girls are now teens. The stakes are higher. You have helped to preserve their dignity ;) I'm going to rewatch now... Thank you!

[@howstunningly]

You are a natural born educator and teacher. So refreshing to see a true professional on KZbin ~ especially in this day and age where we see very little professionalism in our industry. Thank-you so much Andrew and Sam Villa!

[@samvillahair]

Wow, thank you!

[@nybk331]

Sam Villa Hair Tutorials I totally agree! I’ve been barbering for 15 years and I work with every texture hair. It’s my passion I love it but for the last 2 years my wife has been telling me to cut her hair. She loves my work on others and fully trusts me w/her hair, but I do not trust myself. I’ve always been intimidated by cutting women’s hair even though I am a licensed cosmetologist. The way you teach makes perfect sense to someone that’s never touched women’s hair! It’s so simple, easy to follow, every word counts and not just talking to talk. You have a gift my friend and your experience and skill shine bright through your videos THANK YOU for being a skilled instructor we benefit so much. I’ve seen hundreds of tutorials none come close to yours in quality and simplicity. You rock!

[@TheMemyselfetc]

Andrew Carruthers is the Bob Ross of hair. I feel so soothed and in-awe, yet confident that I could definitely do what he's doing lol

[@SamanthaMajor]

I have been doing hair for about a year and this is the first time I think I've fully understood the explanation of elevation with layering! I feel like a lot of stylists have a "go-to" method of cutting layers and they aren't taking elevation in consideration.. or hair texture/density.. and they layer everyone's hair the same way... Yes, thank you! Elevate with a purpose and know why! 👍🥰♥️ Saving this video to go back to.

[@alenawatts5002]

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[@TheMoonRain]

Thank you! If this were the first class in cosmetology school I would’ve not been confused. Plus we never talked about elevation and how it affects layering. This makes hair cutting much easier to grasp.

[@samvillahair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Hair-today]

Much more relaxed way of cutting, instead of piles of sloppy wet hair 🇿🇦

[@andreamartin2953]

As a student in a school that explains little, I needed this so badly, thank you!!! It really helped!

[@lauragordon2056]

Yes!! That IS what course haired guests would want. I feel so seen, and now I have the additional skills and language I needed to continue styling my own hair. You are amazing!

[@3mil33]

I’ve been doing hair for 1.5 years and the different types of hair for layers helped so much. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@hienlam6498]

Best instructional video about foundation knowledge for layering hair! So thankful for Sam Villa to put these educational videos out there for the world! ❤️

[@punksausje4242]

thank you ! helped me a lot, I am in school but we never even learned this in half a year. you’re a great teacher

[@marizelsanjose574]

This explanation is the best I’ve seen! Can’t wait to try the “follow the head shape” technique on my sister’s hair (she trusts me with her hair ☺️). I’m not a licensed hairdresser but this gives me confidence to go for it. I’ve been looking for a video as thorough as this on elevations. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@angelamonahan2377]

Thank you, Andrew! 😁 You did an AWESOME job in breaking down the different layering angles; very helpful and useful info. You are, by far, my favorite Sam Villa instructor and your videos are ALWAYS such a pleasure to watch. 👍👍

[@ishouldbesleeping1354]

I’ve been doing hair since 1993. No videos exist like this. Our jobs are difficult. VERY glad to see this video. Trends dictate so much of what we do each season. It’s good to remember the less used options we don’t use often, but are needed with certain hair types. THX

[@raisinbreanncrunch]

Andrew you're a God send. I'm a student struggling with layers but this makes a lot more sense after watching this. Thank you!!

[@johnroekoek9864]

I love you explaining so relaxed and calm, talk with your natural voice. As if I am in the room with you. And I understand everything you teach, while I am being relaxed.

[@aprillroberts]

15 years into hairdressing. Always watched you always will. Great to go back to basics every so often. 👍

[@lbatista908]

Man, I speak portuguese and I understand a little english , but you explain so well that I felt like you were speaking in my languange , you not just make the cut , but also explain the density , even metioned the triangle type, (mine) . Love it so much!!!

[@JanineMJoi]

SPECTACULAR explanation! Not a stylist, but have cut my hair a lot in my lifetime. Watched numerous vids to figure out how to layer my long hair. Needed it shorter. Cut off 5 inches. Learned to take much thinner sections. This vid taught me I did the middle one, heavier on top. My hair is very thick and wavy and whole it's choppy, no one knows. This is THE best vid I've seen on hair cutting.

