Understanding the Basics of a Haircut

Haircut San Francisco is the process of trimming or cutting a person’s hair to create a specific shape. It can be done with a number of tools, including hair clippers and scissors.

Haircut

From sleek and sophisticated to tousled and casual, a well-chosen haircut can bring out your unique personality and complement your facial features. Keep your look sharp with the right pomade, gel or stronghold hairspray.

If your clients want to take their pixie to the next level, suggest some layers with a textured finish. Blow-drying with low heat and finger-combing the ends helps add volume and movement to the cut. This style can be worn slicked back or with a side part for a more polished workday look, and is easy to transition into night-out style when paired with a loose side braid and a few spritzes of hairspray.

When it comes to short layered haircuts, platinum blonde shades are always in fashion. Embrace this look with long, brow-skimming bangs or a shorter version swept to the side. Either way, the face-framing effect will be stunning. Keeping your pixie color fresh is easier on shorter hair than it is on longer strands, so ask your client to invest in a toning shampoo or color mousse for regular maintenance. This helps maintain the vibrancy and depth of color, making the pixie look its absolute best. This is especially important if your client is a natural redhead or wants to maintain their true shade.

Bob

The bob is a timeless haircut that’s been around for more than a century. Originally popular during the 1910s-1920s, when it emerged as a symbol of rebellion against traditional gender norms, the cut has continued to evolve and adapt over the years to meet the changing needs and interests of women.

Today, the bob can be anything from a blunt classic to a choppy shaggy look, and from a soft A-line to a flippy layered version. It can also be styled with side or curtain bangs, or with a fringed or feathered finish. The beauty of the hairstyle lies in its versatility and the multitude of ways it can be adapted to suit one’s individual style.

Whether you go for a stacked or a layered bob, the key to nailing this flattering and elegant cut is precision cutting. To start, take horizontal sections from the occipital bone up to your desired length and then use small snips to create the outline of your bob. To avoid over-snipping, be sure to check in with your stylist throughout the process.

To ensure that your bob retains its shape, be sure to get regular trims every four to six weeks. For those who don’t want to commit to a full trim, celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos suggests getting a “dust” instead, which involves taking smaller sections of your strands and gently snipping off the ends to keep them healthy and tidy.

Side-swept Bangs

Whether you have curtain bangs or shorter face framing layers, you can give yourself the side-swept look simply by flipping your hair around. The slant of the side-swept style naturally leads the eyes to features you want accentuated and away from ones that you’d rather be camouflaged. It also does wonders for hiding fine lines that develop on the forehead over time.

The retro Farrah Fawcett-inspired ‘do works for all face shapes, but it’s especially flattering on a rounder, fuller head of hair. This is because it draws attention to the crown of your head to create more volume and a more symmetrical appearance.

It’s also a great option for women over 50 who are stepping away from the Botox table, as the slant of the side-swept style helps to hide wrinkles and a receding hairline. Unlike blunt bangs, which can shine a spotlight on these beauty concerns, the slant of a side-swept fringe is more forgiving, blurring out the lines and creating a more youthful appearance.

For a slick, polished look, try adding a pinch of pomade to your shorter strands for a long-lasting hold. Simply rub a small amount of L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel between your fingertips, then gently pinch the ends together to form little subsections curved toward your desired side. This trick instantly elevates a simple straight bob and adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Short Curls

The short, choppy texture of curls enhances face features while providing a bold aesthetic that embodies contemporary style sensibilities. Pairing this dynamic texture with the structured simplicity of a buzz cut and line-ups, short curls deliver a sophisticated aesthetic that balances practicality with a modern edge. The style is suitable for a wide range of hair textures and face shapes and accommodates various grooming preferences, allowing men to express their personality without the hassle of high maintenance.

To maintain the integrity of your short curly ‘do, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner with added moisture to combat dryness. Avoid brushing your hair and instead, allow it to air-dry as much as possible. Apply a volumizing gel to add definition and smooth frizz, if needed. Gently scrunch or fluff your hair when it’s 80% dry to soften any product crunch and reveal beautifully defined curls.

The wolf cut is a perfect option for short, textured hair that combines the modern pixie and shaggy layers of a bob to create a unique style with a ’90s feel. You can also opt for a shorter version of this ‘do with choppy layers and blunt bangs to frame the forehead for a clean, modern silhouette that’s as polished as it is fashionable. To ensure the best results, choose a stylist that’s experienced in cutting layered short hair for curly textures.

Shoulder Length

Whether you’re transitioning to long hair from short or simply looking for the perfect middle-ground style, shoulder lengths are flattering on everyone. They’re the ideal length for updos that won’t be weighed down or end in that awkward kink, wavy or curly styles that are less likely to fall flat or cling to your face and also allow you to experiment with fringes and bangs.

A wavy or curly shoulder length is particularly flattering for heart-shaped faces as it balances the fullness in your cheekbones. It’s also great for balancing a round face as it creates more definition and elongates the shape of your face.

For diamond-shaped faces, we recommend opting for a straight shoulder length that is slightly longer at the front to draw the eye away from the wider forehead. This will instantly slim and elongate your face.

If you’re experimenting with shoulder length hair or trying to grow your hair a little longer, it’s important to take care of it to prevent split ends and breakage. We suggest applying a nourishing hair mask once or twice a week, using a heat protectant spray every time you use a hot tool and getting your hair cut every six to eight weeks. This will ensure your hair stays healthy, strong and vibrant. You can even add some extra shine by adding babylights to your look which are subtle highlights that mimic variations in natural hair color.

Undercut

A popular choice for working men, undercut styles have a long history. They began as a practical solution for soldiers and workmen who wanted to keep their hair out of their eyes while wearing hats or helmets. Later, this classic haircut became a symbol of rebellion and rebellious subcultures. Today, it’s a sleek style that blends vintage charm with modern appeal.

The undercut’s dramatic contrast is the perfect look for assertive self-expression. It can be slicked back, side-parted, or left to fall naturally for a casual yet sophisticated style. It also complements a variety of facial shapes and textures.

When choosing an undercut, it’s important to be clear about what you want with your barber or stylist. It helps to have a photo of the look you’re after and be able to clearly describe it. Having the right tools is also important. Investing in quality clippers or scissors will help ensure precise cutting and smooth results.

Whether you choose a full undercut with disconnected sides or a hard part, the key to this versatile cut is in how well it’s styled. Be sure to use pomade or wax for added texture and hold. This will also prevent your hair from drying out and fading prematurely. As your hair grows out, you’ll need to visit your barber often so that it stays consistent and in the shape you want it to be in.