How does layering hair and thinning hair work?

Question

My hair is very thick, and i am trying to grow it out, not too long though..
People tell me that i need to get it thinned and layered..

I am not sure what these do, and how they work.. Thx

Answer 1

Layering = taking a flat, thin section of hair , pulling it up or out & cutting it straight across. Results in shorter hair at the top & strands gradually getting longer.

Thinning = using of special scissors which cut intervals of short hair. Can be done to thin out hair or create volume/spikes.

Photos for your reference:
example of face framing layers: http://matrix.com/find_your_hair_style/long/style_21.aspx?scroll=466

curly hair cut w/ layers to create definition/shape:http://matrix.com/find_your_hair_style/medium/style_23.aspx?scroll=0

layered ends to thin out bottom of bob:http://matrix.com/find_your_hair_style/medium/style_23.aspx?scroll=0

use of texturizing & layers to make waves manageable:http://matrix.com/find_your_hair_style/short/style_08.aspx?scroll=687