A gradient haircut is very popular. It is a very pleasant style; it is applied to any type of cut where the hair is very short near the neck and gradually becomes longer towards the top of the head. Do a little research to find the type of shade you want, then use a hair clipper and a pair of hairdressing scissors to create it. Read on to find out how to get started.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Study the Cut
Step 1. Decide how short you want your hair to be
The faded cut is usually short, sometimes shaved, at the nape of the neck. The hair becomes longer and longer in the back and sides of the head to reach maximum length in the upper area of the head. Any type of cut that involves a gradual transition from short to long is considered "nuanced", so before starting it is important that you decide on the minimum and maximum length. Evaluate some of these distinct styles:
- "Caesar" nuance: it is a very short cut at the sides and at the nape that becomes just a little longer at the top of the head. The hair is combed forward (rather than parted by a parting) with a few short wisps on the sides.
- Military Style: it is a type of cut that provides a very short shave on the sides and behind the head, maintaining a less drastic shave on the top of the head. It is a very fashionable style.
- Princeton style: this cut requires the hair to have a length, on the top of the head, of about 2.5-5 cm with a gradual gradient towards the sides and the nape.
- Crest: it is a cut similar to the Princeton style, but with a more pronounced nuance. On the top of the head the hair is noticeably longer while the sides and nape are shaved.
Step 2. Decide where the gradient should start
Everyone has their preferences. The gradient usually starts at the ears and gets shorter and shorter towards the neck. This type of gradient enhances most cuts and head shapes, but you need to consider the following factors in order to customize the cut:
- If your hair is thinner in one place and thicker in another you should start the shade right where it changes texture (if this change is near the ears). This will allow you to maintain a more homogeneous look.
- If there is a rose in a certain point of the head that makes shading difficult, start the cut just above or just below.
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Short Gradient
Step 1. Use a hair clipper
The hair clipper machine will allow you to get a clean and very clean cut that is difficult to achieve with scissors. Adjust the clipper for different lengths: position # 3 for the top of the head, # 2 for the sides and # 1 for the neck area. This is the best technique for creating a “military” cut or another very short cut. This method is also called the “1-2-3 Technique”.
Step 2. Start from position # 3
After making this adjustment, cut all of your hair to the same length so that it looks even. It works "against the grain" to obtain a certain homogeneity.
Step 3. Adjust the clipper to position # 2
Starting from the back, cut the hair in vertical strips starting from the neck towards the crown of the head, stopping at the latter, so that the hair on the top of the head is longer.
- When you are near the crown, at the end of each strip, move the clipper a little away from your head so that the intermediate area between the two lengths is as uniform as possible. Do the same thing on the sides too, making sure that the cut always stops at the same height.
- Always go over the cut with position # 2 to give it uniformity.
Step 4. Finish with position # 1
Start from the nape of the neck and move upwards, stopping at about the middle of the back of the head. Remember to move the clipper away as you approach the end of the strip to even out the lengths. Continue all over your head, always stopping at the same height.
Step 5. Check the cut
If there are any irregular points, where the hair is too short or too long, go over the area with the right adjustment of the hair clipper. Trim the hair at the neck to create a clean, clean line.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Long Gradient
Step 1. Use both scissors and a hair clipper
The slightly more complicated styles, such as the "Caesar" and "Princeton", require the use of more than one instrument. The concept is the same: long on top and short on the sides and back, but the method of achieving a long shade is completely different.
Getting your hair wet makes the job easier. Shampoo the person you want to cut their hair and pat dry before starting
Step 2. Cut the bottom
Start from the nape of the neck, moving upwards from the neck. Use a comb to lift small strands of hair which you will then enclose between the index and middle fingers. The fingers should be snug and aligned vertically with the head. Use the scissors to cut the hair that protrudes from your fingers and continue like this for all the strands, from the nape of the neck to the line of the ears, to equalize the length.
If the person wants hair shaved at the nape of the neck, use the hair clipper on position # 3 and cut it by moving from the nape of the neck to the line of the ears. Pull the clipper away from your head gradually as you approach this line to create a smudged effect
Step 3. Move to the sides
Always gathering the strands between your fingers, cut the hair at the sides and behind the head (above the line of the ears). This time you have to keep your fingers a little off your head so that the portion of hair you are going to cut will be shorter.
- Follow the line of the head with the scissors maintaining an appropriate angle. If the tips of the scissors are pointing towards the head, instead of towards the outside, you will get an irregular cut.
- When you are done with the second part of the cut check the result. The hair should be shorter at the nape, up to the line of the ears, and a little longer above this line up to the crown of the head. Correct any irregularities by carefully using scissors and always following the angle of the head.
Step 4. Cut the top
Lift the locks of hair upwards by holding them between the index and middle fingers and cut the tips protruding from the fingers. Keep cutting the entire top of your head like this until you've evened out the length.
- Check the shade from the crown to the back of the head. Is it uniform? If it isn't, use scissors to harmonize. Remember to keep your fingers vertically and not horizontally to avoid a scaled effect.
- Check the front. Is the bangs the right length? Both the bangs and sideburns must have a neat cut.
Step 5. Make a final check
Comb your hair and let the person look at the sides and back to make sure it's the way he wants. If necessary, wet your hair again and use scissors where the cut is not uniform.
