Hair Shears and Techniques for Removing Weight From Hair
/There are a number of tasks a hair stylist may be asked to carry out for their clients, and one of the most common here is removing weight from hair. Many people with thicker hair are looking to have it thinned out as part of their cut, making it both lighter and easier to move around with in many cases.
At Scissor Mall, we're happy to offer a huge range of quality hair shears for these and other needs, from thinning hair shears like the Shisato Orion 3500 to numerous others that are ideal for removing weight and texturizing cuts. What are some basic tips and techniques you may consider if you regularly perform these kinds of cuts and are looking for an upgrade to your ability to remove weight from hair? Let's go over some simple themes.
Proper Hair Shear Selection
We're going to dive into a number of cutting techniques as we move forward in this blog, and a common theme applies to each and every one of them: They're best performed with the right tools. When it comes to removing weight from hair, you need a quality hair shear that will allow you to make precision cuts without damaging the hair itself. This is doubly important if you're working with wet or damp hair, as lower quality shears can cause issues like frayed ends or split ends.
The right quality shears, on the other hand, will make it easier for you to achieve the results you're looking for while reducing the risk of damage. This is why we always recommend investing in quality shears from a reputable source, rather than opting for lower-cost options that may not live up to your expectations.
With that in mind, our hair shear selection offers a number of different options that can help you with removing weight from hair. Check out some popular choices below, and remember that you can always contact us if you need assistance in selecting the perfect pair of shears for your needs!
Our next few sections will go over some of the most common and effective techniques for removing weight or bulk from hair.
Point Cutting
Perhaps the single most common technique out there for lightening hair and removing weight, point cutting is a simple but effective way to style hair. The basic idea behind point cutting is to snip small, triangular sections out of the hair while holding the shears at an angle. This can be done all over the head or in specific areas, depending on your needs.
One advantage of point cutting is that it can be done with a wide range of hair types, from straight to curly. It's also relatively easy to master with a little practice, meaning that you can start using this technique right away to achieve the results you're looking for.
To point cut hair, start by holding a small section of hair between your fingers and thumb. Place the shears at a 45-degree angle above the hair, then snip off a small triangle of hair. Continue working your way around the head, taking care to avoid cutting too much hair at once. You can always go back and remove more if needed, but it's difficult to put hair back once it's been cut!
Slide Cutting
Another very popular technique, slide cutting is similar to point cutting in that it's used to remove weight from hair while also creating texture. The main difference is in the angle at which the shears are held: rather than being placed at a 45-degree angle, they're instead held perpendicular to the hair.
This technique is often used to add layers to hair, as it can create shorter pieces of hair that blend in with longer layers. It's also a great way to thin out thicker hair, as the shears remove weight while also texturizing the hair.
To slide cut hair, start by holding a small section of hair between your fingers and thumb. Place the shears perpendicular to the hair, then slide them down the length of the hair. Continue working your way around the head, taking care to avoid cutting too much hair at once. As with point cutting, you can always go back and remove more if needed.
Internal Layering
Another layering-related technique for removing weight from hair, internal layering is similar to slide cutting in that it's used to create shorter layers within longer hair. This involves either vertical or horizontal sections that will be "chipped away" at by the stylist to create a softer, more natural look. This technique is often used on its own or in combination with other layering techniques, such as slide cutting. It's also a great way to add texture and interest to hair, as the shorter layers can catch the light in different ways.
To internal layer hair, start by holding a small section of hair between your fingers and thumb. Place the shears at a 90-degree angle above the hair, then snip off a small triangle of hair. Continue working your way around the head, taking care to avoid cutting too much hair at once. You can always go back and remove more if needed.
Precision Sections
Finally, while it's not a technique per se, an important concept for any hair stylist to understand is the idea of precision sections. This involves taking very small, specific sections of hair in order to create a more precise cut. This can be used in combination with any of the techniques mentioned above, or on its own.
Precision sections are often used when working with thinner hair, as they allow the stylist to be more precise with their cuts. They're also useful for creating specific looks, such as choppy layers or a graduated bob.
For more on the various hair shear and other tips we offer to our stylist clients on removing weight from hair, or to learn about any of our high-quality shears, speak to the team at Scissor Mall today.