Choppy Short Layered Hair Tutorial

by JATAI Academy, 03 Oct 2025

Choppy short layered hair is popular hairstyle among older women but it can be modernized for younger looks. Short layered haircuts are not necessarily easy to do. Choppy layers can tend to look lumpy if done improperly and can really stand out if done on thick hair. Short choppy haircuts are a type of layered bob that's textured. While not a pixie cut, they are short hairstyles that have a lot of style and can compliment the face nicely. Watch this short choppy layered hair tutorial and follow along with the transcript.

Choppy Short Layered Hair Tutorial:

Welcome back to Jatai Academy. You've seen a choppy bob. Well, we're going to do some chop graduation today. Chop graduation is a little more difficult because you have to worry about the graduation starting to look lumpy. And lumpy graduation always looks bad.

So, we have to apply the right amount of texture in the right way. Section it so that we can avoid that. We're going to show you how to do all that as we get started and I'm going to blow it dry without using my hands at all. Only the power of the blow dryer.

Back of the Head

Choppy Short Layered Hair Tutorial - Razor Cutting

So, let's get started here in the nape. We're going to take a section across and split the top from the bottom. Then, in the center, we're going to take a diagonal section. And I'm going to hold my scissors out behind on top of my fingers and just go through and cut whatever angle of graduation that I want.

Using that as my guide, I'm going to use my Feather Plier Razor, which is a razor without a guard. It gives me the most control and has the sharpest blade. This is the limited edition white. And so get them while you can.

So I'll start and follow the guide that I did in the center with the scissor. And I'm going to alternate scissor and then razor. So this section here, I'm pulling out the same angle of elevation, following the same angle of graduation. And I'm gonna go through and just chop that line in with my scissors to get my graduation into it.

Now, I'm not trying to be real precise with this. Each section that I take, I'm going to alternate. So, this section, I'm going to follow the guide and use my razor to go through and chop the section. So, each section is going to fluctuate between more texture and softness and more texture and structure.

This is my Tokyo Scissor from Jatai. It is the longest blade I have at 6 inches. It has a nice point. It's very sharp. And I like the longer blade for doing this technique because on the opposite side, it makes it much easier to cut on top of my fingers like I'm doing now.

Here, I'm going through and using my Feather Plier Razor to go through and put my chop graduation in. Now, typical, you know, school of thought is that if I do this, it's going to be really, really lumpy and look really, really bad.

But because I'm taking very, very thin sections and I'm elevating it at a higher level of graduation, it makes a much smoother blend. So, I can get that texture from chopping into it without it being very, very lumpy.

Now, on the other side, you can see why I like a longer scissor. It makes it so much easier to cut on top of my fingers to make my choppy graduation blend at the same angles. And that I'm cutting from the top down.

I'll do the razor exactly the same on the other side, just keeping my choppiness as even and as consistent as possible. After I finish the underneath, we're going to move on to the top of the head.

Choppy Short Layered Hair Tutorial - Scissor Cutting

I'm going to start at the same angle for my partings and I'm going to try to elevate at the exact same angle that I did underneath using my razor following the same method of keeping a short little choppy stroke so I can start to build the weight of the graduation without too much weight that I start to create lumpiness here. Going in with my Jatai Tokyo Scissor and going through and putting a little choppy graduation into it as I work from top down.

And each section that I cut, I want to comb it and see how the weight distribution is and make sure that my graduation is consistent because this is purely a visual type of haircut.

Though I'm sectioning it technically and I'm elevating it technically, my cut is purely visual. So, I have to check it a lot along the way to make sure that I can get both sides even and that I get a consistent type of graduation because it's real easy to get this really really inconsistent and then it starts to look bad.

Sides of the Head

Working from the back of the head into the side of the head and I will just follow and build each section coming from the back into the sides.

Now, you'll notice that when you're doing short graduation like this, it's going to start to stack up in the nape. And then as I get to the edges around the ears, it's going to start to build up a little bit more weight. So, that's where I'm getting that bob shape from on the sides.

Following through, not trying to be real precise, just trying to be real consistent. And this is one of those haircuts you just have to build it and look at it each step of the way.

