Investigating a new haircut for autumn? Fancy a subtle freshen up that flatters your face without the shock factor? Enter layers.
“Layers are pretty much a part of any haircut unless you’ve got a sharp bob,” explains leading hair stylist, Luke Hersheson.
Indeed, layers are the perfect way to remove split ends and give your hair an overhaul without too much drama; just look to Kate Middleton for all the inspiration you need right now.
The royal mother-of-three, whose fierce new beauty look has been hogging the headlines this week, is currently championing curved layers – those uber flattering layers that start just below the chin, and work slowly and subtly downward to the ends.
“Kate’s signature curls always have a stunning, soft blown-out effect thanks to her curved layers, which are always a flattering hairstyle but need the right technique and styling hacks to look as good as Kate’s,” said Celebrity Session Stylist, James Alfie Parr.
Getty Images
If you’re heading to the hairdresser, James advises asking for the ‘point cutting technique’, which is used to ensure the hair seamlessly blends throughout without any harsh lines like Kate’s.
“The style can grow out and still look really polished and is a really versatile, reworkable style, and also adds detail and framing around the face if you were to wear it up,” he said of the look.
To maintain the look at home – and keep it looking salon-fresh, James has shared a step-by-step guide:
- Use the Davines Blowdry Primer as it provides a silky feel to the hair whilst providing hydration and reducing frizz. Apply this to damp hair and then begin to rough dry your hair until it is around 70% dry.
- Next, section your hair to begin creating that professional blowdry finish. Use a large barrel round brush to create volume and height – make sure you keep the nozzle pointed downwards on your hair to ensure you smooth the cuticle and create that smooth look.
- Use the brush to create a soft bend through the ends of your hair like Kate – angle this towards your face for a glamorous look.
- Section the hair and using straighteners create soft bended curls intertwining into each other, with the sections at the front of the face ensure they are curled away from the face to create more definition and show off the face rather than hide it.
- To finish the look, add some texturising spray to give your hair some body and hold. I like to use the Davines Dry Texturizer Spray as it doesn’t weigh your hair down and will give you a plush finish.
- Use your fingers to shake your hair out to ensure the finished effect isn’t too ‘done’ or polished creating beautiful curved layers.