The Ultimate Guide: How To Section Hair The Right Way

When most of us think of styling our hair, we normally just worry about the styling tools we need (typically a hair straightener, curler, or dryer), not how to section the hair itself. But the key to salon-quality hair in the comfort of your living room lies in the power of hair sectioning.

By sectioning your hair correctly, we can ensure that curls are even and that we don’t have any dreaded wavy sections left underneath in our poker-straight looks. 

Back to Basics

This video guide should be your first step in learning the basics of hair sectioning and ensuring your style is neat and on point. Watch on as we slowly guide you through the correct way to section your hair so you can get maximum styling results every time.

How Do You Section Your Hair?

There is indeed a right and a wrong way to section hair. The key is not to rush! If you find your styles at home never look as good as when your hairdresser does them, it’s more often than not down to your sectioning skills.

The point of sectioning is to let you pay attention and focus on one area of hair at a time. It boils down to your hair styling tools:

Using Hair Rollers

If you’re using hair rollers like the Classic Multi Curls, work in 3 big sections, starting from underneath the hair and working horizontally.

Using Hair Straighteners

For straightening, divide hair down the centre, clipping the top half of your head with a clip and dividing the bottom half into two equal parts.

Using Hair Curlers

For curls, the type of curl achieved depends on the barrel size and the section of hair you use with your tong. Use bigger sections of your hair for loose curls; work in smaller sections for defined curls.

How To Part Hair Evenly

You can use your fingers to part your hair for a relaxed finish, but a tail comb will become your best friend when you start using one and want a clean finish. 

For a clean finish, using a tail comb:

1. Place the tip of the comb in the middle of your hairline 
2. Draw a straight line down the middle of your head
3. Remove the comb when you reach the crown of your head (the crown of your head begins where the top of your head starts to curve downward).

To get a relaxed finish, divide your fingers down the centre of your head, then move the hair away using both hands to part it evenly.

How To Section Hair For Blow Drying

For a professional blow-dry, you need to take your time, invest in quality hair dryers such as the Digital Sensor Luxe Airsonic, and work in small sections. 

Roughly dry your hair until it is about 80% dry, then section it by clipping the top half on top of your head, starting from the underneath section. Continue with a brush of choice depending on the look you are going for until you reach the top section. A paddle brush is great for a straight, smooth finish, but use a big round brush for more volume and tucked-under ends.

How To Section Hair For Curling

Curling hair can be tricky, but there are a few tips we can give you to make it that little bit easier. Common mistakes when using hair curlers include applying heat that's too high for your hair type, using the wrong-sized tool for your hair type and length, as well as curling in the wrong direction.

When it comes to sectioning your hair for curling, follow these expert tips:

1. Divide hair into three sections: the top, mid, and base section
2. Starting with the base section, curl hair in smaller sections and work your way up, depending on your desired curl.

When using your hair curlers, always start by using a heat protectant, and hairspray each piece as you curl it. The higher the temp, the quicker the curl, right? Wrong! Patience is needed when curling; too high a setting on your hair tool can lead to breakage and damage to your tresses. 

If you normally let each curl drop and move on to the next one, try holding the curl in the palm of your hand until it cools. This will make the curls last longer and come out tighter. 

For a natural wavy look, curl away from the face, not towards it. 

To get the most glamorous curls, curl each one in the same direction. 

And then, if you want an effortless look, opt for different directions, leaving the ends straight for a modern finish.

How To Section Hair For Straightening

Contrary to popular belief, sectioning your hair saves you time! I know! If you’re grabbing random bits of hair to straighten, not only will they be different widths, but you will quickly lose track of which pieces have already been done.

To section your hair when straightening, divide hair into two equal sections, then bring it forward in front of you so you can see what you’re doing. Those blessed with long locks might wish to work in four sections instead. Try using the Frizz Defense Salon Straightener to eliminate extra unwanted frizz simultaneously.

Hair Sectioning Techniques 

​The golden rule with sectioning is to divide hair with a middle part and then separate the top from the bottom section. Work in a grid of four sections, always starting from the bottom and underneath layers. Go horizontal to start, working up to more vertical as you go up the hairline.

How To Section Hair For Colouring

Do you really need to section your hair before colouring? It’s not crucial, but sectioning allows you to saturate the areas you need to while keeping the hair you’re not working on out of the way. 

As an added bonus, it also helps you keep track of where you have already applied colour and makes you look like you know what you’re doing.

To section your hair for colouring, follow these simple steps:

1. Part hair down the middle from front to back.

2. Comb out tangles.

3. Start the first section by combing from the middle part to the top of the ear, twirling and clipping in place.

4. Move to the back lower section directly underneath, then to the other side to repeat.

How To Section Hair For Foils

Foils need to be done in very small sections to avoid thick stripes and instead have sun-kissed fine strands. 

1. Start with a middle part, dividing hair into 4 clear sections. 

2. Next, work in horizontal rows starting from the bottom. 

3. When you get to the top, switch to vertical rows. 

For a natural result, colour should start a few centimetres off the scalp, with the width of each section being no more than half a centimetre.

Ways To Section Hair

There are many ways to section hair, depending on the overall style you are trying to achieve. The general first rule is to work out if you will be wearing it in a centre, off-centre, or side part.

Next, if you are using hair tools, divide the hair into two, three, or four equal sections, depending on the length and thickness of the hair. If you are styling it down, add some movement with the Nourishology 40mm Curler.

If you want an up style, go for an easy half-up, half-down style, securing the top section in one sleek horizontal line. Spray with hairspray of choice to finish and keep it lasting through the party season!

Section Your Hair The Right Way With the Right Hair Styling Tools in Australia!

Now that you know how to section your hair correctly, you will start to see the difference in the quality of your curling, straightening, drying, or colouring. It will also save you valuable time with your hair dryers or curlers, so you can get ready that bit quicker in the mornings!

Read our blog for more hair styling, hair health, and hair trends information and tutorials!

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Love Your Style, the VS Sassoon Team x