Give us a thumbs up, click the subscribe and the notification bell to be notified of future Jatai Academy content.

Still alternating between the razor and the straight scissor just to get a variation in my texture. When I did this type of shape with a bob, it's a lot easier because you don't have to worry about the weight distribution and you don't have to worry about the blend as much because when you're dealing with one length, once you get that shape in on the bottom, you don't have to worry about seeing the choppiness of it other than it flicking out the separation on the bottom.

So here, just being patient, working from back to front and trying to build my shape visually. If I need to fine-tune it, I'll fine-tune it. Like that little piece, I thought maybe it was a little heavy, but we'll see. I may fine-tune that a little bit more as we go.

Pulling out. Following my guide from underneath. Keeping my scissor and my razor stroke as consistent as possible. There we go. And I like where that's starting to hit on the jawline. Now, from here, I got my last section. I'll take a little bit of the previously cut hair as my guide as I start to work into the sides.

I want to make sure that as I start to apply each new cut that I'm using the guide and not recutting into the guide. That's a difficult thing. So, it's okay to not be exactly on top of your guide as you're working this shape.

That's why every time I finish a section, I want to comb it and see how it fits. Now, we're going to use a little bit of Jatai Blade Glide to make sure that the blade of my razor slides through the hair a lot easier and gives me a very, very consistent result. And I'll use it mostly when I'm doing internal texturing with the razor.

Removing Weight

Choppy Short Layered Hair Tutorial - Channel Cutting

And I'm going to go through, pull out each section, and with my Feather Plier Razor, just go through and as delicately as possible, go through and channel cut to remove some of the weight because these mannequin heads have a lot of weight. I want to maintain that corner in the front.

That's why I keep pulling that out and showing that corner. I don't really texturize that much or remove that much weight. I want to keep that solid.

Here's a good angle to see how I'm trying to apply this texturizing very very finely and judiciously so I can remove weight more than creating separation.

You'll notice that I tend to close the blade in between taking sections and that just gives me a little extra protection and make sure that I'm respecting the blade so I don't cut myself. And just continue to work up until I run out of hair.

Be sure to follow us on your favorite social media @jataifeather

And here, I'll just continue to visually remove as much weight as I feel needs to, to help that hair kind of lay down and not get too puffy and bell-like in its shape. I think that when it gets too bell-like, it tends to look a little dated, even though this haircut has a lot of modern texture to it.

Blowdrying

Now, when I go to blow this dry, I first started just using the blow dryer to go through and start getting some aeration in it and getting some volume to it. And I think it started to look really good. So, I just used the blow dryer and that's all.

I didn't use my fingers to stretch it out. I didn't do anything other than on the bangs. I kind of blew the bangs down with a little bit of a brush to make sure that they're smooth.

But everything else is just using that blow dryer to get volume and allow the hair to naturally separate and get the texture that I've built into it by applying the structure of the haircut.

Then just a little finger styling to make sure that everything pops and it shows the texture like we want and that I don't have anything that I need to fine-tune.

Final Look

All right, here's our end result. And I think that uh I think that that looks pretty good for not using my hands and it blowing it dry and just letting the blow dryer do the work. And I think it really shows off, you know, kind of this choppy graduation cuz the fear you got to get over is doing a graduation that looks lumpy.

I want it choppy and piecy and have a lot of separation, but I don't want to look lumpy and poorly done. That's going to come from how we angle our fingers and how we consistently apply our scissor layer with our razor layer and then fine-tuning it at the end.

And I think we look pretty good. I think this is a nice interesting way to get some texture and a little more fullness and have a little bit more pizzazz to it, so to speak.

Anyway, check out Jatai Academy. There's all kinds of fantastic information on there that will make you a better hair stylist and barber. Also, let us know what you'd like to see in the future. Thank you so much for watching. We'll see you next time.

Short choppy hairstyles are haircuts women gravitate to when it comes to short hair. While choppy short layers are popular with women over 50, they can be modernized for younger looks.

