HOW-TO STEPS

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  1

  Before

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  2

  Part the hair on both sides from the crown to the back of the ears. Next, create a rectangular disconnected section on the top area by taking a parting on both sides (from the recession area) running into the previous partings. Sections may vary depending on the individual hair type and texture.

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  3

  Part the hair from crown to nape, then take out a fine, horizontal square section from the parting.

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  4

  Elevate the hair directly out from the head and cut a horizontal guideline tight to the nape. Note: The first section will determine eventual height of the graduation in the back area. These lengths may vary depending on individual hair type and texture.

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  5

  Repeat the same process on the opposite side. Tip: Cut both the left and right side simultaneously as you work up the head to ensure a good balance.

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  6

  Keeping even tension, continue taking subsequent sections as you graduate and work up the back of the head toward the crown. Focus particularly on the square shape being created, plus retaining the weight behind the ears. Note: The individual head shape determines the amount of elevation used in the graduation to create the amount of required weight.

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  7

  View of the finished back section before refining.

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  8

  Blow-dry the back section.

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  9

  Refine the shape by working across the back section using a round graduated technique to remove the corner at the top of the previously graduated back area. Note: Remain focused on retaining the weight behind the ear.

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  10

  Using the point of the scissors, cut an arched line from the center back outward and repeat on the second side. Note: Cut the outline freehand using no tension, following the natural hairline where possible.

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  11

  View of the completed back section.

   

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  12

  Take a small diagonal section at the bottom of the left side and section out the lock of hair; this is a key feature of the look.

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  13

  Taking horizontal-diagonal sections from right to left toward the hairline, cut a graduated section and work up toward the top overdirecting each section to the previous. Note: Keep the cutting line parallel to the section.

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  14

  Blow-dry the side section.

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  15

  Refine the section by removing the corner at the top of the graduated area. Using the point of the scissors, refine the hairline and the area around the ear.

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  16

  View of the completed first side.

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  17

  On the opposite side, take diagonal sections and cut a round graduated shape from the front toward the back, angling your fingers tighter toward the back of the ear to retain length in the front hairline. Note: Do not connect with the back section of weight behind the ear.

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  18

  Continue with subsequent sections working toward the top of the side, bringing each section to the previous.

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  19

  Blow-dry the side section.

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  20

  Refine the section by removing the corner of the graduation.

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  21

  Use the point of the scissors, refine the area around the ear.

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  22

  Combing hair slightly forward, carefully refine the hairline with the point of the scissors.

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  23

  Visually review the completed underside; using a slicing technique (where required), remove fine pieces of weight. Note: The suitability of this technique will depend on the individual hair type and texture. At the top of the back and side sections, lift up using a layering technique and connect if necessary;  this will also depend on the individual hair type and texture.

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  24

  View of the completed underside.

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  25

  Take a horizontal section toward the hairline.

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  26

  Slightly overdirect the section back and cut a line angling toward the cheekbone. Hold hair in your fingers using medium tension. Note: The cheekbone is your visual guide.

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  27

  Continue taking subsequent sections, elevating very slightly each time.

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  28

  When moving closer to the front area, use less elevation and keep the line closer to the face.

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  29

  Blow-dry the top section.

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  30

  Gently refine the top section with a pointing technique.

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  31

  View of the completed cut prior to the color application.

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  32

  Finished Look