WHEN you hear the word calligraphy, it's safe to say handwriting is the first thing that comes to mind.
But the phrase is also taking the hairdressing world by storm.
The calligraphy cut is an innovative haircutting technique that, instead of scissors, is done with a long, thin, tool with a flat blade on the end.
Called a calligraphy pen, this stainless-steel blade chops hair at a precise 21-degree angle.
"If you want hair that is healthier, with fewer split ends, easier to style, with more body, volume and shine, the calligraphy cut is for you," says stylist Gail Stewart.
Gail, who has more than 25 years experience in the industry and her own salon in Edinburgh, is the only hairdresser in Scotland trained to offer this unique cutting method.
The technique is available at just two other salons across the whole of the UK - one in the Midlands and the other in London.
Mum-of-one Gail, 46, stumbled across the calligraphy cut on YouTube during lockdown and spent two years training to become a certified stylist.
She said: "The calligraphy cut is really popular in Europe but there was no-one in Scotland using it yet.
"I wanted a USP and consider my salon a destination salon. I want to give my clients something they're not going to get anywhere else."
She added: "I started incorporating it lightly when I was doing my clients' hair.
"They were coming back and asking 'what did you do differently this time?'. They said it's felt so much better and that they feel they can go longer between cuts."
And customers are even travelling hundreds of miles to experience the unique cut.
"I've had people travelling from Skye just to get a calligraphy cut", Gail revealed.
"I've got a lot more European clients now as well. It's wonderful.
"I also have a client who lives in the Middle East but is from the Isle of Mull, She comes in for a cut when she's in the country.
"It works well on every hair type but especially on finer hair. Because of that 21 degrees it elevates your hair, which actually makes finer hair thicker.
"It's a beautiful, beautiful tool."
She added: "I sometimes give 100% calligraphy cuts, but quite often - depending on the hair, depending on the client - I will use mixed methods. I'll do a bit of scissor work, a bit of calligraphy work.
"It's so revolutionary. I absolutely love it. If you see the pen and the way you have to hold it to cut, it does literally look like you're writing. It's quite clever.
"I feel so honoured to be able to bring it to Scotland."
Calligraphy cut appointments can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes depending on the client and their hair type.
The intricate method allows each strand to absorb the most moisture from hair care products, prevents split ends and helps with hair health over time.
Gail said the blade can also create practically any hairstyle - from long or curly to tousled bobs and pixie cuts.
And she's already been inundated with five-star reviews from clients who are loving their new hairstyles.
"The calligraphy cut is really funky and versatile. As usual, Gail has worked her magic", gushed one.
A second echoed: "Delighted with my fabulous calligraphy cut."
A third added: "Every bit of this experience was exceptional and unique from the gorgeous salon interior to the calligraphy cutting.
"Gail is a true professional and is offering a highly technical form of cutting available nowhere else in Scotland.
Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: "Gail is the only hairdresser who I go back to again and again.
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"I love her styling with calligraphy and her knowledge and skill in using colour is the best out there."
Calligraphy cuts from £99, at Gail Stewart Styling, 3 Drumbrae North, Edinburgh (0131 339 4000, www.gailstewartstyling.co.uk or via Treatwell).