Hair Styling Fundamentals: What You Need to Know Before You Style
- Erin
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Blog by Dawn Maloney
Hair Styling Class | January 17, 2026 at 1:00-3:00 PM
Great hair doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of understanding your hair and using the right products, tools, and techniques. In our upcoming Hair Styling Class at The Makeup Studio by MakeupClasses.com, we’ll break down the fundamentals every beauty lover and aspiring artist should know to create beautiful, healthy styles with confidence.
Understanding Hair Length
Your hair length plays a major role in the styles you can achieve and how you approach styling. Always compare your current length to your inspiration photo and desired result.
Short Hair: Nape of the neck and above
Medium Hair: Nape of the neck to the shoulder
Long Hair: Shoulder length and longer
Knowing your length helps determine sectioning, tool choice, and product placement.
Scalp Health Comes First
Your scalp condition dictates which hair products will work best for you. Always read product labels and understand the results they are designed to give.
Normal scalp
Oily scalp
Dry scalp
Healthy styling starts at the scalp, not just the ends.
Hair Type vs. Hair Texture
Hair type and texture are often confused, but both are essential to successful styling.
Hair type is determined by genetics and refers to the natural shape of the hair:
Straight: Smooth and shiny
Wavy: Naturally flowing waves
Curly: Defined curls
Coily: Tight curls
Hair texture refers to how thick each strand feels:
Fine: Soft and delicate, smaller strand diameter, prone to breakage and can lack volume
Medium: Balanced and versatile
Coarse: Thicker strands that often need more moisture
Your hair type and texture dictate the products, tools, and techniques you should use.
Choosing the Right Products
Products should always be selected based on:
Scalp condition
Hair type and texture
Whether the hair is color-treated
Application matters:
Medium and long hair: Apply products from mid-lengths to ends
Short hair: Apply products on the crown and ends
Using products correctly prevents buildup and enhances your final style.
Tools of the Trade
Combs, brushes, curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers are essential styling tools. The key is knowing which tool to use based on:
Hair length
Hair type and texture
Desired style
All tools should be cleaned daily or regularly to avoid buildup from natural oils, hair, and styling products.
Technique Is Everything
Before styling, visualize the final look—then reengineer it step by step. This process helps you determine what belongs in your “toolbox.”
Key technique principles include:
Choosing a hair part for comfort (natural vs. new)
Managing time and working efficiently
Sectioning the hair for control
Practicing patience—truly a virtue in hair styling
Trust Your Hairstylist
Finding a salon and hairstylist you love makes all the difference. A great stylist will consult with you, listen to your desires, study your hair, and genuinely want you to look and feel beautiful.
At The Makeup Studio, we proudly blow-dry and style hair with care, intention, and expertise. Schedule your special appointment today!
Join us on January 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM for our Hair Styling Class and learn how to elevate your styling skills from the foundation up. Whether you’re styling yourself or others, mastering the basics is the key to beautiful results every time.
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