You'll never look at Velcro the same way again after seeing how it can be used to create light, effortless movement and fullness in a haircut without collapsing the shape.
“Different isn’t risky, my friend. It's intentional!" says legendary educator Sam Villa, who demonstrated on Instagram how to use hook-and-loop fabric during a dry cut to pick up micro-sections of hair.
"It's about exploring new ideas and stepping out of your comfort zone for the right reasons.”
The technique results in a soft, fluffy kind of volume and is especially effective on fine or limp locks. "You can barely see the hair that’s being cut off, but it creates a beautiful invisible texture that enhances movement," Villa says. "It’s all about controlled expansion with a modern, airy finish."
Villa is using tools from his Signature Series (linked below).
Step By Step — Using Hooked Velcro Fabric During a Haircut
- Attach a strip of Velcro's rough/ hook side to the spine of a wide cutting comb.
- Pick up a section of hair and comb with fine teeth to smooth.
- Starting at the middle of the section, gently brush the hook fabric against the cuticle to pick up a light, airy micro-section. Pro tip: more pressure and/or more passes with the Velcro = more hair picked up.
- Hold the micro-section and open and close reversible blending shears randomly a couple times through it. Pro tip: don't cut too close to the scalp.
Colorists can also use the technique to lift hair in tiny, controlled clusters to create babylights, Villa points out.
The Benefits
- Instant volume without teasing
- Light, effortless movement and fullness
- Prevents over-texturizing
- Intentional removal with predictable results
- Lift that lasts without sacrificing the silhouette
“Try it, adapt it, reshape it, think about highlighting with it … and see how it transforms your results,” Villa says.
Learn more about Sam Villa Education here.