Cutting dry, coarse hair requires a specific approach to ensure a good result. The goal is often to remove bulk, create movement, and achieve a desired shape. Here's a breakdown of how to cut dry coarse hair, based on the reference and general best practices:
Understanding Dry Coarse Hair
Coarse hair is often characterized by its thickness, stiffness, and dryness. This texture requires techniques that address its unique qualities. Cutting it while dry allows you to see how the hair will actually lay and fall, which is essential to ensure the cut looks good after.
Key Steps for Cutting Dry Coarse Hair
1. Start with Dry Hair
- Cutting coarse hair when dry is crucial because it allows you to see how the hair behaves and falls naturally. You can avoid surprises, such as unexpected bulk or layers that don't sit correctly, which can often happen with cutting wet hair.
2. Use Sharp Shears
- Sharp shears are essential for a clean cut, which is particularly important when dealing with coarse hair. Blunt shears can tear or damage the hair, leading to frayed ends.
3. Blunt Cut Technique
- The reference video demonstrates a "blunt solid line" cut. This can be a first step in cutting coarse hair to achieve a basic shape. This initial blunt line is used as a starting point for shaping and layering.
- Example: To cut a basic blunt line, work from a straight guide, making sure to take small sections of hair at a time, to maintain the straight line and accuracy.
4. Fanning Technique
- The reference suggests "fanning" out the hair while cutting. This involves holding the hair between your fingers and fanning the ends before making the cut. This helps with visualization and getting the most accurate cut.
- Why it helps: This helps you see how the hair will lay and allows you to assess the thickness and density.
5. Layering for Texture
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After establishing your base line, creating layers in dry coarse hair helps to remove some of the bulk and add movement.
- How To Layer: Use techniques like point cutting, where you snip into the hair at an angle, to avoid harsh, blunt lines. Work in small sections and ensure each layer transitions smoothly into the next.
- Important: Always check your work by running your fingers through the hair to feel the balance and smoothness of the layers.
6. Assess and Refine
- Once you've completed the cut, carefully assess the overall look. Step back and see the shape in relation to the entire head.
- Refinement: Look for any uneven areas, stray hairs, or sections that need more blending. Make small adjustments as necessary, focusing on precision and avoiding over-cutting.
7. Styling and Final Look
- Style the hair as desired to see the final result of the cut. This helps you and the client visualize how the cut will look in daily wear, and you can see if further refinement is needed.
Summary
Cutting dry, coarse hair requires patience and attention to detail. The key is to use sharp shears, cut while the hair is dry, incorporate techniques like layering, and refine the cut to achieve the desired shape and style.