Scissors to Razors: Achieving the Best Hairstyles with the Right Tools
Ensuring your customers leave with the best haircut is a concern many barbers and salon specialists have on a daily basis. The most commonly needed tools include shears, scissors, clippers, and razors.
When purchasing your tools, make certain that you have a variety available to use, as this will enable you to achieve the best cut for that client with allowance for customization. Additionally, there is a variety found in each type of tool--for example, with shears, the variety in detail is so great, that you can find variations in blades, handles, and types of thumb grips. Regardless of hair type, the key to using any of these tools is to maintain their original sharpness. It is important that you find a reliable professional who has had prior experience with sharpening hair tools to help with the task.
Scissors & Shears
Where an even cut is very important to the overall look, regular sharpened hair scissors are the best tool for the job. Many ergonomic designs are available today making the cutting a much more comfortable process. A popular model is the three-holed handle or the standard two-holed handle with a swivel thumb that allows for greater flexibility when styling. Left-handed scissors are also available. Primary differences between scissors and shears are the size of the blades and handles. Scissors & shears are great for:
- Clean & even styling
- Long or short fine hair, tightly coiled or kinky hair
- Clean, even cuts like bobs and accents like bangs
- Trims (which may be needed depending on your style)
Thinning Shears
Thinning shears are different from regular shears because instead of having two smooth blades, thinning shears have one smooth blade and another with teeth (with variations in the number & width of teeth). The blade with the teeth goes on top of the hair and the smooth blade goes underneath. Most commonly, wide-toothed thinning shears are used on thick hair as it removes more hair in greater chunks. Reducing the thickness in their hair enables them to more easily style it for everyday wear. Thinning shears are great for:
- Lightening long, short, straight, or wavy thick hair
- When creating a layered hairstyle, these can be used for a less “choppy” layered look
Clippers
Clippers come in many sizes, shapes, and motor strengths allowing you to better customize your client’s desired look. The numerous guards a clipper comes equipped with help control how much hair you are taking off. The clipper keeps a consistent blade setting allowing you to clip hair to your client’s desired length.
- Thick or fine short hair; tightly coiled or kinky hair, afros
- Extremely short, buzzed type styles, spiky hairdos
- Bald or nearly bald styles
Razors
Styling razors will most commonly come with a handle for easy maneuvering. The more pricey models have swivel blades on the handles adding flexibility. Replacement blades can be found in any drugstore or beauty supply shop. It is very important to replace the blade of your razor when it is no longer sharp because this ensures a precision cut. Razors should be avoided with curly or frizzy fine-haired clients, as this tool will only create more frizz for them. Razors are ideal for:
- Straight, thick hair, to achieve pixie cut styles
- Adding more volume or texture
- Feathered look that makes clients both look and feel lighter
- Edgy, angular cuts (which can be softened with the use of scissors)
You will need to use a variety of these tools together to achieve the desired look. The spiky, shaved look, for example, requires the use of clippers for the sides of the head as well as scissors and shears for the feathering style that is on the top of the head.
Careful care and keeping of your equipment will ensure that you will get the most use out of your tools and they will last for a very long time. As mentioned above, sharpening of your tools is highly recommended from time to time as it enhances the tool’s performance. Cleaning your tools ensures the safety of your services and the health of your clients. Remember that attention to detail and clean, safe procedures within your establishment should never be overlooked as it communicates your dedication to the clients’ satisfaction.
About the Author
Keller International is the leading beauty salon equipment outlet offering barber chairs, salon chairs, and other essentials for a successful salon.
What is the best brand of scissors for trimming hair?
I want to start trimming my own hair, but I don't know what brand of scissors/shears I should get.
Also, at what angle should you cut your hair and how much should you cut off to get rid of dead/split ends?
What is the safest way to cut the back of your hair? LOL!
Thanks, Betty. I don't have layers, so I guess don't have too much to worry about. YAY! xD
any scissors are good your angle depends on your ideal look but i cut at a slightly upward angle
user a hand mirror and hold it in front of you so you can see the back of your head in your bathroom mirror ( im just assuming that's the biggest mirror in you house if not then use the biggest mirror in your house so you can see your entire head) you need to cut off about an inch for split ends but it really depends on if you want layers or not ect. because the different layers or your hair will need to be cut as different layers
it takes alot of practice so be prepared to mes it up
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Shears Scissors
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