Wash and detangle your hair
Dry your hair fully
Gather tools: sharp hair scissors, comb, clips, mirror, spray bottle
Decide how short you want the shortest layer to be
Part your hair where you normally wear it
Section your hair into top, sides, and back
Clip away the sections you are not cutting
Start with a small front section
Hold the section straight up or at your desired angle
Trim a little at a time
Use the first cut as a guide for the rest of the layer
Move to the next section and cut to match
Repeat on both sides evenly
Release the top section and cut it slightly longer than the lower layer
Check both sides in the mirror for balance
Trim any uneven ends carefully
Use point cutting for a softer finish if needed
Comb through and inspect the layers
Make tiny final adjustments only
Cut less than you think you need to
Avoid cutting wet curls or heavily textured hair unless you know how it shrinks when dry