How to Cut Hair

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Updated: March 29, 2019

Explore this ArticlePreparing the HairChoosing the Hair StyleMaking the CutShow 2 more...Article SummaryQuestions & AnswersRelated ArticlesReferences

Taking scissors to hair can be an exercise in creativity, a money-saving enterprise or the cause of bad hair day that lasts for weeks. Here are some principles, based on professional cosmetology training, to help you get started.

Method1

Method3

Making the Cut

[Image titled Cut Hair Step 7]

1

Separate the hair into sections. Cosmetology courses teach sectioning techniques including four-section, five-section and seven-section parting. This may vary from place to place. To do seven-section parting, divide the scalp into seven sections: top, right side, left side, right crown, left crown, right nape and left nape. Leave a one-half inch band of hair to hang loose around the perimeter of the hairline.[4]

Start by making a clean parting line from the point just behind the ears on one side to the matching point on the opposite side. Next, make parting lines on each side of the head just along the parietal ridge to isolate the hair at the top of the head.

Comb the hair smooth toward the center of the section at the top of the head and twist it up into a knot and clip with a butterfly clip to secure it. Do the same on the right and left sides of the head.

Now, create a parting line down the center of the back of the head. Isolate the right and left crown sections by parting the hair in a line from behind the ears to the center parting just created.

These horizontal partings should meet to form a straight horizontal line across the back of the head.

Comb to smooth these sections and twist and secure them as with the previous sections.

The remaining two sections – the left and right nape – are easily secured into separate twists.

After the sections are secured, go back over the head, section by section, and let down a one-half inch strip along the outer edge (aka perimeter or hairline) and re-twist and secure the hair sections.

[Image titled Cut Hair Step 8]

2

Follow the style instructions. In some cases, you will work from the back of the hair to the front; in others you'll start at the front; in still others you'll cut around the perimeter and proceed from there. Each style is different and requires a different plan of attack.

3

Proceed slowly. Keep in mind that a typical salon appointment can be anywhere from a half-hour to an hour-and-a half in length. You're not a professional stylist, so it's going to take you longer to complete your cut. Don't rush it. An uneven style may have to be fixed by a professional and only time can fix a too-short "do."

4

Cross-check your cut. Take segments of hair from matching positions on each side of the head and bring them up to a central point. They should be even in length with one other. If not, your cut is uneven and you need to fix it.

Method4

Texturizing

The above options may not suit the needs of everyone. As such, consider these alternative options:

Growth Hormone & IGF-1

Growth hormone (GH) is an important anti-aging hormone, but levels start to rapidly decrease after the age of 30. Decrease in natural production of this hormone leads to accelerated breakdown of connective tissue (hair, skin, and nails) as well as other types of cells. Declines will also accelerate aging.

Decreased levels of GH also cause hair to grow much slower, gray faster, and in general be in poorer health. Lower levels of IGF-1, the principal hormone that mediates the effects of GH, also accompany lower levels of GH in the scalp. However, by promoting natural synthesis of growth hormone and IGF-1 levels in the scalp, hair loss may be prevented or partially reversed.

This may explain why some people experience transient hair loss when transitioning to a low carb diet. As the body becomes accustomed to a fat-based metabolism, IGF-1 levels drop, thus presumably accelerating hair loss.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are the estrogen-like compounds derived from plants that may have similar effects to estrogen when consumed. In general, consuming too many highly estrogenic phytoestrogens (such as soy) is bad. They'll throw your optimal testosterone-to-estrogen ratio out of whack.

However, a small amount of phytoestrogens might be extremely helpful, especially since they help to reduce the amount of DHT active in the scalp. Many phytoestrogens aren't strongly estrogenic and bind to your estrogen receptors without causing estrogenic effects. Given that fact, it may be best to consume your phytoestrogens from proven sources, such as pomegranates or resveratrol.

