Hair cutting scissors is an art, and mastering the use of shears is a vital skill for every hair stylist. Whether you are just starting or are a seasoned professional, understanding different techniques with shears can make all the difference in delivering the perfect haircut. In this blog post, we will walk through essential techniques for hair stylists to refine their skills, helping you achieve beautiful, precise results every time.
Understanding Your Tools
Before diving into techniques, it’s important to know your tools well. Hair cutting shears come in different types—classic straight scissors, texturizing shears, and thinning shears, each serving a unique purpose. The size of the shears also matters; shorter blades (4.5 to 5.5 inches) are ideal for precision cutting, while longer blades (6 inches and above) are better for larger sections and layering.
Types of Shears
1. Classic Shears: For standard cuts and clean lines.
2. Texturizing Shears: Create texture by cutting some hair while leaving the rest.
3. Thinning Shears: Remove bulk from hair without changing the overall shape of the cut.
Basic Techniques for Haircutting
There are several basic cutting techniques every hair stylist should be familiar with. Each serves a specific purpose and is used to achieve different styles and effects.
1. Blunt Cutting
Blunt cutting is the most common technique used to create sharp, clean lines. It’s perfect for clients who want a sleek, polished look like a classic bob or blunt bangs. To perform a blunt cut
- Hold the section of hair straight down between your fingers
- Use the shears to cut a straight line at the desired length
This technique works well for clients with fine to medium hair textures. It provides a full-bodied appearance and can be especially flattering on straight hair.
2. Point Cutting
Point cutting is a technique used to add softness and texture to the ends of the hair. It’s ideal for removing bulk and creating a more natural, less rigid look.
- After creating the desired length with a blunt cut, hold the shears vertically at the ends of the hair
- Snip into the hair ends at a slight angle to soften them
Point cutting can be applied to both short and long haircuts and is great for clients who want a more relaxed, tousled style.
3. Slide Cutting
Slide cutting is a method used for layering and shaping the hair without creating harsh lines. It is commonly used to add movement and dimension to hairstyles.
- Hold a section of hair and place the shears slightly open at the base
- Gently slide the shears down the length of the hair while closing them softly, creating a gradual cut
This technique is excellent for creating soft layers and a flowing, natural look, especially in longer hairstyles.
4. Texturizing
Texturizing involves using texturizing or thinning shears to reduce volume or add movement. It is particularly useful for thick or coarse hair types that can become too heavy without some removal of bulk.
- Take small sections of hair and cut with texturizing shears about halfway down the shaft of the hair.
- This allows the removal of excess bulk without changing the length or shape of the haircut.
Texturizing helps create a lighter, more manageable style while retaining the integrity of the cut.
5. Layer Cutting
Layer cutting involves cutting hair at different lengths to create volume and texture. There are two primary types of layers: long layers and short layers.
- Long layers: Maintain the overall length while adding movement
- Short layers: Add volume, especially around the crown
To create layers, use a combination of blunt cutting and slide cutting techniques. Hold each section at an angle to determine the desired length for each layer.
Mastering Shear Handling
Good technique requires more than just knowing how to cut. It’s equally important to have good shear-handling skills.
- Proper Grip: Hold the shears with your ring finger in the top hole and your thumb in the bottom. This allows for more precise movement and control.
- Finger Placement: Your shears should move like an extension of your hand. Keep your fingers and wrist relaxed to avoid tension.
- Consistent Tension: Make sure to maintain even tension on the hair while cutting. Uneven tension can result in jagged lines and an uneven cut.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the shears is all about practice and precision. Whether you’re cutting straight lines with a blunt cut or adding soft layers with slide cutting, these techniques will enhance your professional hair cutting Scissors skills and help you deliver high-quality results for your clients. Experiment with different techniques to see how they work on various hair types and lengths, and soon you’ll be on your way to becoming a cutting expert!
