To avoid hair damage while using professional hair cutting scissors, there are several factors to consider, from the sharpness of the scissors to cutting techniques and maintenance.
Here’s how you can prevent hair damage and ensure clean, precise cuts.
1. Use Razor-Sharp Blades
Dull scissors can tug, pull, or tear at the hair instead of cutting it cleanly. This causes split ends and fraying, which can lead to overall hair damage.
Always use professional hair cutting scissors with razor-sharp blades. Ensure they are regularly sharpened by a professional to maintain their effectiveness. Sharp blades provide a precise cut, reducing the risk of hair damage.
2. Choose the Right Type of Scissors
Using the wrong type of scissors, such as household scissors, can create uneven cuts that damage the hair strands.
For blunt cuts, use scissors with convex edges for clean, sharp lines. For texturizing, use thinning scissors or texturizing scissors. Using the appropriate scissors ensures the hair is cut smoothly without unnecessary stress on the hair shaft.
3. Proper Tension Adjustment
Scissors with incorrect tension can either be too tight, leading to excess pressure on the hair, or too loose, which results in pulling and uneven cutting.
Use the adjustment screw to set the correct tension. It should feel smooth and allow the blades to cut without excessive force. Proper tension reduces friction between the blades, preventing hair from being bent or snapped during cutting.
4. Use Clean and Well-Maintained Scissors
Dirty or rusty scissors can snag the hair, causing splits and damage.
Clean your scissors regularly with a soft cloth to remove hair, product residue, and oils. You should also lubricate the pivot area of the scissors to ensure smooth operation. Well-maintained scissors cut more effectively and reduce hair damage.
5. Cut Wet or Damp Hair When Necessary
Cutting dry hair with blunt scissors can cause the blades to snag, leading to frayed ends.
For precision cuts, cut wet or damp hair, especially for thicker, coarse textures. This ensures the hair is more pliable and easier to cut without damage. However, for styles like bangs or curly hair, where shrinkage is a concern, cut dry with sharp scissors to avoid over-cutting.
6. Use the Right Cutting Technique
Incorrect cutting techniques, such as using too much force or cutting at awkward angles, can stress the hair and cause damage.
Hold the scissors correctly with a relaxed grip, and ensure you cut smoothly and confidently. Avoid “hacking” at the hair, as this increases the chances of creating jagged ends and damaging the hair shaft. Use point cutting for softer edges and blunt cutting for clean, defined lines.
7. Avoid Overcutting the Same Section
Overworking the same section of hair can weaken the hair strands and cause breakage.
Cut each section once or twice with clean, decisive cuts. If further adjustments are necessary, do so gradually, but avoid constantly recutting the same area. This minimizes stress on the hair.
8. Keep the Scissors Positioned Correctly
Holding scissors at awkward angles or improperly can cause unintended pressure on the hair, leading to uneven cuts and damage.
Maintain a natural angle while cutting. The scissors should be at a 45-degree angle for texturizing or thinning, or a 90-degree angle for blunt cuts. Proper positioning allows for smooth movement and less damage.
9. Avoid Using Dull Scissors on Coarse or Curly Hair
Coarse and curly hair textures are more prone to damage, especially when dull scissors are used. Dull blades struggle to make clean cuts through these thicker textures, causing fraying and split ends.
Make sure scissors are razor-sharp and strong enough to handle coarse or curly hair without pulling or snagging. For curly hair, precise sharp cuts help maintain the natural curl pattern without disrupting the hair’s structure.
10. Use Hair Sectioning Clips for Accuracy
Cutting large, uneven sections of hair can lead to inconsistent lengths and damage from over-cutting.
Always use sectioning clips to separate the hair into smaller, manageable parts. This allows for more precise cuts and reduces the risk of damaging the hair by preventing you from cutting too much at once.
11. Minimize Heat and Chemical Exposure After Cuts
Excessive heat styling or chemical treatments after a haircut can make hair more prone to damage, even if it was cut properly.
Use heat protectants when styling hair and avoid heavy chemical treatments immediately after a cut. Let the hair recover after being freshly cut to maintain its health.
12. Invest in High-Quality Professional Scissors
Low-quality scissors dull faster and are prone to causing hair damage.
Always invest in high-quality stainless steel or cobalt alloy scissors. These materials hold their sharpness longer and ensure clean, consistent cuts, reducing the risk of damage.
Final Thoughts
Using professional hair cutting scissors correctly is key to avoiding hair damage. Sharp, well-maintained scissors ensure smooth, precise cuts that prevent split ends and fraying. By selecting the right tool for the job, adjusting tension, and using the right technique, you can maintain the health and integrity of your client’s hair.
