Achieve the Iconic Feathered Hair Look: A Step-by-Step Guide
Feathered hair, a style synonymous with the 1970s and early 80s, is experiencing a major resurgence. This layered, textured look adds volume, movement, and a touch of vintage glam to any hair type. While it might seem intimidating to create, achieving feathered hair is surprisingly attainable with the right tools, techniques, and a little patience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from prepping your hair to perfecting those signature flipped-out ends.
## What is Feathered Hair?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s define what exactly constitutes feathered hair. The key characteristics include:
* **Layers:** Feathered hair relies heavily on layering. The layers are typically shorter around the face and gradually lengthen towards the back, creating a cascading effect.
* **Softness:** Unlike blunt cuts, feathered hair emphasizes soft, blended layers that seamlessly transition from one length to another.
* **Volume:** The layering technique naturally adds volume, especially at the crown of the head.
* **Movement:** The layers allow for significant movement and bounce, giving the hair a lively and dynamic appearance.
* **Flipped-Out Ends:** The signature element of feathered hair is the flipped-out ends, achieved through styling techniques.
## Who Can Rock Feathered Hair?
The beauty of feathered hair lies in its versatility. It can be adapted to suit various hair types, lengths, and face shapes. However, here are some considerations:
* **Hair Length:** Feathered hair works best on medium to long hair. Shorter hair can be feathered, but the effect might be less dramatic.
* **Hair Texture:** Feathering can add volume to fine hair and reduce bulk in thick hair. It’s also suitable for straight, wavy, and even slightly curly hair.
* **Face Shape:** The layers can be customized to flatter different face shapes. For example, face-framing layers can soften a square jawline, while long layers can elongate a round face.
## Tools and Products You’ll Need
To achieve a salon-worthy feathered hairstyle at home, gather the following tools and products:
* **Sharp Scissors:** Invest in a good-quality pair of hair-cutting scissors. Dull scissors can damage the hair and create uneven cuts. Ideally, use professional-grade shears. If you’re not comfortable cutting your own hair, consider visiting a stylist for the initial layering.
* **Hair Cutting Comb:** A fine-tooth comb is essential for sectioning and guiding the hair during the cutting process.
* **Sectioning Clips:** These clips will help you keep the hair neatly separated while you work on different sections.
* **Blow Dryer:** A blow dryer with a nozzle attachment is crucial for styling the flipped-out ends.
* **Round Brush:** A round brush, preferably ceramic or metal, will help you create volume and curl the ends.
* **Volumizing Mousse or Spray:** Apply a volumizing product to damp hair to boost volume and hold.
* **Heat Protectant Spray:** Always protect your hair from heat damage by applying a heat protectant spray before blow-drying.
* **Hair Spray:** A flexible-hold hair spray will help you set the style and keep the flipped-out ends in place.
* **Optional: Texturizing Spray or Paste:** These products can add texture and definition to the layers.
* **Optional: Thinning Shears:** For those with very thick hair, thinning shears can help remove excess bulk and create a softer, more feathered look. Use these sparingly and with caution.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Feathering Your Hair
Follow these detailed steps to achieve the iconic feathered hair look:
**Step 1: Preparation**
* **Wash and Condition Your Hair:** Start with clean, conditioned hair. This will make it easier to cut and style.
* **Towel-Dry Your Hair:** Gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water. It should be damp, not soaking wet.
* **Apply Volumizing Mousse or Spray:** Distribute a volumizing mousse or spray evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the roots. This will provide lift and hold.
* **Apply Heat Protectant:** Spritz a heat protectant spray all over your hair to shield it from heat damage during blow-drying.
**Step 2: Sectioning Your Hair**
Proper sectioning is crucial for achieving even layers and a balanced feathered look. Here’s a recommended sectioning technique:
* **Create a Center Part:** Use a comb to create a clean center part from your forehead to the nape of your neck.
* **Section the Top:** Section off the hair at the crown of your head, creating a horseshoe-shaped section. Clip this section out of the way.
* **Section the Sides:** Section off the hair on each side of your head, from the temple to behind the ear. Clip these sections out of the way.
* **Leave the Back Section:** The remaining hair at the back of your head will be your final section.
**Step 3: Cutting the Layers (Proceed with Caution!)**
**Important Note:** If you’re not experienced with cutting hair, it’s highly recommended to seek professional help. Cutting your own hair can be risky, and mistakes can be difficult to fix. If you’re determined to do it yourself, proceed with extreme caution and cut small amounts at a time.
We will describe the method to cut your own hair, but again, proceed at your own risk and be prepared to visit a professional if needed.
* **Start with the Back Section:** Take a small subsection of hair from the back section, about 1-2 inches wide. Hold the subsection straight out from your head, perpendicular to your back. Determine the desired length of your shortest layer. Using your scissors, carefully trim the ends of the subsection to that length. This will be your guide for the rest of the back section.
* **Continue Cutting the Back Section:** Take another subsection of hair from the back section, next to the first subsection. Combine it with the first subsection and use the previously cut length as a guide. Trim the ends of the second subsection to match the length of the first. Repeat this process until you’ve layered the entire back section.
* **Layer the Side Sections:** Release one of the side sections. Take a small subsection of hair from the front of the side section, near your face. Hold the subsection straight out from your head, perpendicular to your face. Determine the desired length of your shortest layer near your face. This should be shorter than the shortest layer in the back. Carefully trim the ends of the subsection to that length. This will be your guide for the rest of the side section.
