It’s the year of fluidity, a concept perfectly captured by men’s grooming expert and Andis Creative Lead of Global Education Whitney VerMeer @whitneyvermeer in the new FLUID collection of precision haircuts, created in partnership with Andis. With these looks, VerMeer proves that artistic, precision haircuts can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender, hair type or face shape.

At the foundation of FLUID is the fade technique. Andis Co-President Matt Andis notes, “Most people have not learned the basics they need to be successful at clipper cutting. That’s where our education comes in. Andis provides artists with a strong foundation and is here to help stylists and barbers learn, succeed and grow.”

The FLUID Series Vol. 1 is available at andis.com as an educational look book. See tutorial videos at Andis Master Barber School.

Both VerMeer and Andis Artist Tori Gill, @torigill_barber, agree the new Andis Master Cordless Lithium Ion Clipper is the new “must” when it comes to creating flawless fades. The tool can be used on wet or dry hair, doesn’t drag or stall, has a precision steel blade that adjusts from 000 to 1,  runs for 90 minutes cordless and powers up quickly between clients. Even better? Andis reduced the weight of the tool—it’s 35 percent lighter—yet it features the same balance and feel barbers love about the iconic Master.

FOUNDATIONAL CLIPPER SKILLS FOR FADING
Gill recently created this video demonstrating some key fading techniques that are foundational to the FLUID series:

DROP SKIN FADE WITH FRONT FRINGE

STEP 1. Start cut by removing length from the fringe with one of the Andis Slimline Pro Li Trimmers and a wide-tooth comb to prevent creating too much tension. This allows you to work with the natural fall of the hair.

STEP 2. Use the Andis Master Cordless Clipper and a 2 guard to create the initial weight line. The initial weight line should drop gradually as it progresses to the back. Work to the back and around to the opposite side to complete the line. Follow the shape of the head, don’t take the line too high and keep it square.

STEP 3. Using a 1.5 guard, repeat the process working just below the previously cut section, blending the 1.5 into the 2.

STEP 4. Using a Slimline Pro Li Trimmer, establish the zero line at a 1-finger width above the ear, following the previously established shape of the weight line from side to side.  Both weight lines should run parallel around the head to keep the fade consistent and create a flawless finish.

STEP 5. Using an Andis Cordless T-Outliner Li Trimmer remove all the hair below the zero line. Then sharpen the line at the temple areas.

STEP 6. With the Andis ProFoil Lithium Plus Titanium Foil Shaver, go over the previously-cut section below the zero line, flicking the shaver out slightly at the line to blend and to achieve a smooth skin finish.

STEP 7. With the Master Cordless Clipper and a 1 guard, blend just below the 1.5 line. Repeat with a 0.5 guard, then again with a 0 guard, each time going slightly lower than the number above.

STEP 8. Remove the guard on the clipper. Using the lever on the clipper, switch between a 0.5, a 0.25 and a 0 to create a smooth blend. Take a visual approach, noting where the hair is darker or lighter and also noting the shape of the head. Use the corner of the blade to break up any darker areas or uneven texture.

STEP 9. Detail the cut with a T-Blade Trimmer for a seamless finish. Work on each side and blend into the back.

STEP 10. Using a tapping technique with the ProFoil Shaver, lightly tap just above the skin line to break up the line where needed for a flawless blend.

STEP 11. Switch to a scissor-over-trimmer technique to further soften and blend the line.

STEP 12. Texturize the top of the cut by point-cutting horizontal sections.

Learn more about Andis Company’s education and products and check them out at @andisclippers on Instagram and @AndisCompany on Facebook.