How to give a lineup: a simple and easy approach

When learning how to cut hair, the lineup can be the most intimidating part of the haircut.  The lineup is usually the first thing that someone notices and is one of the main features of a haircut.  Someone can have a great haircut, but if the lineup is off or crooked, it takes away from the entire haircut. 

Even though most people take the lineup very seriously, this is no reason to be intimidated when taking this head on.  A common mistake that most beginners make is looking at the lineup as one big challenge instead of breaking it down into smaller steps.  It's best to take a simple 3 step approach and attack one step at a time.  

Step 1: Start on the side with the vertical bars and arches.  Try to line up the vertical bar as parallel with the edge of the eyebrow as possible.  You want the line to be as symmetrical as possible on both sides.  Then, create the arch on the side.  Try to give as crisp of an arch as possible while still keeping it natural.  If you're nervous, try tracing what you want to cut with the trimmers off first.
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Step 2:  Repeat the exact same step on the opposite side of the head.  Remember to make it look as symmetrical as possible without pushing the person's natural line back.

Step 3:  Connect the left and right sides by lining up the front.  Start from the middle of the head and make your way left or right.  It's common to start towards the side that is the thinnest, that way you can make the line straight across and take a way as less hair as possible.  The mirror is your best friend when doing a lineup!  Always double check to see if the lineup is straight by using the mirror as a reference.  Like many barbers always say, the mirror never lies!  The goal is to make the line as straight and crisp as possible without making the line look pushed back.

When doing a lineup, just remember this one tip:  YOU CAN TAKE HAIR OFF, BUT YOU CANNOT PUT IT BACK ON.  Hopefully this article can serve as an aid to help you more comfortable in learning how to tackle lining someone up.  You can watch the full tutorial of this lineup on the Barber Style Directory YouTube channel.