HOW-TO STEPS

• 

  
  1

  Create a standard, horseshoe-shaped parting. Part off Zone 1 (the hairline zone) with a high point over the ear staying low under the occipital.

• 

  
  2

  Cut Zone 1 with the American Crew all-purpose comb anchored against the head. Use a #1 blade and the American Crew CrewMaster clipper to achieve little-to-moderate scalp exposure.

• 

  
  3

  Cut an extended cutting angle on the sides of the head in Zone 2, the widest zone on the head. Use the American Crew Feather Razor and cut shallow. The bottom length should meet the hairline. Overdirect all hair to the side until no more hair reaches.

• 

  
  4

  Overdirect all hair back and cut a new square angle. Use a guide that will allow the bottom length to fall to the hairline. Cut shallow.

• 

  
  5

  Overdirect all hair back and cut a new square angle. Use a guide that will allow the bottom length to fall to the hairline. Cut shallow.

• 

  
  6

  Overdirect the side back to meet the square angle, then overdirect the back to the side to create a new extended angle.

• 

  
  7

  Create a T-parting behind the ear and down the center segmenting the hair into quarters. The entire transition will disconnect from the bottom half of the head.

• 

  
  8

  Cut the first side straight out with a stationary guide. Cut the entire quarter in one section so the length falls above the hairline and increases toward the front. Cut shallow from the back of the section to the front.

• 

  
  9

  Cut the second side elevated high with a stationary guide. Cut the entire quarter in one section so the final length falls above the hairline. Cut with a shallow depth from the front of the section to the back.

• 

  
  10

  Cut each back panel elevated with a stationary guide. Use the lengths from the previously cut transitions as a guide. Cut up with moderate depth.

• 

  
  11

  Do not cut length off of the top. Detail the top with slide cutting for elevation in isolated areas where the hair does not lift well. Cut against the hair growth with moderate depth and simple (acute) angles.

• 

  
  12

  Cut the bottom length to expose a slight amount of scalp exposure along the hairline. Cut to create a low taper with shallow razor cutting. Secure the hair in the hand or over the comb.

• 

  
  13

  Use American Crew Ultra Gliding Shave Oil, which softens the beard quickly and allows for a close shave. Follow with American Crew Post Shave Cooling Lotion.

• 

  
  14

  Apply American Crew Light Hold Styling Gel liberally to the hair from scalp to ends. Brush the product through the hair with a paddle brush, ensuring the product has thoroughly coated the hair strand as you work to create the primary shape (which sweeps from one side of the head to the other). Using a blow-dryer with a nozzle attachment and a wide-tooth comb, construct the foundation to the ultimate shape. Focus primarily on creating the sweep from the minimal side to the maximum side. Create fullness at the front hairline by lifting the hair away from the scalp and apply heat to the base of the hair. On dry hair, apply American Crew Defining Paste to the top of the shape. Use a Mason Pearson brush to smooth the product through the hair and create the final shape. TIP: Exaggerate fullness at the front and allow to “settle in” for a well-proportioned finished look
  

• 

  
  15