Transitions

Years change. Seasons change. Fashions change. Hair changes too. In thinking about hair trends, style changes and what is happening in the world of clipper cutting the big word for me right now is “transitions”.

The focus in clipper cutting so often is the area(s) of transition in any haircut. In the case of a classic tapered cut there are two main transitional areas. Each is unique, yet both fundamental to the successful execution of the haircut. The perimeter of the cut where length transitions from no hair, a clean neckline, up into the main tapered area is a focal point of the cut. If you block this line in you ruin the look of the cut… If you taper it up too high you will throw off the balance of the entire look and shape. The second area of transition is where the interior layering and the perimeter tapering intersect at the crestline. This is one of the hardest clipper cutting skills to teach and learn. Not only must you create a flawless transition from short to longer, but you also need to place this transition at the appropriate point, vertically, along the cranial shape. It is all about transition.

In the example of a bald fade cut on textured hair the entire cut is about the transition. The name of the cut itself calls out the focal point and emphasizes the transition itself… the fade. Variations in style and execution allow this fade point to be placed anywhere on the head. It doesn’t matter where you put the fade, just as long as the fade itself is flawless.

What transitions have you noticed and how do they play a role in the haircut? Send me an email.