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When it comes to cutting hair, there are many tools available to stylists and barbers. Two of the most common tools are scissors and razors. Both tools have their benefits and drawbacks, and knowing when to use each one is an important skill for anyone who cuts hair. In this article, we will discuss when you should use scissors versus...
What are Scissors Good For?
Scissors are a staple in any hair cutting kit and it’s the first tool a stylist or barber likely learns with. They are a versatile tool that can be used to create a wide range of haircuts, from blunt cuts to layered styles for both men and women and short and long hair. Scissors provide more control and precision than a razor. So if the goal is a blunt, defined, structured hairstyle, such as a one length haircut or a blunt bob, scissors are likely the best choice.
What are Razors Good For?
Razors are best used for creating softer, more textured haircuts. Razors are especially useful for creating layers, adding texture and removing weight. Unlike scissors, razors can create a softer, more natural-looking finish that is perfect for a lived-in look. A lived-in style feels like someone has had the haircut for a while and it’s not fresh out of the salon or barbershop. Some haircuts such as shags, pixies and mullets benefit highly from using a razor.
What about Curly Hair?
Curly hair is a little tricky and controversial. Curly hair can be cut with either a scissor or razor, but the results really depend on the technique of the haircutter. Having control at the ends is key to prevent frizziness. Razors are often know to create texture so one might think razors are not appropriate for curly hair. However, if used with intention, razors pose no detrimental issues when cutting curly hair. Razors should be used to cut a soft line but not super textured. The lines should have some firmness to it with a definite line.
It should be noted that scissors are not totally free from frizz creation. Sometimes using scissors or texturizing scissors to create texture at the ends can result in frizz. So learning from a professional who has a deep understanding of cutting curly hair is your best bet for how and when to use scissors and razors to cut curly hair.
Can Scissors and Razors be used on Dry Hair?
It’s widely accepted that haircutting tools are best used when hair is wet. But what about on dry hair? While stylists and barbers have differing opinions, many agree that dry haircutting is acceptable in certain instances. If at the end of the haircut you realize something was missed, a little dry haircutting is appropriate. So using scissors and razors for finishing touches is okay. But in general, for the full haircut, wet hair is best.
What else to Consider?
When using scissors or razors to cut hair, it is important to use a sharp, clean blade. A dull blade can cause damage to the hair, leading to split ends and breakage. It is also important to use the correct technique when using these tools as improper technique can lead to uneven cuts and damage to the hair.
What about Hair Thickness and Density?
With regards to hair thickness and density, it doesn’t really matter. Razors and scissors can be used on any of these hair types. Again, it’s all about the technique. It’s good to note that razors are exceptionally good at removing weight and bulk in a more natural way but may not be as easy to use when it comes to thin or fine hair.
The main takeaway when it comes to whether you should use scissors or razors to cut hair is to ask yourself what kind of hairstyle you’re trying to achieve. You can create a bob with a scissor or a razor and you can get two totally different bob looks. Both tools are great and have their uses, but probably the best way to approach haircutting is to incorporate both for various areas of the haircut that would benefit from either tool. Knowing when to use each tool is an important skill for any stylist or barber which can help ensure clients receive the best possible haircut for their hair type and style. 
JATAI provides innovative and professional quality beauty implements with world-class customer service and educational support. To offer great products as a master distributor, we seek out and select only manufacturers who demonstrate superior workmanship, the most advanced technology, and respected business core values of reliability, honesty and integrity. Accordingly, JATAI represents three major ‘workhorse’ brands that dominate within their categories. Feather, Seki Edge and Fuji Paper. JATAI Academy brings beauty tools to creative life. It’s the ultimate professional information resource where Education, Artistry and Trends CONNECT for Stylists and Barbers.
If you haven’t heard of No Shave November, it was a movement started in 2009 by the Hill family in Chicago when their father passed away from colon cancer. Since then it’s become an annual tradition to raise money for charity to educate about cancer and support cancer initiatives. The premise is that for the whole month of November participants...
