If you have thick hair, you know how tricky it can be to manage. Sometimes, it feels heavy, hard to style, and even a little too full to handle. One of the best ways to reduce the weight and make your thick hair more manageable is through internal layering. This cutting technique works wonders for people who love their hair’s volume but want to make it lighter and easier to style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits, how stylists use this method, and essential tips for maintaining your internally layered hair so that it always looks fresh and stylish.
What Is Internal Layering?
Internal layering is a hair-cutting technique that helps reduce the thickness of your hair without losing its length. If you have thick hair that feels too heavy or bulky, internal layering might be the perfect solution. This method focuses on the layers that are cut inside your hair, not just the top layers.
The result is lighter, more manageable hair that still keeps its fullness. For expert guidance on this technique, visiting a women’s hair salon can ensure you get the right cut tailored to your hair type and style.
How Does Internal Layering Work?
Unlike traditional layering, which is done on the surface of the hair, internal layering targets the inside layers. This technique removes some of the weight from the thick hair by cutting the hair in a way that thins out the interior. The goal is to reduce the bulk, making it easier to style, while still keeping the overall look full and natural.
Why Is Internal Layering Perfect for Thick Hair?
Thick hair can often feel heavy and hard to manage. You might notice that your hair gets frizzy or puffy, especially in humid weather. Internal layering solves this problem by removing some of the weight without sacrificing the length or volume you love. Your hair feels lighter, and it becomes easier to handle, whether you’re blow-drying, straightening, or simply letting it air-dry.
Is It Different from Regular Layering?
Yes! Regular layering involves cutting the hair in layers, usually from the top down. This creates a more obvious layered look. Internal layering, on the other hand, works more subtly. The layers are hidden beneath the surface, so the change is less noticeable but still effective. It’s perfect for people who want to keep their hair looking natural but more manageable.
Benefits of Internal Layering for Thick Hair
If you’ve got thick hair, you might sometimes find it challenging to manage. It can feel heavy, take forever to style, and even look a bit too full at times. That's where internal layering comes in. Not only does it lighten up your hair, but it also brings a lot of other perks. Let’s dive into the main benefits of using internal layering to tackle thick hair.
Lighter Hair, Less Bulk
One of the main reasons people choose internal layering is to reduce the heavy feeling that often comes with thick hair. The technique removes some of the weight from the inside layers, which makes your hair feel much lighter. This is especially helpful if your hair feels thick, dense, or hard to manage, giving it a natural, airy lift without losing any length.
More Movement and Volume
Internal layering doesn’t just remove weight, it also adds a bit of movement to your hair. Without all the bulk weighing it down, your hair can move more freely, creating a livelier and more dynamic look. While regular layering can sometimes leave your hair looking too flat or thin, internal layering gives you volume without making it look too "choppy."
Easier to Style and Maintain
If your thick hair has a tendency to be frizzy or hard to style, internal layering can make a huge difference. With less bulk, your hair will be much easier to manage. Whether you’re curling, straightening, or even just blow-drying, styling becomes quicker and smoother. Plus, fewer layers on the outside mean you spend less time taming flyaways and frizz.
Natural Look with No "Choppy" Ends
One common concern with thinning hair is that it can look uneven or "choppy." Internal layering avoids that problem because the layers are cut inside, not on the outer layer. This means you won’t see any harsh lines or awkward lengths. Your hair will look smoother and more naturally styled, with a soft, balanced appearance that’s perfect for everyday wear.
How Stylists Use Internal Layering
When you visit a stylist to get your thick hair thinned out, they might use a technique called internal layering. This method is popular because it gives you the benefits of lighter, more manageable hair without changing its natural style. Stylists are trained to use internal layering in a way that looks smooth and professional. Here's a closer look at how they do it.
Targeting the Inner Layers
The key to internal layering lies in cutting the inner layers of the hair, rather than just the top ones. Stylists carefully section your hair into parts and work on the layers that sit underneath the surface. They use sharp shears or specialized thinning scissors to remove some of the bulk from inside the hair. This technique doesn't drastically change the overall length but reduces the weight from within, giving your hair more movement and less heaviness.
Creating Subtle, Natural Results
One of the best things about internal layering is that it creates a very natural look. Since the layers are cut from the inside, they’re not visible on the outer surface. This means you won’t see noticeable lines or uneven edges that sometimes come with regular layers. Instead, your hair will have a soft, seamless flow with just the right amount of body. It looks like your hair was meant to naturally have that perfect balance of volume and lightness.
Customizing the Cut for Your Hair Type
Stylists don’t use a “one-size-fits-all” approach to internal layering. Depending on your hair type; whether it’s curly, straight, or wavy; they will adjust the cutting technique to suit your hair’s natural texture. For instance, if you have curly hair, they may take a bit more weight from the inside to prevent it from looking too bulky or frizzy.
For straight hair, they might focus on creating a smooth flow that adds volume without flattening the hair. This customization ensures that your internal layers enhance your hair’s natural shape.
Tools and Techniques Stylists Use
Professional stylists often use specific tools to achieve the best results with internal layering. In addition to regular shears, they may use thinning scissors, which have a notched blade that removes some hair while leaving the rest intact. These tools help create a light, airy effect without cutting too much of your hair. Stylists are also skilled at blending the layers so that there are no harsh lines or uneven parts, resulting in a polished, natural finish.
Tips to Maintain Internally Layered Hair
Once you’ve had your hair layered with the internal technique, you want to keep it looking fresh and stylish. Maintaining internally layered hair doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help keep your hair light, manageable, and beautiful. Let’s dive into some simple steps you can follow to keep your cut looking great.
Keep Up with Regular Trims
Even though internal layering is a technique that helps your hair stay lighter, regular trims are still essential. As your hair grows, the layers may start to lose their shape or become uneven. Aim to visit your stylist every 6 to 8 weeks to keep your layers fresh. This will ensure your hair stays well-balanced and that the inner layers continue to provide that natural, light look without getting too bulky.
Use the Right Products for Your Hair Type
After internal layering, it’s important to use hair care products that suit your hair type. If you have thick or frizzy hair, look for lightweight styling products like mousse or leave-in conditioners that won’t weigh your hair down. These products help maintain the volume and movement that internal layering creates, without making your hair feel heavy. A good volumizing shampoo can also help keep your hair light and bouncy, so it doesn’t lose its shape.
Avoid Over-Styling
One of the perks of internal layering is that it makes styling quicker and easier. That means you can skip the heavy styling tools that can cause damage or flatten your hair. Instead of using flat irons or curling irons every day, try air-drying your hair for a more natural, textured look. If you do need to use heat, always apply a heat protectant to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends.
Protect Your Hair From the Elements
Whether it’s the sun, rain, or cold winds, environmental factors can affect your internally layered hair. To keep it looking its best, protect your hair from the elements. Use a UV-protectant spray to shield your hair from the sun’s rays, or wear a hat when it's windy or rainy. This helps preserve your layers and keeps your hair looking shiny and smooth.
Avoid Over-Washing Your Hair
Washing your hair too often can strip away the natural oils that keep it soft and healthy. With internally layered hair, you’ll want to make sure you’re not over-washing it, as this can also make your hair look frizzy or dry. Try washing your hair 2-3 times a week, and use a dry shampoo in between washes to refresh your hair without adding weight.
Conclusion
Internal layering is the perfect solution for anyone with thick hair who wants to keep their natural volume but reduce the weight and bulk. It’s a subtle yet effective way to create more movement in your hair without sacrificing length or style. This technique makes it easier to manage your hair, and with regular trims, the right products, and proper care, your hair will look light, fresh, and full of life.
