Hair styling techniques are tools used by stylists to sculpt an individual's unique style, such as pin curls or victory rolls, into more contemporary looks such as braided styles or beachy waves. Mastering various hair-styling techniques helps expand a stylist's skill set and helps their clients look their best.
Styling techniques work best when applied to healthy, well-kept hair. Before beginning styling techniques on any client, it's essential that they fully understand their hair type and texture - this determines the amount of heat, moisture and styling products necessary to create their desired look.
Thick hair typically requires heavy styling products such as creams or gels infused with oil for volume maintenance and to prevent tangling, while fine hair requires lighter products that lift from the roots while adding soft texture.
Understanding your client's hair texture and type will also enable you to identify products that may not be appropriate for their individual locks, so as not to cause damage by applying inappropriate products or using too many heated styling tools.
Understanding hair-shaping products is integral to becoming an accomplished stylist. Wax, pomades and clays provide firm hold without damaging or drying out clients' locks; use sparingly, as a little goes a long way! For added strength add a few drops of hairspray.
Understanding hair shaping will enable you to craft more natural, sculpted looks with your blow dryer or straightener. For instance, when working with clients with naturally curly locks, instead of blow drying their locks straight use a round brush to achieve loose, wavy styles which complement their curls more.
Ponytails can be an effective way to sweep hair back out of the way and away from the face, but regular use can place unnecessary strain on their locks. To reduce droopy or limp ponytails, try wearing lower looser ponytails that won't pinch the skin with soft ties that won't pinch.
One effective way of giving your client a more youthful appearance is using volumizing mousse on damp hair, and then allowing it to dry with its full volume intact. For added naturalness, try working some sea salt spray into their locks after applying mousse for even greater naturalness.
Although you may know how to apply styles correctly to clients, it is just as essential to tailor styles according to their facial and bone structure. This will ensure the styles you apply will complement their face shape more appropriately and create more flattering looks for clients - for instance, a bob with longer front sections and shorter neck sections may balance better against one that has straight lines.