The video discusses two distinct approaches to DOING a haircut:

• Technical – Scientific approach - which involves using cutting lines and angles to achieve a precise haircut 
• Sculpting – Feelings approach - as a stand-alone technique which requires constant reshaping and texturizing to arrive at a finished haircut.

Technical Approach

With the technical approach, the stylist must understand angles, cutting lines, hair tension and the importance of good body position and posture.  This approach to education results in a strong foundation and understanding of haircutting before the hairstylist applies creativity by using texturizing and sculpting techniques to finish the haircut.

When taught, both techniques provide information to the hairstylist about the haircut with these basic differences: 

Technical haircutting is foundational, teaches the stylist the skills needed to perform a precise haircut which is clearly visible to the stylist and the customer in the finished product – evenness, proportional and balanced.

Sculpting Technique

Sculpting techniques alone call for the hairstylist to visually estimate where to start the haircut and how much to cut, which leads to repetitive trips around the head to achieve balance – not precision or accuracy- but just making sure the haircut looks right. It requires guesswork and estimation.

However, sculpting is a complimentary technique when you use your knowledge of technical haircutting to achieve a precise and accurate haircut.  Sculpting lets you finish the haircut by texturizing and thinning out heavier sections or providing a creative finish to the haircut which adds uniqueness and character.

What We Recommend

So we recommend stylists in school or just finishing, or in an apprentice program, take technical haircutting as the foundation upon which to build skills and knowledge, then afterwards, learn the various finishing techniques such as sculpting to express creativity and achieve the best result for the customer.

Contact us here if you'd like more information about The Comb Programs.