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Middle Part
Michał Lewiński57minShort

Middle Part

A men's Middle Part cutting course where you'll learn the gradation technique for controlling straight hair. See how to reduce weight and create a versatile, symmetrical shape.

Result and process

  • Middle Part - photo 1
  • Middle Part - photo 2

About the course

Middle Part is a versatile, symmetrical men's haircut that shows you how to take control of straight hair that's often hard to style. The course focuses on the gradation technique, which lets you reduce unwanted weight and bring lightness to the shape, creating a haircut the client can style in multiple ways - from a classic slick-back to a modern middle part.

Michał Lewiński guides you through the entire cutting process step by step, from sectioning and setting the first length, to working gradation around the head. The course shows in detail how crucial the barber's stance and movement are for keeping length consistent, how to transfer dimension from one side to the other using just the comb, and how to seamlessly blend the sides into the longer top using diagonal partings.

In this course, you'll see

  • Working the gradation technique step by step - how movement around the head and body positioning affect the final shape and weight reduction
  • Building a taper at the back as an element that adds freshness - from shaping with a #3 guard to a seamless blend with the gradation on the sides
  • Seamlessly blending the longer top into the shorter sides using diagonal partings, while preserving length on the fringe
  • The method of transferring length from one side to the other using just the comb, for perfect cutting symmetry
  • Quick cross-checking of the haircut - how to verify the gradation is correct using reverse partings
  • The principle of resting your finger knuckles against the head to control length in the lower areas and prepare a smooth transition into clipper work
  • Personalizing on dry hair with straight shears to add lightness to the shape without using thinning shears

After watching this course, you'll master the gradation technique on straight hair that leaves no room for error. You'll start controlling the weight and shape of the haircut with intention, offering clients a versatile cut they can easily style both in a relaxed, parted look and a more formal, slicked-back version. This is a foundation you'll use in many everyday haircuts in the salon.

What you will learn

  1. 01How to work the gradation technique step by step, controlling your body posture.
  2. 02How to transfer length to the other side of the head using only the comb.
  3. 03How to seamlessly blend a longer top into the sides through diagonal partings.
  4. 04How to build a taper fade at the back to add freshness to the haircut.
  5. 05How to reduce unwanted weight and flatness on straight hair.
  6. 06How to quickly check the symmetry of the cut using the cross-checking method.

Before you start

This course assumes you already have:

What's inside

Full access with the course
  1. Middle Part - Smooth transition into the taper fade1:19

    01Smooth transition into the taper fade

    The hair I've shortened with the shears blends really smoothly into this taper fade.

  2. Middle Part - Diagnosing the problem - hair weight1:23

    02Diagnosing the problem - hair weight

    They're very long, and that's exactly what's causing this weight.

  3. Middle Part - The key role of body posture4:57

    03The key role of body posture

    The moment you start shifting your balance, that length is going to stretch out a lot on you.

  4. Middle Part - Preparing the length for the taper9:55

    04Preparing the length for the taper

    My knuckles are resting on the spot I'll later be reaching with the clipper.

  5. Middle Part - Transferring length with the comb14:38

    05Transferring length with the comb

    Here I'm using only and exclusively the comb.

  6. Middle Part - Cross-checking - verifying the gradation23:34

    06Cross-checking - verifying the gradation

    We can check all of this by building a forward parting for ourselves.

  7. Middle Part - Blending the top with the sides25:50

    07Blending the top with the sides

    We're going to lift this hair out toward the side, so it becomes, so to speak, a continuation of the side.

  8. Middle Part - Personalization - adding lightness54:27

    08Personalization - adding lightness

    I'm working on gaining a bit more lightness here with the straight hair.

FAQ

What hair type is this cutting technique suited for?
The technique is demonstrated on straight, medium-length men's hair, which can be tricky to style. The course shows you how to use gradation to bring lightness and control to it.
Is this course suitable for beginner barbers?
The course is valuable for barbers at every level. Michał Lewiński goes into detail on fundamental aspects such as body posture and movement, which makes it accessible for beginners while also systematizing the knowledge for more advanced barbers.
What's the main cutting technique shown in this course?
The course focuses on the gradation technique. You'll learn how to work it around the head to build a symmetrical shape, reduce weight, and achieve a haircut that styles well.
Does the course show how to do a taper fade?
Yes, in the course you'll see how to create a taper fade at the back of the head. Michał walks you through the entire process, from shaping it with a #3 guard to blending it seamlessly with the rest of the haircut.
What tools will you need to perform this haircut?
Besides shears and a comb, the course uses clippers with guards for the taper, a trimmer for the contours, and thinning shears for personalization.
How long is the entire course?
The video material runs 57 minutes and covers the complete cutting process, from sectioning all the way to the final styling.

Details

Duration
57min
Season
Season 2
Hair length
Short

Educator

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Michał Lewiński

Michał Lewiński

Educator · 4 courses

Michał Lewiński, creator of the Łódź-based brand Męski, is a barber with six years of experience. In his educational work, he focuses on people starting their journey in men's hairdressing. He shares methods based on his own experience, correcting the mistakes he encountered himself at the start of his path. He approaches his career like a marathon, focusing on continuous development and becoming a better version of himself.

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