Cutting medium length men’s hair with scissors can be a rewarding skill to master, whether you’re a professional hairstylist or someone looking to give a haircut at home. With the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can achieve a great-looking haircut that suits the individual’s style and features.
Preparation
Tools Needed
Scissors: A good quality pair of scissors is essential. Look for scissors that are sharp and have a smooth cutting action. Professional barber scissors are a great choice as they are designed for precision cutting.
Comb: You’ll need a wide-toothed comb and a fine-toothed comb. The wide-toothed comb is useful for detangling the hair and for initially sectioning it, while the fine-toothed comb can be used for more detailed work and to create a smooth finish.
Cape or Towel: To protect the client’s clothing and keep the hair from getting everywhere, use a cape or a towel. A haircutting cape is preferable as it is designed to catch the hair and is easy to clean.
Spray Bottle: Fill a spray bottle with water. This can be used to dampen the hair slightly, making it easier to cut and control.
Consultation
Before starting the cut, have a conversation with the person whose hair you are cutting. Understand their preferences in terms of style, length, and any specific features they want to emphasize or hide. Look at pictures or reference materials together if needed to get a clear idea of the desired outcome. Also, consider the person’s face shape as this will influence the most flattering haircut style.
For example, a round face may benefit from a haircut with more volume on top to elongate the face, while a square face might look good with some softening layers around the jawline.
Sectioning the Hair
Creating the Part
Decide on the part that the client wants. It can be a side part, a middle part, or no part at all. Use a comb to create a clear and straight part. If the client is unsure, you can experiment with different partings to see which one suits their face and hair texture best.
Dividing into Sections
Starting from the back of the head, divide the hair into horizontal sections. Use the wide-toothed comb to separate the hair, and clip each section up except for the one you are currently working on. For medium length hair, you may want to create 3 – 4 sections in the back and then further divide the sides and top into smaller sections as you work your way forward. This helps you to focus on one area at a time and ensure an even cut throughout the hair.
Working from Bottom to Top
Begin cutting with the bottom section. This provides a foundation and helps you establish the overall length. As you move up to the higher sections, you can adjust the length and shape based on the style you are aiming for and how the lower layers look.
Cutting Technique
Holding the Scissors
Hold the scissors correctly for precision and control. The thumb and the ring finger should go through the finger holes of the scissors, while the index finger rests on the outside of the handle for added stability and guidance. Keep your wrist relaxed but firm to ensure smooth and accurate cuts.
Cutting at the Right Angle
When cutting the hair, hold the scissors at a slight angle, usually around 45 degrees to the hair shaft. This angle helps create a more natural and blended look. If you cut straight across, the ends of the hair may look blunt and less stylish. Start from the ends of the hair and work your way up, cutting small sections at a time. Use the comb to hold the hair in place and to guide the scissors.
Texturizing and Thinning
To add texture and reduce bulk in the hair, you can use a texturizing or thinning scissors. These scissors have teeth that remove small amounts of hair, creating a more natural and less heavy look. Gently run the texturizing scissors through the hair, especially in areas where the hair may look too thick or flat. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much thinning can make the hair look weak and sparse.
Blending and Layering
For a more stylish and modern look, consider adding layers. When cutting the upper sections, cut the hair at a slightly different length than the lower layers. This creates a sense of movement and dimension. Use the comb to lift the hair and cut at an appropriate angle to achieve the desired layer effect. Blend the layers together by carefully trimming the transition areas with the scissors, making sure there are no obvious steps or unevenness.
Cutting the Sides and Front
The sides of the hair should be cut in a way that complements the overall style and the shape of the face. If the client wants a more tapered look, start with a shorter length at the bottom near the ears and gradually increase the length as you move up towards the top of the side sections. For the front, depending on the style, you can cut the bangs or the front hair to the desired length and shape. You can use the comb to hold the hair in different positions and angles to ensure a precise cut that frames the face nicely.
Finishing Touches
Checking for Evenness
Once you have completed the main cutting, go through the entire head of hair and check for any uneven areas. Use the comb to smooth out the hair and look for any sections that may be longer or shorter than others. If you find any unevenness, carefully trim those areas with the scissors to create a more consistent and polished look.
Cleaning Up the Edges
Use the scissors to clean up the edges around the ears, the back of the neck, and the hairline. Trim any stray hairs that may be sticking out or creating an untidy appearance. Be careful not to cut too close to the skin to avoid any nicks or cuts. You can also use a small pair of trimming scissors or a clipper with a guard for a more precise edge around the ears and neck.
Styling and Feedback
After the cut is complete, ask the client to shake their head and run their hands through their hair to see how it feels and moves. If needed, make any final adjustments to the length or shape based on how the hair behaves when styled. You can also use a blow dryer and a brush to style the hair and show the client how it can look with a bit of styling. Finally, get feedback from the client to ensure they are happy with the haircut and make note of any areas that you could improve on for future cuts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cutting medium length men’s hair with scissors requires careful preparation, proper technique, and attention to detail. By following these steps and taking the time to understand the client’s needs and preferences, you can achieve a great-looking haircut that the client will be proud to wear. With practice, you’ll become more confident and skilled in cutting men’s hair, and be able to create a variety of styles that suit different individuals. Remember to always use sharp scissors and take your time to ensure a high-quality cut that enhances the client’s appearance and confidence.