[@carleycarden2282]

Oh my goodness, Andrew, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us all in such a brilliantly clear and illustrative demonstration! I’ve worn my fine hair in long (to very, very long) layers most of my life, and I’ve always been fascinated with my stylist (and dear, trusted friend)’s technique of using the 90-degree vertical elevation to cut my hair - and how the ~technique~ looks so radically different and so much more dramatic and severe than a “traditional” (90-degree shaped) layered haircut, though the finished ~result~ looks so, so much softer and leaves my perimeter nearly as lush and well-defined as a blunt cut, just with much more movement and a beautiful transition. Thank you for helping me to visualize exactly what’s going on to achieve the “magic” and to appreciate my wonderful stylist’s understanding, experience, and technique even more. Both of you deserve my great appreciation - and an enormous tip and words of thanks, which will be forthcoming straightaway to her as well!

[@anne-martinedicke3858]

I love the way you explain all the different techniques in a simple but fascinating way. Amazing.

[@LisaParisLohan]

This has to be the single most informative, constructive educational video on the various types of layering elevations and their resulting looks that I have ever seen. Andrew, you are so talented and appreciated. I cut my own hair but you make me want to go get an official license and do this for a living. Thank you to Andrew and to Sam Villa as an amazing educational organization and person as well.

[@samvillahair]

Wow! Thank you Lisa! Jump into the industry :-) You apparently have a passion for it.

[@adrianarico7507]

I'm very grateful for the explanation you did its exactly what i was looking for , know i can see the difference between each elevation. Love it.

[@karlmohring2982]

One of the best and most informative videos all hairdressers should watch! Fantastic

[@jenniferchunn1849]

Thank you so much for this video! You are such a great teacher! Finally I found a video that explains the “why” the hair falls in the direction (vertical etc) it does! You explained the reasons behind the elevation!! I look forward to watching all of your videos!!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@samvillahair]

You are so welcome!

[@privateprivate2421]

Most stylists don't know how to do layers. I've spent the past 11 years trying to find a good one without success. I'm learning how to cut my own hair now which is why I'm watching this video 😂

[@sallyjenkins4265]

Why is that? They all say they will layer but they don’t and still charge you full price!

[@stmark4181]

If you're in Chicago - I can do your hair.

[@ishouldbesleeping1354]

Cutting hair professionally is SO complex and…well, tbh, difficult. There are thousands of new scenarios because of diverse hair types and trends and strict boundaries clients demand of us ( don’t layer it, just one inch, just like this editorial piece, etc ) and few people want to pay “for the best.” So yeah, cut it yourself…you’ll miraculously trim it well once and maybe even become proficient at it. People have often cut their own or their entire family’s hair . They mowed their lawns. They cleaned their house and painted their own nails. So have at it. You’ll be back with appreciation and respect for me. If not, You Tube gave you something we never had ….free education and now you know one haircut. Please respect those pros that are just learning and relatively new at it. They’re one snarky review from quitting in despair. Tell them you appreciate their help. And it won’t hurt ( in my opinion) to occasionally clean your own house or mow your yard or trim your own bangs from time to time yourself. Just don’t act controlling when you sit in our chair after your success. Tell me you appreciate the efficiency we nail the task in less than two hours it took you to do it, if nothing else. This is a relationship and it’s nice to be appreciated. It’s what makes you human 💕

[@ishouldbesleeping1354]

@@sallyjenkins4265 now you know: there a SO MANY WAYs of layering. Now you know how to properly ask for EXACTLY what you want

[@chayshai]

@@ishouldbesleeping1354 As a baby cosmetologist i love your comment, thank you!

[@marijanetelfer4927]

Agree ing with Martina's comment below. Your explanation is perfectly paced and explained clearly. A pleasure to listen, watch and learn!!

[@miriamb.3078]

This is so awesome. Just what I needed. I like seeing what every technique does.

[@marquetal]

This was brilliant... Great example and explanation for different hair types. NICE!

[@yuanitaklatt4854]

excellent breakdown and explanation, love the professional tone and presentation of your education, no bells and whistles, or puppet show, just quality education simplified. nice

[@jorgetehudson879]

Thank you so much. You demonstrated this so well and have given me the confidence to try it.

[@LetsBeResponsible]

Thank you for explaining so well! -If thin hair and want some density left towards the perimeter lift it straight up verticals towards the ceiling 90degrees as your guide. It softens the layer. -If a well blended balanced layer can work 90 degrees to natural head shape (my personal favorite) “there is no weight line to it.”I like how it falls like a slight curve in. Even distribution of weight. -If really thick or Curley course hair or triangle hair that frizzes, 90 degree horizontal parallel to floor starting with guide from the middle of the head. That leaves more weight towards the top of the layers and looks more collapsed in the middle.

[@juliecolleran1412]

This was a GREAT video! I no longer do hair in a salon but I love to continue learning as I still work on friends and family. Thank you!

