Sectioning For Color: Try These Shapes

Did you know that using different shapes when sectioning for color—like circles, crescents, diamonds, hearts and teardrops—and different placement patterns of those shapes can enhance the way color moves around the head? And that’s not all—they also allow colorists to create maximum impact with minimal effort in the process!

We caught the why and how for this method from Redken Artists Justin Isaac and Sean Godard at the Redken National Artist Convention 2018—check it all out below.

Use Different Shapes For Different Results!

• Triangles: One of the most popular sectioning shapes because they create tons of movement and versatile results.
• Crescents: Narrow on both ends and wide in the middle, this shape creates color that gradually decreases toward either end, creating a soft transition of color.
• Diamonds: Narrow on all ends and heavy in the middle, this shape will create bold color that transitions slowly on all sides.
• Hearts: Try the heart shape at the nape or by the front hairline—when placed at the nape, it will create a cool pop of color when clients wear their hair up, and when placed at the hairline, it will create a strong face-framing color.
• Teardrops: Narrow on one side and wide on the other, this shape works well for clients who want a natural diffusion of color.

Here’s An Example:

• Place your crescent-shaped section at the front of the head, starting an inch away from the hairline.
• Leaving that inch of space will create depth at the hairline—i.e., a shadow behind the crescent.
• Watch this video to see what we mean!

Want More Color Impact? Work With Multiple Shapes!

• In the video above, Sean and Justin were working with a crescent shape at the front hairline—but colorists are not confined to just that area or just that shape. 
• Add another shape in the back of the head for additional detail—like a heart shape at the nape (see photo below!).
• This automatically adds a dual identity to your guest. Meaning, when they wear their hair up, they’ll see their color one way, and when they wear it down, they’ll see it another way.
• They’ll see less or more impact depending on how you twist/rotate those shapes and depending on how they wear their hair every day.