Hair Feathering
Feathering is a technique used to soften and texturize the perimeter of a haircut. It is also used to break up lines and blend layers within the haircut. The most common perception of a feathered haircut is the Farrah Fawcett type style where the layers are swept away from the face. It is also associated with older style men’s cuts from the 70s and 80s where the hair lays swept back from the face and looks a bit like feathers on a bird. Although this is the common perception of a feathered haircut, it is a misconception. Or at least only a partial understanding of what feathering is truly about.
The term feathering is a reference to a style of cut ends. The way they are cut helps to determine the way in which they lay throughout the style. If you asked your stylist for a soft blending of layers, that’s actually feathering. A stylist uses their scissors in a way similar to a razor, pulling them at a specific angle up the hair shaft in a “feathering” or fanning technique that softens layers and ends. This method is very popular throughout Europe, but not as widely used in the US. One way it may be used that you will recognize quickly is in shaggy haircuts. The technique helps split up the ends to give them their shaggy appearance.
Some experts have found that an extremely sharp pair of scissors will actually help cause split ends when feathering, so they use a pair of shears that has been broken-in a little bit to help alleviate that problem. Make sure your stylist has been trained or has experience with this technique before getting your hair cut using this method.
Is a feathered hairstyle right for you? That depends on your hairs’ texture and overall condition, as well as your desired result. Find a picture of a style you think will suit you best and take it to your stylist. Discuss the possibilities with them and ask whether or not you should incorporate feathering. It doesn’t have to look old-school or retro! It can look sophisticated and trendy if done just right.
Other Hair Cut, Color & Styling Glossary Terms:
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