How To Train Your Bangs / Fringe With A Blow Dryer And Comb

Learn how to train erratic growth patterns and cowlicks in the fringe area with a simple wrap drying technique using the fine teeth of a comb and your Sam Villa Blow Dryer.

The Twist Bang Cut - Cutting The Perfect Fringe

Learn more about Sam Villa Signature Series Shears.

We've watched Sam go through the techniques to cut a twisted fringe and a side part fringe.  So many of our fans have raved about this simple technique as it takes the place of using diagonal partings.  Sam teaches us that low elevation and finger angle is key for these techniques as well as cutting on dry hair.  When we use diagonal partings we run the risk of elevating as we bring down each section.  These techniques are so much faster and easier for us as stylists and not so easy for a client to do on themselves!

Recommended Hair Cut & Color Refresher Courses

You've been out of the industry for a while and/or you are looking for a source of inspiration to light your creative fire from within. Sam Villa has some hair cut and color course recommendations to get you back on track!

How-to Eliminate Cowlicks, Swirls and Other Erratic Growth Patterns

They're pesky, they can't be avoided and most people have them – that's right, I'm talking about cowlicks, swirls and other erratic growth patterns.  So, what is the best way to "train" the hair to eliminate or redirect these problematic areas?  Watch this Sam Villa how-to video to discover new techniques that will allow you to take control of erratic growth patterns.

Do you have to start your haircuts in the same place every time?

Challenge yourself behind the chair to find new and different ways to complete a haircut. By doing so, you offer more value to your clients and you might just stumble upon a technique that will improve your skills as a stylist.

Learn more about Sam Villa's Aspire Tour Haircut DVDs.

How many shears do you need and what purpose does each serve?

How to care for and remove split ends

Caring for and removing split ends is a simple process! Sam Villa demonstrates a technique that will allow you to easily trim away those split ends. Sam also discusses the best products to use or prescribe to treat the hair so split ends won't return. Watch the video for more details.

How to shape hair around the face

Sam demonstrates two ways to cut around the face, taking it from short in the center to long on the sides. This twist cutting technique is great for cutting a fringe or for framing a face shape.

Learn more about Sam Villa Signature Series Shears

Blow dryer and brush tips to share with your clients

How often do you hear your clients say, "I can't get my hair to look the way you do in the salon?" Let me ask you a question. Do you teach your clients how to use their blow dryer and brushes after they leave the salon? In this video Sam demonstrates a variety of ways to educate your clients so they leave the salon with the knowledge to style their hair just like you. By spending a few minutes with your clients showing and teaching them how to finish their hair at home, you will not only improve your stylist/client relationship, but they will be more likely to purchase the tools that you recommend.

How to soften the perimeter and collapse the shape of a bob haircut

What is the best way to achieve a soft, wispy line on the bottom of a bob and not end up with a triangular or round shape? Watch as Sam Villa demonstrates two methods that will help to collapse the shape of the bob and also create a soft perimeter. Watch now!

Cutting Layers in Stick Straight Hair

Discover a great way using shears to cut layers in stick straight hair!

Click to learn more about Sam Villa Signature Shears.

When you layer fine hair you want to avoid blunt lines. Learn how to create soft and moldable layers using a fanning technique. Watch now!

Treating Dry, Straw-Like Hair

What is the best treatment for your client with extremely dry or stressed hair? Sam suggests a leave-in service treatment that fortifies distressed hair. Give Redken's Anti-Snap a try! It fortifies and smoothes the cuticle to reduce breakage and split ends, and also protects against heat!

Cutting long hair short

Picture this, someone with really long hair struts up to you and says, “Chop it all off!” It’s a loaded situation with many variables and a high chance for a client freak out.  Sam Villa says the first thing to do is try to convince them to take it slow and work their way up to a shorter length in 2-3 cuts, because if you lop it off then and there, you will probably never see them again.  Villa’s “The Convertible” DVD highlights a disconnected cut that can be done on any hair length.  A cut so versatile it can transition with the client from long to short because it looks great at any length. And, because it’s disconnected, it’s really easy to recut.  That’s the ideal scenario, but life isn’t always ideal, so if the client refuses your professional advice and you have no choice but to whack off a huge mass of hair, here’s a tip to get you through the task at hand. After a deep breath (to psych yourself up, because there will be drama), pull all the hair back into a ponytail at the back of the head and cut it off. It’s faster than taking section after section and having to comb through the long hair before cutting it. Removing the excess hair makes it so much easier to cut a new shape and be consistent with the sections.  

