Cutting men’s hair with shears can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely doable with the right tools and techniques. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cutting men’s hair with shears, from choosing the right shears to mastering the basic cuts. So whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, read on, and let’s get started!
The first step to cutting men’s hair with shears is choosing the right shears. There are many different types of shears available, so it’s important to choose a pair that’s suited to your needs. For general cutting, you’ll want a pair of shears that are sharp, durable, and easy to handle. Once you’ve chosen your shears, it’s time to start practicing! The best way to learn how to cut men’s hair is to practice on a mannequin or a willing friend or family member.
Start by practicing the basic cuts: the scissor cut, the razor cut, and the clipper cut. Once you’ve mastered the basic cuts, you can start experimenting with more advanced techniques, such as layering and texturizing. With a little practice, you’ll be able to give yourself or your loved ones a great haircut at home!
The Fundamentals of Scissor Haircutting
Positioning and Grip
To achieve a precise and comfortable haircut, proper scissor handling is essential. Hold the shears between your thumb and ring finger, with the blade parallel to your thumb. Relax your hand and keep your wrist straight. Your elbow should be close to your body for stability.
When positioning the scissors, there are two primary grips: the thumb-over grip and the thumb-under grip. In the thumb-over grip, your thumb rests on top of the handle, while in the thumb-under grip, it sits underneath. The choice of grip depends on personal preference and technique.
It’s important to maintain a neutral wrist position throughout the haircut to prevent strain or injury. Avoid excessive bending or flexing of your wrist.
Cutting Techniques
There are various cutting techniques used with scissors, each achieving different effects. Here are some common techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Point Cutting | Involves holding the scissors vertically and snipping into the hair to create texture and volume. |
| Slicing | The scissors are held horizontally and slid through the hair to remove length. |
| Notching | A series of small, angled cuts made into the hair to create layers and texture. |
Cutting Angles
The angle at which you hold the scissors influences the finished cut. Holding the scissors parallel to the hair shaft will result in a blunt cut, while holding them at an angle will create a graduated or layered effect. Experiment with different angles to achieve the desired result.
Wet Cutting: Refining the Length
Wet cutting is an essential technique for refining the length of men’s hair and achieving a precise, tailored look.
The following steps outline how to wet cut hair:
1. Wet the Hair
Thoroughly wet the hair using a spray bottle or by having the client wash their hair before the cut. Wet hair is easier to cut and style.
2. Section the Hair
Divide the hair into four sections: front, back, left, and right. Use clips to hold the sections apart.
3. Establish the Guide Length
Start by determining the desired length of the hair. Use a comb or shears to establish the guide length on the top or side of the head.
4. Cut the Hair
Using sharp shears, carefully cut the hair to the desired length, following the guide length. Hold the shears parallel to the hair shaft and cut in small, even sections.
5. Refine the Cut
Once the overall length has been established, use the following techniques to refine the cut:
| Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Slithering | Smooths out rough edges and creates a seamless transition between lengths. |
| Point Cutting | Adds texture and movement to the hair by cutting into the ends of the hair at an angle. |
| Layering | Creates volume and dimension by cutting shorter layers underneath longer layers. |
Refining the cut with these techniques ensures a polished, professional-looking finish.
Blending and Texturizing
Once you have cut the hair to the desired length, you can start blending and texturizing it. This will help to create a more natural and polished look.
Blending
Blending is the process of smoothing out any harsh lines or transitions in the hair. To do this, use your shears to cut small, diagonal sections of hair at the edges of the cut. This will help to blend the different sections of hair together and create a more seamless look.
Texturizing
Texturizing is the process of adding texture and movement to the hair. To do this, use your shears to cut small, irregular sections of hair throughout the head. This will help to create a more natural and textured look.
Here is a table summarizing the different types of blending and texturizing techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Point cutting | Cutting the hair with the tips of the shears to create a soft, blended look. |
| Slicing | Cutting the hair with the side of the shears to create a more textured look. |
| Notching | Cutting small, V-shaped sections of hair to create a more edgy look. |
| Razor cutting | Using a razor to cut the hair, which creates a very soft and blended look. |
Tapering and Fading
Tapering and fading are techniques used to create a seamless transition from longer hair at the top to shorter hair towards the sides and back. These methods provide a stylish and modern look. Here’s how to execute them:
Tapering
1. Create a guide line by combing the hair upwards from the nape of the neck at a 45° angle.
2. Cut the hair along the guide line, gradually increasing the length as you move towards the crown.
3. Comb the hair down and check for evenness. Blend any uneven sections by point cutting with shears.
Fading
1. Start by creating a soft, high fade effect. Isolate a small section of hair above the ears using a clipper with a guard that corresponds to the desired shortness.
2. Blend the faded area upwards into the longer hair using shears. Hold the shears parallel to the head and move them in short, quick strokes.
3. Repeat this process, gradually decreasing the guard size to create a more pronounced fade.
| Guard Size | Fade Level |
|---|---|
| #2 | Soft Fade |
| #1 | Medium Fade |
| #0.5 | Hard Fade |
| #0 | Bald Fade |
4. To create a shadow fade, follow the same steps as for a regular fade, but keep the fade area smaller and less defined.
5. Blend the shadow fade into the longer hair using a blending shear, which has finer teeth than regular shears.
How to Cut Men’s Hair with Shears
Cutting men’s hair with shears requires precision and attention to detail. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve professional-looking results.
Prepare the Hair:
Before cutting, ensure the hair is clean and dry. Comb through the hair to detangle it and remove any knots.
Section the Hair:
Use a comb to create a center part from the forehead to the nape of the neck. Then, create two more partings perpendicular to the center part, one on each side of the head.
Cut the Back:
Start with the back section. Hold the shears parallel to the neck and cut the hair straight across in a downward motion. Gradually reduce the length by 1-2 inches towards the crown.
Cut the Sides:
Comb the side sections towards the back and lift them slightly. Cut the hair in an upwards diagonal motion, following the natural shape of the head.
Blend the Sections:
Once the back and sides are cut, use feathering shears to blend the sections together. Hold the shears at a 45-degree angle and make short, choppy cuts to create texture and seamless transitions.
Finish and Style:
Check for any unevenness and trim as necessary. Use a brush and comb to style the hair according to the desired look.
People Also Ask About How to Cut Men’s Hair with Shears
What type of shears should I use?
Use sharp, professional-grade shears designed for haircutting and avoid using scissors.
How often should I cut men’s hair?
The frequency of haircuts varies depending on the desired length and style. Generally, 2-4 weeks is recommended for short styles, while longer styles may need less frequent trims.
Can I cut men’s hair with scissors?
While it is possible to cut men’s hair with scissors, shears provide a cleaner and more precise cut. Scissors tend to crush the hair, leading to split ends and unevenness.
