Hair Styling for Men.....

How to Layer Your Own Hair

Matt Lanter with his crop layered hairstyle.
In a hair-world dominated by women, it may be hard for men to feel comfortable showing a sincere concern about their own style. Concepts that have been associated with female haircuts for decades are now readily available to be used by males too! One of those concepts is essential when it comes to choosing a haircut: layering.

Layering hair is the same idea as layering clothing when hunting or putting multiple coats of paint onto drywall. It can create volume that may not have existed beforehand, lessen the weight of heavy hair, or flatter a face shape when it was thought impossible. Basically, layering hair is building steps into the hair, either going up or going down. The bottom can be longest, gradually going shorter as it steps up, or the top can be longest, gradually going shorter as it goes down, which is also known as a stack.

Learning how to layer hair yourself isn’t as difficult as it may seem. If you have a fine toothcomb, a good pair of scissors, shears, or razors anyone can be a pro! Having a mirror to see the back of your head may help but isn’t totally necessary.

When laying your hair, it’s always best to work on wet hair. This gives an easier cut and less chance for split ends or missed hairs. If the hair is straight it can be towel dried first. If the hair is curly it’s best to cut when thoroughly wet so that it can be as straight as possible when cutting. Use a brush or the fine toothcomb to remove all tangles from the hair.

Start by pull the hair straight through two fingers and cutting the bottom of the hair to the longest length that you wish it to be. If you prefer to have a clean neckline, don’t be afraid to take a razor to your neck and shave to the point you wish the hair to end; this gives a stopping point for shorter hair. Depending on the thickness, or distance apart that you wish the layers to be, grasp the next layer of hair between two fingers and make clean cuts. Be sure to leave some extra length since your hair is wet and will dry a bit shorter. Also, remember that you can always cut more off, but you can’t put it back.

Repeat this process until you reach the top layer. Check the hair to make sure that it blends well. When using a powered set of shears, change your blade length for every half-inch or so that you move up through the hair, this will give a pretty good blended look.

If your hair is longer, layers usually work well with a face frame. This isn’t just for women! Take the front 1” section of hair, grasp between two fingers, and angle your hand outward. Using a razor to take this hair off gives a gradual, natural look. If you have any type of bangs that need to be trimmed with your layering, grasp between your fingers and cut upward into the hair. It may not seem like this will accomplish much, but it gives a wispy, natural lay.

For touch ups on the layers, or a quick, messy layering look, take an inch thick section of hair and twist as tightly as desired, cut at an upward angle and untwist. Just remember, the tighter the twist, the stronger and shorter the layer will be.

Use a blow dryer on your hair when the layering is done if you have one. It will display stray or missed hairs in the average setting this way. Remember that hair does react to being cut. It tends to “freak out” for a few days until it has accustomed to the loss of length. Styling products will enhance your handsome new do. Try to trim or touch up about every six weeks. If you can learn how to layer hair for yourself, helping out buddies with their hair will be a new, enviable talent.

To view different layered hairstyles for men, visit http://coolmenshair.com/2009/03/layered-hairstyles.html.

Ian Watkins Scene Hairstyle

Ian Watkins hairstyle
Ian Watkins is the lead singer for the Welsh Alternative Rock band known as Lostprophets. He was born in Merthyr Tyfdil, Wales on July 30, 1977, grew up in Pontypridd and attended high school with band mate Mike Lewis, who now plays guitar for Lostprophets.

He later formed a new band called Fleshbind with Lee Gaze. After a couple of years, these two left Fleshbind to form their own band Lozt Prophetz. Upon reuniting with Lewis, the three got together to form the band as it stands today, Lostprophets.


Ian Watkins scene hair
Ian Watkins hairstyle has been a subject of discussion among fans since the group began touring. This hairstyle, known as a scene hairstyle, is short in back with long straight bangs that cover the eyes. Many female fans feel that this hair style choice makes Watkins look sexier.


Ian Watkins hairstyle
Today, this hairstyle has gained in popularity, both in the music business and out of it. Other artists, such as Emo are now sporting Scene hair styles similar to the one worn by Watkins. One of the primary traits of people who like this style is an independent streak. They want to stand out from the crowd in a semi- punk manner without going in for the whole wildly dyed Mohawk look.

How To Style Men’s Short Hair

Men’s hairstyles have evolved and changed with the times. From the big hair of the 80’s rock band styles to the long hair messy grunge look to the spikey do’s, men are into their hair as much as women. Through the ages men have been searching for how to style men’s short hair and have come up with some great ways to go from corporate to cutting edge.

Nick Lachey with short spiky haircut
If you are looking for some ideas on how to style men’s short hair, one of the best cuts for versatility is layers. Layers offer the opportunity to add products and create many different looks. Since most men have coarser hair, the layers allow the hair to lie flatter against the head. That is, unless you want some wild spikes and texture. Products such as molding waxes, hair polishers and flat irons can create some of today’s hottest looks. For the “Alfie” hairstyle made famous by Jude Law, the hair is cut shorter to the head on the sides with more volume on top to push towards the middle and spike up or mess up to create a faux hawk look. Other great ideas for short hair is to texturize all layers for a messy look all around. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray works well for a ‘just got back from the beach” look. Another great style is short all around with long layers on top that swoop across the forehead. Zac Efron & Chace Crawford is famous for sporting this short hair style. Popular with the younger generation of skateboarder and surfers this style has a wispy, tossled look but is still short enough to go conservative if need be.


Chace Crawford hairstyle
The best haircut is one that offers versatility, easy upkeep and healthy shine. Most men when they get a haircut often have question on how to style. Men’s short hair does not have to be boring. Unlike short haircuts of the past, there is much that can be done with scissors, razors, or clippers that create a cut that allows for many styles. Pushed straight back gives the old movie star look, part it to the side for a boyish look, spike it for a more edgy look, buzz it for clean look, pull it forward for a beach swept appearance and let it curl for a natural look. Whatever your hair texture, there is a great hair cut and style for you. Remember to get some great products that work with your hair and a flat iron is an essential tool in your armory.

Wentworth Miller's buzz cut makes him look neat.