Overview
This lecture covers the foundational concepts of lines, sections, and angles in hair cutting, including their types, effects, and practical sectioning techniques.
Types of Lines in Hair Cutting
- All haircuts are based on lines, sections, and angles.
- A line is a thin, continuous mark used as a guide during cutting.
- Horizontal lines are parallel to the horizon and create weight in the haircut.
- Vertical lines run straight up and down and help remove weight, creating layers.
- Diagonal lines fall between horizontal and vertical, blending short to long lengths and creating movement.
- Diagonal forward lines move hair toward the face; diagonal back lines move hair away from the face.
- Finger and cutting positions should always match the direction of the line being cut.
Sectioning Techniques
- Sectioning hair provides a visual roadmap and ensures consistent results.
- Standard sectioning divides the head into four sections or "quads" using the nose, nape, apex, and finger placement for reference.
- Each large section can be broken into smaller subsections for more precise cutting.
- The part line is the line used to create subsections.
- Curved and straight lines are both used for sectioning, like the common horseshoe parting for men's haircuts.
Specialty Sectioning Methods
- Horseshoe parting follows the temple and is used for distinguishing top and side lengths, especially for blending zones.
- Pivoting (pie-shaped) sections, often triangular, are useful for crown areas and provide natural flow when foiling.
- Profile sections split the head into left and right halves, while radial sections divide the head with a headband-like line.
- Combining profile and radial sections creates the standard four-section (quad) system.
Additional Cutting Concepts
- Beveling is a technique that creates a stacked, 45-degree layer (graduation) using diagonal lines within a vertical section.
- Haircuts can be formed into different shapes (square, circle, triangle) even when all sections are cut at one length.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Line — A thin, continuous mark serving as a cutting guide.
- Horizontal Line — A line parallel to the horizon that builds weight.
- Vertical Line — A straight up-and-down line that removes weight.
- Diagonal Line — A slanted or sloping line used for blending and movement.
- Section — A large divided area of hair used for organization.
- Subsection — A smaller area within a section for precise cutting.
- Part Line — The line used to split sections or subsections.
- Horseshoe Parting — Curved parting like a horseshoe for top sectioning.
- Pivoting Section — Triangular section that rotates around a point, often used on the crown.
- Profile Section — Divides the head into left and right halves.
- Radial Section — A parting across the head from ear to ear, like a headband.
- Beveling — Cutting technique creating a stacked layer at a 45-degree angle.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Download and review the free printable study guide from the instructor's website.
- Preview episode three for demonstrations of guidelines and various haircuts.
- Revisit episode one if you missed foundational concepts.