Not to be confused with the “ladder”! All the subtleties of the cascade haircut

Many people love the cascade haircut because it’s a classic look that gives hair movement and volume. It’s an adaptable choice that looks great on a variety of hair types and lengths, providing a clean, contemporary style that can be customized to suit personal tastes.

The cascade is sometimes confused for the "ladder" haircut, even with its widespread popularity. Despite their apparent similarity, the distinctions are essential to getting the intended result. Selecting the ideal cut for your style can be made easier if you are aware of these subtleties.

This post will examine what makes the cascade different from the ladder and delve into its special qualities that make it a popular option for people looking for a layered, dynamic hairstyle. This guide will explain everything you need to know about the cascade haircut, whether you’re thinking about giving it a try or you just want more information.

Aspect	Description
Layering	The cascade features soft, flowing layers that blend smoothly for a natural look.
Volume	This cut adds volume and movement to your hair, making it look fuller.
Face-Framing	Cascade layers are often styled to frame the face, enhancing facial features.
Styling Flexibility	The cascade cut can be styled in various ways, from straight to wavy or curly.
Not the Ladder	Unlike the "ladder" cut, the cascade focuses on soft transitions between layers, not sharp steps.

Features of the women"s cascade haircut

I always wanted to be a little like Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Green from the cult TV show "Friends." Rachel had a stylish multi-layered haircut with strands of varying lengths and torn ends. The hairdresser told me the name of that fashionable haircut—cascade—when I once found myself in the chair and requested a hairstyle exactly like Rachel’s. Even though the series has been out for a long time, I still think it’s a good choice, and it’s kind of popular everywhere.

A cascade haircut is the perfect hairstyle for all types of people. It is distinguished by multiple hair layers; the "steps" clearly transition from one to the next. What sets the cascade apart from another stepped haircut, ladders, is the multi-layering effect and the development of strands around the entire perimeter and length.

What does a cascade hairstyle look like from the back and front?

As the picture illustrates, a cascade is a multi-level haircut that is distinguished by strands of varying lengths, which are shorter near the crown and longer toward the back of the head. The tiers are progressively longer in a downward direction, but the stylist chooses the exact "step" and how smoothly or abruptly the tiers transition from one to the next.

Right now, textured haircuts are in. The artist produces subtle variations in length that are both harmonious and natural.

Elena Komissarova

The haircut’s shape is frequently uneven and can be graduated or profiled. A cascade is frequently enhanced with long, straight, or oblique bangs. The hair gains volume and visual density as a result of this "layering," and even without styling, the cascade hairstyle looks put together and dynamic.

The structure of the hair directly affects how simple it is to style a graduated cascade haircut. Curly hair takes the stylist’s advice with ease, while straight hair needs only very little styling—a texturizing spray brushing, for example.

Elena Komissarova

Who suits a cascade haircut?

As stated previously, the cascade is adaptable and can be styled to fit any look; accents should be placed appropriately based on the shape of the face’s oval.

Round face

Stylists advise against short hair close to the cheeks for people with round faces and in favor of an elongated or asymmetrical cascade. If you match the haircut with long bangs or a side parting, you can also adjust the face’s proportions.

Oval face

Since the beauty of the haircut doesn’t detract in the slightest from the cascade, the standard, as it is often called, shape may be the most appropriate. You can experiment with a range of cascade variations with the oval, including the traditional elongated and short "Italian" with "feather" strands.

Square face

A medium-length cascade with a ripped contour and textured strands is easily softened by the shape and features of a square face. By the way, the latter give any image a brighter, more contemporary feel while making it stand out. Any cascade for a "square" face should ideally be asymmetrical, covering the entire hair’s surface in twisted or oblique curls.

Triangular face

The main criteria for haircuts for girls with a pointed chin and a triangular face shape are asymmetry, uneven contour, graduation, and oblique strands; a cascade is ideal in this case. The ideal design is a graduated cascade with short and straight bangs and "steps" of strands that begin near the ends rather than at the crown.

