Hair Shear and Other Tips for Blending Long Hair

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There are a few tasks that tend to become more common for hair stylists as the length of the hair being cut increases, and one great example here is blending. There are a few reasons why blending may be desired when cutting longer hair, and also a few ways to go about this to ensure a quality cut every time.

At Scissor Mall, we offer a huge range of hair shear options for various stylist needs, including many long-length barber shears like the Dynasty Deco 7 and more. Let's look at why blending is often desirable for longer hair, which kinds of hair shears tend to do best here, and some general tips for how to achieve quality blending.

Why Blending is Common for Long Hair

Generally speaking, there are a few reasons why blending may be desirable when cutting longer hair:

  • Releasing bulk: In many cases, long hair can build up bulk in the ends, and blending is a great way to reduce this without sacrificing the length of the cut. It allows for more movement and easier styling.

  • Creating shape: Blending can also be used to create different shapes within the cut, such as a seamless transition from shorter layers to longer layers or a smooth line in an undercut style.

  • Blending out weight lines: Blending can also help to create an even, weight-free line throughout the ends of a cut.

  • Negative space or separation: In other cases, blending can be used to create negative space or separation between layers and sections in the cut. For instance, if one layer is cut shorter than the layer below it, blending can help to create that separation without sacrificing too much length.

Choosing Hair Shears for Blending

When it comes to hair shears for blending, there are a few things to consider when selecting the right shear for the job. Generally speaking, thinning or blending shears are the ideal option. When selecting a pair of blending shears, look for one that is slightly longer than the other to help with better control and accuracy while cutting.

Also consider the type of blades your desired hair shear has. Some feature wavy or serrated blades as well as convex edges, which can help to create softer, more seamless blending lines; others are more straight-cut and can create sharper lines for more defined blends.

Furthermore, you should be sure to select hair shears with a comfortable grip, as you may be using them for extended periods of time when cutting long hair.

Tips for Blending Long Hair

Finally, here are some basic tips and methods for blending longer hair:

  • Point cutting for manual separation: For many hairstyles, point-cutting is often the best way to create separation and negative space in longer hair. By simply holding your shear at a 90 degree angle from the head and snipping off small sections of hair, you can create subtle transitions and blending lines that don't require too much length to be sacrificed.

  • Texture shear for separation: In other cases, a texture shear may be more effective for creating separation between layers. The blade of this kind of shear features multiple teeth that work together to cut away specific widths and lengths of hair.

  • Layer out the sections: To ensure even blending throughout longer hair, you should always start by layering out each section before you begin cutting. This will help you have a better idea of how the cut will look overall and can help you to identify where more or less blending may be needed.

  • Slide cutting: An alternative to point cutting is the slide cutting technique, which can be used to create a softer finish. To do this, hold your shear at an angle against the head and then slide it along the section of hair you are working on. It's important to choose the right shears for this type of cutting; thinner-bladed shears are best for creating smoother, more seamless lines.

These are just a few tips and methods for blending longer hair to help you achieve the perfect cut every time. Whether you're looking for thinning or blending shears, texturizing shears, or simply something with a comfortable grip, Scissor Mall can help you find the perfect option for all your styling needs. Contact us today to learn more.