The Channel

The Channel hair cut
 
Step by step guide on how to cut "The Channel" from Lee Stafford, myhairdressers.com
 
"The Channel" is an amazing technique for curly hair. Soft, understated and unique. It works equally well on all hair - wavy, straight, thick or fine - breaking the shape beautifully and allowing the hair to be light and free.
 
The channel - Before the haircut
 
Before: Katie before the cut.
 
The channel haircut - How to section the hair
 
Step 1: The sectioning for the Channel is tricky and time consuming, but worth it as the haircut is very simple. The first section starts from the high point of the head and starts the circle that runs around the crown approximately three inches in diameter with the crown in the middle (approximately).
 
The channel haircut - Hair sectioning
 
Step 2: The second section is determined by the side in which the way the hair swings. You go off of the circle and this will make your first section in which up from this you make a rectangle section approximately half an inch depth. Note: There is only one rectangle in this whole sectioning pattern.
 
The channel haircut - Triangular hair sectioning
 
Step 3: The rest are triangular and very similar to that of a Backgammon Board. Back to Back, Top and Tail.
 
The channel haircut - Wrap around hair
 
Step 4: The triangles which have the largest width nearest to the circle and the point is on the hairline. Theses pieces of hair you wrap around the bun of your original circle section.
 
The channel haircut - Wrap around triangles of hair
 
Step 5: The rest of the triangles i.e. the ones with the point nearest to centre circle section, and the biggest width around the hairline, these sections you wrap on itself and on the hairline.
 
The channel haircut - How to cut
 
Step 6: Now you will have alternative clips in the haircut around the bottom and the top.
 
The channel haircut - Take down sections
 
Step 7: Take down alternating sections which consist of the triangle sections that have their wide point at the crown. These will become the shorter areas in the internal shape.
 
The channel haircut - How to begin with the cutting
 
Step 8: Begin the first section in the central back area. Please note: Measure the initial section using the comb, then use this as a guide for subsequent sections to maintain the same length on the internal shape. The section is elevated up with the fingers angled, to create a shorter-to-longer effect through the perimeter.
 
The channel haircut - Use the comb as a cutting guide
 
Step 9: Repeat this process, using the comb as a guide with the same elevation and overdirection as you work the alternating sections.
 
Continue ...
 
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