Learning the Fundamentals of Hairstyling at Cosmetology School

Haircutting and hairstyling are the two pillars of hair design school. Coloring is important; however, it requires more of a technical understanding rather than the art and design skills needed for styling and cutting. For many students, learning the basics of hairstyling at beauty college is one of the most exciting parts of the course.

Hairstyling Techniques

Some people think of hairstyling as simply creating different sorts of curls or updos but any student of beauty college knows it is far more than that. Some of the techniques you can learn and master include:

  • Curl and wave. There are different methods of creating curls and waves, such as finger waving, roller setting, barrel curling, hair wrapping, and pin curling. Most curl and wave techniques depend on having wet hair that is allowed to dry around an object. The end result depends on the size of the curler (or wrapping or pin-loop), the length of the hair, and the number times the curl overlapped.
  • Blow-drying. Blow-drying is used to create many different styles; however, caution must be taken to use the dryer safely and effectively. Tools used with blow-drying techniques include combs, picks, round brushes, and sectioning brushes. You can try different formulations of styling lotions on the hair before drying to create desired effects.
  • Thermal iron. With a focus on safety, thermal waving and thermal curling is performed on dry hair. Lessons at beauty school discuss the maintenance and care of thermal irons, the tools to use with them, and tips and tricks for getting the most effective style results.
  • Hair pressing. Hair pressing is also known as thermal hair straightening. There are three types of hair pressing procedures: soft, medium, and hard. The type used on each customer is determined by the results of a hair analysis. The analysis covers aspects like wave pattern, length, texture, feel, elasticity, and condition of hair and scalp.

Hairstyling Business Basics

If you take a hairstyling course at beauty school separately from a complete cosmetology degree, you also learn some of the business basics involved in being a hairstylist. Your hair training instructors may teach you how to:

  • Communicate effectively with clients to understand their needs
  • Conduct your services in a safe environment
  • Market your products and services
  • Keep organized client and business records
  • Maintain a healthy client base and cultivate new business

Popular hairstyles are always changing and evolving. They are based on current trends, celebrity looks, cultural preferences, desired forms of expression, and other factors. When you learn the fundamentals of hairstyling, it becomes much easier and more enjoyable to flow with the trends in your career as a hairdresser.

Featured Schools

Florida Career College

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Train for the real-world skills that help you launch a successful technology or healthcare career with a degree, or diploma from Florida Career College.

Campus Locations:
  • Hialeah
  • Boynton Beach
  • Miami
  • Jacksonville
Programs:
  • Diploma - Barbering
  • Diploma - Cosmetology
Austin's School of Spa Technology

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Get your career started with training from Austin's School of Spa Technology.

Campus Locations:
  • Albany
Programs:
  • Barbering
  • Cosmetology
Florida Technical College

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Your rewarding career in Health Care, Technology, or Programming begins at Florida Technical College.

Campus Locations:
  • Kissimmee
Programs:
  • Cosmetology
  • Advanced Hairstyling and Design
Fortis Institute

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Get the skills and training you need for a great career at Fortis Institute. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute- Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Campus Locations:
  • Jacksonville
  • Erie
  • Mobile
  • Largo
  • Pensacola
  • Winter Park
  • Windsor Mill
Programs:
  • Barbering
  • Barber Styling
Euphoria Institute

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Do you have a passion for beauty and an artistic edge? Would you like to add sparkle and style to your career path? If you aspire to work in the spa and salon world as a hair designer, skin care specialist, make-up artist, manicurist or more, consider an education at Euphoria Institute.

For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo

Campus Locations:
  • Lincoln
  • West Palm Beach
  • Las Vegas
  • Henderson
Programs:
  • Hair Design
  • Cosmetology
Marinello Schools of Beauty

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Get started on your beauty career with training from Marinello Schools of Beauty.

Campus Locations:
  • Layton
  • Portland
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  • Las Vegas
  • Provo
  • Reno
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  • Reseda
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  • Napa
Programs:
  • Hair Design
  • Barbering
John Casablancas Institute of Applied Arts

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The John Casablancas Institute (JCI) provides job-ready training for makeup artists, fashion stylists, and hairdressers.

Campus Locations:
  • Vancouver
Programs:
  • Hair Art Design Program