Sebastian Visionary Creative Immersion eBook by Wella Brand Education

Visionary Creative Immersion Shape Your World Artistry in your hands

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MANIFESTO

ARTISTRY IN YOUR HAND HAIR LANGUAGE METHODOLOGY ICONIC TECHNIQUES ICONIC LOOKS

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MANIFESTO

Manifesto

HAIR IS IDENTITY.

Hair is intrinsic to how we present ourselves to the world. Our hair celebrates the freedom to express our individuality with pride, confidence and joy.

HAIR IS ARTISTRY.

We are artists at our core. Hair is our medium, the fibre with which we craft our skill and creativity.

HAIR IS EVOLVING.

We embrace and enable endless hair expression. We are continually inspired by the possibilities of what’s next.

HAIR IS UNITING.

We connect a global community of innovators, stylists, creators and lovers of all things hair.

HAIR IS SEBASTIAN.

ARTISTRY IN YOUR HAND

Artistry in your hands

Sebastian Professional is always in pursuit of what’s next. The idea. The twist. The creative shift that reshapes how we style—and how we see. From the underground up, life has been our inspiration. For us style is more than a formula and beyond technique—

it’s transformation. It opens the imagination, and gives others permission to shape their world, their way.

HAIR LANGUAGE

Creative Visionary For fearless innovators and trendsetters, these looks redefine the future of hair. Sculptural, cutting-edge, and conceptual, they make a bold statement leveraging mix mediums and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Editorial Edge For those unafraid to turn heads with unique, unapologetic hair looks that make an impact. Where edgy meets sophistication, combining unexpected shapes, textures, and colors. Looks evolve from reinvented classics to never-before seen styles.

Bold Street Style For those who want to define their own style and turn everyday hair into attention-grabbing looks. Strong diffused lines and contrasts that showcase our techniques. Organic and flawless textures that amplifies your canvas and express who you are.

HAIR LANGUAGE

Simple in the end look yet complex in the execution Sebastian was the first brand to really start the revolution of thinking outside the box and breaking the rules! Our method is extremely complex and takes many years to master, but that’s how we built such a strong culture. We are taking hairdressers completely out of their comfort zones to challenge their skill set. We make them think out of the box. We have them look at what is in front of them: the face, hair, body shape, building elements, and principles of design. We train their eye to look at the overall shape so they can decide which techniques to use to set them up for success with that individual. Our point of difference in creating hairstyles is to combine the use of many tools for one look; blade, scissors, and blending shears fuse together to create a personalized accent. Our images, our looks are looser and more organic, and they come with the ability to give the individual an edgier, more youthful appearance. But it’s the knowledge of the techniques that gives the stylist the tools to create and make the look their own.

HAIR LANGUAGE

Our lines are diffused, and overall shapes are perfectly broken with intelligent techniques that always bring out the model’s features. We use accents of color like a painting tool to either create dimension to the styling or enhance a texture to add strength to the look. We see hair as a fiber and use both hot and liquid tools to transform the texture. Sebastian was first born when Geri Cuzensa, founder of Sebastian Professional, created a new-to-the-eye texture for Barbara Streisand’s album cover. Her desire to make this new style available to the masses led to the invention of the crimping iron. Since then, we have continued to transcend trends with intelligently imperfect, multitransformational styles.

METHODOLOGY

Consultation

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK AT? 1 THE PERSON IN YOUR CHAIR

The attitude and personal appearance begin it all, guiding you on how far you will go with the transformation. 2 THE FACE SHAPE TO CREATIVELY INSPIRE YOU

Work with what you see, this is the beginning of the creative process ... with the freedom to push further. 3 NOW COMES THE HAIR TEXTURE AND COLOR

This will determine the process, the shape, and the techniques you should choose to create your masterpiece. 4 SELECT THE LIQUID TOOLS

These products work with you to bring a look to life and showcase it to its very best.

