Overview
This lecture covers essential habits for haircutting, focusing on posture, body positioning, and safety to ensure both haircut quality and the health of the stylist.
Good Posture and Body Position
- Proper posture affects both the success of the haircut and the stylist’s health.
- Position the client all the way back in the chair, sitting up straight.
- Remind clients not to cross their legs, as it can make haircuts uneven.
- Adjust the hydraulic chair to set the client at a comfortable height.
- Center your weight with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Always bend at the knees, not the waist, to avoid fatigue.
- Work in front of your cutting section to prevent over-directing hair.
Cutting Techniques
- Above the fingers: Fingers are vertical or parallel to the head; both guide and section should be visible above fingers before cutting.
- Below the fingers: Fingers are horizontal or parallel to the floor; both guide and section should be visible below fingers before cutting.
- Palm to palm: Palms face each other; fingers are diagonal to the head; cut below fingers with both guide and section visible.
Haircutting Safety
- Always ensure personal and client safety due to the use of sharp tools.
- Learn proper palming of shears and razors.
- Do not cut past the second knuckle to avoid injury.
- Use extra caution when cutting around the client's ears.
- Dispose of razor blades properly after use.
- Sweep up cut hair immediately before blow-drying or styling.
- Follow exposure incident protocols in case of accidents.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Posture — The way you hold your body while working to reduce fatigue and risk of injury.
- Hydraulic chair — Adjustable chair used for easy client positioning.
- Over-directing — Pulling hair out of its natural fall, affecting haircut symmetry.
- Palming shears — Technique to safely hold shears while not cutting.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice the three main posture techniques when haircutting.
- Review and follow all safety protocols during each haircut.
- Remind clients about proper seating throughout the haircut session.