1) Seeing a beard of this thickness and length is not a frequent sighting! To grow beard hair this long takes real commitment and dedication. This beard looks well-maintained. Kudos to him for being able to manage it so well.View this post on Instagram
2) If you thought the first beard was crazy, this one will blow you away! How anyone can grow a beard this thick and this long is amazing. This is more hair than most people have on their head. But it’s probably quite heavy and difficult to manage and maintain. Regardless, facial hair of this stature is unique, eye catching and takes a lot of maintenance to keep it nice and groomed. What he lacks on top of his head he makes up for in facial hair!View this post on Instagram
3) Transitioning to a more tamed and groomed beard and mustache, this look is clean and to be honest, quite perfect. You almost don’t want to touch it for fear it will lose perfection. The crisp lineup, the even hairs at the bottom shape by scissors and the shaped mustache make this facial hair one to remember. The thickness and density are superb and the styling is fantastic. Paired with the rimmed glasses and slick back hair and he’s got quite a style going on.View this post on Instagram
4) While there’s likely not a pot of gold in that mustache, it certainly rings good luck. A fun twist on facial hair for St. Patrick’s Day, this Irish coloring is festive and fun. See…even beards can have fun with color. Think of other holidays and how a beard can transform with color.View this post on Instagram
5) While these beards and mustaches aren’t anything unique, what’s fun about it is the father son look. Where dad’s beard is completely white, the son’s beard is completely black. It’s a true representation of ‘like father, like son’ and the genetic tendencies to pass down how thick your facial hair can get based on your parent’s genes.View this post on Instagram
6) Speaking of white beards, check out this Santa beard with a twisted mustache. It’s a cool look that only some can pull off. But a beard and mustache like this must be maintained and groomed regularly to give it shape and style. He does a good job of this.View this post on Instagram
7) This man’s beard is really interesting. Black with white streaks, it almost looks intentional. But as artistic as it looks, when you start to go white you really have no control over where the white will come in. Sometimes it’s just fun to see what happens and where your hair color naturally goes.View this post on Instagram
8) Moving onto mustaches, this looks like it was curled with a curling iron! With the perfect twists at the end, the double handlebar is sure to get a double look from people passing by. A stache of this design requires a lot of wax to keep such a firm hold.View this post on Instagram
9) This mustache is quite different from the last. If you didn’t trim your mustache above the lips, this is what it would look like. It’s so thick and long, but still requires maintenance. Mustache wax helps to keep hairs in place.View this post on Instagram
10) Last but not least, the batstache. Yes, it’s completely stylized, but how can we write an article about beards and mustaches and not include the batstache? This takes precision and an artistic eye to make this shape. Using a razor to get that perfect shape is key to this look. A great Halloween facial hair look or for any Batman lover, the batstache is fun and awesome! Well that’s it for our 10 beard and mustache looks to consider. But more importantly, we shed light on a serious topic…cancer. By spreading awareness of cancer, we can learn how to prevent it and support causes that have meaning. If you’d like to participate in the No Shave November campaign, sign up here and/or donate to the cause.View this post on Instagram
JATAI provides innovative and professional quality beauty implements with world-class customer service and educational support. To offer great products as a master distributor, we seek out and select only manufacturers who demonstrate superior workmanship, the most advanced technology, and respected business core values of reliability, honesty and integrity. Accordingly, JATAI represents three major ‘workhorse’ brands that dominate within their categories. Feather, Seki Edge and Fuji Paper. JATAI Academy brings beauty tools to creative life. It’s the ultimate professional information resource where Education, Artistry and Trends CONNECT for Stylists and Barbers.
Ahh…Halloween. The holiday where people get to be someone completely different from who they are. People take the time to get creative with their looks. From hair to clothes to make-up and shoes, Halloween is the one holiday where we can just express our creative juices in any way we want. Over the years, Halloween has progressively gotten more and...
