E-HAIR COLLEGE

1. Read Chapter in Salon Fundamental textbook.

2. Complete study guide.
3. Read these additional notes.
4. For review go to Practice online and review quizzes, puzzles.
5. Study and complete Test

LESSON # 13 Haircutting
• Perform a client consultation.

• Identify the areas of the head.

• Explain haircutting theory.

• Identify the haircutting tools.

• Understand the fundamentals and cutting techniques.

• Develop infection control and follow safe working

habits.

• List seven basic haircutting forms and cutting

techniques.

• Describe men’s grooming.

Client Consultation
The consultation is the most important part of the haircut. The decision of
how the client wants their haircut is in the explanation given by the client
to the stylist.
Questions you should be asking:
• What type of style would you like?
• How much time do you have for maintaining this look?
• What type of lifestyle do you have?
• Do you like to follow the new trends or more basic hairstyles?
• Are you interested in any other services to complement your
haircut?
• What type of products do you use in your hair?

Once the style has been decided perform a hair analysis.

• Determine if the client has the suitable face, profile and head
shape to look good in the desired haircut.
-Pull hair away form face, note the length and width.
-Note features of the face, which are the best features to
emphasize in the haircut?
- Note the chin is it receding jaw line should it be minimized or
emphasized?
• Examine density, if the hair is to thin it may not lie correctly if
it is to
thick it may not suit the chosen haircut as well.
• The texture of the hair determines if the hair is fine, medium or
coarse and suggests product usage for after the hair has been
cut, to control the chosen haircut. Texture can be described as
unactivated (smooth) or activated (rough). With unactivated
texture, the ends of the hair are not visible when viewed in
natural fall. With activated texture, the ends of the hair are
visible.
• Wave pattern determines the wave or curling the hair. If the
client has curly hair and is choosing a straight look, they will
have huge
maintenance issues. This should be explained to your client
prior to cutting the hair.
• Hairlines and growth patterns are cowlicks, whorls and other
growth
patterns that affect where the hair ends up once it is dry.
Areas of the head
Haircutting theory
Haircutting is the artistic carving or removing of hair lengths with shears,
taper shears, razors and clippers to create various forms and shapes.

Points, Lines and Angles:

All forms and shapes are made up of points, lines and sometimes angles.

A point is a dot or mark that when extended becomes a line.

A line can be straight or curved and can move in any direction. There are
three lines used in haircutting.

V
E
R DIAGONAL
T
I
C
A
L
HORIZONTAL

CONCAVE CONVEX
Concave line curve inward, like the inside of a sphere, while convex lines
curve outward, like the outside of a sphere. Both lines are combinations of a
diagonal right and a diagonal left line, they create a feeling of movement.

Angles are formed at the point where two lines join together or intersect.
Angles are used to create the shape and the form of the haircut. In
haircutting we use all forms of angle but the most popular are 0 degrees, 45
degrees and 90 degrees.

Elevation represents the angle r degree at which a subsection of hair is held,

or elevated for the head when cutting. It creates graduation and layers and is
usually described in degrees. The more you elevate the hair the more
graduation you create.

Cutting line is the angle the fingers are held at when cutting and the actual
line of hair being cut. It is also called finger angle, finger position, cutting
position, cutting angle and shears angle.

Guidelines also called guide. This is the section of the hair that determines
the length the hair will be cut. It is located at either the perimeter or the
interior of the cut.

Stationary guide is the guide that does not move. All other sections are
combed to this guide and cut at the same angle or length. A solid form or
blunt cut is an example of use of a stationary guide.

Traveling guide also called the movable guide moves as the hair is cut. This
guide determines the length of hair to be cut and follows the haircut.

Natural fall describes the hair as the lengths lay or fall naturally over the
curve of the head.

Normal projection is another way to analyze the structure or length

arrangement of a haircut.

Structure of a haircut consists of the arrangement of lengths across the

various curves of the head, such as shorter on top to longer at the bottom or
nape.
Haircutting tools

Shear creates clean, blunt edge or line.

Taper shear creates a distinct and regular alteration of shorter and longer
lengths for mobility.

Razor creates a tapered effect on the edge of each strand, which produces a
softer, somewhat diffused line.

Clipper creates clean precise lines or a soft, broom-like effect; various blade
attachments (guards) allow the hair to be cut at various distances from the
scalp.

Trimmer is used to outline the hairline, beard and sideburns.

Cutting comb parts and distributes the hair; primary comb for cutting and
over-comb techniques.

Large tooth comb controls and distributes larger amounts of hair; also used
for over comb techniques.

Taper barber comb helps to cut short lengths and refine the perimeter when
used against the skin.