METHODOLOGY

Elements & principles of design WE TRAIN YOUR EYES TO PERCEIVE NEW THINGS LINE A line creates a sense of motion or calm, accenting one point or many to create harmony or chaos. The line tells the eye where to go and what to do. The line divides the eye into two areas, while a curved line also directs the eye. SHAPE AND BALANCE A shape can be two dimensional to your eye but have three-dimensional balance. We have to make both perceptions work together. For balance, you will consider the overall, finished look, then choose the color and cutting technique accordingly. MASS Mass is an object’s occupied space and it is three dimensional. Your eyes see in two dimensions, while the mind perceives three, which is how you should create. We manage mass by considering both the actual physical mass of the hair and the mass as it appears visually. Because hair occupies space both in the actual world and in your mind.

METHODOLOGY

COLOR Color is the reflection of different qualities of light off a surface. The color of an object creates mood and is the most vitalelement of all creative designs. It can emphasize a line, highlight a shape, or create texture. Color can also increase or decrease the appearance of mass. TEXTURE Texture describes the surface quality of an object. Texture combines everything and creates a feeling. There are two kinds of texture. The visual texture combines lines, points, and shapes so that the individual elements don’t capture the eye as much as the overall combination. The result emphasizes density and patterns that merely prickle the eye. The tactile texture is the physical nature of the surface as “felt” by the eye. Tactile texture tells the eye what the surface of the object probably feels like. Our products change the tactile aspect of the hair fabric by either adding grip or smoothening the hair.

METHODOLOGY

Cutting methodology It allows the stylist to break down any haircut into five essential elements and combine them for a perfect finish. In considering the five key elements, your client is assured an ultrapersonalized and custom haircut.

KEY ELEMENTS AND COMPLEMENTS 1 THE FRINGE

Complements the face shapes and the face features. 2 THE SIDES

Complements the face shape, the profile, and the shoulders. 3 THE NAPE

Complements the neck, the shoulders, and the back. 4 THE CROWN

Complements the overall balance and the head shape. 4 THE ACCENT

Is for complementing the individual!

METHODOLOGY

ACCENT The fifth element is unlike the others because it belongs to no specific area of the hair. It may be a piece longer or shorter in the design. It may be the color, texture, or specific use of a styling tool. The fifth element is the essence or personality of the cut, individual to every stylist or client. HAIR PARTING The parting approach determines the area of each element. Part the fringe, sides, nape, and crown. The accent may or may not need a specific area or parting. CUTTING Once the key elements are mastered, the stylist may cut in any order according to preference or cutting style. Because there is no element that must be cut first, the order of cutting may vary from client to client or cut to cut. The system gets personalized to each stylist. Yet some shapes will dictate the starting point for the haircut. A graduation, for example, wouldn’t be started from the crown. STYLING Style the hair in the method that best complements the cut’s design. Styling products play an important part in accentuating or concealing any element. They also affect the shape and texture of the overall design.

ICONIC THECNIQUES

Iconic blading techniques WHY DO WE USE THE BLADE?

You must wonder what’s best to use. There’s no definitive set of circumstances for when you’d decide to use the blade over scissors. It all comes down to the finish of the haircut you are looking for. At Sebastian, we use the blade because we look for perfectly imperfect shapes, we love soft and flowing movement, we like our haircut to meld beautifully with the head of the client, and we like choppy yet soft edges to bring out our client’s features.

HOW DOES HAIR REACT TO THE BLADE?

It takes years to master the blade, and at Sebastian, we teach you how to push the boundaries of hair cutting by introducing blading techniques for what’s in front of you and how the texture – and which texture – works with blade.

METHODOLOGY

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL SKIMMING This technique consists of reducing mass and length at the same time with a fluid motion from the midshaft, using long, smooth strokes with the blade, all the way to the ends.

CURVE CUTTING Gently hold the blade between the thumb and the two first fingers and cut using a curving motion, starting at the midshaft through to the ends. This will create spaces in the hair, allowing movement.

