Professional Hair Trimming Guide From Experts

How to trim hair properly

Hair trimming techniques are performed to adjust the length, shape and texture of hair according to the needs of each client. For each hairstyle, the trimming technique will have certain changes to create a unique style. For best results, the following steps must be followed carefully and precisely:

Hold scissors properly

The first step in the hair trimming process is to hold the scissors correctly to maintain flexibility and good control when performing the operation. You need to place your thumb in the large hole of the scissor handle and your ring finger in the smaller hole. In addition, the little finger can be placed on the handle hook to increase the stability when holding the scissors. Use the index and middle fingers to control the opening and closing force of the scissor blades, ensuring that the cuts are always precise and smooth.

Adjust cutting force

In hair trimming, cutting force is very important to create the desired thick and thin layers of hair. For example, if you want to create a soft layer of hair, use a gentle force. Or conversely, for thick layers of hair, the cutting force required will be stronger to create a sharp look. In particular, you will only use your index and middle fingers to adjust the distance between the two blades to control the force of the hair trimming technique well.

Keep the cutting angle correct

To get an even and even cut, it is important to maintain a consistent cutting angle. A consistent cutting angle not only creates beautiful layers but also ensures that the hair is of uniform thickness and length. The ideal cutting angle for beautiful layers is between 15 and 25 degrees. In particular, when trimming hair, you should work with each thin layer to easily adjust, ensuring the hair is natural and soft.

Basic hair trimming techniques for professionals

Here are some advanced hair cutting techniques that will help you create complex and unique hairstyles. These techniques often take time and practice to master with good scissor and comb control.

Watch professional shear trimming techniques with Hair Artisan Cris Nguyen:  

Chop Cut trimming technique

Chop Cut is a hair trimming method based on the principle of “cutting tight” with decisive scissor strokes to create strong, clear cuts. Chop Cut technique helps to create natural volume and lively texture for hair, especially effective for thin hair or those who want to add thickness to their hair.

• Select a small section of hair and place the scissors at the ends at about a 45 degree angle.
• Make sharp cuts into the ends of the hair, creating an uneven curl effect to increase natural movement.
• Cut in small sections, cutting only a small amount of hair at a time to maintain volume and softness.
• Repeat until desired thickness and texture is achieved.

Reverse Side Technique

Reverse side, also known as “reverse trimming,” is a complex hair cutting technique that requires precision and high scissor control. The Reverse Side technique creates softness in the hair, often used to thin out long strands without losing overall length.

• Section your hair into sections, place your scissors parallel to the section and start cutting from the bottom up (opposite to the traditional cutting direction).
• Gently pull the hair and make thin cuts along the hair shaft to create softness and natural fall.
• Repeat the process on each strand of hair until you achieve the softness you desire.

Wet Cut trimming technique

If you want to learn how to trim your hair to make your cuts more precise and controllable, then the Wet Cut is the technique for you.

• Dampen hair evenly, divide hair into equal sections for easy cutting.
• Starting at the bottom of the hair, insert the scissors into the section of hair and cut across to the desired length.
• Move from bottom to top, adjusting the length to the desired style.
• Repeat until all hair has reached the desired length and shape.

Dry Cut pruning technique

In contrast to the Wet Cut, the Dry Cut is a technique of cutting hair when it is completely dry. This method of cutting hair allows the hairdresser to clearly see how the hair changes with each stroke, thereby creating a hairstyle that is bouncy, natural and does not change too much when the hair is dry.

• Once hair is completely dry, divide hair into small sections.
• Insert scissors into the mid-length or ends of your hair and make small cuts to adjust the length and volume.
• Adjust each section of hair in small sections, using a light trimming technique to create natural movement.
• Continue until all hair achieves a soft, natural look.

Hopefully the above sharing will help you better understand how to trim hair professionally. With different hair trimming and styling techniques, you will be able to confidently create suitable and trendy hairstyles for customers.