Proper Use and Application of Thinning Hair Shears

As any experienced full-service hair stylist well knows, thinning shears are some of the most important tools in the proverbial toolbox. Shaped very similarly to traditional scissors you might find in a variety of settings, thinning shears – also known as blending shears in some circles – are used for certain particular style elements, often near the end of the cut when other shear types have already been applied.

At Scissor Mall, we offer a wide range of thinning shears, from double-sided thinning shear options like the Dynasty No-Line Thinner to many other high-quality selections. For those who are just entering this world for the first time, or who are looking to provide customers with the proper advice when it comes to the use of thinning shears on their hair, here are a few scenarios and general approaches we can provide some expertise on when it comes to thinning hair shears.

Brushing or Straightening

One basic use tip that any experienced stylist will be happy to inform you of: Hair must often be brushed or combed before thinning can be completed. The primary goal here is to remove any tangles or knots from the hair that might be present – this, in turn, allows you as a stylist to get a proper view of the hair and which sections need to be thinned.

Down similar lines, any hair that’s particularly curly will need to be straightened before thinning shears can be used. These items should not be used on curled or especially tangled hair, as this will lead to more hair being removed than is desired.

Thinning by Sections

Speaking of sections, this is the general format for thinning hair in most situations. Rather than thinning out the entire head of hair as one entity, you split it into sections. From here, you attack the sections that clearly need thinning first, then wait and see if you need to thin further – often, of course, with the client’s own input. This is another approach that helps you avoid removing too much hair.

Wet Hair

Another scenario to be careful in with thinning shears is when hair is wet. Thinning shears generally are not meant for use on wet hair, so drying should be carried out first.

Delicate Hair

And while thinning shears can technically generally be used on delicate or already-thin hair, the simple reality is that this sort of hair often doesn’t need it. Thinning shears tend to have the greatest impact for those with thick or curly hair, adding texture and blending layers – but those without such layers often don’t need them as much.

For more on the proper use and application of thinning shears, or to learn about any of our affordable hair shears, speak to the staff at Scissor Mall today.