[@ladykloves6310]

Love these videos! It really has helped me better understand the technical side of hair design...Paul Mitchell teaches square layers, round layers and triangle layers...and then finger angles and degrees of elevation/graduation I appreciate your ability to cross reference technical terminology from many different systems. I value your knowledge and ability to actually teach

[@MShaiqable]

This was so helpful! Need to watch again and again

[@rhianbolter8020]

Brilliant Tutorial. Thanks so much for taking the time

[@TheDanielKobale]

I learn so much from you and love your instructional methods. Thanks Andrew

[@pagelivingbeautifully8252]

You’re an amazing teacher. So helpful! 😊 Thank you!

[@sophiec5842]

Thank you so much. I'm studying hairdressing at college and this is just what I needed. I have learnt so much from just this vid. Thank u 💓

[@briannalarsen3601]

This is the clearest explanation of cutting techniques I have seen since hair school (about 14 years ago!). Thanks for the refresher. Sometimes I just need the visual to troubleshoot certain heads of hair I feel like could use a change or more balanced look. Thank you! Side note: I appreciate your calm voice/approach. Especially when you said "that is permissible". I feel like 90% of my cutting falls into the "permissible" category since I go by feel most of the time. 😂

[@tinacababat]

Very well explained.. You're a great educator! I've learned a lot.. Thank you so much 💕🙏

[@thehottottie82]

Thank you, Andrew!! I love this in depth teaching!🥰👏🏻

[@deliasilvia884]

Such a simple explanation! Thank you!

[@guichybencosme7150]

Sending this to my mom, she goes to different haircuts and none able to do what you explained, she ends up with so much on top & little bit on bottom and not happy with the results, she has thick straight hair(short). I on the other hand, I asked for all around long layered, that I can brush it back & either sideways and keep the length & she did a wonderful job, love it.

[@samvillahair]

We would recommend that she locate a Redken Artist in your area. Most Redken Artists have attended extensive training with Sam Villa himself or with the techniques that Sam uses. They are highly skilled and they will be able to help with your hair / any hair challenges! You can use the link below to locate a Redken Stylist or a Redken Elite Salon in your area! Redken Salon Finder: www.redken.eu/en/salonlocator

[@57mobird]

This is great instruction, as usual, thank you! I'd love to see a follow-up to see how you continue around the head in the haircut to continue each technique to the sides/front. Especially the 90 degree following the head shape.

[@mercyguzman4935]

Love this!!! Starting out my career and trying to learn more about layers and just cutting in general! Love this thank you! SUBSCRIBED!

[@kalimatayyeba7746]

The length of hair also plays a fundamental role in determining the layers kind, whether it is high medium or low. So they call layers names like long layers, medium layers and short layers. For example we can make short layers on long hair. The best area to be the guide is the crown area. Take a layer from the crown and measure its length according to the length of hair.. Thank you because you teach me another idea, how elevation also plays an important role in determining the kinds of layers.

[@bendikhogefeld4942]

This is actual gold.

[@sharamengore224]

Thank you for making it so easy to understand.

[@arikabearika]

So so so helpful and well explained. Thank you.

[@KimberlyJ424]

I love this explanation. I’m a fine haired girl, and I understand why my stylist insists on the 90 degree straight up, but I do find that the top layers get a little too wispy. Maybe my hair hates layers. I’m still trying to figure it out. Thank you.

[@annagonzales894]

Thank you 💕✂️👌👍for all your details and demonstrations your Teachings and techniques are Amazing. Love it!! ;)

[@taintedbeautyandtraining5807]

Absolutely brilliant. Thankyou x

[@Philyra86]

This makes so much sense. I'm not a professional, but i do cut my own hair and my daughter's hair aswell. Now i know how to attack the back of my head whilest keeping my lenght and density aswell. Thank you🌞

[@samvillahair]

Glad it was helpful! 💜💜

[@siawly7778]

I love how thorough you are with your explanations, it really helps thank you

[@samvillahair]

I'm so glad!

[@my2009Babies1]

Thank you so much for explaining the elevation technique and the result❣Beautifully done!

[@samvillahair]

Thank you so much!

[@wendy8561]

Love this guy he's phenomenal

[@gregoriasimon5678]

thank you very much for your information I have learned a lot

[@Martina3995]

Perfect explanation! Thank you!

[@kristymcgowan5472]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you!

[@JV-ut5sw]

Very concise and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@jacimckinney4469]

This is great! Thank’s for sharing!

[@ThorAndAdro]

Wow Andrew Carruthers! I remember you from when I attended PM The School SLC back in 2006! Great video to refresh my techniques.

[@Anithea3180]

Wow you are explaining so good!!

