There is more than one hair texture, and density; Straight, Wavey, Curly, Coiled, Thick or Dense, Thin, and Course. There are different rules of thumb for each. The hardest texture to blend layers on is Light Blonde, Stick Straight, and Baby Fine. Any one of those is challenging, but any combination or all three in one head of hair takes mastery. The challenge is to avoid the cut looking choppy or “cut with a chainsaw” look.

FINE HAIR TEXTURE:

• Less is More. Be very careful how much you take off of fine hair. A little bit goes a long way.
• Watch the perimeter at the ear. If you pull the sides up at the ear for layers and don’t think to watch the weight line at the perimeter, it is very easy to cut a hole in the perimeter at the ear. Fine hair just doesn’t have the density to compensate for deep layers at the ears.
• The most challenging hair type to blend layers on is baby fine, stick straight, and ultra blonde, or any combination of such.

THICK HAIR TEXTURE:

• Know the difference between Thick hair and Course hair texture. Just because it is course doesn’t mean it is thick.
• Standard thinning sheers may not be enough. Don’t be afraid to use chunking sheers, especially if it is wavy. Check out some tool options in this post TOOLS OF THE TRADE
• You almost always have to texturize the ends of a blunt cut style (0* elevation), above the shoulders length can look a little like a tent.

CURLY HAIR TEXTURE:

• The most forgiving of the textures.
• Natural curl hair texture is inconsistent. Some curls will be tight while others may just be wavy.
• Curls typically do not lay in the same place two days in a row.
• Do Not use a straight razor on curls unless you have been specifically trained to do so. It can be done, but there is a how and when. If you don’t know, don’t do.
• Ultimately, to make curls look their best they should be cut using a profile sculpting method with zero tension. However, if cut in this manner and then straightened, the straightened hairstyle will look very choppy and uneven.
• The easiest to tangle and mat. Be gentle on yourself and your hair with a soft tine Wet Brush.

COURSE HAIR TEXTURE:

• By definition, course hair texture is larger in diameter of the individual hair strand, can be described as feeling rough, like wire, or “kink.” Can come very dense (thick) or not so dense (thin). It will also be found straight, wavy, curly, or coiled.

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Another great read to accompany your different hair textures is Product Knowledge. It’s a great source for choosing which styling product is right for your hair texture and style.