How to Braid Hair

Co-authored by Laura Martin, Licensed Cosmetologist

Updated: July 19, 2019

Explore this ArticleCreating a Traditional BraidDoing French BraidsMaking a Fishtail BraidShow 2 more...Article SummaryQuestions & AnswersRelated Articles

Braiding hair is a great way to keep your hair out of the way. It can also look very fashionable and chic. You can create a variety of styles using simple braiding techniques, and there are lovely ways to make your braid look great. Once you master braiding, you can move on to more intricate braids, such as the French braid and fishtail braid.

Method1

Creating a Traditional Braid

1

Detangle hair with a brush or wide-toothed comb. Braiding goes a lot faster when your hair is knot-free. The comb should be able to pull easily through the length of the hair.

If you're working with thick or layered hair, use a bit of water or leave-in conditioner to dampen the hair first. This will make it easier to handle.

You can braid hair when it is damp or dry. If your hair is damp, it will have a very smooth, tight appearance while dry hair will give a messier look. Let your hair dry for at least 20 minutes before you braid it, however, as wet hair is fragile and easily breaks.

If braiding your hair dry, it is best to do it a few days after washing so that it is not so clean and slick. Slightly oily hair will hold a braid better than clean hair, and you'll have fewer flyaways.

2

Start with a secure base (optional). If you tie hair into a ponytail or half ponytail with a hair tie, your braid will be easier to handle and turn out a little neater. Once you get the hang of it, try to start braiding loose hair at the nape of the neck.

3

Divide the hair into three even sections. These will be the three strands of your braid, so try to make them as even as possible.

Grab the right section with your right hand and the left section with your left hand, letting the middle section hang free (for now).

In your right and left hands, hold the strands so that you're grasping them against your palm with your middle, ring and little fingers, keeping your index fingers and thumbs free.

4

Cross the left section over the middle section. If your strands started out as A B C, they should now be ordered as B A C.

With the index finger and thumb of your left hand, grab the middle section of hair.

Using the index finger and thumb of your right hand, grab the left section of hair that's grasped against your left palm.

The original left-hand section is now the middle section.

[Image titled Braid Hair Step 5]

5

Cross the right section over the middle section. Your strands that are now ordered B A C will become B C A.

In your left hand, shift the strand that's between your index finger and thumb so that your other fingers are holding it secure against your palm.

Use your left index finger and thumb to grab the section of hair that's being held against your right palm (but not the one being held by the thumb and index finger).

The original right-hand section is now the middle section.

Typically, step 4 and step 5 in this braiding technique are called a "sequence" or "stitch."

6

Continue braiding in this manner. Keep using the "free" index finger and thumb of one hand to grab the "back" section of hair (held by the other three fingers against the palm) from the other hand.

Tighten the braid as you go, and keep the tension even for all 3 sections. It's best to gently pull down on the braid as you weave. Any time a strand changes hands, tug gently on the hair so that the plait moves upward, tightening it.

Repeat until you run out of space to braid, leaving about 1–3 inches (2.5–7.6 cm) of unbraided hair at the end.

7

Secure the braid. Use a non-rubber elastic to tie off the end of the braid. You might have to wrap it around the hair several times.

Avoid rubber bands. These can damage the hair and be difficult to remove at the end of the day.

Whenever possible, use a ponytail holder that is the same colour as your hair or that is translucent, so that it blends in with your braid. This can make a braid look more natural, and get people to concentrate on the braid itself, rather than on the holder.

[Image titled Braid Hair Step 8]

8

Set the braid with hairspray (optional). Hairspray or spray gel can help your braid from developing flyaways as the day goes on. Hold your hairspray about 12 inches (30 cm) away from your head and lightly mist the entire length of your braid.

If you decide to use hairspray, make sure to use it before adding any hair ornaments.

Use a shine serum along your braid to give it some extra glow. Rub a bit between your hands and then run along the length of the braid.

[Image titled Braid Hair Step 9]

9

Add embellishment to your braid (optional). Tie a colorful ribbon in a bow at the end of your braid for extra flair.

You can use tulle, grosgrain, or ric rac, all of which can be found in a variety of colors at your local fabric store.

Use a cute hair pin or brooch to pin near the base of your braid, or to hold back your bangs.

