Principles of Hair Design

Highest point on the top of the head.

• apex

• convex profile

• parietal ridge

• high point

Established when two imaginary halves of a hairstyle have an equal visual weight, but the two halves are positioned unevenly; asymmetry can be horizontal or diagonal.

• contrasting lines

• Asymmetrical Balance

• directional lines

• design texture

Related to establishing equal or appropriate proportions to create symmetry; in hairstyling it is the relationship of height to width.

• balance

• proportion

• emphasis

• weighted balance

The fringe area; triangular section that begins at the apex, or high point of the head, and ends at the front corners.

• bang area

• apex

• high point

• nape

Very tight curl.

• coil

• ringlet

• emphasis

• coiled ringlet

Curving inward; prominent forehead and chin, with other features receded.

• concave profile

• convex profile

• diagonal profile

• contrasting profile

Horizontal and vertical lines that meet at a 90-degree angle and create a hard edge.

• contrasting lines

• curved lines

• design line

• diagonal lines

Curving outward; receding forehead and chin.

• convex profile

• concave profile

• diagonal profile

• inward profile

Lines moving in a circular or semicircular direction; used to soften a design.

• curved lines

• diagonal lines

• directional lines

• emphasis

Defines form and space; presence of one line nearly always means that the re are other involved.

• design line

• diagonal lines

• singular lines

• contrasting lines