Becoming a hairstylist is a great way to safely join the entrepreneurial workforce. There’s a lot of terminology to learn when becoming a hairstylist, as well as different ways to view people’s hair. One example of different views is horizontal and vertical sections, which helps explain the cuts called horizontal or vertical layering. Learn the difference between horizontal and vertical views and layering now.
What Does Horizontal and Vertical Mean With Hair?
As you become a hairstylist, you’ll learn to view hair in different ways. Someone’s hair isn’t just growing out of their head or cut in any way. There’s a purpose to both, and how you view that purpose will change how you cut the hair. One way to view hair is horizontally. That means you’re standing directly in front of or behind someone and viewing their hair from side to side, or ear to ear. Another way to view hair is vertically. This means you’re standing directly in front of or behind someone and viewing their hair from front or back or crown to hairline.
What About Horizontal and Vertical Layering?
Now that you know how to view hair horizontally or vertically, you can learn about one of the foundations of hair cutting, which is horizontal and vertical layers. For horizontal layers, you would hold the hair straight up in sections and work your way from one side of the head to the other, or from ear to ear. These kinds of layers are typically cut in a blunt line to add depth and volume, but you can also point-cut them at an angle for more variation.
For vertical layers, you would hold the hair at an angle but cut the ends of the hair into a straight line. You can also hold the hair at an angle and point-cut perpendicular to the hair angle to add more texture. However, most people choose vertical layers for a flatter look, so always check with your client before choosing the second technique.
How Do You Advise Your Client?
If a client comes in wanting layers but is unsure of what type of layers they want, it will be your job as their stylist to advise them. Ask them whether they want a wider or flatter cut, how they want the weight distributed, and how much texture they’re looking for. If they’re not sure how to answer these questions, help them decide by explaining what’s best for their hair texture and face shape. Horizontal layers are best for people with flatter hair and a heart-shaped or round face shape. Vertical layers are best for people with thicker hair and a square or oval face shape.
Now you know how to view hair horizontally and vertically and the difference between horizontal and vertical layering. As you learn more about hair terminology and get hands-on practice, you’ll be more confident in your entrepreneurial journey to becoming a hairstylist.