10

Play with traditional braids to create other styles. Traditional braids are easy to incorporate into other styles. You can braid a tiny accent braid that hangs loose, or you can pin your accent braid to create a headband. You can also dress up a ponytail by braiding it into a traditional braid.

You can braid all or part of your hair, so experiment to see which styles you like!

Method2

Doing French Braids

1

Understand the purpose behind texturizing. Texturizing is thinning out the hair to remove excess bulk. Texturizing scissors, regular scissors and razors can all be used to remove hair.

2

Use point cutting. Point cutting is typically used on medium-length to longer hairstyles to soften the bluntness of the cut, add texture and interest or remove bulk. It is also good for texturing curly hair.

Comb and lift up a thin segment of hair; hair should be held between the fingers and perpendicular to the scalp.

Point your scissors inward towards the scalp and cut inward at a steep angle to make the "points" and create a textured edge.

The width and depth of your points will determine if the effect is subtle or more chunky.

Deep parallel point cutting uses the length of the blade to reduce weight, creating a “layered” look and feel without actually creating layers.

3

Learn about notching. Notching works the same as point cutting; the difference is that it's used on shorter, straight styles to create a wild or spiky look. This technique may be challenging at first, but it will become easier with time and practice.

4

Try freehand notching. To use this technique, take your scissors and randomly snip away pieces hair to remove bulk and reduce volume. Freehand notching is done further up the hair shaft than notching, which focuses on the hair ends.

5

Use slithering. This is a good choice if you want to remove bulk from the ends of long hair.

Hold the hair perpendicular to the scalp and keep your scissors slightly open.

Slide your cutting shears along the length of the hair away from the scalp.

6

Use slicing. Slicing adds movement and texture by reducing the weight of the hair. This technique is performed once the haircut is complete and can be done on either wet or dry hair.

Hold your scissors open (cutting freehand) and slide them down the shaft of the hair, slowly opening and closing the blades as you go.

The more you open and close your scissors, the more hair you'll remove.

Warning: Be careful not to close your blades all the way or you will cut off a whole section of hair.

7

Try the shears-over-comb technique. This particular technique is often used for men's haircuts. It allows you to cut close to the head and create a softer look than you would get using clippers.

Starting at the hairline,lift a section of hair with your comb.

With the lower blade of your scissors parallel to your comb, cut off the hair that sticks past the comb.

Preparing the Hair

[Image titled Cut Hair Step 1]

1

Wash the hair. In the same way that an artist starts with a fresh canvas before painting, you want to start with clean hair before cutting. Hair that's dirty or full of product will not allow you to see a true finished product when your haircut is completed.

Use a shampoo and conditioner made for the specific hair type. There are products to fit every need--color-treated hair, dry hair, damaged hair, thinning hair, hair that lacks volume oily hair, normal to dry hair, and natural hair—so pick the one that's best based on hair type and needs.

If hair is prone to knots or tangles (such as chemically treated or bleached hair), use a de-tangling conditioner or spray on a de-tangling product. You don't want your comb to get stuck when you run it through hair that has mats or tangles.

2

Keep the hair wet if cutting with scissors or a razor. You can best see how the hair naturally falls when it's wet. Also, it's easier to follow cutting guidelines on wet hair so your cut is more precise.

Note that this is only the case with straight hair. Cutting curly or wavy hair properly when it's wet can be difficult, as the water will cause the hair to temporarily lie flat and straight. Unable to see the normal curls/wave pattern, you may inadvertently cut it improperly; creating uneven texture (you'll end up cutting some curls in half and some completely off, resulting in bits of hair sticking straight out unevenly).

If you are cutting African American hair, then make sure to dry the hair completely before cutting it.[1]

Wet hair sticks together, which helps it stay in place while you cut.

Keep a bottle of water with a spray nozzle nearby so that you can dampen the hair if it begins to dry while you are working on it.

[Image titled Cut Hair Step 3]

3

Work with dry hair under special circumstances. Make sure hair is dry if you plan to use clippers or if you want to carefully thin the hair to make sure you don't remove too much fullness.

