Step Cut vs Layer Cut: Difference and Comparison

One of the biggest mistakes or misunderstandings we all make is assuming that step and layer cutting are the same. Though they have various similarities, both of them are different.

Key Takeaways

1. Step cut is a hair-cutting technique that creates multiple distinct layers, giving the appearance of steps suitable for medium to long hair and adding volume.
2. Layer cut is a hair-cutting technique that gradually changes in length, with each layer blending into the next, providing a natural, flowing appearance suitable for various hair lengths.
3. Both step cut and layer cut are hair-cutting techniques that create layers, but step cut produces distinct layers with a stepped appearance, while layer cut creates a more natural, blended look with gradual changes in length.

Step Cut vs Layer Cut

A step cut is a haircut technique where the hair is cut at different lengths to create a stepped or graduated effect. A step cut creates different steps in the hair. A layer is a type of cut which involves cutting the hair into layers of varying lengths to add texture and movement to the hair.

Step cutting, on the one hand, is done so that the hair looks like it has been cut at different sections of varying lengths, i.e. every section has a gap between them.

On the other hand, layer cutting is done in a way where subtle cuts are made along the hair in varying lengths so it does not look too obvious.

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Comparison Table

Parameter of Comparison	Step cut	Layer cut
Cut	Usually have 2 to 3 level cuts to bring texture and variation.	Have no gaps between the layers to blend more easily
Appearance	Hair looks very bouncy and lively	Provides a lot of volume and texture to the hair. It also gives the illusion of long hair.
Best suited	Looks good on people with wavy or thick hair type	Looks good on people with straight or thin hair type
Spacing	Has a good amount of spacing or gaps. As a result, it does not blend. Steps are easily seen in the hair.	It has no to minimal levels of spacing or gaps. As a result, Layers blend, and it cannot be seen clearly. It has a flow.
Looks best in	Light curls or straightening looks best in this kind of haircut	Curls or waves through a curling iron look best in this haircut. It also looks good in straight hair.

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What is Step Cut?

One of the most popular haircuts of all time is a step cut. As explained before, step cutting is done in a way that the hair looks like “steps.”

It looks very pretty and glamorous on individuals with wavy or thick hair.

Here, the hairdresser makes sure that the hair is cut so that every section of the hair is visible and that gaps or spacing are made between each step. This results in cascading steps in the styled hair. 

The haircut has 2 or 3 steps depending on your preference. It starts with the first step below the ear, followed by 1 or 2 steps below it.

People prefer 2 cuts to 3, one at the ear and the other at the shoulder. But to add more texture, one can go for 3 steps too.

The hair, once cut, looks very bouncy. It feels like a spring attached to the hair, making it lively! It also frames your face very clearly and sharply.

It accentuates your face and brings a lot of direct attention to it. It looks fashionable with light curls or straightened hair as it brings out your jaw, neck and overall face beauty.

 

What is Layer Cut?

Another excellent haircut that looks very aesthetic is layer cutting. It is done in a way that no spacing or gaps are present between each layer so that it blends very quickly, and steps are not visible, like that in step cutting.

Here, the hairdresser cuts the hair subtly in different variations and lengths in a way that blends seamlessly with each other. It is straightforward to maintain.

Usually, the top layers are cut shorter than the lower ones to create an illusion of volume and length in the hair. As a result, it is best suited for people with thin or long hair to bring a book and make it look wavier and thicker.

There are mainly two techniques to cut hair in layers. These are:

1. Sliding haircut– first, the hair is sectioned in 4 parts, and then the back section is radially cut at a 20-degree angle. The front sections are cut using this as a guideline, making a soft layered end.
2. Blended evaluation– the top section of the hair is cut at a 90-degree angle, whereas the side sections are cut at 180 degrees compared to the length of the top section.

Difference Between Step Cut and Layer Cut, Difference Between Step Cut and Layer Cut
Step Cut vs Layer Cut, Step Cut vs Layer Cut

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Main Differences Between Step Cut and Layer Cut

1. Step cutting has 2 to 3-level cuts to bring texture and variation, while layer cutting is done so that no gaps are left between the layers to blend more easily.
2. In terms of appearance, a step cut makes the hair look bouncy and lively, while a layer cutting provides a lot of volume and texture. Also, it gives the illusion of long hair.
3. Step cut is best suited for people with wavy or thick hair type, whereas layer cut is best suited for people with straight or thin hair type.
4. Step cut Has a lot of spacing or gaps. As a result, steps are easily seen. The layer cut on the hand Has no spacing or gaps. As a result, Layers blend, and it cannot be seen clearly.
5. Regarding looks and styling, a step cut looks best when light curls or straightening is done, whereas curls or waves through a curling iron look best in layers.

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References

1. https://www.koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO202021752885461.page
2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1663818/

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023