1-888-812-1115Q&A with Sam Villa
Stylists ask the questions and Sam gives his answers in this ongoing educational segment
How To Train Your Bangs
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.
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The Twist Bang Cut - Cutting The Perfect Fringe
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.
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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!
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Cowlicks, Swirls and Other 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.
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Where to begin your haircuts
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.
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Understanding shears and their purpose
Understanding what shear you should use and why you should use it is important for reaching your desired results. Watch this latest Q&A video from Sam Villa to better understand which shear to use and for what purpose.
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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.
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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.
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Blow dryer + brush tips to share with your clients
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.
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How to soften and collapse 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!
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Cutting Layers in Stick Straight Hair
Discover a great way using shears to cut layers in stick straight hair! 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!
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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!
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Freak Out - Going From Long to 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.
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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...
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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
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...
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How to section and cut a forward angled bob
Discover how to cut a forward angle bob haircut in this Q&A video with Sam Villa. Watch now!
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Enhancing curls to create more natural shapes
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...
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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?
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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...
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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.
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Make low density hair appear thicker
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 fine hair appear thicker and fuller.
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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.
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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!
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How-to improve the condition of fine hair
Sam Villa talks about how to improve the condition of fine hair through the use of Redken's Intra Force treatment.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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Disconnection or Blending - Which is preferred
To disconnect or not to disconnect, that is the question send in by Marie Kieffer. Disconnection provides a sense of texture, movement and volume that blending can't offer. Once you learn how to communicate disconnection to your clients, the days of blending haircuts will be behind you.
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Using triangle sections to create hidden volume
Triangle sections are great for when you want to determine how much weight and length you want to take off. In this Q&A Tamyra asked, "When you make the triangles on the top of the head (referring to CutOuts DVD) for layering, are you using a guide or making your own?" Watch and learn what you can do with triangle sections!
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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!
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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!"
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How much time to dedicate toward education
Basil from Freelance Salon in San Diego, CA asked Sam, "How much time per week should I put in towards education and practice?"
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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.
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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.
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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!
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