Do a dry cut if you're simply trying to remove split ends; they're easier to see when the hair is dry.

If you're pressed for time, a dry cut saves the need for washing and drying.

Method2

Choosing the Hair Style

How Not to Go Bald

12 Ways to Fight Hair Loss

by Alex Eriksson | 12/21/16

[How-not-to-go-bald]

Tags: 

Pharma

Is All Hair Loss the Same?

No. In fact, there are numerous types of hair loss that can occur due to different things, such as autoimmune disorders or from using certain medications. But the most frequently occurring and frustrating is the type known as androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia simply means male pattern (or hereditary) hair loss. This doesn't mean that it occurs solely in men, however. Women get it, too. Regardless of who's suffering from this type of hair loss, it's important to understand the underlying causes so that it can be fought.

Causes of Hair Loss

The most common causes include:

Genetics  As much as 60% of men experience some degree of hair loss by age 60. The main culprit is the testosterone metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It latches onto follicle receptors, which causes them to shrink and become deprived of nutrients necessary for hair growth. DHT blockers are one popular category of hair loss treatments.

Excess Estrogen Levels  The relationship shared by testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone is complex, to say the least. It's even been hypothesized that estrogen is the "trigger" factor that may begin the hair loss cascade, as elevated levels result in increased DHT production in an effort to counteract estrogen. Progesterone, on the other hand, is suppressive of both estrogen and DHT, and is reduced under periods of high stress and from aging.

Drugs  Some medications may affect the normal growth phases of hair, or may exacerbate the effect that particular hormones have on hair follicles.

Medical Conditions  There are autoimmune disorders that cause antibodies to attack hair follicles, in addition to other conditions that indirectly affect healthy growth of hair.

Hair Loss Prevention

The good news is, even if you're already experiencing hair loss, or have a very strong predisposition to it, you can start using some of the currently available products and experience benefits.

Minoxidil

Quite likely the most popular hair loss treatment on the planet, it originally went by the name Rogaine. Today, there are numerous brands you can purchase over the counter, generic brands being considerably cheaper than big name brands.

Minoxidil was originally developed for use in hypertension, but was discovered to cause excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis). At the time, this excessive hair growth was merely regarded as a side effect, but it was quickly determined that the drug could be used to treat hair loss in susceptible persons.

Minoxidil's mechanism of action is due to its ability to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, which subsequently promotes delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the starved follicles. Minoxidil is currently one of only two FDA approved treatments for hair loss, and is available in various strength preparations, higher concentrations being superior.

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole was primarily used as an anti-fungal agent, at least until it was discovered to have anti-androgenic effects. In fact, it's this same effect that makes ketoconazole (Nizoral) exceptionally good, since it has the ability to treat hair loss of a fungal origin as well as androgenetic alopecia.

Ketoconazole was proven in studies to be able to suppress the effect of DHT in the scalp by binding to the androgen receptors found on the follicle and preventing DHT from interacting. It's important to note that Ketoconazole doesn't prevent DHT production, but rather prevents DHT from interacting with its receptor.

Spironolactone

This is a diuretic agent used to help manage hypertension. It also seems to be another case of an accidental discovery. Spironolactone, when taken orally, was found to be another potent anti-androgen, binding with androgen receptors and blocking their effects. However, subsequent research found that it works equally well when applied topically to the scalp, but without the negative effects (sexual dysfunction, loss of motivation) that occur when taken orally.

Finasteride

Finasteride is an extremely popular medication used by thousands of men to treat symptoms of an enlarging prostate. However, it's also exceptionally good at treating symptoms of hair loss; so effective in fact that it's the only other FDA approved treatment for hair loss besides Minoxidil.

Frequently appearing as the brands Proscar or Propecia, finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, capable of preventing the conversion of testosterone to its metabolite DHT.

However, Finasteride is often not kind. It's notorious for its range of negative sexual side effects, including inability to maintain or achieve an erection, as well as causing libido and ejaculation issues. In the past, Finasteride was deemed ineffective when used topically, but a recent study determined that a topical form was effective if combined with Minoxidil for maintenance (after an initial two years of oral treatment).