Towel protects the client

Plastic cape protects client’s clothing

Neck strip protects client’s skin from contact with the cape.

Spray bottle used for wetting the hair during a haircut.

Fundamentals and cutting techniques

Sectioning involves dividing the head into sections and then subsections for
the purpose of control. The most common is the hair is divided into four
sections.

Head position is crucial when haircutting. If the client has their head turned
up down or sideways the lengths of the haircut can be affected as well as the
finished results.

Partings are lines that subdivide sections of hair in order to separate

distribute and control the hair while cutting. The most common parting lines
are horizontal, diagonal and vertical.

Natural distribution is the direction the hair assumes as if falls naturally

from the head due to gravity.

Perpendicular distribution, the hair is combed at a 90 degree angle from

its parting. This type of distribution can be used form any line and is
primarily used to cut graduated and layered forms.

Shifted distribution when the hair is combed out of natural distribution in

any direction except perpendicular to its parting, it is known as shifted
distribution.

Directional distribution, the hair is distributed vertically or straight up from

the head and horizontally or straight up from the head. Directional
distribution results in length increases due to the curve of the head.

Projection also known as elevation is the angle at which the hair is held in
relation to the curve of the head prior to cutting.

Finger and shear position refers to the position of the fingers and shear
relative to the parting.

Design line is the artistic guideline used while cutting another name for a
guideline.

Basic texturizing which is performed between the scalp and up to 2 inches

from the scalp removes weight at the base area. For fine hair stay close to
the scalp for coarser hair stay up to 2 inches away from the scalp or the hair
will lift and show through the hair.

Midstrand texturizing is used for thinning the hair and removing bulk in
the middle of the strand of hair, this allows the haircut to fall into its desired
shape.

End texturizing reduces bulk to allow for mobility. Used for straight thick
hair around hairlines.

Razor etching is used to remove weight and length, usually used to create
wisps in the hairline and to remove bulk so the hair stands up.

Slithering also referred to as effiliating, is a technique in which the shear is

opened and closed rhythmically while moving upward form the ends,
removes bulk and creates mobility.

Razor rotation is performed by rotating the razor and comb along the hair
strand to remove weight and to sometimes bevel the hair upward or under
for special effects.

Outlining the hair is a cutting technique used to define the perimeter

hairline. A shear, razor or clipper may e used for this technique.

Shear over comb technique is controlling the hair with a comb, and then
cutting the lengths protruding form the comb. This technique is used when
the hair is too short to hold between your fingers.

Cross checking is checking the haircut you just completed in all directions.
Check perimeter guideline for accurate finish, hair can wrap around an ear
and not be cut. Check entire haircut before letting your client leave.
Infection control and follow safe working habits

1. Do not cut past the second knuckle and you will prevent yourself form
cutting the inside of your hand.
2. Always hold shears in the locked position called palming so you do
not accidentally poke someone.
3. Wash and sanitize hands between each client.
4. Perform a hair and scalp analysis on all client’s
5. Disinfect and sanitize all implements, tools and work station.
6. When cutting near the eyes lift the hair onto your finger do not cut
free hand.
7. Protect the client by using a clean cape and always use a towel or neck
strip. The cape can cause the spread of disorders and should never
come in contact with the skin.
8. Always use a guard on your razor to protect your fingers and the
client’s skin.
9. Use a sharps container to dispose of blades.
10. Sweep up cut hair before blow drying the hair so it will not blow
across the room.
11. Keep all used tools in a basket on your station and sanitize them at
the end of the day by washing them with soap and water and then
placing them into a dry sanitizer.
12. Clean hydraulic chair under cushions and sanitize work area.
13. Sweep and mop floors for a sanitized salon.
14. Sinks should be cleaned with a disinfectant after use.
15. All metal tools should be cleaned with the tools provided and oiled
after each use. Disinfectant sprays may be used for your clippers.
Basic haircutting forms and cutting techniques

7 BASIC HAIR CUTTING FORMS

 Men’s grooming

Shaving hairlines requires a straight razor, shaving lotion cape and towels.
1. Drape client 2. Tools, straight razor,
blades

3. Blades are very sharp, be careful. To load blade, place in blade slot and
push on counter to load, do the same with the guard.
4. Hold blade correctly. Place shaving cream on neck.

5. Place blade on neck, on a bit of a slant, gently shave the neck in

a downward motion.

6. Clean around ear and switch to other side until the neck is
shaved.
BLADE REMOVAL
MUSTACHES

A neat, short mustache is the look in today’s business and fashion

world. It doesn’t require much maintenance. Don’t let it grow
beyond the upper lip or it starts to look messy.

The actual size and fullness of the mustache should work with the
size of the man’s facial features.

