WATCH: Sam Villa’s Dry-Cutting Fringe Technique

Shags are having a moment, so fringes and face-framing layers have become some of the most-requested cuts in the salon. That’s why Sam Villa (@samvillahair) went live on BTC’s Facebook to break down his best techniques and tips for creating this popular look. Snag the steps below to master your fringe-cutting process, then watch the full video how-to below!

Get The Steps

1. Take a triangular section and prep the hair by applying Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment.

2. To manipulate the fringe’s natural growth pattern—including cowlicks and widow’s peaks—blow-dry the section, working with a fine-toothed comb and drying the hair in an X-pattern. Pro Tip: Sam recommends using the Sam Villa Artist Series Professional Blow Dryer and turning the ions feature off to pop the cuticle for more volume at the base.

3. Next, “shag the fringe” by taking a small slice as your guide, placing it directly on the hairline and cutting. Then, take another slice and move behind the client, overdirect the hair toward you and cut a blunt line. Move to the front and take another slice, then move to the back again and cut another blunt line. Repeat until you’ve removed enough weight.

4. Bevel the hair with a flat iron and a small round brush.

5. Massage the hair for movement, and remove weight by taking small sections and using Sam’s biting technique—go into the fringe section with shears and tap them with your thumb instead of closing them all the way until you achieve eye-skimming length. Then, blow-dry.

Watch the full video how-to below!