Finasteride is currently being studied for causing a phenomenon known as "post finasteride syndrome" or PFS. PFS is attributed to changes in neuro-chemical levels following cessation of its use, resulting in suicidal idealation and depression, along with total loss of sexual function. It's likely that the results of the study, along with mounting pressure from consumers, could result in its withdrawal from the market completely.

Progesterone Creams

Though many men aren't aware of this hormone, much less its use in hair loss, it remains a potentially viable option. Considered a female hormone, progesterone is also produced in men but in smaller amounts.

It's a potent inhibitor of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and can suppress excessive estrogen levels, thus preventing estrogen dominance. That means that topical application of a progesterone-based cream is likely to help treat hair loss, as well as excessive production of DHT.

Progesterone levels decline rapidly in men over 45, which would also help to explain the accelerated rate of hair loss that happens around this point, as well as with the appearance of many DHT related issues like enlarged prostate. (However, progesterone's estrogen-controlling effects may be more of an issue in preventing BPH than progesterone itself.)

Alternative Therapies

 

1

Comb out any knots. French braiding can be particularly tricky if your hair is tangled, so take a few minutes to remove knots with a brush or wide-toothed comb.

[Image titled Braid Hair Step 11]

2

Part out your starter section. For a traditional French braid, this is probably the front section of your hair, that's closest to your forehead and temples.

You don't have to start a French braid at the top of your head. It's the easiest way to learn, but theoretically you could start a French braid anywhere. Just make sure you're including the hair above your ears in your starter section if you decide to move down the head.

Soy Isoflavones and Capsaicin

Though soy itself is a phytoestrogen and not desirable for regular consumption, the use of its supplemental isoflavone component in combination with capsaicin (cayenne pepper extract) has been shown to boost dermal levels of IGF-1. Diminished levels of IGF-1 has shown strong association with hair loss.

RU-58841

 

3

Do final trimming. Cross-check the hair again and fix any unevenness. This is also the time to trim any too-long bangs or remove any extra fullness.

Community Q&A

Question

I have fine hair. What would be the best haircut for me?

Ashley Adams

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

I would recommend going to your stylist (or finding one if you don't already have one) and get a consultation.

Not Helpful 7Helpful 5

Question

I went to the dollar store for a free haircut and it's terrible! What can I do? It's so short and my bangs look so bad!

DottyDarcie

Community Answer

Never take free haircuts! Visit the salon now, and see what they can do. Although they cost more, salon haircuts are always much better quality than a cheap dollar store cut.

Not Helpful 0Helpful 6

Question

What is the best way to cut/style hair for a woman with a high forehead?

Community Answer

I would suggest having bangs that extend to your eyebrows or a centimeter or two past them.

Not Helpful 1Helpful 5

Question

How do I cut my hair so the ends curl under?

Community Answer

There's a brush that has bristles all the way around. Get your hair cut the way you want it, then take a shower and use that brush while blowdrying your hair.

Not Helpful 0Helpful 2

Question

What is the perfect length for hair in the summer if I regularly get hot?

Community Answer

It depends on your hairstyle. Ask your stylist to take some weight off the top and have the sides clipped shorter.

Not Helpful 2Helpful 5

Question

How do I finish the neck of a man's haircut?

Community Answer

Use bare trimmers to clean up the edges, and use the appropriate comb length for the cut to taper in back. I usually tend to taper in 3 layers in back when cutting hair (Usually 3, 2, 1 with a bare trim to shape the edges).

Not Helpful 1Helpful 3

Question

I want to get my hair cut, I just don't know what would suit me. I have a round face, brownish/blonde hair, and I'm a little chubby. Any suggestions?

Community Answer

A pixie cut could look good. I also have a round face and I liked how that cut looked on me. You can also look up celebrities with round faces and see what cuts you like on some of them (i.e. Beyonce, Mila Kunis, Drew Barrymore, etc.), or just ask a stylist for advice.