2. @tiffanymhair Can we say Maleficent? Wow, this one really takes the cake for a beautiful job well done. From the horns to the dullish colors, this one is hard to beat. One of the most reposted Halloween hairstyles on Instagram, it's no wonder why. Just making the horns could be half the battle. Of course, the horns don't have to be this big, but they definitely make a statement. Evil and demonic, that's what Halloween is all about.View this post on Instagram
3. @hairbyrobertina Play it cool with a discreet undercut. While the spider web is popular, the design doesn't have to be of a web. If you're good at making designs (or would like to be) try a skeleton, pumpkin, ghost or whatever you fancy that says 'Halloween' to you. For a more noticeable reveal, tie the hair up for everyone to see. Using a clipper or razor you can achieve some fantastic designs like this one.View this post on Instagram
4. @hairby_arci_ Channeling a Game of Thrones vibe, this blue-ish romantic hairdo is beautiful and grotesque at the same time! Without the spiders and skeleton hands, the hairdo would be perfect as wedding hair. But alas we are talking about Halloween here so there needs to be a touch of death. This romantic hairdo could be changed up by using different trinkets and a different hair color. It's the hairstyle we would want if were laying in our own coffin.View this post on Instagram
5. @pelo.guapo Have short hair? Like buzz cut short hair? This one is for the short hair peeps. The best part is, you can shave it all off whenever you want. But who wants to shave off a cute skeleton face? This Nightmare Before Christmas Jack face is a great style for those who want something unique but not too complicated. Unfortunately, if you're trying to do this to yourself, you're gonna have problems. This one is best done on someone else for good reason. Plus, you're going to need a creative eye for making faces. Experiment with other designs like a spider, witch or maybe some candy corn. Get creative and add some fun colors to make it pop.View this post on Instagram
6. @yuni_yoshida It's gorgeous and morbid, but nonetheless striking. What more can be said about this masterpiece. Instead of cutting into the hair to create a design, how about actually making a design out of the hair? This one blows our mind in that it takes careful attention to detail and precision to make this look come to fruition. But if perfected, this look would be the talk of the town. Such creativity does not go unnoticed. Take your hair design to the next level with something like this.View this post on Instagram
7. @ironrosesalon and @maryjane_guerrero Doing a hair design doesn't mean all the hair has to be short. Just carving out one section of the head can be punk rock, but keeping the rest of the hair long and flowy (even curly) can bring some feminine vibes back into the style. This one incorporates a graveyard with some spider webs, some orange pops of color and soft curls. What a combination! Is anyone else wondering what the other side looks like?View this post on Instagram
8. @seagreenehair If you find you're going to be out at night on Halloween (which most people do), this glow in the dark look is brilliant. Imagine being in a dark room but standing out with bright hair and a Jack-o-lantern face? Super cool. Even in non-dark situations this look would stand out like a sore thumb. This look would take a bit of time but the results would be worth every minute.View this post on Instagram
9. @viola_pyak If you're looking for something classy but not too difficult, this ponytail spiderweb will do just that. No need to color hair or tease it to oblivion. This Halloween-ish look is sexy and sophisticated at the same time. Keep hair simple and easy to manage with this spidery style. It's sure to still turn heads and get lots of compliments.View this post on Instagram
10. @sarahmasoncreative Instead of using a real witch's hat, why not just make it out of hair? Of course, a lot of hair would be needed and long hair at that! Plus, a good teasing comb, hairspray and a crimper would be good to have in order to create the volume needed for this one. A touch of temporary hair color adds some dimension and pop to the style. If you're adventurous, this one could be a lot of fun.View this post on Instagram
So that's it folks! These 10 Halloween inspirational looks should give you some ideas for yourself, your clients or your family and friends. Halloween is a time for fun and creativity...and maybe candy. But here's your time to shine and show what you can really do with hair. Get inspired. Get creative. Get in the spirit of Halloween!View this post on Instagram
JATAI provides innovative and professional quality beauty implements with world-class customer service and educational support. To offer great products as a master distributor, we seek out and select only manufacturers who demonstrate superior workmanship, the most advanced technology, and respected business core values of reliability, honesty and integrity. Accordingly, JATAI represents three major ‘workhorse’ brands that dominate within their categories. Feather, Seki Edge and Fuji Paper. JATAI Academy brings beauty tools to creative life. It’s the ultimate professional information resource where Education, Artistry and Trends CONNECT for Stylists and Barbers.
