If you’ve ever thought about working in cosmetology, there are a few principles that you should keep in mind when it comes to cutting and styling hair. Hair dressing is more than just making someone’s hair shorter. It’s about art and creating a design for the person so that the client feels comfortable with the style that is created. Schools like the Academy of Hair Design offer classes so that you can get a certificate to work as a stylist in various environments or for yourself.
Lines
The line that you create is what defines the form and the shape of the face. You can easily change the line with a different type of cut, such as one that is angled instead of one that is round. A line will help to create movement of the hair. The eyes will often follow the line of the hair in the design, leading to the rest of the style. Horizontal lines create width and can extend in the same direction. Vertical lines aid in creating length. They will make a hairstyle appear longer. Diagonal lines can help to minimize facial features while curved lines offer a softer look.
Form
Form is what creates the general outline of the hairstyle. Forms offer length, width and dimension. This is where you can get a bit creative with the styles that you create. Listen to the client and what is desired when it comes to the overall form, but offer a few suggestions that blend well with those wishes.
Space
There is an area that surrounds the form called space. The space is what is made up of anything from curls to straight hair. The texture of the hair is the wave pattern. Some people have natural textures, making it difficult sometimes to create a style when cutting that complements the texture. Those with straight hair reflect light better than those who have curly hair, making it easier to dye straight hair. Curly hair has a larger form and doesn’t usually do well with shorter cuts.
Color
When thinking about color, keep in mind that there are many chemicals that can change the color of the hair. Some of the chemicals can damage the hair and make it brittle, causing it to break and split at the ends. New colors can help define the texture of the hair and to create lines that bring the other elements of the style together.