Not Helpful 2Helpful 4

Question

How do I find out my face shape?

Community Answer

There are 4 face shapes, square, diamond, circle, and oval. Oval head shapes tend to be longer in height than width and have a smoother jaw. Circle is approximately equal in width and height with a round jaw. Diamond head shapes have the cheekbones as the widest part of the face, and squares are similar to ovals, however the jaw and forehead are approximately equal width.

Not Helpful 5Helpful 4

Question

While not approved for use in humans, an underground topical anti-androgen known as RU-58841 has been found to be extremely potent in preventing DHT from interacting with receptors found in the scalp.

The only human study was conducted in 2002, but it appears that it was abruptly ended, so no conclusions were drawn. It's also important to note that RU-58841 was renamed PSK 3841 somewhere along the lines of rights transfers, so it's not uncommon to see it going by that name, too.

Regardless, keep in mind that it's unapproved, illegal for use, and expensive to acquire. Still, there are many guys who order it online regardless and have been using it with good results. However, it's impossible to know the long-term effects or whether you're actually getting what you ordered. I can't encourage the use of it, but you're free to make an educated decision.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a topical preparation that's purported to have anti-inflammatory, 5-alpha reductase blocking activity, as well as being an anti-microbial agent. It appears to be primarily effective in treating another form of alopecia named alopecia areata (an autoimmune skin disease), but it also shows promise in treating androgenetic alopecia when combined with a stronger 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

L-Carnitine

L-carnitine has been shown to promote hair growth, at least in vitro. This is attributed to numerous mechanisms, one of the more crucial being its ability to improve the functional ability in follicle mitochondria, which may have been shrunken from DHT suppression. At a minimum, a carnitine supplement could be used as an adjunct to stronger therapies.

[Hair]

Recommendations

If you're genetically susceptible to hair loss, there's no easy 1-2 punch in preventing it. However, it's quite possible to reverse or maintain your current levels of hair by employing a "cocktail" of ingredients. Many popular shampoos and other topical products contain many of the following ingredients. As a good rule, though, be sure to use a few of them.

Minoxidil  This product should be a staple in your hair growth arsenal. It won't block any hormones, but it should help promote healthier blood flow and stimulate growth.

A Topical DHT Blocker  You can use either a topical ketoconazole or spironolactone product. Both work on the scalp via similar mechanisms. However, if your hair loss is due to bacteria or a fungus, ketoconazole may be the better option.

Progesterone Cream  Progesterone creams are optional, but are much more important in older men (40+) with diminishing progesterone levels.

Soy Isoflavones and Capsaicin  These two compounds increase levels of IGF-1 in the scalp.

Phytoestrogens  Don't go overboard on these, but rather opt for healthier choices such as those found in pomegranates or even the natural anti-oxidantresveratrol.

Related:  Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Related:  The Complete Guide to T Replacement

References

Eil C., Ketoconazole binds to the human androgen receptor. Hormone and metabolic research, 24(8):367-70. 2002.

Rey FO, Valterio C, Locatelli L, Ramelet AA & Felber JP., Lack of endocrine systemic side effects after topical application of spironolactone in man. Journal of endocrinological investigation, 11(4):273-8, 1988.

B. S. Chandrashekar, T. Nandhini, Vani Vasanth, Rashmi Sriram, and Shreya Navale, Topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride: An account of maintenance of hair density after replacing oral finasteride. Indian dermatology online journal, 6(1): 17–20, 2015

[Image titled Cut Hair Step 4]

1

Determine face shape. A hairstyle should work with a person's face shape and complement his or her features.

Oval. An oval face shape is considered to be the one shape that can wear any type of style.

Round. A layered top that provides fullness and height and thinned out hair below the cheekbones all work to lengthen the look of the face and give the illusion of a narrower chin line.

Heart shape. Go for a style that offers more fullness lower on the face and less fullness at the forehead.

Square. The idea here is to soften the face so wispy bangs and wavy styles help to create this effect. It's best to avoid straight lines, straight bangs and straight or flat hair for this face shape.

