Fade. Blend. Customize.
Instructor: Aerial Dowdy
Date: October 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Phia
Level: Basic
Format: Look & Learn + Hands-On Model Workshop
Class Description
Take the fear out of short haircuts and build confidence behind the chair!
This class focuses on understanding head shape, clipper techniques, fading, blending, and texturizing to create customized short haircuts with precision and personality.
Through a live demonstration followed by hands-on practice, Aerial will share her approach to sectioning, choosing guards, creating seamless transitions, and detailing around the ears and neckline.
Stylists will learn how to approach short cuts with intention, adapt techniques to different hair types and growth patterns, and create cohesive, personalized results.
Three Teaching Points
1. Understand the Shape. Build the Foundation.
● Analyze head shape, hair growth patterns, density, and texture before beginning the haircut.
● Break short haircuts into manageable sections: temples, fade, blend, top, and neckline.
● Understand where to begin and stop a fade to avoid taking the haircut too high.
● Learn which clipper guards to choose, when to use them, and why.
● Build confidence creating the initial shape and foundation.
2. Fade With Purpose. Blend With Confidence.
● Demonstrate clipper techniques for creating clean, seamless fades.
● Learn how to transition between guard lengths without creating harsh lines.
● Explore different blending techniques to connect the sides and top.
● Refine detailing around the ears, temples, and neckline.
● Understand how to customize a neckline and, when applicable, blend into facial hair.
● Identify and correct areas that need additional refinement.
3. Texture. Customize. Finish.
● Learn how to blend and texturize the top for a cohesive finished haircut.
● Explore free-form cutting techniques that create movement, shape, and personality.
● Adapt the haircut to the guest's lifestyle, natural texture, and styling preferences.
● Understand how small detailing adjustments elevate the overall result.
● Select appropriate styling products to enhance texture, definition, and finish.
Class Structure
Part 1: Look & Learn Demonstration
● Aerial performs a live short haircut while explaining her techniques and decision-making.
● Demonstrates guard selection, sectioning, fading, blending, and detailing.
● Explains how head shape and growth patterns influence the haircut.
● Encourages questions throughout the demonstration.
Part 2: Hands-On Model Workshop
● Each stylist performs a short haircut on their own model.
● Aerial provides individual guidance and technique corrections.
● Stylists practice guard selection, fading, blending, texturizing, and finishing.
● Review completed haircuts and discuss opportunities for improvement.
Participants Bring:
Clippers and guards
Cutting shears and texturizing shears
Cutting combs
Metal cutting clips and sectioning clips
Wet brush
Blow dryer
Appropriate styling tools
Model Requirements:
Each participant must provide their own short-haircut model.
The model must be open to a short clipper haircut or fade.
Haircut should allow for guard work up to a #4 guard.
No longer scissor-over-comb-only side haircuts; clipper work must be incorporated.
Class capacity is limited to the number of available stations at the hosting salon.
Key Takeaways
By the end of class, stylists should be able to:
● Approach short haircuts with greater confidence.
● Select clipper guards based on head shape and desired results.
● Create controlled fades and seamless blends.
● Customize texture, shape, and detailing for each guest.
● Understand that shortcuts can be creative, personalized, and fun—not scary!
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