The Townhouse

Hair cut with a three tier layering technique
 
Step by step guide on how to cut short hair with the three-tier layering technique, from Lee Stafford, myhairdressers.com
 
"The Townhouse" is a three-tier, clever but simple, layering technique that could easily be mistaken for graduation. It is an absolute proven salon winner. Alter the lengths for a multitude of different looks.
 
Three-tier layering - Before
 
Before: Lauren before the cut.
 
Three-tier layering - Horse shoe hair sectioning
 
Step 1: The top is sectioned off into a classic horse shoe, running from a recession, with the recession running through to a curve underneath the crown.
 
Three-tier layering - How to section the hair
 
Step 2: The middle section is sectioned off from the top of the ear, either side running through the occipital bone. This gives you three sections, for the three tiers.
 
Three-tier layering - Cut a flat line
 
Step 3: Start with a vertical section in the back bottom panel. Pull this section square to the head and cut a flat line.
 
Three-tier layering - Take parallel sections
 
Step 4: Continue this process, taking subsequent parallel sections and using the previous section as a guide.
 
Three-tier layering - Cross check the cut hair
 
Step 5: Cross-check your work.
 
Three-tier layering - Cut the second side
 
Step 6: Repeat this process on the second side.
 
Three-tier layering - Refine the cut
 
Step 7: Dry off and iron the worked panel, then cross-check and refine.
 
Three-tier layering - Point cut into the internal shape
 
Step 8: Next, point into the internal shape to diffuse the edge.
 
Three-tier layering - Keep the shape flat
 
Step 9: Now work on the second tier in the middle area, using a vertical section. This tier is disconnected from the underneath. Ensure that the top of this section is cut shorter in order that it does not lay over the previous underneath panel, keeping the shape flat.
 
Three-tier layering - Work vertically
 
Step 10: Subsequent sections are worked vertically, using the same technique.
 
Three-tier layering - Cross check the haircut
 
Step 11: Now cross-check your work.
 
Three-tier layering - Cut the other side of the hair
 
Step 12: Now repeat this process on the other side.
 
Three-tier layering - Dry and iron the hair
 
Step 13: Dry, iron and cross-check your work.
 
Three-tier layering - Use a pointing technique
 
Step 14: Use a pointing technique to refine the shape.
 
Three-tier layering - Cut a parallel line
 
Step 15: Next work with the mid sections - first drying and ironing. Proceed with vertical sections, using the previous section as a guide, cutting a parallel line to the head all the way through to the hairline.
 
Three-tier layering - Point cut
 
Step 16: Now point into the internal shape.
 
Three-tier layering - Cutting process
 
Step 17: Repeat this process on the second side.
 
Three-tier layering - Leave the top disconnected
 
Step 18: Bring down the top section, assess the underneath length and cut a section, leaving the top portion disconnected.
 
Three-tier layering - Check the internal hair length
 
Step 19: Check that the internal length through the top of the section does not overhang the internal length through the bottom of the section.
 
Three-tier layering - Take parallel sections
 
Step 20: Parallel sections are taken in the top area, using the same technique on both sides.
 
Three-tier layering - Use the crown as a guide
 
Step 21: Using the crown area as a guide, take horizontal sections and cut a square line. Repeat this process into the front hairline.
 
Three-tier layering - Point cut into the crown
 
Step 22: Now point into the existing shape in the crown, working forward horizontally throughout the top section.
 
Three-tier layering - Refine the haircut with freehand cutting
 
Step 23: Next refine the perimeter with various freehand techniques.
 
Finish: A classic 3 tier layer hairstyle that is a real salon champion. Commercial and effortlessly wearable.
 
Text and photos by MHD. Subscribe to view the training video!
 
See also:
 
How to cut a short haircut with internal layering
 
How to cut a short uniform layer haircut
 
How to cut a short haircut with graduated layering