[@ameliepc165]

soooo interesting and very informative! thank you so much for sharing videos like this for free. It helps everyone get better! :D

[@RoroRoro-bf3qm]

Thank you . Valuable information as usual including the way of demonstration.

[@samvillahair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@boubo9]

This is the best video on layers!

[@michelebushnik2874]

So much important info here! I so appreciate this learning tool! Bravo on your detailed demonstration!❤

[@samvillahair]

Thank you my friend 😎👊

[@tammyjablonski6760]

Thanks for details!

[@lauren2474]

Very helpful i was taught 1st method i do love 2nd and 3rd will be using them now thank you so much 😊👍

[@samvillahair]

Thank you my friend! So happy to hear that it helped! 💜💜

[@caprideck6148]

more videos like this, please!!!!!!!!!!! this was awesome!

[@samvillahair]

You got it!

[@Chickenface12345]

Sir, this oh so well presented educational content got you a new sub. Extremely helpful and well explained: professionality and a greate use of concept DO matter. Thank you!!!

[@BrittanyMarie27]

I wish my layers looked like this. This is a great video. Thank you. I’m hoping I can Atleast somewhat fix this disaster on my head.

[@peachpaulison2348]

More of these FOUNDATIONS videos, please!

[@maryc4463]

Wow this is an invaluable video for me as a self taught, or "KZbin" taught "Person who cuts hair" (lol) I am soooo glad I came across this video, thank you so much!!! ☺️

[@rogan2001]

I'm not a professional. Brilliant explanation and that's really going to help me. What video can you do to show 3 different ways to show long layers at the face? That would be brilliant. Thanks very much!

[@nicegurl408]

I want to be an EMT, but with this Shelter in Place, I've been cutting everyone's hair... And this guy is such a great teacher! Idk... Maybe i should compete with my sister in law, the hair stylist.... Lol

[@samvillahair]

Maybe a career change???

[@staciearmstrong34]

Wow, you are amazing. This was the best "How to cut hair video" . Great job explaining each step. I am a subscriber now and let me say thank you for the help.

[@samvillahair]

Thanks for subbing! It's our pleasure :-)

[@natalieross8836]

Great Class!!! Very helpful! Thanks

[@EmpoweredHeads]

This might be the only layering video you need

[@AineEithne]

Wow this *really* helps me to visualize the cut! You are amazing - thank you!! 😎

[@samvillahair]

You're so welcome!

[@sevenedge3934]

Very helpful. Thank-you!

[@pammansfield4510]

I cut my own hair and have course heavy wavy hair this sure did help thank you

[@imakefoodhappen]

Thanks, i cut my own hair and this helped me understand which one i need to do for the look i want.

[@vaishusingh1960]

Thank you so much, really helpful

[@deidrabay]

This was a GREAT, GREAT, GREAT video!!! So, so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@samvillahair]

You are so welcome!

[@fammue]

Absolutely love your videos Villa team!!!

[@samvillahair]

Thank you so much!

[@muffycrosswire2757]

Really great demonstrations

[@lnorma1028]

This was the best explanation for layers ever.

[@samvillahair]

Thank you!

[@bellaramirez6844]

Thank you so much ,i've learn a lot on this vedeio watching from phillippines

[@paula6439]

Amazing I know what to ask for now

[@JyotiSaini-zs1ji]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@shereep6332]

Such an excellent video. Thank you!!!

[@samvillahair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danielleroy7744]

Thank you. This is helpful!

[@SoniaV.0]

Thank you! Very good informative video

[@c8hender]

Thank you for cutting it dry so we can see immediate results and also for explaining what hair types would typically benefit most from each type of cut. This was very useful!

[@rogerblack8483]

Why do they cut on wet hair? I tried cutting on wet hair this time. Usually I cut on dry hair.

[@c8hender]

@@rogerblack8483 I’m not a pro but they say damp hair is more manageable and lays straighter so your cut will be more even. But as hair dries it will shrink up some depending on how curly your hair is. Mine is stick-straight so I don’t really have to dampen it but I think it’s just whatever your preference is. I was short on time watching this tutorial so cutting it dry saved time-didn’t have to wait til the very end for the blow dry to see results.

[@francis4869]

That is a very good video. In the last way of how to elevate the hair, so many people mistake and because you’re cutting parallel with the floor you gonna get so much weight within the hair

[@samvillahair]

Yes! Once you go above the occipital, it actually turns into graduation and lots of hairdressers wonder why it's getting heavier towards the top :-)

[@MM-cn4jq]

Love love love this video, thank you!! 🙏

[@samvillahair]

you are very welcome Maria

[@teretzagaeta2898]

The Best teacher! Thanks 👌✔️