Back to Trend Connect Home

14 Back to School Haircut Inspiration Ideas for Kids

by JATAI, 23 Aug 2023

When it comes to kid's hair, sometimes it's easy just to cut their hair at home if it's a simple trim. But sometimes having a professional do the work is necessary and maybe a fun splurge or even a back-to-school look. Without being over the top, here are some cute inspirational cuts for kids that set the tone for a fun, fresh look for the kiddos. Girls @halcyonsalonshelby What's more classic than some curls. This cutie looks ready for her first day back to school with her hair color and beautiful curls on point. It's not too short but not super long either. This is a great look for any little girl. @impactbeauty_byshay A simple bob is always in style. Sometimes a little girl just doesn't want to fuss with long hair. With a one length pretty bob that's curled at the end, this little girl is rockin' it. It's low maintenance, can be styled in various ways and shows off her youthful, feminine energy. @topnotchbeautycorner Adorable, trendy and cute. This little girl has got it going on in a stylish, fun way. The small details like the gold crown trinkets and gold coil around the braid make any little girl look and feel like a princess. @definitionssalonspa Say yes to the curtain bang. Simple curtain bangs that frame the face add some style and depth to long straight hair. Part the hair down the middle for curtain bangs or style them for a side swept bang with a side part to change it up. The curtain bang is versatile! @hairby_angelina_ine This little girl is beyond her years with this asymmetrical bob that is to die for. And with straight one length bangs, her look is sassy and fun. It's sure to catch a lot of adoring attention...from the parents. @balayagemary A heavy chunky bang is always super cute on little girls. They can somehow pull it off much better than adults. Why is that? Combine it with some waves and you've got a feminine, sweet look. It's easy to maintain and very versatile. @holykale.hair Is she growing up too fast? This little girl looks like she has an adult haircut. With a cute French bob, highlights and slight wave, she's letting everyone know she's the queen of trending hair. Maybe not easy to maintain, but it sure is cute! Boys @luiselbarber Doesn't he look sweet? This gentleman's...or should we say gentleboy's haircut is clean, classic and tidy. It's short on the sides with a little length on top and combed to the side. This little man is ready for school. @salonsuccess This little guy is just cool. While it's temporary, a little hair art shows off his creative side. This kid has great hair so having his hair very short on the sides but longer on top makes his look more edgy and stylish. It's a bit higher maintenance, but it's fun! @machitong Can we say mullet? It's not for every little boy, but they sure look cute with one, much cuter than adult males. This kind of cut looks best when the hair is naturally a bit textured. He's pulls it off well. @xv.josh How cute is this little boy? That smile is adorable and the precise and clean lines of his haircut are on point. The extra design at the top just set this hairstyle off. A bit high maintenance, but it's mainly just the outlining that needs regular attention. @hairbiz.withizz Scroll through all the images and you'll see this haircut is more than it seems. At first it looks like a pompadour, but when you look at the back, it's a whole other story. This look works well on a boy with a great head of hair. It's edgy, relatively easy to maintain and stylish. @a1errthing This little boy looks so happy and he should be! This haircut fits him perfectly. It's clean and stylish at the same time. He definitely looks school ready with his perfectly razored outlined hairline and simple hair design in the back. @hairbyscheila For a more tidy, classy look, try a side hard part. It's easy for any barber to create with a razor and it gives an extra pop to any boy's hairstyle. Comb the top of the hair to the opposite direction of the part and use a little product. He's ready to go!