PEN CUTTING Hold the hair vertically or horizontally between your fingers. Work with the edge of the blade in an upward motion from the head toward the ends, filtering and removing mass.

SPLICING Taking the hair in a vertical position, press the thumb between the hair and the blade, removing length and weight to create a choppy texture.

METHODOLOGY

PINCH AND CUT Using your thumb and your index finger, pinch the hair together and use the blade when detailing your haircut. It gives you a lot of possibilities, from a very soft to a very strong result.

BLADE OVER COMB This technique consists of running the blade over the comb in a rapid and fluid movement in order to create a seamless and filtered effect.

WRAP CUTTING This technique consists of using the head as reference. We direct the hair in an opposite direction, creating shorter to longer lengths throughout the haircut.

ICONIC THECNIQUES

BEYOND THE BLADE Introducing two new Sebastian techniques that fuse artistic disruption with precision design. A fresh evolution in texture and movement.

TWIST + TAP Twisting sections of hair and then using a blade to gently tap or slide into the surface for texture. Almost like controlled disruption to create movement and internal layering. This technique results in soft and airy, edgy and shattered look.

SHAPE + SHIFT Over and under skimming within diamond and triangle panels, traveling along the crescent of the head. This technique reduces mass and creates a natural counterbalance, blending geometric precision with free-flowing texture.

ICONIC THECNIQUES

Scissors techniques SCISSORS TECHNIQUES USED IN COMBINATION WITH BLADING TECHNIQUES

TWIST AND CUT Take sections of hair and twist them in the opposite direction to one another. Using the scissors with a mix of slight pressures and gaps, remove mass and length, forcing movement and texture into the hair.

BACK CUTTING This technique consists of introducing soft and loose layers by using the shears to reduce mass and length at the same time.

POINT CUTTING Using the tips of the shears, keeping fingers away from the desired length, cut directly into the hair, creating an erratic line within the shape or creating a serrated edge.

POINT CUT OVER COMB Use the wide side of comb, hold the hair, and point cut to remove length where needed and add texture.

SHEAR OVER COMB This is the same idea as the POINT CUT OVER COMB technique except blunt cutting instead of point cutting.

SLIDE CUTTING This technique consists of detailing the haircut using the shears in a downward motion to reduce mass, creating a more filtered or textured look and cutting so hair falls naturally.

FILTERING Use the filtering shears in a vertical direction to reduce mass and create a more fitted shape.

ICONIC LOOKS

Maisie + MASTER THE LOOKS

Lee + MASTER THE LOOKS

Liza + MASTER THE LOOKS

Paula + MASTER THE LOOKS

ICONIC LOOKS

Maisie

From the Bold Street Style pixie to editorial edge and fearless avant-garde, this foundational cut unleashes shape, movement, and texture—transforming everyday hair into daring, boundary-breaking artistry.

ICONIC LOOKS

Pixie Cut. Bold Street Style

Everyday hair, amplified. Short-to-long layers and face-framing angles create organic balance while diffused lines turn heads.This foundational shape transforms into a dynamic canvas, letting personality and attitude shine through. Prep Cleanse with Penetraitt Rescue Repair Shampoo & Conditioner. Refabricate Mist No.Breaker Treatment Spray through clean, damp hair to build strength and create slip for blade control.Cocktail Dark Oil Styling Oil with Penetraitt Overnight Serum for smoothness, nourishment, and control. FRINGE. Face framing & feature focus The accent of the haircut. Isolate the fringe and split into two parts. Use Vertical Skimming, pulling each section into previous to maintain soft connection. Define the final length with Pinch & Cut for a diffused, effortless edge. BACK. Structure & Strenght From crown to nape work with Vertical Skimming. As you move toward the corner back on each side, pull each section into the previous to maintain balance. Keep the weight distributed within a square shape through the back of the head for structure and strength. SIDES. Neckline & Silhouette Anchor From the mid point of the ear establish a visual guideline below the ear. Pull n each section into the first, repeating twice using Vertical Skimming to maintain flow and connectivity. CROWN. Overall balance & Movement Establish the crown guideline from the highest point of the fringe, cutting with Splicing at 90°. Lift each vertical into the first to remove length and build movement . The crown connects all areas, ensuring a seamless, head-hugging shape. ACCENT. Personality & Final Language Refine the overall form with Vertical Pen Cutting to remove internal weight. Use Blade-Over-Comb to soften fringe and perimeter, creating a free-flowing, modern texture. The finished silouhette is compact yet fluid, hugging the head with effortless motion. Finish Blow dry and shape naturally. Polish the look with Craft Clay.

