Feathers and step haircuts: while both styles aim to amplify our natural beauty, they are as distinct as the summer breeze and the tranquil ocean. Just as no two feathers are alike, neither are these trendy haircuts. So, whether you’re looking to grace your strands with a delicate feather-like touch or seeking a bold staircase effect, it’s vital to understand the captivating contrast between these two mesmerizing hair transformations. Join us on a delightful journey of discovery and unlock the secrets behind feathers and step haircuts—two extraordinary styles that undoubtedly add a feathered flourish or a staircase allure to our fabulous tresses.
Feathering is a texturizing technique that shapes the ends of your tresses, while layering is a cut that creates variable lengths throughout your hair.
1.step haircuts:
2.feathered haircuts
Feathered haircuts and layered haircuts are very different types of hairstyles.
Feathered Haircuts Known As The Chelsea Cut
Feathered haircuts, known in some hair circles as a Chelsea cut was first popular in the late 1960s with the first wave of the skinheads, also known as skins.
The original feathered haircut has transitioned with the skin movement. The haircut which was first popular in the 1960s has endured through the 1980s. It may still be seen in 2018 in some isolated circles.
Image Of Skinheads Wearing Feathered Haircuts – By ♪♫PSICO–MOD♪♫ [CC BY 2.0 (Creative Commons – Attribution 2.0 Generic – CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
In a traditional feathered haircut most of the hair is either cropped very short or shaved, with the bangs (and sometimes the sideburn locks and/or very back) left to grow long.
The skinhead subculture originated among working class youths in London, England in the 1960s and soon spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, with a second working class skinhead movement emerging worldwide in the 1980s.
Motivated by social alienation and working class solidarity, skinheads (often shortened to “skins”) are defined by their close-cropped or shaven heads and working class clothing such as Dr. Martens and steel toe work boots, braces, high rise and varying length straight-leg jeans, and button down collar shirts, usually slim fitting in check or plain.
The movement reached a peak during the 1960s, experienced a revival in the 1980s, and, since then, has endured in multiple contexts worldwide.
Since feathered hair is work very short, cropped or shaved with just a few long pieces of hair, it can work on any type or texture of hair.
Even if the hair is naturally textured, the long pieces can be straightened to create the traditional tails.
Hair Feathering
Feathering is creating texture to hair.
Unlike a traditional Chelsea haircut, any hair can be feathered on the ends with special shears or razor.
Image Of Karen Marie Shelton With Layered And Feathered Haircut – From The Private Collection Of Karen Marie Shelton – Courtesy of Hairboutique – All Rights Reserved
Feathering shears are best because they are designed to create the appropriate effect.
Feathering is created vertically by snipping approximately 1/8th inch of hair from the edges.
Shears are held at a 90 degree angle cutting in small V shapes and cut in a sweeping motion.
When feathered properly, the ends of the hair will have a zig zag edge, rather than a straight line.
Feathering Doesn’t Work For All Hair
Feathering is most often created on forehead bangs/fringes or around the hairline or perimeter of the hairstyle.
Jane Fonda had a haircut which featured light layers and heavy feathering in Klute, the 1971 movie hit.
Image of Jane Fonda – Poster From Klute – Wikipedia – All Rights Reserved
Klute is a 1971 American neo-noir crime–thriller film directed and produced by Alan J. Pakula, written by Andy and Dave Lewis, and starring Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland, Charles Cioffi, and Roy Scheider. It tells the story of a high-priced prostitute who assists a detective in solving a missing person case.
The advantage of feathering is that it removes bulk while enhancing the shape of a haircut.
It can be considered a form of fine tuning a haircut.
Feathering is not for all hair types and textures.
Hair which is fine or thinning may not have enough thickness to look good when feathered. Hair needs to be medium to thick for the best results.
Hair which has significant natural texture may also not be a good candidate for feathering.
Hair Layering
When hair is cut with random lengths extending from the roots to the ends, it is considered layered.
Any type of hair can be layered from super short hairstyles to very long.
Layering removes hair bulk, adds definition and form. It may not work well for hair which is thin or highly textured.
Layers And Feathering Can Be Combined
You can actually have both types of haircuts at the same time on the same head of hair.
Layers give hair a distinct shape and form. Feathering is utilized to add dimension.
Back in the 1980s when I was growing my hair longer, I had lots of layers with lightly feathered edges around the perimeter of my face.
If you study my photo you can see that I had the shortest layers cut at the top of my head near the roots, with graduated layers extending downwards.
My bangs were heavily feathered as were the hair which framed my face.
I used to love this hairstyle because the heavily feathered fringe showcased my eyes without any eye makeup.
The feathered sides also added the appearance of more defined cheekbones even without any type of blush or similar enhancements.
Farrah Fawcett Winged Hairstyle
Another example of a combined layered and feathered haircut was the super popular Farrah Fawcett hairstyle which created a major hairstyle sensation in 1976–1977.
