You must assess your scalp for hair growth patterns prior to a change of style as they can affect the way in which your hair sits once cut.
Hair grows out from your follicle at different angles and can sometimes be placed very definitely. The angle at which your hair follicle grows determines the direction in which your hair will fall and ultimately the pattern that the hair makes on your head – forming what is most commonly known as a hair growth pattern.
The most common are as follows：
1. Cowlick
A cowlick is generally found on the hairline at the front of the head. Some cuts will be unsuitable if the cowlick makes a strong pattern because the hair will naturally want to part in that area. You shouldn’t cut your hair to short in the area were a cowlick is present as it will bounce up a considerable sticking straight up from your head.
2. Double Crown
Found at the crown of your head they generally sit side by side in the shape of two very distinctive circles or whorls. This area shouldn’t be cut too short as it will stick up from your head and become uncontrollable.
3. Nape Whorl
Nape whorls are found at the nape of the neck and can be identified by observing which direction your hair grows in this area. If a nape whorl is present your hair will grow upwards or towards the center, either on both sides or just one side of the head. When cutting a nape whorl, you should either leave the area long enough to ensure it is heavy enough to lay flat or tapered very short so the hair growth pattern is shaped into the neckline – becoming unnoticeable.
4. Widow’s Peak
Widow’s peaks are generally found on the hairline. They form a point with your hair that grows upwards and out towards from the center and the sides of your head. Certain styles shouldn’t be attempted if a widow’s peak is present therefore my advice would be to either, leave your hair long to way down the widow’s peak, or cut it very short so the pattern sits in the way you want it to (straight up).
Hair Type
The straightness or curliness of your hair is a clear indication of the hair type you have. The following list consists of the three main generic hair typing groups:
- African Caribbean – generally very curly.
- Asian – generally very straight.
- Caucasian/European – curly, wavy, or straight.
The type of hair you have is a very important factor when you are considering a change of style. To ensure you are able to style your new look with ease you must first assess whether or not the new style is suitable for your particular hair.
For example, let’s say that your hair is naturally very curly, yet the style you have chosen is a one-length straight cut bob that rests nicely just under your chin. If this is the case, you must take into account that any amount of tension used when cutting your curly hair will inevitably result in your hair bouncing back up once dry.
Failing to take hair elasticity into consideration whenever you are cutting can spell disaster, in the long run, leaving chin-length bobs far shorter than you initially anticipated or wanted.
Chemically Changing Your Hair Type
If you are unhappy with the shape of your natural hair and are looking for a long term solution, you can always change the way in which your hair falls permanently.
Removing or adding curls on a permanent basis can be achieved in a number of ways, the method you would use will of course depend on the desired result you want to achieve.
Having a perm, for example, will add curls, waves and even volume to a straight lifeless hair hairstyle, whereas on the other hand chemical straightening products will work in the opposite way, eliminating all unwanted curls or waves.
Once you have established what type of hair you have, you then need to assess a number of other important factors such as; what is the texture and density of your hair? Following the same routine prior to cutting or coloring your hair will ensure you are fully prepared to shop for a new you.
Your hair density – is an important factor that should be taken into consideration when you’re choosing a new hairstyle. This is because the density of your hair gives you a clear indication of what hairstyles will suit your individual look. For example, you should consider your hair density before a change of cut because if the density is thick it will require a different style than if it was fine.
You can assess your hair density by observing the number of individual hairs growing in a given area of your head, such as one square centimeter.
Density can also vary on an individual head of hair, for example, your hair density could be very low at the nape of your neck and in your temple regions yet you could have a high density of hair through your crown area.