Rectangular face

Any cascade complements a rectangular face nicely, but it needs to be balanced with a straight or angled brow hairstyle. Additionally, bangs of this style can help detract from physical characteristics like high foreheads, wide cheekbones, or small facial features. If you want to draw attention away from the nose’s elongated shape, go for a short, voluminous straight bang that is thinning.

Diamond-shaped face

Diamond-shaped faces are extremely intricate yet lovely, and they look great with lots of hair. Regarding the cascade, those with diamond-shaped faces should begin below the cheekbones. A thick fringe and a side parting are also possible; these features will assist in "making friends" between a broad central region of the face and a narrow chin and forehead.

Pear-shaped face

The volume at the back of the head balances out the heavy lower portion of the face, so a short cascade bob—a cross between two haircuts—would be the best option in this scenario. The proportions of a pear-shaped face can also be adjusted with the help of a slanted, extended fringe, which visually equalizes the width of the chin and forehead.

Types of cascade hairstyles

Although cascades share certain characteristics, there are numerous variations. Some appear refined and graceful, while others are lively and endearingly reckless. We let you know what common cascade haircut styles hairdressers have available.

Classic

The most sophisticated and traditional kind of cascade is one that is most frequently cut on medium- and long-length straight hair and is distinguished by a lack of definition between the layers of hair. This chic daily hairstyle doesn’t need any special care, and it’s simple to style at home if needed. Furthermore, a round cascade will get along well with unmanageable curls.

Experts at SalonSecret provide a life hack. Before drying L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni, mist the strands with a thermoactive spray if you don’t have enough volume and density to create a cascade. Pli Art.

Light

The subtle graduation and nearly unaltered overall length of the hair are achieved by the light version of the cascade, which gives off a very delicate and feminine appearance. The "steps" start closer to the ends of the first tier of hair, which is fairly long, and the transition between the strands is hardly noticeable.

High

Starting at the very top of the head, this multi-layered haircut features a very short top layer that resembles a cap, with the remaining layers of hair falling in twisted strands down the entire length of the hair. The image is made complex and interesting by a high cascade and a short crown, and the entire hairstyle has a textured, multifaceted appearance.

Experts at SalonSecret provide a life hack. A high cascade doesn’t have to be styled every day. The following day, comb through your hair while lowering your head and use dry shampoo to the partings Matrix High Amplify. This should be sufficient to give your hairstyle a new look and bring it back to order.

Extended

Because the hairdresser cuts the first tier at the level of the chin, or often a few centimeters below, an extended cascade is best suited for long curls only.

With an even cut

In general, an even cut is not typical for a cascade; however, the hairdresser can process the hair at one angle and with the same tension if you want to eliminate intentional carelessness and add severity to the haircut.

French

Typically, a French cascade is described as a cascade with medium-length or longer hair, voluminous crown and back of the head, and an obligatory bang. The latter can be oblique, straight, elongated, or short; the most important thing is to select it based on the facial shape.

American

Asymmetrical cascades are characterized by wavy transitions, textured strands, torn ends, and a lack of symmetry in the length of the tiers. Regretfully, the hairstyle does not seem as good after growing out as it did right out of the salon. This style encompasses haircuts like the pixie and bob cascades.

Ladder cascade

A true wow effect is produced when two techniques are combined in one haircut: the master cuts cascade transitions along the entire length of the hair, while the "ladder" only processes the contour of the strands.

Experts at SalonSecret provide a life hack. Use very little cream Matrix Over Achiever on the ends of the strands. The hair is not at all stuck together and is instead given texture.

Double

It is obvious from the name that there are two parts to this style of cascade haircut. The second tier of the crown, the lower one, is distinctly thinner than the upper one, which is trimmed very short and forms a lush cap of hair. The layers are distinctly visible because of this treatment, and the haircut itself has a small taper at the bottom. Two-level is the second name for this cascade.

Triple

While the triple cascade has three prominent tiers, its silhouette is similar to that of the preceding type. The ideal haircut for thick, heavy hair.

Although the ladder cut and the cascade haircut are two different styles with their own special traits, they are frequently confused for one another. While the ladder cut features more defined, step-like layers, the cascade adds volume and movement to the hair while creating a more natural, flowing look. Selecting the ideal style that goes well with your hair type and overall appearance requires an understanding of these subtleties.

