There’s a reason your clients keep coming back for layered hairstyles—the right kind of layers give hair volume and movement, make it feel lighter and help flatter different face shapes. To keep you on your layering game, BTC has rounded up some tips from Sojourn Creative Director Melissa Stone on how to cut perfect, graduated layers and bring some life back into your clients’ locks.

1. Talk it Out
Prior to cutting long hair, conduct a thorough consultation. The goal is to understand the client’s needs, texture, what she likes and doesn’t like and her functionality requirements.