Are Disconnected Layers Still Layers?

Look, in short technically yes, they are. But how do we know what is a disconnected layer or a big old 'whoops that wasn't meant to happen?' Below we will go through the description of a disconnected layer as well as a few examples.

A disconnected haircut is where there are sections of the hair that are cut shorter than the rest of the hair (the baseline) or also kept longer intentionally. Some may even describe it as it’s very own haircut style, within a full haircut.

An Example?

One huge example of a disconnected layer is the undercut. To create the undercut you simply section off the hair near or around the occipital bone of the back of the head (depending how much hair the client wants taken away) and it's usually at a diagonal so the top layer will lay softly on top, or if your client is funky they might want a cool zig zag line to it. It can be a well kept secret party under there! Business on top party down under!

But why on earth would some people want to take a chunk of hair underneath away? Well, if it's not for the above mentioned (having a fine old party underneath) we simply do this to help remove a bunch of bulk if your client is someone with extremely thick hair. If your client is that thick haired person, this will feel strange at first but then will feel totally liberating to have such a chunk taken away.

It will not only help with the thickness of the hair (along with hair drying time) but having the underneath section of your hair shaved away means you can get creative in your own way and shave a cool design into it (if your clients want of course). So the disconnected layer here can be put simple - When your client wear's their hair up, they have an awesome funky look to their hairstyle. And when they wear their hair down, no one will ever know it’s there!

Another example of a disconnected hairstyle is of course none other than the mullet! Yes you read correctly... the mullet is back, but did it ever really go away? For the right person, this hairstyle is the hairstyle, but don't get it confused that everyone can pull it off, many things need to be considered! Like the right face shape, the right hair texture and so much more. To create 'the mullet' you, the stylist, intentionally cuts the top of your clients hair (as some like to call the box section), as well as the front of the face therefore removing length away from the face, and allowing the rest of the hair to fall naturally and completely disconnected.

What else is disconnected?

What some stylists might not realise is that many hairstyles and hair cuts have a form of disconnected elements to it. For example - bangs are a disconnect from the rest of the haircut... right? So that makes it disconnected. Some layering techniques are also disconnected, and unless you were to section the hair, one would never know or see it within the hairstyle. All haircutting trends are used in a variety of ways so that all clients have exactly what they want - easy to style on their own hair!

Every client has their own unique face shape, head shape, curls, texture, cowlicks, crowns you name it, which is why disconnected layers have become such a huge thing in the hairdressing industry. You, the stylist, have the ability to create the perfect look for your client whether that includes a disconnected layer or not.