A mustache can:
• Camouflage a soft or aging jaw line.
• Shorten an overly rectangular or oblong shape
• Balance a large or round face.
• Goatees can infuse an element of squareness to a soft chin
To design the mustache for your client:
• Examine the length of the mouth
• Size of the nose
• Size and fullness of the upper lip area
• Width of the cheeks
• Shape and width of the jaws and chin area
• Density of hair growth
• Facial color and texture
• Mustache fashions and trends
Steps in trimming a mustache

1. Consult with the client as to the shape of the mustache if they want it
to be slightly layered or just blunt.
2. Brush mustache hair down with a fine tooth mustache comb. Use a
trimmer or mustache scissors.
3. Start in the middle and comb the hair upward with comb so you don’t
cut the lip.
4. Work your way to each side of the mouth, carefully trimming across
the bottom of your mustache.
5. Take your time; don’t cut too much at once.
6. Use either the scissors or trimmers.
7. Tidy up edges and under nose
8. Use mustache wax to shape
Mustache designs based on facial shapes

• Large facial features – heavy mustache will work with a larger

face.
• Prominent nose – medium to larger mustache will balance a
prominent or hooked nose.
• Long, narrow face – medium to narrow mustache works best.
• Extra- large mouth or prominent teeth – triangular or pyramid
shaped mustache.
• Extra small mouth – medium, short mustache
• Small facial features – small triangular mustache
• Wide mouth with very prominent upper lip – heavy mustache or
large handlebar mustache or a large, divided mustache.
• Round face with regular features – semi-square mustache
• Square face with prominent features – heavy, liner mustache
with ends curving slightly downward.
• A full beard that is trimmed into a rounded or square shape and
worn with a mustache will disguise a pointy or prominent chin.

BEARDS

Men have been sporting beards since prehistoric times. Some men choose a
mustache without a beard and others choose to have a beard as well. Beards
are much coarser, hot in the summer months but can change the outward
appearance of the face.
Beards should be kept trimmed and neat or they take on a scruffy
appearance.

Beard trim
1. Shampoo beard daily.
2. Use conditioner on bears to soften.
3. Towel dry and comb beard using large tooth comb.
4. Beards should be trimmed dry, or too much hair may be removed if
wet.
5. Use sharp scissors or trimmers.
6. Begin by creating an outline around the beard.
 7. Start under the chin with trimmers cutting as V have the point of the V
under the chin. Trim the excess hair in the V to remove bulk under the
chin. This will thin the beard and take away the build of the beard.
8. Trim around the ears combing the hair forward around the side burns
and then back.
9. Trim the mustache.
10. Hold hair with comb at a 45 degree angle and lift and cut to
trim the beard. Consult with client how much hair is to be
removed.
11. Thinning shears can be used to remove excess bulk. Be
careful not to compromise the shape you have created.
12. Check above beard on cheeks and use razor to clean shave
these areas.
13. Apply paste or beard products.

SHAVING PROBLEMS

Razor burn is a temporary irritation or redness of the facial skin that

occurs after shaving.
Causes:
• Shaving too hard or to fast
• Not applying warm water to your face before shaving
• Dull blades
• Using shaving creams, gels or soaps that irritate your face.
• Going over the same areas on your face without re-lathering.

Acne is a common skin problem for men. Acne is usually caused by too
much sebum (oil) being produced in your pores. The excess oil combined
with dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores which become inflamed and
infected from bacteria and result in pimples (acne).
Causes:
• Diet to rich in fatty foods
• Puberty
• Poor diet
• Improper cleansing
Solutions:
Prescriptions
Light therapy
 Brown spots, age spots, liver spots are all basically the same. They
are small brown areas or patches that appear as we age on the back of
your hands, arms and face. The cause for all of these conditions is too
much sun exposure. Sunscreen should be recommended.

Puffy eyes and dark circles are caused from many things, to much
sun, wind, outside work, too many hours at the office. Anti-aging
products can be recommended.

Dry skin
• Skin feels tight, especially after shaving or washing
• Dull looking skin with rough patches
• Skin can peel, flake and look scaly particularly in the winter.
• Dry hands or elbows

Solutions:
• Gentle face wash
• Avoid products that sting your skin
• Avoid hot showers
• Use moisturizers on your face

Ingrown hair and razor bumps are hairs caught under the skin
which become irritated and red bumps result. It can be painful and unsightly
and is sometimes mistaken for acne.
Solutions:
• Exfoliate the skin
• Avoid disposable razors
• Don’t use dull blades
• Use pre-shave oils with electric shavers
• Don’t press too hard
• Shave in the same direction as your beard grows