Pumped Up Pixie

Some stylists have challenges communicating with clients because they are willing to say and do anything to get them back in the chair, things they know clients wants to hear.  Sam Villa says put all your cards on the table, you’ll still have an ace in your pocket.  For instance, think about those clients with fine hair pixie cuts that want volume, yet don’t want to use product.  Well, that’s just not going to happen and they need to be told that up front. Length is needed for volume, so find out what the priority is - a shorter length or volume, because they can’t have both.  And, product is not an option, it’s a necessity, with application being key to achieving the volume.  With short fine pixie cuts, Sam likes to emulsify Redken Hardware 16 in the palm of his hands and then apply it to his fingertips for application.  He then massages it into the hair near the scalp, because it’s important to put the product where you want the volume.  Many fine hair clients shy away from product because they have been applying it incorrectly, like to the surface of the hair, which makes it go flat. Good communication is the ace in your pocket and that’s what keeps clients coming back.

Suggesting an updated look for your clients

How do you take your client from an average look to an updated, personal, one of a kind look? Do you make recommendations based on you client's facial features and expectations instead of suggesting a current trend that might not be in their best interest? Sam Villa discusses key points you should address when you're suggesting a new hairstyle to your clients.

How often should you change your razor blade

How many haircuts should you do before you swap out your razor blade? Does it depend on the type of hair you are cutting? What about how you hold the razor and the angle of the blade? Learn the answers in this Q&A video with Sam Villa!

Referring clients to a new stylist in your salon

You've put in the hard work and now you're booked out a month or two in advance! But you're so busy now that it's time to rotate your clients to your new stylists. How do you convince your clients to see another stylist in your salon? How can you make the transition as seamless as possible? Sam Villa has some great tips for your busy stylists out there! Watch now.

Sanitation at your work station

Stylists, take a look at your workstation. If you were a guest in your chair would you be ok with the cleanliness of your tools, mirror, floor and station? We are professionals and doctors of hair and we must present ourselves and our work space as professionals. Sam Villa talks about the importance of sanitation at the salon.

How to handle last minute cancellations

As a professional hairdresser, should you charge for cancellations that are done with less than 24 hours notice? How do you establish a policy with your clientele? Sam Villa talks about setting yourself up for success in this latest Q&A video!

Scissor over comb vs. holding & cutting short hair

Which is the preferred method when cutting short hair - scissors over comb or holding in your fingers to cut? Sam shares how and when to use each method including hot tips for avoiding hard lines or steps!

Learn more about the Sam Villa 7" Dry Cutting Shears.
Learn more about the Sam Villa Reversible Blending Shears.

How to eliminate static in hair

Sam Villa shares three Hot Tips for how to eliminate static in hair. 

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How to cut a side sweeping fringe

A side-sweeping fringe is a perfect accent almost anyone can pull off, the downside is, it rarely stays on the side and mostly flops in the face. Sam Villa says it’s because of the weight, not length. So whatever you do, don’t cut the hair shorter, just texturize it with a blending shear. Stand on the side that the fringe is on and take a diagonal section up and slightly over to the right. Then, with the blunt blade of a blending shear on the bottom, weave the shear in and out of the section slightly above the ends and open, close and backslide the shears multiple times. The pushing back action of backsliding creates variation of texture within the fringe. And, because the fringe no longer has so much weight, it stays put!

Learn more about the Sam Villa Reversible Blending Shear.

How to section and cut a forward angled bob

Curly haircuts all look the same

When Sam Villa travels the globe teaching, there is one question that seems to always come up, “What would you do with curly hair?”  Some say curly hair has a mind of its own which is true, but it also has multiple textures, so when working with wavy, soft curls, spiral curls or kinky hair, Sam has these two tips. 1. Put the comb down and free hand with pinched sections – it will yield a more deconstructed shape.  2.  If free handing is out of the question, take zigzag sections with a wide toothed comb.  The size of the section depends on the texture and natural spring of the curl.  In the 60’s, curly hair and ‘fros were cut to be solid shapes, now disconnected silhouettes enhance curls and create more natural shapes.

Check out the Sam Villa Wide Cutting Combs!

Removing weight from thick hair

We all have clients with thick, coarse hair that ask for weight to be removed at the back of their head without losing length. What is the best method for removing the weight without leaving a shelf so the hair still moves?

It's all about disconnection and triangle sections! Watch, learn and master the art of disconnection and reduce the time is takes for your clients to blow dry and style the hair! 

This technique is also great for a one length bob when your client has a lot of hair in the back of the head. Watch Now!

