Free Hairstyling Course Module 1e: Building strong Foundations for Beautiful Hairstyles
When it comes to special occasion hairstyles—whether for a wedding, prom, or any special event—the foundation for beautiful hairstyles is everything. Just as you wouldn’t build a house on unstable ground, you can’t expect a hairstyle to stand the test of time without the right foundation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create secure, lasting style foundations that not only look gorgeous but also pass Pam’s all-important shake test.
Step One: Mastering Hair Prep for beautiful hairstyles
Before you even think about pins and techniques, it’s crucial to start with a thorough hair analysis and hair prep routine.
As a hairstyle student the first thing to do is to get to grips with hair analysis and how to curl and prep the hair. Read through our detailed Hair Analysis and make sure you’ve understood the hair prep info from Module 1c and Module 1d.
Whether you’re working with naturally curly locks or sleek, straight strands, a well-prepped base is the key to everything follows.
The next thing you need to do it learn how to build strong foundations for your beautiful hairstyles.
In this tutorial I’m going to teach you how to work with bobby pins and backcomb to perfection – so your beautiful hairstyles will stay in place all day.
You’ll also be introduced to my ‘up and over’ technique. . . great when you are creating beautiful hairstyles, so it is worth taking your time and make sure you get it right.
beautiful hairstyles: Essential Tools and Techniques
1. Working with Bobby Pins
Bobby pins aren’t just about holding hair in place—they’re the unsung heroes of any secure hairstyle. Learn how to strategically place them for maximum hold:
- Anchor Points: Insert your bobby pins and hair grips at the right angle to create secure anchor points.
- No one wants to see them: Your hair pins & Bobby pins should be hidden not visible!
2. beautiful hairstyles: The Art of Backcombing
Backcombing is another vital technique in creating a strong foundation so your beautiful hairstyles stay in place.
Your customers will come in all shapes and sizes, as a successful hair stylist you will need to be able to create both smooth sleek styles and textured looks.
When done correctly backcombing will provides give structure and stability to your hairstyles:
- Texture and Volume: Lightly backcomb at the roots to create texture, giving the hair a fuller appearance.
- Controlled Teasing: Avoid over-teasing by working in small sections, ensuring that the volume is both controlled and natural.
- Smooth Finish: Once the desired volume is achieved, smooth the top layer with a bristle brush to create a sleek, polished look.
Watch this 5 minute webinar to learn the do’s and don’ts of successful backcombing.
Smoothing out backcombing
Once you have your backcombing in place it can be easy to lose it all when you start to smooth the hair. Watch this quick tutorial and get tips and techniques to keep your backcombing intact as you smooth and then style the hair.
Yes – the hair is big!! But it’s all about the practicing the technique :)
3. Pam’s ‘Up and Over’ Technique
For beautiful hairstyles whether they are sleek, smooth styles or softer relaxed buns and half up styles Pam’s ‘up and over’ technique is an easy and invaluable technique.
It can be used to secure anything from your vintage French Pleat to a soft relaxed tumbling bun.
In this video you can watch Pam use the up and over technique as she creates a low messy bun, working with padding.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Take your time to master this technique. With practice, you’ll find that it makes styling easy and what’s more your hairstyles will be super secure.
Adapting to Different Hair Types
Remember, every client is unique! Some may have fine, straight hair while others boast thick, textured locks. As a stylist, it’s important to adjust your techniques to suit different hair types:
- Fine Hair: Use gentle backcombing and lighter pinning techniques to avoid damage.
- Thicker Hair: You can opt for more robust pinning and slightly stronger backcombing to create a firm hold.
- Be Adaptable: Always assess your client’s hair during the initial consultation and adapt your approach accordingly. A little extra care and by being adaptable you’ll go a long way in achieving a secure, beautiful hairstyle.
beautiful hairstyles: Student Practice
Students of our online platform can watch the full length tutorials below to put into practice the techniques we’ve been talking about.
Learn how to work with Bobby pins and hairpins, how to back comb the hair and how to create 2 very different hairstyles. One working with long thick heavy hair, and the second one with short fine hair.
There are lots more tutorials for you to watch on the online platform including vintage & classic hairstyles where you can practice your securing and back-combing techniques.
You’ll need to be a member of our online community to watch the tutorials below.
Join here for just £19.99
Working with Long hair
Sometimes the simplest things can be the most challenging – find out easy ways to get long, heavy hair up into a secure high ponytail and find out how to work with long thick hair to create a low textured bun.
Working with short hair
Find out how to make working with short hair as easy as abc . . .
I recommend having a go creating this quick hairstyle working with straight hair. It’s quick and relatively easy – and what’s more you’ll be able to perfect securing your bobby pins.
Short Hair Quick Video Tips
Bringing It All Together
Creating beautiful, lasting hairstyles starts with a solid foundation. By mastering the use of bobby pins, the art of backcombing, and techniques like Pam’s ‘up and over’, you’re setting the stage for a style that not only looks great but stays put. Remember to always perform the shake test as a final check, this simply means asking your client to shake her head fairly vigorously to see if your hair style stays up! There should be a little bit of movement – but not much. If it does fall out – you’ll need to double check your hair pins and bobby pins.
Take your time with these techniques, just keep practicing and enjoy the process of learning and perfecting your craft. Your attention to detail will ensure that every hairstyle you create not only looks gorgeous but it stays up as well!
Don’t forget, if you’re not a member you can always join ward winning Bridal Hair Stylist Pam Wrigley on Youtube where you’ll find a smaller selection of hairstyle tutorials!
Happy styling!