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ICONIC LOOKS

Editorial Edge

Reinvented classics meet unexpected shapes, textures, and colors. Edgy yet sophisticated, this styling turns heads with modern flair.Built from the Bold Street Style foundation, the look evolves with asymmetry and lifted sections for a striking editorial impact.

SHAPE & BALANCE A sculpted, three-dimensional silhouette that boldly exposes the face and redefines proportion. Strong, square lines contour the head, creating tension between structure and softness. The overall design feels architectural yet fluid — a balance of precision, attitude, and ease. The hair is misted with Shaper Fierce Hairspray, then reshaped through heat and direction — refining the silhouette and revealing the head’s natural architecture. Working through each side, the form evolves asymmetrically, emphasizing strength through eliberate imbalance and sculptural lift.

ACCENT The defining statement — a side fin that emerges as both structure and ornament.Its color gradient from dark to light transforms the shape into a visual journey, enhancing contrast and movement.This accent becomes the essence of individuality — sharp yet fluid, directional yet effortless.Lock the final form with Shaper Fierce Hairspray for high-definition control and luminous sheen.

Finish Polish with minimal product to preserve raw dimension and tactile texture. For a pure editorial interpretation, amplify the dialogue between matte at the nape and shine at the fin.

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ICONIC LOOKS

Creative Visionary

Sculptural, conceptual, and daring. Mixing mediums, textures, and dramatic contrasts, this look pushes boundaries for avant-garde artistry.The editorial shape becomes a playground for dramatic innovation, from lifted sections to black-on-blond contrasts for bold, futuristic statements

SHAPE & BALANCE Sculptural, conceptual, and daring — this look fuses form, contrast, and texture into an avant-garde statement of individuality.The silhouette evolves from a refined editorial base into a dimensional, architectural composition, where light meets dark, and structure meets fluidity. Black and blonde interlace to create a play of shadow and shine, embodying the creative spirit of fearless experimentation. ACCENT The accent lies in the bold interplay of color and texture — a sculpted crown enhanced with a pre-done hairpiece.Placed at the top of the head, the hairpiece merges light and dark, amplifying contrast and redefining balance. Refined with Horizontal Skimming, use straightening iron for shine and finished with ReShaper for control, the result is a powerful expression of individuality — a true celebration of Sebastian’s artistic edge.

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ICONIC LOOKS

Liza

From the bold disruption of the Shattered Bob to its sculptural evolution, this foundational cut unleashes new dimensions of texture and movement—shifting effortlessly from everyday edge to fearless editorial artistry.

