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How To Cut The Perfect One Length Haircut

Sarah Oglesby - October 27, 2016 Hair Cutting, Hairdressing Education

How To Cut The Perfect One Length Haircut

What is the One Length Haircut?

Well, the clue’s in the name, of course! But it’s always helpful to have a technical definition to fall back on!

A one length haircut is achieved by cutting the hair to the same perimeter length from the natural fall. The natural fall refers to the natural position of the hair.

A true one length haircut is created by combing the hair down from the natural fall and cutting to the same one length line – with no over-direction or elevation.

The Natural Fall - one length haircut

What Cutting Angle Should You Use?

One length hair is cut at a 0° cutting angle with absolutely no elevation. Elevation or incorrect tension on the hair can disturb the 0° angle – creating unwanted graduation.

0° cutting angle - one length haircut

To achieve a true one length line, you must choose the correct tension for the hair characteristics that you are working with.

  • For textured or curly hair types that will dry naturally, you’ll probably need little or no tension.
  • For fine straight hair, a medium tension may be required.

Either way, a thorough consultation and analysis of your client’s hair and lifestyle will help you choose the correct tension.

What Are The Benefits of a Below the Shoulder One Length Haircut?

A below-the-shoulder one length haircut is a salon staple. It’s an excellent choice for fine long hair.

By cutting all the hair to a stationary guide, you can achieve a strong, dramatic and defined outline edge which can make fine hair look much fuller.

Want to test it out? Tracey Hughes provides you with a tutorial on this classic technique in her One Length Solid Form .

One Length Solid Form

One Length Solid Form

What Are the Challenges of the Above the Shoulder One Length Haircuts?

Also known as a bob, a horizontal one length haircut is one of the most technically difficult of the classic haircuts to master.

Not only do you need to choose your tension carefully. You also have to take into consideration the roundness of the neck, the ear protrusion and other facial features.

Horizontal one length line - one length haircut

A combination of these factors can displace your perfect one length line and you will need to be very strategic throughout your haircut to achieve perfect results.

Want to learn from the best? Let Stacey Broughton guide you through how to cut a true One Length Bob in this classic MHD tutorial.

One Length Bob Haircut Tutorial

One Length Bob Haircut Tutorial

The diagonally forwards or backwards one length haircut is another example of a one length line. This technique is often called an A-line bob.

Diagonal forward one length haircut

Curved one length hair cut above the should is known as the Pageboy hairstyle.

Curved One Length Haircut

How Do You Create the Perfect One Length Haircut?

There are many influencing factors that you have to take into consideration when cutting a perfect one length haircut. It can be a very difficult technique to master.

But don’t worry, here at MHD our inspirational instructors provide you with the world’s best advice on getting it right.

To get started, here’s a few tutorials you might like to take. We’ve included both below and above the shoulder cuts.

Below the shoulder:

One Length Haircut by Steve Turner

One Length Trim by Stacey Broughton

One Length Trim on Type 4 Hair by Greg Morgan

Above the shoulder:

A-Line Bob by Tracey Hughes

Medium One Length Bob by Stacey Broughton

One Length Horizontal with Disconnection by Michelle Thompson

Remember though, practice makes perfect. The more you cut hair to one length, the easier it will become.

Not an MHD member yet? Whether you’re a stylist, a barber, a salon owner or hairdressing educator, our world-class education gives you a competitive advantage – supercharging your career, boosting salon profitability or improving results for every student.



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