* **Continue Cutting the Side Sections:** Take another subsection of hair from the side section, next to the first subsection. Combine it with the first subsection and use the previously cut length as a guide. Trim the ends of the second subsection to match the length of the first. Repeat this process until you’ve layered the entire side section. Repeat on the other side.
* **Layer the Top Section:** Release the top section. This section requires a slightly different technique to create volume at the crown. Take a small subsection of hair from the front of the top section. Hold the subsection straight up from your head. Using the layers from the sides as a guide, trim the ends of the subsection to blend with the side layers. The top layers should be slightly shorter than the side layers.
* **Continue Cutting the Top Section:** Take another subsection of hair from the top section, next to the first subsection. Combine it with the first subsection and use the previously cut length as a guide. Trim the ends of the second subsection to match the length of the first. Repeat this process until you’ve layered the entire top section.
* **Check for Symmetry:** After layering all sections, carefully check for symmetry. Make sure the layers are even on both sides of your head. If necessary, make small adjustments to even out the layers.
**Step 4: Refining the Layers (Optional)**
* **Point Cutting:** To soften the edges of the layers and create a more feathered effect, use a technique called point cutting. Hold your scissors vertically and snip into the ends of the layers at a slight angle. This will remove small pieces of hair and create a softer, more textured look.
* **Thinning (For Thick Hair):** If you have very thick hair, you can use thinning shears to remove excess bulk. Hold the thinning shears at a slight angle and snip into the middle of the layers, avoiding the roots and ends. Use thinning shears sparingly, as over-thinning can lead to frizz.
**Step 5: Blow-Drying and Styling**
Now that your hair is layered, it’s time to style it into the signature feathered look. Here’s how:
* **Rough Dry:** Use your blow dryer to rough dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry. This will remove excess moisture and prepare your hair for styling.
* **Section Your Hair:** Divide your hair into manageable sections. Start with the bottom sections and work your way up.
* **Use a Round Brush:** Take a section of hair and place the round brush underneath it, near the roots. Use the blow dryer with the nozzle attachment to direct heat onto the hair as you roll the brush outwards and downwards. This will create volume at the roots and a slight curl at the ends.
* **Flip Out the Ends:** For the signature feathered look, focus on flipping out the ends of the layers. As you reach the ends of the hair with the round brush, rotate the brush outwards and away from your face. This will create the flipped-out effect.
* **Repeat on All Sections:** Repeat the blow-drying and styling process on all sections of your hair, working your way around your head. Pay special attention to the face-framing layers, ensuring that they are flipped out away from your face.
* **Cool Shot:** After styling each section, use the cool shot button on your blow dryer to set the style. This will help to lock in the shape and add shine.
**Step 6: Finishing Touches**
* **Hair Spray:** Once you’ve styled your entire head, use a flexible-hold hair spray to set the style. Hold the hair spray about 10-12 inches away from your head and spritz lightly all over your hair.
* **Texturizing Spray or Paste (Optional):** If you want to add more texture and definition to your layers, use a texturizing spray or paste. Apply a small amount of the product to your fingertips and work it through the layers, focusing on the ends.
* **Adjust and Perfect:** Take a step back and examine your hairstyle. Make any necessary adjustments to perfect the look. You can use your fingers to gently arrange the layers and add more volume or definition as needed.
## Styling Variations and Tips
* **Side Part:** While feathered hair is traditionally styled with a center part, it can also look great with a side part. Experiment with different partings to see what suits your face shape best.
* **Soft Waves:** For a more relaxed and bohemian look, add soft waves to your feathered hair using a curling iron or wand. Wrap sections of hair around the barrel of the curling iron, leaving the ends out for a more natural look.
* **Half-Up, Half-Down:** Feathered hair looks stunning in a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Simply gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a clip or hair tie, leaving the rest of your hair flowing freely.
* **Accessorize:** Add some personality to your feathered hair with accessories like headbands, scarves, or barrettes.
* **Regular Trims:** To maintain the shape and health of your feathered hair, get regular trims every 6-8 weeks. This will help to prevent split ends and keep the layers looking fresh.
## Maintaining Your Feathered Hair
* **Use Quality Hair Products:** Invest in high-quality shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are specifically designed for your hair type. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, as they can damage your hair and strip it of its natural oils.
* **Deep Condition Regularly:** Deep conditioning treatments can help to nourish and hydrate your hair, keeping it healthy and shiny. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week, especially if you have dry or damaged hair.
* **Protect Your Hair from Heat:** Always use a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Excessive heat can damage your hair and lead to breakage.
* **Avoid Overwashing:** Overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Try to wash your hair only 2-3 times a week.
* **Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase:** Silk pillowcases are gentle on the hair and can help to prevent breakage and frizz. They also help to retain moisture, keeping your hair hydrated.
## Feathered Hair: A Timeless Classic
Feathered hair is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a statement. It’s a celebration of volume, movement, and effortless style. With this comprehensive guide, you have the knowledge and tools to achieve the iconic feathered look at home. Remember to proceed with caution when cutting your own hair, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Embrace the feathered hair trend and rock a timeless classic that’s sure to turn heads!