Times...er...hair is a changin'!! As I embrace my curl/wavy girl hair that I recently discovered I had, the learning curve is REAL. If you want to be caught up to speed, I suggest heading
over HERE to read my wavy journey (I promise it's mind-blowing!) As I continue on my journey, I've learned a few things which lead me to my very own DIY layered wavy haircut. It's chop-chop time!!
Yes, I am a hot mess in this pic. ahem. As I mention in my video below, this is 4 days after wash day. blah. I haven't refreshed in days because it's been either raining cats and dogs or dumping two feet of snow. Anybody spy summer, yet? For real, y'all, I
need sun.
HAIR STORY
Here's a peek at the back. I cut my own hair, and this is with long layers, even long curtain bangs.
However, before, when I believe my hair is straight, I am constantly pulling it up so I can work and just be. With this new wavy hair process, I'm to let my hair be so it can establish a curl pattern. That means I have hair down and essentially in my way. This DIYer needs to work and not worry about hair in the way, right?
Mind you, when my hair is done simply with a refresh, this is the result.
At this point, I love my hair, but it needs a cut after 6 weeks (my regular schedule). With a twinkle in my eye and inspiration from online sources, I'm ready to give my hair a good chop. eeeeepppp!!
NOT NEW TO ME
In my defense, I'm not anti-shorter hair. However, I have tried to get the right cut decades ago and have
never found a stylist who understood my hair. Also, I believe that's because the majority of stylists aren't trained to style textured hair. They either do a blowout or flat iron. Talk about beyond frustrating!! I haven't had short hair since I was pregnant with my firstborn.
As you can see, I can sport the layers with a bit of fun and enjoy changing it up. It would be boring any other way.
Okay, so I have ideas of what I want with shorter layers and even shorter curtain bangs. Yup. I'm rolling it back to the 80's with modern flair. Do any of you remember
Fashion Plates? Yes, I still have mine and my daughters LOVE them. I have a plate that has my vision! bwahahaha!! Also, check out how I'm sporting the look back in the day. yeah, baby.
If you're looking for great textured hair tutorials, I highly suggest
Manes by Mell. She does have sass and is hilarious, but does use few a off-color words. However, she is a trained textured expert and knows her stuff. In addition, if you want more wavy guidance, you can reference the list I created for you:
REFRENCES, RESOURCES, AND TOOLS
CHOP, CHOP
Let's start this party, shall we? {{takes a huge deep breath}} First, I decide whether or not to start with my bangs or sides. Because I'm cutting a large amount, I decide on my bangs first where I do have a slight cowlick. I section off the area in an arch shape just where a comb resting flat on the very top of my head lengthwise is just beginning to lift off. Then, I take two side sections in front of my ears and keep out of the way with pins. From the ear back to the back middle of my head, I part down the middle and clip the back sections up. Here goes nothing!!
To make sure I don't get scissor-happy, I start long and then cut shorter keeping in mind my hair will tighten its pattern and may end up being shorter. Likewise, sometimes textured hair can experience curl shock where it takes a few washes before it can figure out the pattern again.
Last, once I have my bangs where I want them, I head to the sides and begin to pull out using the bottom length of my bangs as my guide for the top layer of my layers. Note, I am end cutting as I go to create texture as well, not just a straight cut.
With that in mind, I work one side to center of the back, and then the other side. Additionally, you create more dramatic layers the higher you lift your section. Also, I had my oldest daughter double-check my back length when I think I'm done. You just have to see the video of this...crazy!
OH, THE WAVES!
Y'all...here is my DIY layered wavy haircut that is rockin' those waves!!
If you notice, my hair is deeper in color than it used to be because my hair is getting the right nourishment inside and out. I've always had reds with blonde highlights, but not the red tints are really coming out. Plus, my pattern is tighter as I thought it would be. Yay!!
Not only that, but I cut off much of my original hair that was still curl training and in transition, so that lightened my transition time.
My process is simple for wash days as I mention in
my original post with recipes for wonderful gel and hair mask. However, one thing that has changed is I no longer co-wash and only micro-plop. My hair does best with a light wash most days with occasional co-washing to give my hair a rest. I find that my hair LOVES protein, so rice water once a week, and masking once a month is a must.
These pictures are of my second-day refresh, and I do believe my hair is having a bit of a curl shock, so time will tell the eventual result. Either way, I'm smitten. While I cut my bangs a little longer in case of curl shock, I'm stoked that I didn't need to make any adjustments to my other layering. I pull from each side to check, and all came out spot on. {{more happy dancing from years of practice!!}}
WANT TO TRY?
What are some tips for doing this yourself?
- make sure you have sharp scissors suited for hair and a great wet brush like the Tangle Teezer I have shown in my video
- give yourself time to figure out your plan - do research. There are plenty of videos and bloggers like me out there to help
- cut on the long side in case you make a mistake - you can always go shorter but can't put it back on
- consider the season - maybe now is not the best time?
- enjoy the fact you are blessed with hair to cut in the first place
Got questions? Feel free to ask. If I can't help you directly, I'll be sure to point you in the right direction.
Now I really match
my sweet, curlfriend pup, Loula! haha!
SHARE
As always, leave me some comment love below. I want to hear from you! In addition, pin and share my DIY layered wavy haircut 'cause you know there are others wavies and curlies waiting to embrace their blessing.
Now, as promised, I will have my new
Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION project for you with this scrumptious linen shirt. (happy dance!!)
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Also, more at home fun like this DIY layered wavy haircut:
