acklan Robert Clendenin

MECHANICS is an attempt to fully understand the process of building the many Forms of the haircut. We attempt to identify, define, categorize and explain every movement of hair to better understand what is possible in haircutting. We have moved away from the traditional design philosophy and have instead categorized the Internal and External Forms based on their effects on, and relationship to, the head shape, face shape, the major bones of the skull and their interaction with external factors such as our surroundings, the room we cut in, and the floor we cut on.

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MECHANICS is a cause and effect-based platform. It means Form follows Function. Function being the input, Form being the output. When you combine the Functions of the Vertical Dimension, the Horizontal Dimension, Sectioning, Hand and Scissor Control and Body Position, you create the External and Internal Forms. 

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MECHANICS looks at hair as hair. It assigns each hair its own weight, movement, and characteristics, while investigating how it moves independently and as a group.

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During the act of haircutting, we are always either building, reducing, or maintaining weight. We do this by moving the hair vertically and horizontally to cut it. When you move the hair a certain degree and cut it with a certain angle, you get a specific Form and movement. Understanding exactly how to Lift, Elevate, Over Direct, and cut the hair to get exactly what you want is the purpose of MECHANICS. 

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In search of the ”complete toolbox” of haircutting techniques, we have removed all rules. We rarely use the words, “never”, or, “always”, as they create limitations. There are only 3 laws that remain, and they have been proven to be true in the most basic application.

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MECHANICS is here only to explain the “How”, not the “Why” of hair cutting. It has no preconceived aesthetic or style. It is not here to explain how to cut trends or fads. It is not built to be elegant or simple, but to be useful and practical. It can then be utilized by EVERY haircutter, no matter their prior hair training and can also be used in-addition-to any other education, since it shares commonalities with all cutting systems.

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MECHANICS was built using the scientific method of observation, question, hypothesis, experimentation, conclusion, and result. It is a collection of theories that we use to create repeatable, consistent results. It is a work in progress, a quest for knowledge, not the final result.

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MECHANICS is a forward-thinking, progressive system that adapts to the needs of the stylist. It’s built to collect the most “complete toolbox” possible to let you envision and construct any number of different forms within the hair.

 

 

 

Hair has no nationality, gender, age, sex, orientation, religion, etc.… 

Hair has been, and as still is, important in all cultures.

Hair is art, Hair is architecture, Hair is our greatest accessory.

Hair is US.