Start with dry or slightly damp curly hair in its natural curl pattern
Detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb
Divide hair into sections
Decide the layering method: curl-by-curl, ponytail, or twist-cut
For curl-by-curl layering, take small curls and trim the ends at an angle
For ponytail layering, gather hair into a high ponytail and trim the ends evenly
For twist-cut layering, twist each section and trim the protruding ends
Cut small amounts at a time
Keep curls springy and avoid stretching them too much
Check both sides for balance
Trim face-framing pieces shorter if desired
Use sharp hair-cutting shears
Cut less than you think you need
Let curls fall naturally and reassess after each section
Finish by checking the overall shape and making small adjustments