The Evolution of Hairstyles Throughout the Decades

by JATAI, 16 Aug 2023

Hairstyles have always been a significant aspect of human culture, reflecting the trends, values, and social norms of different eras. Let's explore the history and evolution of hairstyles over the decades: 1920s The Roaring Twenties introduced a major shift in women's hairstyles. The iconic bob haircut became popular, characterized by short, straight hair that was often worn with a side parting. This style symbolized women's liberation and a break from traditional gender roles. 1930s The 1930s saw a transition from the boyish bob to more feminine and glamorous looks. Soft waves and curls were fashionable, and women often used hot rollers or pin curls to achieve the desired effect. The Hollywood influence played a significant role in popularizing these glamorous hairstyles. The most popular look was the Hollywood wave which has continued to be a popular look in the 2020s. 1940s The World War II era influenced hairstyles as practicality and functionality became essential. Victory rolls were popular among women, involving rolling and pinning sections of hair to create a prominent wave at the front. Shorter, cropped hairstyles were also prevalent due to the practicality of working women. The victory roll is a popular hairstyles for pinup girls of today. 1950s The 1950s embraced femininity and elegance. Women's hairstyles often featured voluminous curls, poodle cuts, and the iconic bouffant. The advent of hair spray helped maintain these elaborate styles. Men's hair was often slicked back or styled into a pompadour. 1960s The 1960s brought about a revolution in hairstyles, influenced by the counterculture movements and the rise of British pop culture. Women started to experiment with shorter haircuts like the pixie cut and the mod bob. The beehive hairstyle, popularized by icons like Audrey Hepburn, was also a notable trend. 1970s The 1970s showcased diverse hairstyles influenced by the hippie movement and disco culture. Women embraced long, flowing hair, often with center parts. The Afro hairstyle gained popularity among African-Americans as a symbol of pride and identity. Men's hairstyles became more relaxed, with longer hair, shaggy cuts and facial hair. 1980s The 1980s were characterized by bold and dramatic hairstyles. Big hair was in, with women teasing their hair to achieve volume and using copious amounts of hairspray. Perms, mullets, and feathered hairstyles were all the rage. Men also sported voluminous hairstyles, including the famous "mullet" style. 1990s The 1990s witnessed a more casual and grunge-inspired approach to hairstyles. The "Rachel" haircut, popularized by Jennifer Aniston's character on the TV show "Friends," became incredibly trendy. Short, pixie cuts also gained popularity among women. Men's hairstyles ranged from long, unkempt looks to shorter, textured styles. 2000s The turn of the millennium brought a mix of hairstyles. Straight, sleek hair became fashionable, often achieved through the use of straightening irons. Emo and scene subcultures popularized asymmetrical cuts, choppy layers, and bold colors. Men's hairstyles varied from buzz cuts to spiky hair. 2010s The 2010s embraced a diverse range of hairstyles. The ombre trend gained popularity, with hair transitioning from dark to light colors. Buns, braids, and top knots became go-to styles for women. Men's hairstyles incorporated undercuts, fades, and more intricate beard grooming. 2020s And finally, we reach the modern day hairstyles. The 2020s have seen a diverse range of popular hair trends. These trends reflect a blend of past styles with contemporary influences and individual expression. These types of cuts and looks have all been popularized so far. Natural Textures There has been a growing emphasis on embracing natural hair textures and celebrating diversity. People with curly and wavy hair have been encouraged to let their natural textures shine, leading to the popularity of hairstyles like the curly afro, twist-outs, and braid-outs. Bob and Lob Haircuts The bob and lob (long bob) haircuts have remained popular in the 2020s. These versatile styles can be customized to suit different face shapes and hair textures. The blunt bob, textured bob, and asymmetrical lob have been particularly trendy. Pixie Cuts Short pixie cuts have made a comeback in the 2020s, offering a bold and chic look. This style allows for low-maintenance haircare routines and can be customized with different textures and lengths to suit individual preferences. Curtain Bangs Curtain bangs, also known as Bardot bangs or '70s bangs, have gained popularity. This style features long, face-framing bangs that are parted in the middle, creating a soft and romantic look. Curtain bangs can be paired with various hairstyles, from long waves to updos. Shag Haircuts The shag haircut, inspired by the '70s, has been a popular choice in the 2020s. This layered cut adds texture and movement to the hair, often with feathered or choppy ends and best achieved with a razor. The modern shag offers a versatile and effortlessly cool aesthetic. Balayage and Face-Framing Highlights Balayage, a technique that creates soft, natural-looking highlights, has continued to be a sought-after trend in the 2020s. Face-framing highlights, where lighter tones are strategically placed around the face, have also gained popularity as they can brighten and accentuate facial features. Sustainable and Low-Maintenance Styles With increasing environmental awareness and thanks to the pandemic, sustainable and low-maintenance hairstyles have become popular. Effortless, air-dried looks, minimalist haircuts, and styles that require minimal product usage have gained traction. This trend aligns with the desire for a more eco-friendly and time-efficient approach to haircare. Throughout the generations, hairstyles have changed dramatically. Every generation has been characterized by different looks and styles. As people continue to express their creativity with their hair, as new products are developed and as social and political climates change, these all influence how we decide to express ourselves through our personal styles. While some trends have lasted for decades, others have come and gone. Who knows what the rest of the 2020s or 2030s will bring. Whatever it is, we're sure it's going to be memorable.

