Degrees of elevation for hair cutting: types and step by step

Julio Guzman
21 de May de 2024
Reading time: 4 minutes

A haircut can be defined as the modification of the type of hairstyle, a process that involves different types of interventions such as cutting, braiding, straightening, among others. Haircuts apply to both men and women, however, the type of haircut varies for men and women according to those that are socially accepted.

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In any case, there are various techniques for cutting hair. One of them consists of cutting hair by degrees of elevation, which is one of the most appreciated and requested in the world given its versatility. 

Index of contents

Haircut by degrees of elevation

This type of technique basically consists of using a transporter and, through it, determining the different positions that mark the degrees of elevation and, from a certain position, cutting the hair. The range oscillates from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, as can be seen in the following image: 

degrees elevation haircut

In that sense, the effect will be different according to the degrees of elevation used by the stylist. If you want to know more about this technique, below we explain how the cut is executed according to the degree of orientation chosen and the effect obtained.

Degrees of elevation for hair cutting

Orientation at 0 degrees

The hair, in this case, does not suffer any lift. In that sense, the scissors should be on the opposite side facing the tip towards the end of the hair without any elevation. With the orientation at 0 degrees an even effect is achieved. 

0 degree hair cut

45 degree orientation

In this case, the scissors must be in line with the opposite side, that is, facing the tip of the hair with its tip. This orientation can be taken vertically or diagonally and achieves a semi-faded effect, which is used for cuts such as American and European. The 45 degree orientation is used on short hair only.

boy hair cut

90 degree orientation

For the 90 degree orientation, the hair is held vertically or horizontally away from the head. In that sense, the scissors must be in line with the opposite side. The degree of elevation is, therefore, equal to the two ends of the scalp. You get a faded effect.

90 degree hair cut

Orientation at 135 degrees

The 135 degree orientation consists of holding the hair and directing it outward, aiming for it to exceed the height of the head. The transparency, in this case, must be held vertically or horizontally. In this sense, the scissors must be placed in a straight line to the elevation. The effect obtained will be long layers, with approximately two centimeters of distance between the last layer and the first. This orientation is ideal for long hair.

hair cut 135 degrees

180 degree orientation

To cut hair with a 180 degree orientation, you should take the hair away from the head and raise it above the crown of the head. Thus, the scissors should be placed in a straight line to the elevation and on the opposite side, looking with the tip of the scissors at the tip of the hair. This degree of orientation is ideal for long hair. Unlike the 135 degree orientation, in this case there is a wider distance between the first and last layer of hair, which is approximately 3 centimeters. 

hair cut 180 degrees-1

In short, the technique by degrees of elevation allows the stylist to make better cuts. It allows you to obtain cuts in which there is a balance between aesthetics and harmony. In that sense, if you own a beauty salon or work within this market niche, it is important that you become familiar with this technique.

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