Photos with ideas for cascade haircuts on hair of different lengths

Hairdressers can use the cascade on nearly any length of hair, from short strands to long curls, which is a big advantage. These are a few examples to get you started; save them to show your hairstylist!

For short hair

On hair that is just below the shoulders, a traditional cascade without bangs, a ladder cascade, an asymmetrical version with oblique bangs, as well as a two-level and high version with a lush shortened crown, will all look great. By the way, medium-length hair allows you to safely experiment with both the haircut’s shape and styling. You can curl or straighten the hair, and you can style the ends of the hair either inward or outward from the face.

For long hair

Want to change up your boring hairstyle without cutting it all the way down? A multi-layered cascade will save the day in this situation. A creatively ripped haircut, an elongated one, and a light cascade are ideal for hair longer than 35 centimeters. Moreover, if you have long hair, a cascade is an excellent method for eliminating split ends.

Fashionable coloring options for a cascade haircut

Hair coloring is the final element that can either highlight the benefits of a cascade haircut and overall appearance or detract from the overall look of the hairdo. We explain and demonstrate how to choose the appropriate shade.

Light shades

The perfect hairstyle to make blond color sparkle with new hues is cascade. Consider using multi-level blond shades, such as ash-, wheat-, or copper-blond, to update the natural hair color.

Dark/black shades

Dark hues like deep chestnut, ash-black, and espresso blend in well with the cascade’s multi-level strands, giving the effect an expressive and distinctive look.

Ash shades

Noble gray hair is a current fashion statement that looks great in a cascade. Keep an eye out for the intriguing gray tones, such as the luxurious gray with a dusty pink "touch," the unusual gray-brown, and the silvery light gray tone.

Color stretch

Pixel coloring is the most daring and imaginative way to color a cascade haircut. The hairstylist uses a vivid geometric design to add color to the curls. A distant relative of the pixel technique, glitch appears even more intriguing when applied to a cascade.

How to cut a cascade?

• First of all, the hairdresser selected a control strand on the crown, which became the shortest of the entire mass of hair.

• Then strands were pulled to it in turn and cut: from the back of the head parallel to the floor, and from the crown and temples — perpendicular.

• At the end, I was graduated on the bottom layer of the haircut.

The hairstylist is required to style the hair and give instructions on how to maintain the look on your own.

How to style a cascade haircut?

There are several ways to style a cascade, depending on its length.

Curl your hair in a short cascade pattern, then use styling gel to highlight the textured strands.

Use the L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni gel-mousse to give the curls more definition and shine.Transformative Art.

You might benefit greatly from a texturizing spray; Redken Quick Tease 15 is one such product that gives hair volume and firmly fixes the style.

You can add a new sparkle to a medium-length cascade by curling the ends of each tier in different directions. Apply mousse, let the strands dry, then curl them with a brush. Next, use a styler to cover the bottom third of the length. You can create a textured bun with individual strands released close to the face for a special occasion.

Moisturize thin, unruly hair with L’Oréal Pro Tecni mousse.With a high degree of fixation and volume-forming ability, Art Full Volume Extra works well.

The opulent mousse Kérastase Densimorphose is another expert source of volume and thickness.

If you get tired of the cascade on long hair, try some intricate buns or braids. You can braid the entire mass of hair into a "dragon" hairstyle, or you can put the elongated curls in a braid and leave the short strands to frame the styling.

It is preferable to apply hairspray at the end of intricate styling, such as L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium Pure Strong Hairspray with a neutral scent.

With its adaptability and style, the cascade haircut is a great choice for a variety of hair types and lengths. It is a favorite among people looking for a modern, dynamic look because of its layers, which produce movement and volume.

With its emphasis on gentle, blended layers as opposed to sharp steps, the cascade has a more organic flow than the ladder cut. For anyone wishing to add dimension and depth to their hair without sacrificing length, this makes it a fantastic option.

Choosing a haircut that best fits your face shape and hair type requires an understanding of the variations between the cascade and other comparable styles. The cascade can draw attention to your best features and give your hair a vibrant, healthy look with the correct cut.

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