“Very Demure, Very Mindful” Face-Framing Layers

Layers that bounce around and flip every which way? No-no, friends. Teresa Romero (@_teresa_romero), creative director for Sam Villa and artistic/education director for Jose Luis Salon, shares a step-by-step guide to fashioning “very demure, very mindful” layers that are quite considerate. 

“These subtle layers create movement without committing to defined, short pieces around the face, resulting in a style that is both demure and mindful,” says Romero. 

How To: Very Demure, Very Mindful Face-Framing Layers 

1. Start with clean, damp hair. 
2. Take a 2-inch section of hair from around the front hairline and elevate it towards the ceiling. This will be the foundation for the internal face-framing layers. 
3. Gently carve small C-shaped sections with a Sam Villa Signature Series Swivel Shear. Begin at mid-strand and extend to the ends. These internal layers should be subtle, creating movement and volume from within without disrupting the one-length appearance. 
4. Blow-dry with a round brush and a Sam Villa Pro ionic Blow Dryer/Sea Smoke until smooth. The round brush adds volume at the roots while keeping the ends sleek and controlled. 
5. Start curling on the sides by taking a 3-inch wide by 1-inch section of hair and comb until smooth.  
6. Wrap the hair around a 1-inch curling iron, starting at the mid-strand and moving toward the root area to create a barrel curl. Leave the ends free. Carefully remove the iron, ensuring the curl stays intact. This curl contributes to the overall volume and movement of the hairstyle. 
7. With the ends that were left free, create a vertical spiral curl. This adds a soft, cascading effect that contrasts beautifully with the horizontal barrel curls, adding dimension and sophistication. 
8. Repeat these steps, working around the front hairline to frame the face. 
9. Let the hair cool completely before gently brushing with a Sam Villa Signature Series Styling Brush to soften the curls without compromising their shape. 

“The secret to achieving this look lies in the combination of horizontal barrel curls for volume at the scalp and vertical spiral curls for softness and flow. This dual-curl technique creates a wave that is both mindful and demure,” says Romero.