Bobs, Bobs and More Bobs: The Trend of 2023

by JATAI, 24 May 2023

It seems 2023 is starting off with some fun looks. After a couple years of shagadelic haircuts and mullety styles, the trending looks are taking a more classic approach these days. While shags and mullets may have had their run, the bob is turning out to take centerfold. The great thing about a bob is that it's so versatile. There are many ways to cut and style a bob to match a personality or persona. Bobs can be long or short, blunt or textured, curled or straight with or without bangs. The creative possibilities are endless! Let's look at 10 popular bob styles that get the most love. The Graduated Bob The graduated bob is a type of bob with stacked layers in the back with longer strands in the front. The back of the hair tends to be more curved instead of a hard angle. It is it a difficult haircut to achieve but it looks great when done right. It's a very common and popular short haircut. It can be achieved by using scissors or a razor. A-Line Bob Alternatively, the A-Line haircut refers to the perimeter of the haircut. It is the same as a graduated bob in that the hair is shorter in the back and longer in the front. However, it does not have the stacking of layers in the back. And the front is usually more pointed than a graduated bob. Asymmetrical Bob This type of bob's distinct characteristic is that one side in front is longer than the other. It can have layers or no layers and it can be stacked or not stacked in the back. There are different renditions of an asymmetrical bob, but it's usually a style for someone who wants a little edge to their bob style. French Bob The French bob is a classic bob hairstyle characterized by very short hair, either at the chin line or above. Sometimes it's paired with short bangs too. Think of the movie Amelie and you'll know what this looks like. It usually has lots of layers and texture for a choppy look. For the extra texture, a razor works well. Italian Bob Similar to a French Bob, the Italian bob is slightly longer, usually grazing the chin or below but above the shoulders. It's sophisticated and elegant and has a blunt straight edge. The Italian bob carries weight at the bottom with a lot of volume. It can be achieved by using scissors or a razor...or both at the same time. Lob Lob stands for 'long bob' so the hair generally skims the shoulders or goes slightly past it. This is a popular look in modern times as it gives a happy medium between having short and long hair. When curled it can look shorter and resemble a traditional bob, but when straightened it can look more like medium length hair. Straight Bob A classic, simple no frills bob is the straight bob. With no layers, no texture, no curls or stacking, this look is very basic. It can be cut with bangs if desired, but the general look is one of sleek sophistication. The look is completely symmetrical and lays flat against the head. It can look quite sultry and sexy if done right. Layered Bob This style is also known as a textured bob. Simply stated, this type of bob has more body and movement to give volume. While the straight bob has no layers or volume, the layered bob is all about the extra lift. The extra texture is often achieved by using a razor. Curly Bob With even more texture is the curly bob. The curly bob is full of bounce and volume. It could be layered but it doesn't have to be. This bob is fun and full of life and energy. The curls could be natural or intentionally made with a curling iron or curling tool. The curls can be tight and small or big and loose. There are so many ways a curly bob can look! Modern Bob The modern bob is so 2023. It's what has been trending for bobs in the last few years. And it's THIS bob. While it won't last forever, it is the 'it' style as of late. The modern bob is characterized as casual, cool, soft and feminine. It usually has a slight curl in there and a little volume. It's a simple yet stylish bob that's attractive and eye catching. It's no wonder the modern bob has become so popular. So that's it! 10 bob hairstyles for 2023. Although most of these bobs have been around for many many years, it just goes to show how classic the bob really is. It will never go out of style and there will always be new innovative ways to cut and style a bob. Here's to short hair in 2023. Hair Trends, Women

Women

Choppy Short Layered Hair Tutorial