Remember the effortless, windswept look of the 70s? That soft, face-framing movement is making a major comeback. Feathering your hair is a beautiful technique that adds texture, volume, and a touch of bohemian flair. It’s all about creating soft, seamless layers that blend together, removing weight for a style that feels as light as it looks.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you begin, gather your tools. You’ll need a pair of sharp hairdressing shears—never use dull craft or kitchen scissors, as they will damage your hair. A fine-tooth comb is essential for sectioning, and several hair clips will help keep everything organized. Having a spray bottle filled with water is also a good idea to keep hair damp and manageable throughout the process.
Sectioning Your Hair for Soft Layers
Start with clean, towel-dried hair that is lightly damp. Begin by parting your hair as you normally would. Then, create a horseshoe-shaped section from the top of your head, starting just behind your hairline and going back to the crown. Clip the top section up and out of the way. This is the section you will focus on for the most visible feathering.
The Point Cutting Technique
This is the key to achieving that soft, feathered effect. Instead of cutting straight across, you’ll hold your shears vertically and make small, upward snips into the ends of your hair. Take a small, horizontal subsection from your clipped-up top layer. Hold it between your fingers and, with your shears pointed toward the ceiling, gently cut into the hair at a slight angle. This technique removes bulk without creating a harsh line, allowing the layers to blend perfectly.
Blending the Layers for a Natural Look
Once you have point-cut the front sections around your face, let down a little more hair from the top and repeat the process. The goal is to connect the shorter, face-framing pieces with the longer hair underneath. Work your way around your head, focusing on the areas where you want the most movement. Remember, you can always take more hair off, but you can’t put it back, so proceed slowly and check your progress often.
Styling Your New Feathered Hair
After your hair is dry, you can enhance the feathered look with a round brush while blow-drying, lifting the roots for volume and curling the ends slightly outward or inward. A light-hold texturizing spray can also work wonders to define the layers and add that piecey, effortless finish.
Feathering your hair is a fantastic way to refresh your style with timeless charm. With a bit of patience and the right technique, you can enjoy beautiful, flowing layers that frame your face and bring a lovely lightness to your look.