During the pandemic, many people try to cut their own hair. The process seems relatively easy: you take scissors from the drawer, make a few cuts, that’s it. However, there are several things you need to remember before giving yourself a haircut.
Learn proper techniques beforehand; consider asking your family for help; and always use professional hairdressing scissors. While it may be tempting to take the regular scissors everybody has at home, it’s not a good idea. Experts from Scissor Tech claim that using the wrong tool is one of the most common reasons why your home cut ends in a disaster.
If you want to learn about the difference between regular scissors and professional hairdressing scissors, read on. Find out how to choose, store and use professional scissors, and make sure your hair looks perfect.
How to Choose the Right Scissors
When it comes to design, there are several types of scissors you can use. Depending on your hair type and the type of haircut you want, choose different types of scissors. For example, you can use:
- Flat-blades or straight-bladed scissors.
- Curved-edge or scalloped-edge scissors.
- Pointed-edge or blunt-edge scissors.
To make your choice easier, here is an overview of the most popular types of hairdressing scissors.
Straight-bladed or flat-bladed scissors are probably the most popular ones. They are used in salons for short haircuts, giving your hair a stylish look. You can choose between stainless steel or carbon steel blades, depending on your preference. The blades should be sharp and smooth. If the edges aren’t smooth, then chances are that you will cut yourself while cutting your hair. If you have thick hair, you can choose between lightweight and heavy models.
Scalloped-edge scissors are often used for medium-to-long haircuts. You can use these scissors for straight, wavy and curly hair. When cutting thick hair, you will need a heavier model. When cutting thin hair, you can opt for lighter models.
Pointed-edge scissors are often used for trimming longer hair, especially beards and goatees. These scissors come in heavy or light models.
Blunt-edge scissors are used by beginners and hairstylists who want to learn new techniques. You can use blunt-edge scissors for finishing touches and precision cuts. Blunt-edge scissors come in heavy or light models and are ideal if you want to learn how to cut your own hair without professional help.
When buying hairdressing scissors, make sure they match your needs and preferences. If you are going to purchase a pair of professional hairdressing scissors for your own use, then you can choose between different sizes and weights. Take a look at the blades and see what material they are made of before making your choice. Also, check the tips of the blades to make sure they are sharp enough to cut through your hair with ease. For example, you can use blunt-edge or pointed-edge scissors when cutting your own hair, depending on the hairstyle you want to achieve.
Storage Tips for Scissors
After purchasing your new pair of professional hairdressing scissors, store them properly to extend their lifespan. Make sure the blades are protected before storing them because they can become rusty when left exposed to air for too long. If the blades are exposed to air, they will oxidize and lose their sharpness over time. Make sure the ends of the blades are always kept dry so they don’t rust quickly.
Before storing them away, make sure they are clean and dry because humidity can corrode them easily. You can use a soft cloth to soak up any moisture before putting them away in a safe place. If you have a lot of makeup brushes at home, then this may be a good place to store your brand new pair of hairdressing scissors because they too need to be kept dry if they are to stay in good condition.
How to Use Your Scissors
After purchasing your new pair of hairdressing scissors and storing them safely, you may want to know how to use them correctly. Here are some tips to help you use hairdressing scissors properly:
- Before using your new hairdressing scissors, make sure they are clean and free from rust or any other impurities. If the blades have some impurities, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.
- Your new hairdressing scissors should have a comfortable grip. If you can’t hold the scissors properly, chances are that you will cut your own hair in a wrong way. Don’t underestimate the importance of the grip and try to find a pair of hairdressing scissors with padded handles.
- Choose the right size so you can comfortably hold the scissors. For instance, if you have small hands, then you should choose smaller models of hairdressing scissors.
- Learn how to hold the blades before cutting your hair. For example, if you are right-handed, hold the blades in a way that the thumb is on top. For left-handed people, the thumb is on the bottom.
- While cutting your own hair, move the blades back and forth with short and deliberate movements. If you move them too fast, you can easily cut yourself. The same rule applies when cutting through thick hair.
- Make sure you move the blades in a smooth and controlled way because sudden movements can result in cuts and accidents. If you feel that you aren’t able to cut your hair in a smooth manner, ask for help from your family members or a professional hairstylist.
- After cutting your hair, do not store the hairdressing scissors in a drawer or on top of the bathroom sink because they can be easily disturbed. You can use a drawer or storage box that has soft sides and protects the blades from other sharp objects.
The Bottom Line
When planning to buy hairdressing tools, you should always opt for professional hairdressing scissors over traditional ones that you would normally use to cut paper or cardboard with. Using these types of blades for your hair may result in a lot of pain, not to mention the hair damage you might suffer from as a result. If you want to properly cut your own hair without needing to rush to your hairdressing salon to get it fixed, then having the right equipment at the ready is one of the most important things you need to take care of.
