There are many types of hair cuts as well as variations of specific types of hair styles. Hair cuts are constantly evolving as trends emerge and are eventually replaced. Some cuts, such as mullets and feathered cuts have nearly faded from society, while others, such as the pixie and the bob, continue to adapt and thrive.
The fashion and celebrity industry are perhaps the greatest dictators when it comes to hair trends. A well known celebrity featuring a new hairstyle will inspire a particular hair cut for many years. However, trends do fade, and as people mature they often find that the best cut is truly one that is tailor-made to their appearance and lifestyle.
The Basic Hair Cuts
Several basic cuts dominate the hair styling industry, but hair stylists themselves will often have their own individual takes on a certain cut. The blunt bob that is so classic to one salon may transform under the care of another stylist into a razor sharp asymmetrical bob.
For both men and women, there are many techniques and instruments that go into a good cut. As reported by Forbes Magazine, the most upscale hairdressers can charge patrons with prices upwards of six hundred dollars for just a hair cut.
Whether these prices are justifiable is left to the consumer to decide, but celebrity hair dressers aren't just attacking their clients' locks with a pair of scissors. Advanced techniques and the vision of a talented stylist can be priceless to a finicky client.
Popular Types of Hair Cuts
For either men or women, certain styling terms provide a basic outline for a haircut.
Women's Hair Cuts
Popular cuts for women include:
- The bob: A blunt even cut that can be chin length or slightly longer
- The shag: A short and intentionally messy layered look that is typically chin length or slightly longer.
- The pixie: Very short layers that spring upwards for a lively look.
- Long layers: A seductive and slightly stepped look that is layered from the shoulder and beyond.
- Short layers: Varying lengths of hair beginning at a few inches and longer. Typical to shorter hair lengths.
- The pin-up: Blunt mid-forehead bangs accompanied by an overall long hair length.
Cuts for Men
Men's hair cuts are shorter than women's, but not always. Longer lengths go in and out of style, especially depending on where you live. Most men's short cuts are done with clippers.
Some clipper styles to try include:
- Butch: Uniform length all over, usually shorter than ½ inch.
- Flat-Top: Hair at the top of the head is cut so that it is flat when standing vertically. Tapered sides and back is common.
- Caesar: Around a 1 inch uniform cut with a longer length near the forehead. The bangs are usually straight, and can be combed down or spiked up with gel.
- Collegiate: Tapered the shortest in the back, with length gaining as you moved up and around to the front of the head.
Many men's cuts that are not done with clippers can be slightly more complicated to describe. A man's hair cut usually involves a detailed illustration such as a block or shaved nape, longer in front, short in back, and so forth. Throughout the decades, cuts such as the bowl, the blunt cut, the businessman's cut, the crew cut, and the Caesar cut remain fairly universal to most hairdressers. However, when you are looking for something in particular, unless you have an exquisite way with words, it is best to bring a picture.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
The advantage of an experienced hairdresser is that this individual can often look at client and immediately picture the ideal look for his face shape and lifestyle. A great haircut and color can enliven the complexion and take years off one's face. Unfortunately, the best hair stylists are amongst an elite few and they boast prices that are unaffordable to most individuals.
One way to work around any potential confusion is to choose your haircut based on a picture. Sorting through fashion magazines or photos of celebrities can help to clarify your desired look. To check out styles, visit the Matrix website. Additionally, you can upload a photo of yourself to try on a style to see how it would look on you. Some celebrity sites to visit include Beauty Riot or Beautiful Hairstyles.
Choosing Wisely
Your ideal hair cut will depend largely on three factors:
- Face shape
- Hair type
- Lifestyle practices
The care-free movement of long layers is often difficult to attain for women who have overly-processed or fine, limp hair. Likewise, men who have extremely curly hair will have a difficult time passing off a bowl cut effectively. Rounder face shapes may be overly emphasized by certain unflattering hairstyles just as long narrow faces can be shrouded and unfortunately lengthened by long, heavy and straight styles.
Ideally your hairdresser should be able to tell you precisely what your hair is capable of pulling off. However, smart clients will do part of this guesswork themselves. Choosing models or celebrities who have a similar hair type to your own will help you find the best style to suit your needs.
Do remember that certain cuts necessitate more maintenance than others. If you have naturally wavy hair and are attempting to achieve a silky bob, everything from blow-dryers, flat irons, and shine serums may be necessary to tame your locks. Men who desire a short and spiky bed head look, but suffer from fine lifeless hair, are also likely to obtain disappointing results.
Hair maintenance is definitely a factor to consider when you step into a salon. Excessive styling will ultimately lead to damaged and processed hair, which is never attractive. Moreover, damaged hair will call for expensive hair treatments and products to both smooth the cuticle and promote shine. Without such products, the only solution for your damaged hair may be an undesirably short hair cut. Choosing a hairstyle that is functional for both your hair type and daily routine will save you time and money in the long run, and ultimately will save your hair as well.
