I'm planning to go to the hair salon soon and it's my first time.?

Just call in for an appointment and show them with your hands (like pick up a piece of hair and say that THIS is where you want the shortest layer to be, no shorter) and explain what you want. Trust the stylist, and remember that whatever style you end up with doesn't have to be how you keep it (Ex: if they curl it or put a part a way you don't like, just fix it at home)