The Cascade Cut: Lloyd Court’s Modern Take on Layering for Volume, Movement, and Versatility – Cut

How to create volume in fine hair is a challenge every hairdresser will confront, and the solutions are many. If you are starting with the cut, thoughtful layering will provide some structure and lift, and the key in this look, the Cascade Cut, is disconnection.

A trending haircut technique from Lloyd Court, creative director and co-owner of seanhanna salons in Wimbledon, England, the Cascade Cut is a disconnection-based layering method that can be customized for any hair type—especially fine hair in need of volume—while giving stylists a fresh signature cut to add to their service menu.

We have featured Court’s beautiful editorial collections, and when diving into his profile, our attention was caught by the Cascade Cut. Featured on the salon’s website, it was a beautiful, accessible example of salon work made special.  Court answered our questions about how-to achieve the look and how having a signature cut can set you apart.

Q&A: The Cascade Cut with Lloyd Court

MODERN SALON: How would you describe the Cascade Cut to a stylist hearing about it for the first time? Is it more about the technique, the visual effect, or having a signature cut on your menu?
Lloyd Court: The Cascade Cut is a seamless layering technique designed to be uniquely aligned to each client’s hair type, texture, and desired look.

MODERN SALON: What makes the Cascade Cut different from traditional layering methods?
Lloyd Court: Traditional layering techniques are generally connected, and the Cascade is a complete disconnection. It really gives you the freedom to create longer and shorter pieces without the fear of it looking too short overall.

MODERN SALON: Can you walk us through the sectioning pattern or technical breakdown of the Cascade Cut?
Lloyd Court: To start your Cascade, you need to find the three corners at the top of the head to create the perfect horseshoe—this is not a one-size-fits-all, the horseshoe is for you to design. Then you take curved or horizontal sections across the horseshoe and cut each section diagonally from long to short, with the next section cut from short to long. This creates the desired shorter and longer layers.

MODERN SALON: What type of client is ideal for the Cascade Cut—and who may not be a good candidate?
Lloyd Court: Honestly, any client is good for the Cascade! If they are looking for layers, they can have the Cascade. You can incorporate it into your regular everyday haircut to give clients volume and movement. If I had to pick an ideal client, it would be someone with fine hair that struggles with volume, but also needs strength retention.

MODERN SALON: What advice would you give a stylist who wants to introduce a signature cut into their own service menu?
Lloyd Court: The idea of a signature cut is very important to ensure you are marketing yourself as a specialist and an expert. It’s also important to choose signature haircuts that can be adapted to each client’s desires and hair texture.