Sometimes you know which haircut you want but find it challenging to explain to your hairdresser. You might not be a haircut pro and know the ins and outs of the process, but a little research goes a long way.
Your hairstyle is one of those things that can either make or break your look. Thus choosing the right one is crucial to flatter your features and channelize your inner diva.
The most talked about hairstyles namely, step cut and layer cut have been every girl’s choice in the last few decades. But, of course, you can’t have them both at the same time. And, your mind is constantly hosting the step cut vs layer cut battle.
Don’t worry! We’re here to make your life easier…… Read ahead to discover the difference between a step haircut and a layered haircut and which one you should go for as per your face.
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What is a Step Cut?
Step Cut is a type of haircut in which your hair will be given a cascading effect by cutting in different lengths arranged in a series. It is all about giving bounce, structure, and movement to your hair and throughout your mane.
One of the main reasons for this iconic haircut coming back from the eighties and nineties to Y2Ks, is the newly-found craze of classic fashion among Gen-Z celebrities.
In a step haircut, you’ll see, that there is a very clear distinction between the steps and it will occur as several steps in your hair.
The most preferred step cut is a two-step cut where the shorter layer is just below your hair or touching your shoulders, and the other one is a few inches below that.
The idea behind a step haircut is that there aren’t any continuous layers, but there is space between each layer. This makes each layer stand out. Since each layer is separate, it makes it easier for you to comb your hair, as hair won’t tangle much due to different lengths. Also, each layer is curled at the end.
Types Of A-Step Haircut:
Below are the seven most popular types of step haircuts;
Double-Step Haircut
The double-step haircut is a modified version of a two-step haircut. This one’s for women who want to switch to shorter hair and want to do that in style in a dramatic manner.
Your hair will be cut in two different lengths. Hence, you will get two different lengths of hair in a single haircut. To make your hair more eye-catching, you can even get highlights.
Step Cut For Short Hair
You want to go for a shorter hair length but you also want to get rid of the basic single-length hair? Then my friend, a multi-step haircut is the one for you.
Ask your hairdresser to cut your longest step to the desired hair length. And, shorter steps can be added according to that.
This one can be a breath of fresh hair among the boring same-length short hair, fringes, or bangs when it comes to short hair.
Step Cut For Medium Hair
All you girls with medium hair length, smile! Because you have more styling options than others. Though, every step cut will make you look beautiful, a three-step haircut works the best in bringing bounce and fullness to your hair.
If you want to add glamour, elegance, and volume to your same-length hair, go for this one.
Step Cut For Long Hair
Do you want a dazzling look for your hair but don’t want to compromise on the length of your hair? We got you covered girl. Multi-step cut or step-with-layer cut for long hair can be your go-to pick. Both of them serve different purposes and look equally stunning with long hair.
While a multi-step cut provides an edge and a bouncier look, a step with layers cut gives your hair a voluminous and elegant look.
Step With Layer Cut
This one is an amalgamation of the step haircut with a layered haircut. Count on us that this combination of steps and layers will give your hair the look of feathers. Off-beat, eccentric, elegant, aesthetic, and stunning are some of the words that come to mind when you see this haircut.
It’s so easy to style this haircut, and it gives your hair a naturally edgy impression. Also, it is the most popular choice in India as women want the best of both worlds.
Three-Step Hair Cut
Just as you get two steps in a two-step cut, you get three steps of three different lengths in a three-step haircut.
Generally, the first layer is of the fringes or flicks. The second layer falls to your shoulder or just below your shoulder. Whereas the third layer, by large, can be as long as you want it to be; of course, it depends on your current hair length.
The best thing about a three-step haircut is that you get to enjoy your current hair length along with beautiful steps of three different lengths in a single hairstyle.
Multi-Step Cut
It is quite evident by the name that a multi-step haircut involves getting multi-steps in your hair. No one can and should limit you in how many steps you can get in your hair. So, go ahead and take as many steps as you want and give your hair a gorgeous look that catches every eye.
This one really works for women with long hair; it doesn’t matter if you have heavy or thin hair, as a multi-step haircut will provide your hair with the much-needed voluminous appearance.
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Should You Go For Step Cut Hair?
You are familiar with step haircuts and their types, so now the next question is whether you should go for them or not.
So, the most important thing is if you want a bouncy look for your hair, don’t think twice and book your salon session asap. Step cut is the most popular choice as it gives that gorgeous bouncy look to your hair as each step is clearly defined and differentiated.
But if you have thin hair, a step cut is not the one for you as it tends to reduce your hair volume. But it doesn’t matter if you have straight, curly, or thick hair, as a step cut works well for each hair type and gives you an edgy and chic look.
What is a Layer Cut?
Now that you know what’s a step cut, let’s introduce you with the concept of Layer cut.
