Start with dry or slightly damp hair
Gather tools: sharp hair-cutting scissors, comb, clips, mirror
Detangle hair completely
Part hair down the middle
Section hair into top, sides, and back
Decide how short you want the shortest layer to be
Pull the top section straight up and hold it between your fingers
Trim a small amount from the ends at the desired angle
Use the first cut as a guide for the rest of the top section
Release the next section and blend it with the guide
Repeat on both sides, keeping sections even
Cut small amounts at a time
Check both sides for symmetry
Use point-cutting or small snips to soften the layers
Trim the back carefully using a second mirror if needed
Recheck length and shape after each section
Make final tiny adjustments only if necessary
Style hair to see how the layers fall
Avoid cutting too much at once