Learn more about Sam Villa Signature Series Shears

Building a Clientele

As a stylist starting out in a new city, what can you do to grow your business? Are you looking for some ways to attracts new clients to sit in your chair? Sam offers up some valuable tips that will help YOU grow your clientele.

Hot Tips for Layering Dry Hair

Have you ever cut layers into coarse dry hair and you end up with lines and hair sticking out at you? If so, we have some Hot Tips for you! Check out this video and learn a couple of ways to eliminate the hard lines and create nice soft edges!

Learn more about Sam Villa Signature Series Shears here!

Sam Villa Signature Series Combs come in four different styles and two different colors. Learn More!

Easiest method for cutting long layers

What is the quickest and most effective way to cut layers throughout the hair? Sam Villa shares his approach on how-to create layers that provides maximum results with minimal effort. Watch now and use it behind the chair today!

Learn more about Sam Villa Signature Series Combs!

Cutting the nape area with rolls in the skin

What is the best way to cut the nape area of a woman or man when there are rolls and valleys in their skin? Sam offers some tips and tricks for this problem you encounter more often than not. Watch and learn!

Cutting around the ear with ease

Do you struggle with your control and speed when cutting around the ear? Would you like a hot tip that will save you time and give you better results? Watch this Q&A video and instantly improve your finishing around the ears!

Learn more about Sam Villa Signature Series Shears - Click Here!

Layering the horseshoe section in the CutOuts DVD

We have a great question this week referring to Sam's CutOuts DVD. When do you layer the horseshoe section? Are there times when you wouldn't layer it? How high should I take the horseshoe section for fine hair? How about for thick hair? Learn all of the answers to these questions in this Q&A video!

Booth Rental vs Commission Salon - Creating a TEAM

Whether you work in a booth rental or commission salon, what makes up a successful salon? Does your salon work together as a team? Or is everyone in it for themselves? As hairdressers, we're all in this together! Here's Sam's take on creating a successful salon in a booth rental or commission environment.

Discover Sam Villa Professional Styling Tools & Education. Click Here!

Getting started with disconnection

Disconnection now has become much more marketable vs blending. It's easier to recut and it's easier to control. In the past disconnection was very raw, but now it has a sense of beauty to it with more movement and volume. When stylists master disconnection, they master the under layering, sectioning and positioning needed to create modern looks. Learn all about disconnection and how to communicate and sell this cutting technique to your clients! 

For more information about BOBology click here.

Tips for Upgrading Services

Check out these hot tips on upgrading / add-on services for your clients in the salon. With the proper communication and know how, you can maximize your income behind the chair.

Maintaining proper tension with bony fingers

Here's a great way to achieve proper tension when you have bony fingers or spacing between your fingers when taking sections of hair. Sam demonstrates a Hot Tip for getting the perfect tension every time!

Learn more about Sam Villa Signature Series Combs at your distributor or online.

Hot Tips for Cutting Crowns

When cutting crowns it's all about degrees of length! Discover when you should cut the crown area shorter or longer depending on the desired result.

How-to cut an even blunt line front-to-back

One of the most difficult things to do is cut an even blunt cut from back to front, as your line progressively gets shorter or longer. By working with a comb as your guide it allows you to easily see your line and helps when cutting an even blunt line. Watch and see how it's done!

How-to eliminate a strong center part

Learn two great ways to eliminate a strong center part! In this video, Sam demonstrates how to alter growth patterns using a paddle brush or comb and a blow dryer! Follow these simple steps and say goodbye to that center part!

Point cutting tips for all hair types

Sam Villa demonstrates hot tips for point cutting coarse-straight hair, fine hair and curly hair. Discover how-to easily fan the hair for deep and shallow point cutting and learn how to extract weight and add pliability for all hair types.

Cutting behind the ear without leaving gaps

When cutting the area directly behind the ear it can appear very thin and sparse. This can be a result of many different things. In this video, Sam demonstrates how-to maintain weight and length behind the ear. Use the tricks in this video and your gaps will be gone!

Tips for client follow-up

Following up with your clients is critical, especially when you are a new stylist trying to build up your clientele base! When and how often should you follow up with your clients? Watch for some great tips from Sam Villa on client follow-up!

How-to create more volume in thick hair

Sam Villa demonstrates a quick tip to create more lift and volume for clients with thick hair. So put down your teasing comb and watch this video to create volume that will last all night long!

Learn more about Sam Villa's TEXTUR Iron!

