There are a number of ways to add texture and remove bulk from hair, but one of the easiest is with the use of thinning scissors. Shears specifically designed for thinning have notches built into one side, with the other side left smooth. These teeth allow the barber to remove less hair with each snip than they would with regular scissors. The positioning and angle of the scissors can be used to texturise hair as needed, to provide a more manicured and well-groomed style. Snipping the ends can allow the barber to soften and blend, while pointing the thinning scissors into the mid-length of the hair can reduce bulk. The preferred technique will depend on the texture and volume of hair you’re working with.
Texturising Bulky Ends
One possible use of thinning scissors is to add texture and shape to bulky, blocky ends. To use this technique, the barber can take one section of hair at a time and pull it away from the body or face. Hold the ends of the hair in between your fingers, using the other hand to take the thinning scissors and apply them horizontally against the ends of the hair. The hair can be cut slightly inward from the outer corner, thinning and shaping the ends as needed. This technique can be applied through each section of hair, cutting an inch at a time from the outer corner, until it has all been thinned and texturized.
Thinning Out Hair
Another option is to use the scissors on a wider section of the hair, rather than just the ends. This can be useful for thinning out a thick or unruly hair style, giving it a more defined shape. To accomplish this, hair is once again separated into sections. If working with long or thick hair, hair clips can be used. Working with one section at a time, the barber can use a comb to hold the hair steady and work through it while weight and volume is removed with the thinning scissors. As the barber holds each section of hair, the thinning shears can be pointed with the tip towards the ceiling, cutting the hair about mid-way up each section. The same section can then be cut with the tip facing downwards. By alternating angles with the upward and downward motion of the thinning scissors, the hair can be thinned with a natural regularity. Comb through the hair after completing each section to see if the desired texturizing effect has been achieved, repeating if necessary.
Texturising Tips
- To achieve softer ends, you can separate sections of hair with your hands rather than using a comb. Snip away at the ends for a more natural finish.
- Take it easy at first if you are cutting into the mid length shaft of the hair, or it could have too strong of an impact on the existing hairstyle.
- Be sure to use the texturising scissors on the hair underneath the crown. The layers may end up too short if you thin hair from the top of the crown.
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