At the age of 21, I poked out my left eye. While the surgeon saved my eyeball, the eye is different now in that I can only see in 2D. My inability to have any depth perception has affected me significantly. So I had to adapt and make various adjustments. Because of my injury I avoided eye contact for years....
At the age of 21, I poked out my left eye. While the surgeon saved my eyeball, the eye is different now in that I can only see in 2D. My inability to have any depth perception has affected me significantly. So I had to adapt and make various adjustments. Because of my injury I avoided eye contact for years. But at the time, it didn't matter to me because I worked in a tool and die shop and didn’t have to make a lot of eye contact.
But then I lost my job at the plant. I sat in my car in the parking lot for maybe five minutes before realizing it was time to scratch my long time itch of becoming a hairdresser. So I did it! I went to school and became a hairstylist. While in school, there was a cutting class by Vivienne Mackinder during which I was allowed to assist her. She used this wonderful tool: the JATAI Feather Nape & Body Razor. She created beautiful texture in all her cuts and spoke of not just cutting hair but also of sketching and drawing.
I graduated and got my first job at a high-end salon working under Barsoum Bashar, my mentor. I learned so much from this man, but most of all, purpose! I knew my place was not doing color, keratin or just doing what most hairdressers do. Within six months of working there I began seeing the same thing over and over again, long sections of hair in the crown. This would always attract my eye to the top of their heads. I had finally become comfortable with eye contact, but now my eye was being drawn away from theirs and instead fixated on the top of the head. The hair was taking away from the person. I wanted to change the experience, particularly for short haired clients.
Once I noticed the hair whorls, it was all I could see. But I decided to never fear a hair whorl again. I chopped the suckers off! By keeping the front of the hair longer, it drew the eye away from the back of the head and focused it toward the front. Eye contact was easier as there was now a focal point. It worked, but I noticed clients were returning every three weeks. It felt too soon. How could I get more longevity out of my work? I used texturizing shears the way I was trained to. I blended and removed weight the way I was trained to. But there they were every three to four weeks back for another cut. Most hairdressers would be cool with this, but I was not. I wanted to provide value to my clients. I was charging premium rates so I wanted to give premium service.
The same problem areas would arise: the parietal ridge and the back hair whorl. I began to think of the meaning of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. I looked at my texturizing shears and it just clicked. I was blending but that was creating the problem. The hair that was cut was creating lift. But how would I remove hair from the scalp without cutting my clients, and still give a great cut? If only I could draw out weight with a pen. That was my lightbulb moment. Remembering Vivienne talk about drawing and sketching, I immediately grabbed my JATAI Feather Nape & Body Razor and drew on paper. No cut. Then my arm. No cut. And then my head. I didn’t cut myself but it removed hair. I hit the ground running. I began drawing into cowlicks, whorls, and into the parietal ridge and the results were awesome. Then I simply combined the focal point technique with the razor and it all felt right.
Suddenly, my clients came in every six to eight weeks. The value I was giving turned into a massive influx of referrals. I really did not think the focal point technique I developed was all that special; I simply wanted to do better for my clients. One day, a fellow hairdresser named Marisa commented about my clients grow-out. I gave the credit to the razor, but she disagreed with me. Marisa asked me to teach her this technique which I did. She also encouraged me to name it. We named it on the road from the ABS hair show in Chicago: The Focal Point Technique!
You can see how I do the Focal Point Technique on JATAI Academy's Education CONNECT. But basically, it consists of three main parts and is used to cut very short hair:
David Reinhold II is a hairstylist and creator of the Focal Point Technique. Based in Metro-Detroit, his primary focus is short cuts and razor work. David is inspired in life by rhythm, music, and motorcycles. His biggest inspirations are his partner in life and business, Marisa as well as Nick Arrojo and Vivienne Mackinder. David’s preferred tool is the JATAI Feather Nape & Body Razor.
