C8ad411ef741b2f971ce photo oct 06 2022  4 36 06 pm

Whether you’re growing out your bob or taking a break from long layers, mid-length haircuts like the midi-flick are having a moment. One of the most popular Sam Villa classes has been a recent one ArTeam Member, Ellen Devine @ellendevinehair, did on mid-length bouncy layers. With 90s hair still on trend and face-framing layers, bouncy blowouts, and flipped ends working their way into every style, it’s the perfect time to brush up on mid-length layering techniques.

“Once you figure out your sectioning, everything else falls into place really easily, and you can just focus on your shear work,” says Devine, who likes using a Sam Villa Signature Series Long Cutting Comb with a sectioning hook to make clean straight lines. 

Devine advises subdividing the head into 8 bite-size sections by using combs to identify the change in direction of the head shape.  Breaking down the small elements within a cut allows for more control, and using sectioning clips vertically and close to the head helps to keep sections tidy.

Sectioning Mid-Length Bouncy Layers

  • Sides: Lay a comb flat on top of the head; where it balances in the middle is where to start the line to subsection to the top of the ear. 
  • Back: Using 2 combs, lay one flat on the back of the head and one flat on the side.  Where they meet is where the head starts to curve and that is where section is taken. 
  • Fringe – Lay a comb spine on the corner of the eye and rock it up. The place where it connects to the head is where the head shape starts to change. Hair that falls in front of the spine will naturally fall forward, so it helps to gauge where the fringe should start.

*Pro-tip: Using a Sam Villa Artist Series 6.25” Shear will cut nice and clean on dry hair while observing the natural fall of hair.

“These types of layers are heavy, almost mushroom-like…in a good way.  They’re still shag inspired, the fringe is similar, yet we’re modifying the layering and keeping the length a bit longer for more of a 90s vibe,” she adds.

See Devine section, cut and style mid-length bouncy layers below.

Shop The Technique:

Sam Villa Signature Series Long Cutting Comb

Sam Villa Artist Series 6.25” Shear