Oblong. Avoid flat, long straight hair because this will make the face look even longer. Consider a bang, especially a side-swept bang to create the illusion of a shorter forehead for the person with this longer face shape.

Diamond. Choose a cut with lots of layers. Avoid bangs unless you go with a slightly off-center curtain bang.[2]

[Image titled Cut Hair Step 5]

2

Get detailed instructions for the particular cut you plan to make. You don't want to "wing it" when it comes to creating a hairstyle. Learn as much as you can about how to do a specific type of cut before you attempt it.

Watch online videos. Check YouTube and websites dedicated to hair for videos that depict the steps involved in creating the hairstyle you've chosen. Be sure the person who is doing the demonstration is an experienced stylist.

Page through hair style magazines. Some magazines offer tutorials with photos that will show you how to do your cut.

Check out sites belonging to hair product companies. Companies that produce and/or sell hair products often include "how-to's" on their websites. Instagram and Pinterest are also great for inspiration.

[Image titled Cut Hair Step 6]

3

Familiarize yourself with terminology. You need to understand some of the specialized terms stylists use when talking about cutting hair so that you can follow instructions more easily.[3]

Angle indicates the position of the scissors when cutting; you may be holding them vertically, horizontally, or at 45 degrees.

Elevation refers to which direction the hair is pointing when you're holding it to cut. When the ends point to the floor, that's considered to be zero degrees of elevation. When it's pointing to the side and parallel to the floor, it's at 90 degrees. When hair is held so that the ends point to the ceiling, it is at 180 degrees.

Razoring is a technique used to create wispy layers or to remove volume and thin the hair.

Layering means creating variable lengths of hair through an established cut. The longer layers give the illusion of length and the shorter layers create volume.

Graduation is a style of hair cutting where the hair is cut progressively shorter towards the back to create a curvy shape. A graduated bob is an example of this.

 

Keep the blade of your scissors moving; stopping mid cut will create little nick marks.

Do most of the cutting with the center part of the blades rather than the tips, which can result in choppy, uneven cuts.

After you've cut the first section, lift some of the cut hair along with the next section you want to cut to act as your guide. Don't cut any of the hairs from your previous cut - they are just there to guide you. Work your way around the hair using this technique.

8

Cut with a razor. A razor can be used to eliminate bulk. In some cases, razors are used in place of scissors to complete an entire haircut.

Part hair vertically down the middle and again horizontally about halfway down the back of the head. Pin up the top two halves and leave the bottom one free; this is your starting point.

Use a fine-toothed comb to pull up the hair at about a 45 degree angle and slide the razor (also held at a 45 degree angle) in short, choppy motions down the ends of the hair to the tips.

Work your way up through the back of the head, then along the sides. If the hair is short, it's ok to razor pieces at the top of the head as long as they're covered by more, unrazored hair.

Do not use razoring on fine, wavy or curly hair; you'll end up with hair that's droopy, frizzy or flyaway.

Method5

Finishing Touches

[Image titled Clean Up Confetti Step 3]

1

Sweep up hair. Before you begin blow drying, it is a good idea to sweep the hair off the floor first. This will prevent the hair from blowing everywhere.

2

Dry the hair. You can't see how a haircut really looks until it's dry and styled. Once the hair is dry, you can see and trim any uneven ends or shorten the length of the bangs or the overall style.

If possible, let the hair dry about 70-80% of the way on its own.

Put your dryer on the coolest setting keeping the dryer about 6-inches away from hair at all times and moving it around continuously.

Despite the bad rep blow drying hair gets, one study found that using a hair-dryer at the right distance and temperature can actually cause less damage than letting hair air-dry. Water causes hair to swell. The longer the hair stays wet and swollen, the more pressure it puts on the delicate proteins keeping hair intact, which can lead to more damage.[5]

My hair is fine, what cut would be best?

Community Answer

If your hair is thin and fine, try a shorter length haircut. You could also try a thickening haircut.

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Question

What happens if my hair is too short?

Community Answer

No matter how long your hair is (unless your bald), you can get it cut.