Editing Hairstyle (section)

==Hairstyling techniques==
{{Unreferenced section|reason=Six subsections and an intro, and not a single reference. |date=December 2020}}
[[File:CosSchlHead2on112010.jpg|thumb|In the United States, cosmetology students purchase practice heads with human hair to learn cutting, coloring and styling.]]
Hair dressing may include cuts, [[Artificial hair integrations|weaves]], [[hair coloring|coloring]], [[Artificial hair integrations|extensions]], [[Perm (hairstyle)|perms]], permanent relaxers, curling, and any other form of styling or texturing.

Some of these techniques are described in detail below;

===Washing===
Stylists often [[Hair washing|wash a subject's hair]] first, so that the hair is cut while still slightly damp. Compared to dry hair, wet hair can be easier to manage in a cut/style situation because the added weight and [[surface tension]] of the water cause the strands to stretch downward and cling together along the hair's length, holding a line and making it easier for the stylist to create a form. It is important to note that this method of cutting hair while wet, may be most suitable (or common) for straight hair types. Curly, kinky and other types of hair textures with considerable volume may benefit from cutting while dry, as the hair is in a more natural state and the hair can be cut evenly.

===Cutting===
Hair cutting or hair trimming is intended to create or maintain a specific shape and form. There are ways to trim one's own hair but usually another person is enlisted to perform the process, as it is difficult to maintain symmetry while cutting hair at the back of one's head.

Cutting hair is often done with [[hair clipper]], [[scissors]], and [[razor]]s. Combs and [[Bobby pin|hair grips]] are often employed to isolate a section of hair which is then trimmed.

===Blending===

Blending is a technique used to create a seamless transition between different lengths or textures of hair. This process ensures that there are no harsh lines or visible distinctions where one section of hair ends, and another begins. Stylists typically use thinning shears, razors, or specific scissor techniques to soften the edges of a haircut. Blending is especially important in layered cuts or when merging short and long sections, as it gives the hairstyle a cohesive and natural look.

===Brushing and combing===
Brushes and combs are used to organize and untangle the hair, encouraging all of the strands to lie in the same direction and removing debris such as [[lint (material)|lint]], [[dandruff]], or hairs that have already shed from their follicles but continue to cling to the other hairs.

There are all manner of detangling tools available in a wide variety of price ranges. [[Comb]]s come in all shapes and sizes and all manner of materials including plastics, wood, and horn. Similarly, brushes also come in all sizes and shapes, including various paddle shapes. Most benefit from using some form of a wide tooth comb for detangling. Most physicians advise against sharing hair care instruments like combs and clips, to prevent spreading hair conditions like [[dandruff]] and [[Head louse|head lice]].

The historical dictum to brush hair with 100 strokes every day is somewhat archaic, dating from a time when hair was washed less frequently; the brushstrokes would spread the scalp's natural oils down through the hair, creating a protective effect. Now, however, this does not apply when the natural oils have been washed off by frequent shampoos. Also, hairbrushes are now usually made with rigid plastic bristles instead of the natural boar's bristles that were once standard; the plastic bristles increase the likelihood of actually injuring the scalp and hair with excessively vigorous brushing. However, traditional brushes with boar's bristles are still commonly used among African Americans and those with coarse or kinky textures to soften and lay down curls and waves.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

===Drying===
[[Hair dryer]]s speed the drying process of hair by blowing air, which is usually heated, over the wet hair shaft to accelerate the rate of water evaporation.

Excessive heat may increase the rate of shaft-splitting or other damage to the hair. Hair dryer diffusers can be used to widen the stream of air flow so it is weaker but covers a larger area of the hair.

Hair dryers can also be used as a tool to sculpt the hair to a very slight degree. Proper technique involves aiming the dryer such that the air does not blow onto the face or scalp, which can cause burns.

Other common hair drying techniques include towel drying and air drying.

{{anchor|Updo}}

===Braiding and updos===
Tight or frequent [[braid]]ing may pull at the hair roots and cause [[traction alopecia]]. [[Rubber band]]s with [[metal]] [[Fastener|clasps]] or tight clips, which bend the hair shaft at extreme angles, can have the same effect.

[[File:Updo1.jpg|thumb|upright|An updo]]
An updo is a hair style that involves arranging the hair so that it is carried high on the head. It can be as simple as a ponytail, but is more commonly associated with more elaborate styles intended for special occasions such as a [[prom]] or weddings.

If hair is pinned too tightly, or the whole updo slips causing pulling on the hair in the follicle at the hair root, it can cause aggravation to the hair follicle and result in headaches. Although some people of African heritage may use braiding extensions (long term braiding hairstyle) as a form of convenience and/or as a reflection of personal style, it is important not to keep the braids up longer than needed to avoid hair breakage or hair loss. Proper braiding technique and maintenance can result in no hair damage even with repeated braid styles.

===Curling and straightening===
Curling and straightening hair typically involve using a curling rod or a flat iron to achieve the desired look. These tools use heat to shape the hair into various waves and curls, or to temporarily straighten it by reversing natural curls. However, frequent use of heat styling tools can damage hair, especially when combined with chemicals used to maintain the style. Some irons are designed to style damp hair, but they require higher temperatures, ranging from {{convert|300|to|450|F|C}}. To minimize heat damage, it's advisable to use heat protection sprays and hair-repairing shampoos and conditioners.