As a professional stylist, one of the most essential tools in your arsenal is your hair cutting scissors. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, mastering the proper technique of using professional hair cutting scissors is crucial for creating precise, clean cuts and ensuring client satisfaction. Hair cutting scissors are designed to deliver sharp, controlled cuts, and knowing how to use them effectively will improve your efficiency, comfort, and the overall outcome of each haircut.
In this article, we will guide you through essential tips and techniques for using professional hair cutting scissors like a pro. From understanding the different types of scissors to learning the best cutting methods, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master your scissor skills.
Understanding Professional Hair Cutting Scissors
Before diving into the techniques, it’s important to understand the different features of professional hair cutting scissors. These scissors are designed specifically for cutting hair and are different from regular household scissors. Key features to look for in professional hair cutting scissors include:
- Sharpness: The precision of your cuts depends on the sharpness of your scissors. High-quality professional hair cutting scissors are made of durable steel, which ensures sharp blades that cut through hair smoothly.
- Ergonomics: Professional scissors are often designed with ergonomic handles to reduce strain on your hands and wrists. Look for scissors with offset handles, swivel thumb rings, or other ergonomic features to ensure comfort during long cutting sessions.
- Blade Type: The blade may be straight, convex, or beveled. Convex blades are ideal for smooth, clean cuts, while beveled blades are often used for texturizing.
- Material: The material of the scissors can affect performance. Scissors made from stainless steel or high-carbon steel are popular choices, offering durability, sharpness, and corrosion resistance.
Now that we have an understanding of the tools, let’s move on to the techniques and tips that will help you use your professional hair cutting scissors like a pro.
Tips for Using Professional Hair Cutting Scissors
1. Hold the Scissors Correctly
The first step in cutting hair like a pro is holding your scissors correctly. The way you hold your scissors can impact your control, comfort, and the quality of the cut.
- Thumb Position: Place your thumb in the larger ring of the scissors. This is where most of the cutting action occurs.
- Finger Position: Your middle finger should go into the smaller ring, while your ring finger may either rest in the second ring or lightly touch the outside. This position provides extra stability.
- Grip: Maintain a relaxed, yet firm grip on the scissors. Too tight a grip will tire your hand, while too loose a grip may make it difficult to control the scissors effectively.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbow at a comfortable angle. If your elbow is too high or low, you may strain your wrist, making it harder to cut accurately.
2. Use the Right Scissors for the Job
Different haircuts require different techniques, so it’s important to choose the right pair of professional hair cutting scissors for each job. For example:
- All-Purpose Cutting Scissors: These are versatile and suitable for most basic cuts, from trims to full haircuts.
- Texturizing Scissors: These scissors have one serrated blade and are used for thinning hair or adding texture without affecting the length.
- Chunking Scissors: Similar to texturizing scissors but with wider gaps between the teeth, chunking scissors are used for removing larger sections of hair to create dramatic layers or volume.
- Curved Scissors: These are perfect for cutting around the ears, nape of the neck, and other areas where a straight edge might not follow the natural contours of the head.
Using the appropriate scissors for the task at hand will help you achieve the desired results efficiently.
3. Maintain Proper Posture and Hand Placement
Posture plays a significant role in the quality of your haircut. Proper posture helps you avoid fatigue and gives you better control over the scissors.
- Stand Tall: Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. This will help you maintain better control of the scissors and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
- Position Yourself Comfortably: When cutting, position your body so that your arms are at a natural angle. Stand or sit at a height that allows you to easily reach the client’s head without stretching too much.
- Wrist Position: Your wrist should remain neutral, not bent or strained. A relaxed wrist will allow for smoother, more precise cuts.
4. Learn the Proper Cutting Techniques
The way you cut hair has a significant impact on the final look of the hairstyle. Here are a few key cutting techniques that every professional stylist should master:
Straight Cut
- Technique: To make a straight cut, hold the scissors horizontally and cut in a smooth, controlled motion. Avoid using excessive force—let the scissors do the work. Use the index and middle fingers to hold the section of hair, and guide the scissors along the natural line.
- When to Use: Straight cuts are used for blunt cuts, bob styles, and even trimming hair to the desired length.
Point Cutting
- Technique: Point cutting is done by holding the scissors at a slight angle (typically around 45 degrees) and snipping into the ends of the hair, creating a soft, textured look. This technique adds movement and removes weight from the hair.
- When to Use: Point cutting is ideal for texturizing the hair, creating layers, or softening the ends of a blunt cut.
Slide Cutting
- Technique: Slide cutting involves gently sliding the scissors through the hair to create soft, blended layers. It’s similar to slicing, but with more control.
- When to Use: This technique is great for softening layers or cutting into the hair to remove bulk without leaving visible lines.
Snipping and Sliding
- Technique: This technique combines snipping with a slight sliding motion to gradually remove bulk or add layers. The scissors are used in a motion that’s a cross between cutting and gliding.
- When to Use: Snipping and sliding are great for texturizing or adding volume to fine or thick hair.
Blunt Cutting
- Technique: For a blunt cut, keep the scissors in a straight position and cut across the hair, ensuring a clean line. This is often used for cutting straight lines or creating sharp edges.
- When to Use: Blunt cutting is ideal for creating sharp, defined edges, especially in bob haircuts or pixie cuts.
5. Cut Hair in Small Sections
When cutting hair, it’s always better to work in small sections rather than trying to cut large chunks at once. This allows you to have better control over the scissors and ensures that each section is evenly cut.
- Sectioning: Use clips or pins to section the hair, working on one area at a time. For example, divide the hair into top, middle, and bottom sections, or work from the nape to the crown for a layered effect.
- Control: By focusing on one small section at a time, you can avoid mistakes and ensure that every part of the hair is cut to the desired length.
6. Keep the Scissors Clean and Sharp
To ensure that your professional hair cutting scissors perform at their best, it’s important to keep them clean and well-maintained. Dirty or dull scissors can cause jagged cuts or pull at the hair, which can lead to split ends.
- Cleaning: After each use, wipe the blades with a clean, dry cloth to remove any hair or styling products. Occasionally, use a gentle cleaner designed for scissors to maintain their performance.
- Sharpening: Scissors should be sharpened regularly to maintain their precision. If you notice any pulling or tugging while cutting, it may be time to have your scissors professionally sharpened. Some stylists choose to have their scissors sharpened every 6-12 months, depending on how often they are used.
7. Use the Right Amount of Tension
Adjusting the tension of your scissors can make a huge difference in your cutting technique. If the tension is too tight, it will make the scissors difficult to open and close, resulting in uneven cuts. On the other hand, if the tension is too loose, the scissors may not cut cleanly.
- Adjusting Tension: Most professional hair cutting scissors allow you to adjust the tension between the blades. This can be done using a small screw located near the pivot point of the scissors.
- Proper Tension: Ideally, the scissors should open and close smoothly with just enough resistance to allow for precise control. If you’re unsure about the tension, practice cutting with a few different settings to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Using professional hair cutting scissors like a pro requires a combination of proper techniques, good posture, and the right equipment. By following these tips and continuously honing your skills, you’ll be able to create flawless haircuts with precision and ease. Remember, the more comfortable and controlled you are with your scissors, the better the results will be. Whether you’re cutting, texturizing, or layering, having a solid understanding of how to use professional hair cutting scissors is key to achieving the best possible outcomes for your clients.
