Try this “Freefall” cutting technique from Alan Edwards Salon in Glasgow. Edwards teaches classic cutting skills in-depth, and in “Freefall,” he shows you how to use concave and convex cutting skills to create a flattering, versatile cut with lots of styling options. Get Alan Edwards’ DVD: Foundational Cutting Techniques To learn more, go to www.alanedwardssalon.com Subscribe to behindthechair.com “On Paper” Magazine–4 Issues Only $29.95! Next Issue: COLOR with Beth Minardi! (more…)
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Divide the hair into 4 sub-divisions leaving a 1 1/2-inch curved section running from temple to nape. - 3Step 3 of 22
Comb the curved section downwards so it falls naturally with no tension. Use the mouth or the nose as a guide and cut a curved outline using a free-hand cutting technique. - 4Step 4 of 22
Work towards the shoulder using the same technique. Start to lift the elbow of your cutting hand upwards, accentuating the curved outline. Retain the hairs weight at the nape area. Repeat on the other side. - 5Step 5 of 22
From there comb down naturally. Using the eyebrow as a guide use the same scissor action as before. Cut a curved angle free-hand from eyebrow to mouth. Doing this opens up the cheekbones. Repeat on the other side. - 6Step 6 of 22
Create a concave layer in the curved section taking 1 1/2-inch diagonal sub-sections starting at the nape. - 7Step 7 of 22
Continue this technique from nape to hairline on both sides. - 8Step 8 of 22
Release the 2 back sub-divisions, take a central section. Then take a 1-inch diagonal section on either side of the central section. - 9Step 9 of 22
Starting at the right hand side lift diagonal sections. Place your scissors underneath your fingers and, using the outline section as a guide, cut a convex layer curving outwards. Repeat on the other side. - 10Step 10 of 22
Continue this technique through both sides of the back divisions. Now you will see the shape forming. - 11Step 11 of 22
Release the front 2 sub-divisions and continue working in the same manner. - 12Step 12 of 22
Over-direct back to retain more length at the front hair-line. The perimeter shape is now complete. - 13Step 13 of 22
Working with the internal shape take a central section, then take a horizontal section on either side. Hold out at 90 degree angle and cut a concave layer. - 14Step 14 of 22
Continue working in 1-inch horizontal sub-sections cutting a concave layer, ensuring that your scissors glide along the hair shaft. - 15Step 15 of 22
Once you reach the top of the ear continue with 1-inch horizontal sections from the back to the front hairline cutting in the same manner. - 16Step 16 of 22
Now take a new 1-inch section which curves around the head to the front hairline and cut a convex and concave layer in the same section. - 17Step 17 of 22
Continue working in 1-inch curved sections around the head creating an oval section. - 18Step 18 of 22
First take a concave layer on top. - 19Step 19 of 22
Then a convex layer from underneath. Continue in the same manner taking 1-inch oval sections cutting concave then convex until you run out of hair. - 20Step 20 of 22
This is the Freefall technique completed and ready for styling. - 21Step 21 of 22
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