ICONIC LOOKS

Shattered bob. Bold Street Style

A disruptive take on the graduated bob. Choppy, textured lines carved with precision blading transform a classic into a bold, modern statement. Prep Cleanse with Volupt Max Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner. Refabricate Apply Volupt Thickefy Volumizing Mousse, then layer with Volupt Max Volumizing Spray Gel for volume and hold. NAPE. Perimeter & Back Begin one inch above the hairline to establish a deconstructed perimeter. Use Horizontal Skimming to define length while diffusing the edge — the foundation of the shattered texture.Continue upward toward the crown, allowing the lineto fragment organically for a soft,lived-in base. SIDES Transition from the back into the sides, maintaining alignment with the Horizontal Skimming guideline.Preserve looseness within each section — the intention is connection without rigidity, ensuring the shattered energy flows forward. FRINGE Link from the corners into the fringe using Vertical Skimming. Keep the movement fragmented and light, avoiding a dense, heavy block at the front.This creates transparency and a dynamic, freemoving veil that frames the face. CROWN. Shape + Balance Work through the upper layers, following the perimeter’s language. Use Vertical Skimming through corners to dissolve excess weight and maintain soft crown fluidity.Shape and balance come from contrast — rounded form meeting multi-textured disconnection. ACCENT Personalize the texture and collapse volume through Pen Cutting. Use Twist + Tap in selected panels to inject air, volume, and irregular patterning. Let asymmetry or fractured length at the perimeter serve as the personality point — the unmistakable accent of the look. Finish Apply Volupt Spray Gel to style and set the shattered structure. Encourage natural movement and tactile dimension by scrunching or diffusing for flexible hold. The overall expression: a rounded, multi-textured, face-framing bob — perfectly imperfect, with effortless edge.

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ICONIC LOOKS

Creative Visionary

Using the power of the products the bob reimagined as sculpture to create fin-like shapes emerge from the cut, framing the face with bold strands that cross the forehead—striking, conceptual, and unapologetically avant-garde.

SHAPE & BALANCE An offset, elongated head-hugging silhouette — structured yet fluid. The line is diffused, creating a deliberate imbalance that sculpts strength through asymmetry. The nape is pushed off-center, reinforcing the directional flow of the design and exposing the purity of the neck and jawline.A solid, singular color amplifies visual power — purity of tone magnifying purity of shape. ACCENT The defining statement: a waved, wrapped section sweeping across the forehead — architectural, sensual, and cinematic.This fluid accent transforms the structure into movement, playing with reflection, texture, and tension.

CREATION & FINISH Apply a generous amount of Dark Oil Styling Oil to achieve a high-gloss, wet-look surface. Gather hair into a low, offset bun at the occipital to refine and emphasize the profile, sculpting a graphic head shape.Polish and lock the form in place with ReShaper Hairspray, maintaining control while preserving flexibility.The result: a sleek, editorial silhouette — bold in proportion, balanced through tension, and defined by pure contrast.

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ICONIC LOOKS

Paula

From timeless bob to flowing lob, this foundational cut channels the power of skimming to unlock new dimensions of shape and movement—evolving seamlessly from modern street style to avant-garde artistry defined by texture, balance, and bold contrast.

ICONIC LOOKS

Lob. Bold Street Style

The iconic bob, reimagined. Length transforms the solid classic into a perfectly imperfect lob with flowing, diffused lines. Movement and texture come alive through the artistry of skimming, fused with layered techniques for added fluidity. Prep Cleanse with Drench Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner. Refabricate Mist No.Breaker Treatment Spray through clean, damp hair for strength, repair, and smooth blade glide. Apply Dark Oil Styling Oil for slip, shine, and control. SHAPE. Back & Length Begin at the back using Horizontal Skimming to establish the length, working in precise 0.5inch sections from top down.Define the perimeter with Pinch & Cut to create a strong yet diffused line — a foundation that feels tailored, not rigid. SIDES From the top of the ear, take diagonal sections and use Wrap Cutting with the Shape + Shift techniques. Release tension and Skim to the top of the shoulder to introduce internal layering and a soft, head-hugging silhouette that enhances natural movement. FRINGE Craft a subtle, face-framing veil using Horizontal Pen Cutting from the mid-top section forward. The fringe connects fluidly to the sides, creating harmony between softness and structure. CROWN. Shape + Balance From the occipital upward, continue with Wrap Cutting, directing sections backward to maintain interior flow and natural lift.Blend into the top layers with Horizontal Pen Cutting for a balanced, effortless contour. The overall shape subtly shifts forward, creating a sense of dynamic off-set balance. ACCENT Personalize the cut with Pen Cutting around the face frame.Refine movement and enhance swing with intentional irregularity — a crisp perimeter against an airy texture, or a blunt edge softened by a fluid crown. The accent celebrates contrast and individuality — structured yet free. Finish Apply Texturizer Bodifying Liquid Gel, then blow-dry to emphasize movement,shape memory, and a modern, touchable finish.