Learning from your mistakes

Some of the best discoveries happen when we make mistakes! Sam Villa encourages you to make mistakes but to learn from each and every one of them! Watch this Q&A with Sam Villa and learn how you can turn mistakes into a positive behind the chair!

Should fine hair be cut short or left longer

When cutting fine hair is it better to cut it short or leave it longer? Should you blow dry for volume or no volume? Learn these answers and more in this new Q&A with Sam Villa!

Which way to direct your triangle sections

When using triangle sections for cutting high density and low density hair, which way should you point the triangle for the best results? Watch now to learn when you should point your triangles up and when you should point them down for layering and volume techniques.

Learn more about triangles in CutOuts, your inspiration for cutting fine hair!

How to handle clients that cancel or no-show

Have you ever had a client cancel on you at the last minute or even worse, never showed up at all? Sam Villa has some tips for how to handle these kind of situations. Watch and learn how you can set yourself up to run a successful business behind the chair!

How to make thin hair in the front appear thicker

Sam offers solutions for clients that have thin hair in the front and want to create the illusion of their hair being full throughout.

Education for stylists on a budget

Whether you are a new student or an experienced stylist, continued education if necessary for you to be the best you can be behind the chair. Sam Villa offers some tips for finding the best education out there. 

When not to use a razor

Understanding when to use a razor and when not to use a razor is important to know for the end result you are trying to achieve. Watch as Sam explains when he would use a razor and when he would avoid using a razor to cut hair.

Coloring low density hair to make it appear thicker and fuller

 Scalp see through is the most common problem in low density hair. But never fear, there is a way to camouflage with color! Here are some hot tips for which colors to use to make hair appear thicker and fuller.

Cutting fine hair wet or dry

When do you cut fine hair dry and when do you cut fine hair wet? Sam shares when he would choose to cut hair dry when working with fine hair in this new Q&A video.

How to cut an asymmetrical bob

Creating an asymmetrical bob can be challenging and time consuming. Sam Villa shows you how to take the guessing game out of an asymmetrical bob by cutting a horizontal line instead of a diagonal line for maximum results with minimum effort. Watch and see how it's done!

Watch BOBology and learn how you can master the bob!

How-to improve the condition of fine hair

Learn how Redken's Intra Force works to improve the health of yoru hair, leaving it denser, fuller, and thicker, from root to tip.

How to cut layers without making them look choppy

Learn the secret to cutting layers to either reduce weight or create more of a textured, choppy look in this Q&A video from Sam Villa. 

Creative inspiration for your haircuts

This week's question comes from Isiah Akron who asked, "What is your process when you are coming up with a new cut? Where do you draw your inspiration from?" Inspiration is everywhere—on the streets, in music and in fashion; you just need to be aware of your surroundings and let the inspiration find you!

Learn more about Sam Villa's CutOuts DVD.

Best blowdrying technique for volume

Our question this week comes from Jason Pierce who asked, "Sam, what is your favorite blowdrying technique for volume?" It's a great question that actually goes beyond the blow dryer. Using the proper brush with your blow dryer can make the difference for achieving volume. Watch the video to learn how you can create awesome volume!

Disconnection or Blending - Which is preferred

 To disconnect or not to disconnect, that is the question send in by Marie Kieffer. 

Removing unwanted volume over the ears

Sam Villa demonstrates how to remove unwanted volume over the ears by using a triangle section. This technique is also great when cutting mens hair. See this technique now!

Shop Sam Villa Signature Series Shears

Cutting curly hair with consistency

Holly asked, "Sam, I have a fine long-haired curly client who loves her hair long; when I cut the back she always ends up coming back in a few days later and there are always these random curls that are longer and out of place, even though I cut the back the same length. Help!" 

How much time to dedicate toward education and practice

Basil from Freelance Salon in San Diego, CA asked Sam, "How much time per week should I put in towards education and practice?" Watch the video for Sam's advice.

Expand your education with Sam Villa's Aspire Tour DVD series! Click to learn more.

How to create volume in low density fine hair

Chantee asked, "What about low density in the top? Is there any technique for that other than adding hair?" Watch the video for a quick tip from Sam Villa about how to create more volume in fine hair.

Learn more about the TEXTUR Iron.

Learn more about the CutOuts DVD, your inspiration for fine hair!

Products to avoid for fine hair

Cherri asked, "What products do you avoid for fine hair?" Click the video to learn more about the products that Sam recommends and those that you should avoid for fine hair.

When to use a razor on fine hair

 Jeffery asked, "I am never quite sure when to use a razor, if at all, on fine hair." Watch to hear Sam's response!