Step cutting is a term used for a graduated haircut in which the hair takes the form of cascading steps.[1] There is a sharp demarcation between the steps, which leads to the factor of having a "number of steps".
A 2-step cut is where the shortest layer is above the shoulders and the next one a few inches below. The layers are made to curl out.[2]
Drastic variants of the cut can involve a very short first layer which is just below the ears. Doing this haircut is relatively easy—the hair is partitioned horizontally, and the lowest section serves as the guide.