A layered cut is a type of haircut that is mainly preferred to create an illusion of more volume and length in your hair. This happens as the hair is arranged into layers of different lengths. The first layer, or the top layer, is shorter than the subsequent layers, which makes each layer blend seamlessly into the other. As mentioned earlier, it gives a beautiful voluminous effect to your hair which makes it perfect if you have thin hair.
A layered cut is easier to maintain as when it start to grow; it won’t look too uneven or disproportionate. When it comes to styling, curls, or waves, look great for a change of look in a layered cut.
Types Of Layer Cut Hair:
Here we have a list of 7 popular layered haircuts;
Short Layered Haircut
If you have short hair, you must definitely go for this one, as this haircut will make you look stylish and ultra-modern. The first layer generally begins with fringes and ends just with your current hair length.
Shoulder-Length Layered Haircut
A shoulder-length layered haircut is one in which the first layer generally begins from the end of your jawline, and the last layer ends at your shoulder.
You’ll get to see a noticeable change in your face after this haircut, as your features will stand out. This is definitely a flattering haircut, and you don’t need to put much effort into styling your hair.
Medium Layered Haircut
This one will begin from your cheekbones and will end wherever you want your hair length to be. It adds movement and volume to your hair while accentuating your face perfectly.
Long Layered Haircut
In this haircut, your layers will be left long, and you’ll lose a couple of inches from your current hair length. For an understated vibe, ask your hairdresser to keep your layers below your jawline.
Layered Haircut with bangs
You must be wondering, isn’t it too much to pair layers with bangs? Well, you aren’t entirely wrong as if not done right, this haircut can create a mess that will be very hard to clean up.
First, you got to choose what type of bangs you want, and that’ll decide the length of layers. If you want bangs in the front, then ask your hairdresser to keep your first layer long to start below your jawline. In case you want side bangs then opt for softer layers beginning around your face.
Layered Bob Haircut
This is a blend of old-school bob haircuts with trendy layered haircuts. Layers make the bob cut interesting and make you look chic and cute. Plus points for the extra volume and structure that is added.
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V-Cut Hair With Layers
As the name suggests, a V-Cut Layered Haircut will form a V with the ends. This haircut works well for thin hair as such fine layers add movement and volume to hair.
Should You Go For Layer Cut Hair?
If you’re someone with naturally straight hair that is on the thinner side, without a doubt, go for a layered cut. But don’t be disheartened, as that’s not the limit to getting a layered haircut.
Layers can be customized as per your preference and your hair and face. The main aspect is that a layered cut makes your hair look more voluminous, so if you don’t want that, you should definitely look for something else.
Other than that, in a layered haircut, layers don’t have a clear division, and they are rather merged rather than standing out. So, consider this aspect as well and see what it is that you want, a seamless hairstyle or something that makes each layer stand out.
So, it all comes down to one point: what’s the hair aesthetic and look you wanna go for? Choose wisely, as you’d have to be with your decision for months, if not years.
How Is Step Cut Different From Layer Cut?
I hope by now it must be clear to you that contrary to popular belief, there is a huge difference between a step cut and a layered haircut. Just as much as the haircutting process is different, the final outcome of each haircut is as different. Let’s see what differentiates one from the other;
Before getting into the details, let’s talk about the outcome first, step cut adds bounce to your hair, while layer cut makes your hair look voluminous.
Though a step cut also gives a voluminous look, it adds more bounce than volume. So, a layer cut is a popular choice when it comes to thin hair.
Layer cut compliments thin hair better than thick hair. On the other hand, a step haircut rocks those thick wavy hair the best.
If we talk about hair length, then a step cut takes away more inches from your hair as compared to a layer cut. A layered cut doesn’t compromise much of your hair length and allows you to flaunt your long hair.
Step cut is about making each step stand out; hence it is more visible in an appealing manner. If we talk about a layered cut, layers aren’t that noticeable as it is all about getting a mixed and blended look.
Which One Is Better, Step Cut Or Layer Cut?
Both haircuts have their share of pros and cons, so it’s difficult to say which is better, but we can help you pick which of these will be the right pick for you based on the following factors:
The first factor is your hair type. If you have naturally thin hair, you must go for a step cut to make your hair look more voluminous. For curly hair, step cut is a good option, as the cuts will further accentuate your curly hair.
However, if you have straight hair, then you must go for a layered cut, as it will give a pretty feathery look to your hair.
Second is how you prefer to style your hair. In this case, it’s pretty much the same for both step-cut and layered haircuts. If you are into braiding your hair often, you mustn’t go for either, as the steps and layers will fall out and end up astray from your braid.
However, if you love wearing your hair down or tying them in half-up and half-down hairstyles, a step cut and layered cut will make your hair look gorgeous.
Third is the movement you want for your hair. Step Cut creates a clear definition between each step; hence it makes each step or layer stand out, giving it a flowy movement. On the other hand, a layered cut blends into your mane smoothly, which gives a subtle dimension to your hair.
While both hairstyles are exceptional and will give you a magnificent makeover, you have to choose which one of the two rocks your boat.
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