Hairstyling and Finishing

Hairstyling transforms hair into the desired shape and direction using wet and thermal techniques. Understanding both methods, along with proper product selection, is essential for NIC exam success and professional styling.

Wet Styling vs. Thermal Styling

Wet Styling Techniques

Finger Waves

Finger waves are sculpted waves created using fingers and comb on wet hair with styling product.

Key Elements:

• Wave: The curl pattern formed
• Ridge: The raised area between waves
• Trough: The depression between waves

Creating Finger Waves:

1. Apply firm-hold setting gel or lotion to wet hair
2. Part hair and begin at front hairline
3. Use comb to direct hair into "C" shape
4. Place finger on ridge, comb hair in opposite direction
5. Alternate direction with each wave
6. Secure with clips if needed
7. Dry under hood dryer or air dry

Pin Curls

Pin curls are formed by winding hair around fingers and securing at scalp.

Pin Curl Components:

Types of Pin Curl Bases:

Pin Curl Patterns:

Roller Setting

Rollers create curl and volume based on size and placement.

Roller Size and Curl:

• Small rollers: Tight, defined curls
• Medium rollers: Moderate curl and wave
• Large rollers: Loose waves and volume

Thermal Styling Techniques

Blow Drying

Blow drying uses heated air to style and dry hair while creating volume and smoothness.

Essential Blow Drying Tools:

Blow Drying Techniques:

Proper Blow Drying Protocol:

1. Towel dry to remove excess water
2. Apply heat protectant product
3. Section hair for control
4. Dry roots first (take longest)
5. Keep dryer 6-10 inches from hair
6. Direct airflow DOWN the hair shaft (smooths cuticle)
7. Finish with cool shot to set style

Flat Iron (Straightening)

Flat irons use two heated plates to temporarily straighten hair by breaking and reforming hydrogen bonds.

Temperature Guidelines:

Flat Iron Technique:

1. Hair must be COMPLETELY DRY
2. Apply heat protectant
3. Section hair (work bottom to top)
4. Take 1-2 inch sections
5. Clamp near roots, glide smoothly to ends
6. One pass is ideal (multiple passes = more damage)
7. Allow hair to cool before touching

Curling Iron

Curling irons create temporary curls by wrapping hair around a heated barrel.

Barrel Size and Curl Type:

Curling Iron Techniques:

Safety with Thermal Tools:

• Always test temperature on paper towel first
• Never use on wet hair (causes sizzling and extreme damage)
• Keep tools away from scalp and skin
• Use heat protectant ALWAYS
• Unplug when not in use
• Allow to cool before storing

Braiding and Updos

Basic Braids

Updo Techniques

Styling Products