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ICONIC LOOKS

Creative Visionary

A play of contrasts. Smooth shine meets matte texture, with a flat crown and voluminous nape that sculpt a bold, balanced silhouette—fluid yet architectural, refined yet disruptive

SHAPE & BALANCE A counterbalanced silhouette — sleek and fitted around the head, extending into textured length and dimension.Smooth shine contrasts with matte density, while a flat crown flows into a voluminous, sculpted nape.The result is a bold interplay of discipline and disruption — refined structure meeting tactile freedom.

ACCENT The visual focal point emerges through the waved line in the textured back section. On one side, create finger waves to draw the eye toward controlled movement and calming rhythm.Wet down the hair thoroughly, apply Gel Forte section by section, and comb through for even tension and fluid control.Tie the remaining hair into a low ponytail, then position a matte, textured hairpiece asymmetrically at the nape to amplify shape and visual contrast.Fix the look with ReShaper for durable hold and sculptural definition.

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ICONIC LOOKS

Lee

Born from the innovation of Twist + Tap, this look transforms curls into a statement shape— structured yet effortless, masculine yet fluid. From bold street style to refined editorial edge, it embodies how new Sebastian techniques reshape texture into the trends of tomorrow.

ICONIC LOOKS

Curly Shag. Bold Street Style

A modern reimagining of the shag, sculpted entirely with the blade. The new Twist + Tap technique defines curls into bold, rounded layers and a soft fringe, creating a trendy shape that feels fresh, iconic, and full of attitude. Prep Cleanse with Drench Shampoo & Conditioner. Refabricate Twisted Curl Magnifier Styling Cream + Dark Oil Styling Oil

FRINGE. Face-Framing & Feature Focus If a fringe is desired, drop a veil section and blend seamlessly using Vertical Skimming to complement the face shape and curl pattern. This softens the front while maintaining natural curl integrity. SIDES. Silhouette & Dimension Pivot sections from the crown toward the back of the ear. Pull hair forward into the chest and cut using Vertical Skimming, following the back guideline for fluid, consistent sides. NAPE. Perimeter & Structure In the central back section, establish the perimeter using Vertical Skimming. Progress forward section by section, creating a controlled yet organic base for the overall shape. CROWN. Shape & Weight Management From the top of the crown to below the occipital: Use Curve Cutting through the middle to manage weight. Apply Shape + Shift using upside-down triangle sections for personalized balance. Curve Cut over → removes external weight. Curve Cut under → collapses internal weight. ACCENT. Personality & Expression Drop the top section and blend with Vertical Skimming. Refine texture and definition using Pen Cutting. Let curls air dry naturally — the accent reveals itself in movement, curl pattern, and individuality. Finish Embrace the natural curl and bounce. Highlight individuality with selective definition, curl activation, and product for shine or control as desired.

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ICONIC LOOKS

Editorial Edge

The cut evolves into a sleek, minimal styling: curls pulled into a bun below the occipital bone, exposing facial structure and amplifying the bold silhouette.

SHAPE & BALANCE A sculpted, geometric silhouette emphasizing structure and form. The overall shape lifts and separates the curls, creating a controlled yet visually dynamic profile. ACCENT Hair is gently pulled away from the face, making facial features the focal point. The accent is expressed through tension and lift, emphasizing movement and silhouette. Apply a generous amount of Dark Oil Styling Oil for a wet-look effect and enhanced definition. Gather the hair into a man bun at the occipital area to accentuate the profile and elongate the head shape.Refine the shape, smoothing curls where needed and sculpting a more geometric, editorial silhouette. Finish Lock the look in place with ReShaper Hairspray for hold and polish.

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