Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

HOW-TO: The Pleating Technique -- Sebastian's Matrix Pulse Look

Part of Sebastian Professional's EvoTech collection, the Matrix Pulse look takes inspiration from the digital age. The majority of this look uses "The Pleating Technique" with a flatiron. Learn how to re-create it in just a few steps.

May 7, 2014
2 min to read


Sebastian Professional's "Matrix Pulse" look from the Digitality Collection.

This year Sebastian Professional launches hair into the digital age. The latest techniques create new-to-the-eye-styles and futuristic shapes with their new EvoTech collection. "The collection is very new--each look is multidimensional, every style is transformable. These strong, textured shapes can be accentuated and expanded to create something different," says Shay Dempsey, Sebastian Global Art Director.

With the idea for EvoTech up and running, Michael and Shay set to work on bringing their vision to life looking to Warren Du Preez and Nick Thorton Jones to find a way of making their styles come to life through photographic invention with technical precision and artistry. Here, is one of four looks in the EvoTech collection: Matrix Pulse.

Ad Loading...

"The digital age has changed the relationship between stylist and client--everyone is so connected through technology, and they can find inspiration anywhere and everywhere. People want to be able to transform their hair when they want: on-demand," says Michael Polsinelli, Sebastian Global Art Director.

For the Matrix Pulse look, the Sebastian team used "The Pleating Technique" which is a versatile, two-in-one technique to simultaneously create texture and shape. Small sections of hair were folded and pressed with a flatiron and then brushed out. The desired volume and shape can be adjusted by changing the amount and placement of folds.

GET THE LOOK:

STEP 1: Hair was first blow-dried with Sebastian's Texture Maker to ensure extra control. Starting at the back, small vertical sections were taken, and the Pleating Technique was used to create the base of the shape.

STEP 2: The Pleating Technique was continued--taking small sections around the rest of the head.

Ad Loading...

STEP 3: Each pleated section was then brushed out and back-combed at the roots.

STEP 4: The final shape was expanded and fixed using Sebastian's Shaper Zero Gravity spray.


RELATED STORY:

HOW-TO: Sebastian Professional's Sonic Curve Look

By Lauren Salapatek | 02/28/2014 | WWW.MODERNSALON.COM | HAIR-PHOTOS
This year Sebastian Professional launches hair into the digital age. Take a look at the new Sonic Curve look, part of the brand's EvoTech collection.
Read more


GET THE VIDEO HOW-TO BELOW!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Career

Ad Loading...
Michelle Bowden works on a hair piece on a mannequin
Career|Articles|Apr 15, 2026

How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)

From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.

Ad Loading...
Career|Articles|Jan 9, 2026

Beautiful Careers Happen Here

Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!

Sponsored by Ulta Beauty

Ad Loading...