Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1511260
48 indie stylist Volume 4 Issue 2 THE FUNDAMENTALS As professionals, we need to firmly grasp the basics. No matter what the trends are at any given time, the most popular short haircuts will always be based on three fundamental looks: the pixie, the bob, and the shag. The Pixie The length of a pixie has range, of course, but this short haircut is generally going to be above the ears with some tapering around the hairline. Shorter at the neck and longer up top, a pixie is the shortest of the three fundamental short haircuts and works well for any client seeking minimal styling, lacking natural movement, or with sharp facial features that should be focalized by removing length. Garcia recommends keeping these tips in mind for the pixie: • Start by sectioning the hair into workable areas. Section out the rounds of the head and clip away. • Use a combination of shears and clippers to create shorter sides according to the client's desired look. • Gradually taper the sides and back, while blending them smoothly in the rounds. "Some pixies are disconnected and will require a bit of intentional overhand from the rounds," Garcia says. • Leave some length on top for versatility. "Pull those [top] sections horizontally and point cut them for a diffused, textured look," he says. When styling a pixie, Garcia suggests using a Denman brush "to flat-wrap the hair into place." Once the cut is fully dried, make any additional weight reductions or layering, as needed. Garcia and Tran both recommend texturizing paste or molding wax to finish. The Bob A bob can be defined as a length that's above the shoulders and below the ears and is the most versatile and accommodating of the three short haircuts on this list. Where on that spectrum your client's length should fall is dependent on your common considerations as a stylist, including the client's lifestyle, natural texture, and face shape. Garcia has three steps to follow when giving any client a bob: • Section the hair and create a clean, strong baseline. For beginners, use workable sections on the nape to allow for more control and precision. • Decide on the length and shape—classic, asymmetrical, or layered—and cut accordingly. • Work with what's there. Notice the dimension and movement (or lack thereof ) and add accordingly. Anh Co Tran Engin Mehran Biabani