There are many factors to consider when cutting different styles, but some things are universal no matter the cut. The following cutting techniques can be used in many styles, and sectioning is a vital skill to master.
Sectioning
Sectioning the hair is a very important part of the cut. It’s important to section all your hair to prepare it for cutting and work it carefully – it’s good to have clips handy to keep cut hair out of the way. Having a water spray available while cutting is also a plus, as hair can fry while cutting. It’s best to cut wet hair for the basic cut and then customize it after it’s been fully styled, before using any finishing products. Always sweep all of your hair after you cut it to reduce the risk of it slipping as you dry it.
cutting sticks
A technique that consists of using the scissors to create a line of constant weight in the hair, simply cutting straight. This is often used for one-length bobs or cuts, and sometimes in men’s cuts. It is the original slash technique and is a basic skill that must be mastered before progressing.
chip cutting
A fairly new technique that seems to have become popular in the last ten years. It can be used for many cuts, but is particularly good for softening edges rather than cutting straight lines. It can be used in two ways: a deep chip cut or a small chip. Cutting deep will leave your hair a little messier at the ends, making it look like it’s grown out a bit. A smaller chip helps smooth out a cut and creates some texture around the basic cut, rather than straight lines or thick edges.
scissor over comb
It is used to remove weight on shorter hair, usually around the neck area and occasionally on the sides when cut shorter at the ears, especially on men’s hair. This technique requires a lot of practice to master. What happens is that the comb moves very slowly following the shape of the cut (which usually follows the contours of the head shape) and the scissors cut over the top of the comb, removing excess weight or hair that appears to be longer. than the rest. .
You can use this technique in conjunction with chipping on medium-length hair, still removing weight but using a soft undercut to create texture. This chipping technique is not recommended on fine or thin hair, as marks or lines may appear in the haircut, unless you prefer a choppy, textured cut. Practice definitely makes perfect with this cut, and it can take many years to fully master. Practicing on a doll’s head can help!
channel cutting
A technique that involves cutting with scissors while gliding over hair that is flat; you do not collect the hair in one section. This is always done on dry hair and usually on layered hair, again to take weight and slice the style. Never start the channel too high on the head, as it can cause the hair to be cut too short and stand out.
slice
Eliminate the weight and bulk of the hair, but your scissors must be very sharp for this. If not, they pull on the hair and can damage the structure of the hair. This technique has a similar effect to the old thinning shears in that it shortens some hairs, therefore thinning the hair or creating some smoothness and cuts. The difference is that with slicing, it’s done when you see weight that needs to be removed, or where you want to soften and add slices to the hair. It’s also only in small amounts, while thinning shears cut the entire section and don’t give the same smooth effect.