Keep the spray bottle nearby. As the hair dries, re-wet the locks.

Part the hair down the center of the head—from the top of the forehead to the base of the skull. Part the hair horizontally at the top of the ears. This will create a section on the top of the head, known as the top box and two side sections. Twist each section and secure it with a large hair clip. Part the hair at the base of the ears. This will create a section at the base of your skull. Twist each section and secure it with a large hair clip. [2] X Research source Make sure the right sections are even with the left sections.

Begin by parting the hair in a straight line from just behind one ear to just behind the other ear. [3] X Research source Create a part on each side of the head along the parietal ridge—approximately 4 finger widths above the tops of your ears. This will allow you to section off the hair on the top of the head. Comb the hair towards the top of the head, twist, and secure it with a clip. Comb, twist, and clip the hair on the left and right sides of the head. [4] X Research source Part the hair down the center of the crown. To isolate the left and right crown sections, part the hair horizontally from just behind the ear to the center part. Comb, twist, and clip the two sections. [5] X Research source Divide, comb, and clip the remaining hair at the nape of the neck into a left and a right section. [6] X Research source

Determine the length of the bottom layer. When you are deciding the length of the 3 layers, remember that the shorter the hair, the smaller the difference in the layers should be. The 3 layers may differ in 2 to 4 inches on long hair and 1/2 an inch to 1 inch on shorter hair. Insert the segment between the forefinger and middle finger of your non-dominant hand. Slide the fingers towards the ends—pulling the segment at a 90° angle—until your fingers have arrived at your desired hair length. Trim the excess hair with a pair of sharp shears. [9] X Research source Consider cutting between ½ inch to 2 inches off—you can always go shorter![10] X Research source

The freshly cut segment is now the travelling guide. Repeat the process until the entire section is cut. Check the evenness of your trim periodically. Pull the hair in multiple directions and at varying angles to check the evenness of the cut. Trim any uneven pieces before moving on to the next section of hair[12] X Research source

Using the previously cut section as a traveling guide, cut the hair remaining in the front section in this manner.

Using the previously cut section as a traveling guide, work from the back to the front of each side.

Repeat this process until you have finished cutting the hair remaining in the nape section.

Repeat this process until you have finished cutting the hair remaining in the side sections. If you divided your hair into seven sections, repeat this process on the crown sections.

Repeat this process until you have finished cutting the hair remaining in the top section.