How does layering hair and thinning hair work?

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

How does layering hair and thinning hair work?

Layering = taking a flat, thin section of hair , pulling it up or out %26amp; cutting it straight across. Results in shorter hair at the top %26amp; 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/l...

curly hair cut w/ layers to create definition/shape:http://matrix.com/find_your_hair_style/m...

layered ends to thin out bottom of bob:http://matrix.com/find_your_hair_style/m...

use of texturizing %26amp; layers to make waves manageable:http://matrix.com/find_your_hair_style/s...