Long Graduation

Hair cut with a long graduation technique
 
Step by step guide on how to cut hair with the long graduation technique, from Mark Smith, myhairdressers.com. The long graduation is a back bone technique and a foundation to many varied looks.
 
Long graduation cut - Before
 
Before: Carly before the cut.
 
Long graduation cut - Assess the hairline and growth patterns
 
Step 1: Before commencing, assess the hairline and growth patterns.
 
Long graduation cut - Put on hair cutting cape
 
Step 2: Apply the appropriate protective clothing.
 
Long graduation cut - Comb the natural parting into position
 
Step 3: Comb the natural parting into position to assess full movement in this area.
 
Long graduation cut - Devide the hair before cutting
 
Step 4: Now divide the hair down the centre back, finding the natural centre using the top of the spine as a guide. Then divide the section to behind the ear to separate the back section.
 
Long graduation cut - Cut a horizontal line
 
Step 5: Start by taking a curved horizontal line in the nape area. Note: this section will depend on the quality and the density of the hair texture. Comb this section as close to the shoulders or the back as possible, with very little tension, and cut the hair using the comb as a guide. It is important to understand that your first line is your guideline for the rest of the outline shape.
 
Long graduation cut - Assess the shape of the hair
 
Step 6: Assess the shape before you continue (straightness). Take subsequent sections parallel to the crown and cut in the same manner. Note the client's body position and tension of hair.
 
Long graduation cut - Establish a clean guide
 
Step 7: At this stage continue through into the temple area. Comb the hair back and over the shoulders and continue with the square line through the back area. Note: Again this area is the guide through the side section. It is important to establish a clean guide with the correct amount of weight in the outline. The thickness of this section will vary according to the hair quality.
 
Long graduation cut - The front outline shape
 
Step 8: Once this outline has been established, move onto the front outline shape. Take a section from the centre down to the back of the ear on a diagonal line. This mirrors the outline shape.
 
Long graduation cut - Assess the outline before cutting
 
Step 9: Now assess the outline before cutting.
 
Long graduation cut - Comb the hair for its natural fall
 
Step 10: Next comb the hair, allowing for its natural fall. Overdirection is not required as the outline will be established in a free manner. Hold the hair in place with fingers and cut the angle free-hand from long to short.
 
Long graduation cut - Establish the outline of the cut
 
Step 11: Now repeat this on the second side. By establishing the outline in both sides an accurate balance is achieved.
 
Long graduation cut - Hair cutting process
 
Step 12: Then take subsequent sections parallel to the first, moving back toward the crown, again mirroring the outline.
 
Long graduation cut - Avoid too much overdirection
 
Step 13: Please note the direction in which the hair is combed and cut. Too much overdirection will increase the graduation through the outline.
 
Long graduation cut - Cut the other side
 
Step 14: Repeat this process on the other side.
 
Long graduation cut - Divide the hair vertically to the nape
 
Step 15: Next divide the hair from the front hairline vertically to the nape in 2cm sections.
 
Long graduation cut - Elevate the hair and cut
 
Step 16: Elevate the hair vertically, straight out from the head and cut a straight line from short to long (graduation) using the previously cut fringe section as a guide. Ensure enough weight is established through the outline.
 
Long graduation cut - Internal layering
 
Step 17: The central section is a guide for the internal layering. Take a pivoted section from the crown down to the front hairline, incorporating a part of the central section already cut. Again, the hair is elevated, overdirected and cut using the previous section as a guide. Note: Because of the natural curve of the head, the hair is overdirected and thus creating an internal concave shape.
 
Long graduation cut - Cut short to long for graduation
 
Step 18: Take subsequent parallel sections. Overdirect using the previous section as a guide. Again, these sections are elevated and cut short to long (graduation).
 
Long graduation cut - How to
 
Step 19: Now repeat this process on the second side.
 
Long graduation cut - How to blow dry
 
Step 20: Blow dry and add a finish to the hair.
 
Long graduation cut - Refine with a pointing technique
 
Step 21: Then refine using a pointing technique to loosen the internal shape.
 
Long graduation cut for blonde hair
 
Finish: A back bone technique. A foundation to many varied looks. A long hairstyle with bangs and graduation.
 
Text and photos by MHD. Subscribe to view the training video!
 
See also:
 
How to cut a long hairstyle with reverse graduation
 
How to cut long hair with graduation and pivoting sections
 
How to cut a one length long hairstyle