Image of Farrah Fawcett Wearing Signature Winged Hairstyle from Charlie’s Angels TV Series – 1977 – ABC TV – All Rights Reserved – Wikipedia
The actress who appeared as as private investigator Jill Munroe in the first season of the television series Charlie’s Angels (1976–1977).
The classic Farrah Fawcett hairstyle combines graduated layers with heavy feathering around the perimeter and throughout the edges of the layers.
Her bangs are also heavily layered to give them the light-winged appearance.
Layers And Feathering Don’t Work For All Types Of Hair
Depending upon the desired hairstyle, layering and/or feathering may or may not work.
Feathering is often created with special feathering scissors or a razor. They are not created with a traditional hair cutting scissors.
Which Is Better – A Feathered Or Layered Haircut?
There is no right answer to which is a better haircut.
A lot depends upon the ultimate goals for the person selecting the haircut and style.
If the traditional feathered haircut known as the Chelsea is desired, it is very different from a layered haircut.
Feathering, which is a form of texturizing, can be combined with just about any layered haircut.
Some hair types and textures are better suited to layering than others. The same is true of feathered edges or fringes.
No two heads of hair are the same. What works great for some, will not work at all for others.
When in doubt, do your homework and talk with your hair professional to determine what haircuts and hairstyles work best for you.
1. Plunging into the Shears: Understanding the Mystique of Feathers and Step Haircuts
Feathers and step haircuts have long been associated with a certain mystique that is hard to resist. These hairstyles offer a unique blend of elegance and edginess, making them a popular choice for those who dare to experiment with their look.
Feathers, which involve layering hair to create a feather-like effect, add a touch of whimsy and movement to any style. Whether you opt for subtle feathering to add texture or go all-out with dramatic layers, this technique brings life and depth to your tresses. The versatility of feathers allows for endless customization, making it suitable for various hair lengths and types.
- Feathers create soft and flowing lines, giving your hair a romantic and ethereal appeal.
- They add volume and body to fine and limp hair, bringing it to life.
- Feathered bangs can frame your face beautifully and accentuate your features.
A step haircut, on the other hand, is an intricately layered style that creates a cascading effect. This haircut is achieved by cutting the hair in graduating lengths, creating distinct steps or tiers. The result is a visually stunning look that adds dimension and movement to your mane.</p
2. The Unveiling of Sheared Excellence: Decoding the Enigmatic Feathers and Step Haircuts
Both styles can be tailored to suit any face shape and personal preference, so no matter which style you pick, you can feel confident that you are in good hands.
Both options can easily be manipulated to incorporate different lengths and textures, so whether you’re after something subtle or bold, you can be sure of a fantastic cut. Whichever one you decide upon, you will be sure to have a look that’s as unique and amazing as you are.
Subscribe to HairEveryday’s Newsletter!
Want access to new hair products? Get weekly email alerts with the latest free samples of hair products.
Is Feather Cut Better Than Layer Cut
Whether it’s a layered haircut or a feathered cut, the decision to go with one over the other is ultimately up to you. However, if you’re looking for a more voluminous, stylish cut, then a feathered cut may be the way to go.
For starters, a feathered cut can give you a softer look than a layered cut. While both styles involve layering hair to create texture and volume, a feathered cut will give you slightly more dramatic, feathered look.
Depending on the type of hair you have, it may also provide more control over how much texture you want and how long your layers are. Along with that, the longest layers can be trimmed and blended to flatter your face shape for a more flattering look.
A feathered cut can also be more flattering for curly hair. Instead of adding layers all over, the stylist can focus more on the frame around your face and on the ends. This can help to bring out the natural beauty and curl of your hair, as well as add more drama and definition.
On the other hand, a layered haircut can be great for those looking for a more low maintenance hairdo. This style keeps the bulk off your head and allows your locks to move more naturally.
Layers can also provide more dimension, which makes it easier to style your hair in a variety of looks.
So, if you’re looking to get more dramatic and volumised look, a feathered cut may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more low maintenance style, a layered haircut is a great choice.
No matter what style you end up going with, your hairstylist will be able to give you the perfect cut for you.
Difference Between Step Cut Layer Cut And Feather Cut
A layered haircut and a feathered cut are both popularly used styles, but the main difference between the two is the method of cutting. A step cut layer cut is a straight cut across the hair with layers added in the front.
These layers are added to add a more distinct shape to the style and can be done in any desired length or thickness. On the other hand, a feathered cut has a more wispy, textured appearance.
This look is achieved by cutting the ends of the hair in an angled, V-shaped pattern. This method allows for a slight curl of the ends for a softer look. The layers are usually longer, which allows for more bounce and movement.
The layered cut is ideal for those who want some texture and dimension to their style, while the feathered cut is best for those who are looking for a more care-free, tousled look.
It can also be a great way to give a bit of body to hair types that are naturally straight. Both styles can be worn in a variety of lengths and textures, but the one thing they have in common is that they both offer an edgy, modern vibe.
All in all, the difference between step cut layer cut and feather cut is quite clear. Each style has its own unique characteristics, making them perfect for different occasions, depending on what look you’re going for.
Both of these styles can be styled in many different ways and will help you stand out in any crowd.