Keep the texture of their hair in mind. Curly hair will straighten and lengthen a bit when you style it into a pomp. It would be even better if the hair on the sides of the client’s head is already cut short. Something around 1 1⁄2 to 2 in (3. 8 to 5. 1 cm) long would be great! If your client’s hair is too long, do a rough cut by trimming it down to approximately 4 in (10 cm) on the top, and 2 in (5. 1 cm) on the sides. [2] X Research source
The side parts will be a little different on each person, but it’s typically around the temples. Make the side parts curve down a little so that they connect in a V a little bit above the eyebrows.
Take the guard off of the clippers for this. The comb’s teeth will keep the clippers from shaving too close. You can even do this with scissors instead! Start at one temple and work your way along the part until you reach the bottom of the V, then repeat the process for the back. This is the baseline. Make it about the same thickness as the comb, about 1 to 2 in (2. 5 to 5. 1 cm).
Make a few more passes along the bottom portion of the head to make the head shorter.
Pull the ears away from the scalp so that you can reach behind them. Detail trimmers are a type of clipper with a narrow point that allows for precision. When doing the nape, hold the trimmers so that they are parallel to the hairline, then pull them away from the hairline. This will give you a crisp edge. For an old-school, rockabilly look, keep the sideburns long. [7] X Research source
This is similar to how you cut the hair previously with clippers. You can use this time to create a modern fade by making the hair towards the bottom of the head shorter. [9] X Research source Keep in mind that cutting the back of your own hair can be very challenging. Have a friend hold a mirror up for you so that you can see the back of your head. Make sure that you are using good hairdressing shears and not plain, old scissors.
The hair should be thick enough to hold its shape above the part. If it keeps covering the part, just clip it back up again.
Make sure that your fingers match the angle of the baseline. Remember: the left and right sides connect in a V! You may end up with a long point of hair sticking out from beyond the baseline. If that happens, just trim it down to match the baseline.
Use the hair you just cut as a guide to help you cut this section.
How many sections you end up doing depends on the length of your fingers and the client’s head. Expect to do 2 or 3.
Start from the front of the head and work your way towards the back. Remember to angle your fingers so that the hair is longer in the front and shorter in the back
Do this all along the front hairline, from one side to the other. You are not cutting the hair shorter. You’re just evening it out.
Work your way along the head, from front to back. Repeat this step for the right side of your client’s head.
Using a water-based pomade is helpful for avoiding too much build-up when your hair dries. However, it may not be strong enough to hold the style. You may need to use a stronger product, such as gel or hairspray.
Rotate the brush while blow-drying their hair. Start in the back of the client’s head and work your way to the front—or vice versa. The high-heat setting will create volume, while the directional nozzle will create smoothness.
Alternatively, snip through the hair section with thinning shears. Repeat this step once or twice more moving towards the back of the head. Only do the long hair on the top, not the short hair on the sides. You don’t have to thin the hair all the way towards the back. It all depends on how thickly your client’s hair is growing.
Do this a few times throughout the top section. There are no hard or fast rules for this since everyone’s hair is different. Just use this technique to add texture where you think the client’s hair needs it the most.
The haircut is now complete. Take a moment to dust any stray hairs off your client and then present them with a mirror.
