Instructions for Cutting Short Hair

A short hair cut frames the face.

Short hair has come into its own as the 2010 runways featured short bobs, asymmetrical short cuts and the short bowl cut. Short hair can be chin length, as in the bob, or pixie length with hair one inch or less. Choose a style that frames the face and emphasizes the eyes or the lips. Cut hair with the natural wave as you add layers and increase styling options. And don't forget about the bangs, as they can be brow length, nose length or even fall across to the chin for a dramatic effect.

Things You'll Need

• Clarifying shampoo
• Plastic cape
• Towels
• Comb
• Clips
• Scissors
• Chair
• Makeup brush

Instructions

1. Wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo and remove hair product buildup. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and towel dry.

2. Drape a plastic cape, or a large towel around the shoulders. Attach the ends using clips. Comb out the tangles with a wide tooth comb.

3. Comb the back section of hair straight down. Have client touch her chin to her chest. Cut a straight line across the hair at the nape of the neck. Shake the head and comb. Ensure all pieces are the same length.

4. Part the top of the hair down the middle and comb to each side. Cut these sections even to the chin line running along the face. Shake hair and cut any stray pieces. You now have the perimeter of the haircut.

5. Part the hair from behind one ear to the other across the head. Divide this section with two side parts beginning at the corner of the forehead. Gather the hair from each section into a clip. Part the back hair down the middle. Gather each section and clip.

6. Remove the clip from the top section and comb. Grab a one-inch horizontal section and pull forward toward the nose. Cut hair across in a straight line mid-cheek by the nose for long bangs.

7. Remove another one-inch section of the top hair and pull it forward to meet the cut section. Cut the new section the same length as the cut section. Repeat this process until the top section is cut.

8. Unclip the side section. Comb out a one-inch section of the hair and pull it forward to meet the cut section. Cut the new section vertically from the horizontal cut section --- like an "L". Remove a new one-inch section of the hair and repeat the process until all hair on both sides has been cut.

9. Unclip the back section. Combine a one-inch section of the hair to the previously cut section and pull hair to a 45 degree angle off the neck. Cut hair. Repeat this step until all back hair has been cut.

10. Remove neck hair with a clipper, or a razor, around the nape of the neck. Brush off any stray hairs.

References

• Hairfinder: Sectioning Hair with 7-section Parting
• Become Gorgeous: Winter 2011 Short Haircut Trends