The short graduation haircut is a fairly common popular haircut that involves leaving the hair on the top long enough so it can then tapper down in length around the neck and ears.
One of the reasons why the short graduation haircut technique is so popular is because not only this technique is very versatile as it is also appropriate for men of every lifestyle or age.
Simply put, graduated hairstyles are usually created by cutting the hair with tension, gradually tapering hair length to some degree. As you can easily understand, this technique creates room to create different looks, from conservative to trendy. For example, if you keep the top particularly long and brush it back, you have a pompadour. On the other hand, if you prefer an extremely close cut, you will have a fade style.
In case you have fine hair, this is a great haircut. After all, you can easily add volume and create the impression of fullness.
Short Graduation Haircut Technique: How To Cut Hair Guide
While you may think the short graduation haircut technique is difficult to accomplish, it really isn't.
In order to start, you need to keep in mind that you need to work in sections. So, the first thing you will need to do is to divide the head up into several segments, including the sides, crown, and nape.
Notice that the size of the sections depends on what the customer wants. Besides, this is where you can create a great variation within a short graduation style, depending on how long you leave the top and sides.
One of the things you should consider doing is to mark the desired lengths for the front, back, and sides, by making a small cut as a guide. As a rule of thumb, it’s better to cut the forward sections first, using a 45 degrees elevation at the top forward section. You can then increase this elevation to 90 degrees, pulling the hair straight up from the head, as you move back along the top of the crown.
As soon as you complete all the sections, you should go back and take a look to make sure you didn’t miss any stray hairs or protrusions. If odd angles are sticking out, they should be blended into the rest of the cut.
As soon as you complete the cut, it's time to work on styling the short graduation into the desired shape. The top of the hair will be longer than the sides, which leaves room for shaping it using a blow dryer and hair product.
Extra tips for a successful Short Graduation haircut
- As you are cutting, it's important to keep checking the sides and back to ensure they are evening. This is even more important if you are using scissors instead of a clipper.
- You may prefer to start from the top and worn down since this will allow you to maintain angle accuracy.
- If you are looking to create a more dramatic angle, you should make sure that you keep a greater difference between the top and sides.
References and links:
- https://myhairdressers.com/blog/graduated-haircut-basics/
- https://sielearning.tafensw.edu.au/toolboxes/hairdressing_toolbox/staff_room/christina/cuts_graduation.htm
- https://www.vu.edu.au/units/SHBHCUT003
- Training Guide For Graduation Haircuts
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