Understanding the Basic Principles of Haircutting

Good haircuts begin with an understanding of the shape of the head. Hair responds differently on various areas of the head depending on the length and the cutting technique used. Being aware of all of this  will help you achieve the look that you and your client want. The different areas of the head are the top, front, sides, crown, nape, back, and bang area. A section is the working area that the hair is separated into prior to cutting. An angle is created when the space between two lines or surfaces intersects at a given point. You either are cutting vertically, diagonally, and horizontally. Horizontal lines are parallel from the floor and relative to the horizon. Vertical lines are up and down and opposite of horizontal. Diagonal lines are between horizontal and vertical and they have a slanting or sloping direction. A part or parting is a line dividing the hair, separating one section of hair from another. Elevation is also an important thing while doing different haircuts. Elevation is the degree at which a subsection of hair is held from the head while cutting. When cutting, you must follow your guide. A guideline is a subsection of hair that determines the length the hair will be cut. A stationary guideline does not move and is used for one length cuts. A traveling guideline moves and is used when creating layered or graduated cuts. A great haircut always starts with a great consultation. A consultation is a conversation between you and your client when you find out what the client is looking for. You can help them decide what looks will best fit them. You have a great responsibility to make your client look the best. You need to analyze the face shape during the consultation. You look for the widest part of the face and the narrowest areas. Determine if it is wide or long and look for the features that you want to bring out. Also look for the features you want to de-emphasize. Consider the profile of their face. There are four characteristics that determine the behavior of the hair: growth pattern, texture, density, and elasticity. The growth pattern is the direction in which the hair grows from the scalp. Hair density is the number of individual hair strands on 1 square inch of scalp. It is described as thin, medium, or thick. Hair texture is based on the thickness or diameter of each hair strand, classified as coarse, medium, and fine. It is important to notice the differences in everyone's hair. This will help you know which treatment and cut best suits everyone. It will help you make them look the best by bringing out their best features. It is very important as a stylist to make your clients look the best as they can. You need to be a smart stylist and know every thing that will make your client look the very best.