Prepping The Hair Prior To Cutting Can Be The Difference Between An
Okay Haircut And A Great Haircut
When it comes to hair cutting, there is no doubt that this service can be what keeps our clients coming back. Many times the focus can be so much on color that we forget about the importance of the cut.
Although it can seem like hair cutting is a one step process, there is much more to it. Great haircuts can bring back guests every four to five weeks.
So, what can you do to set yourself apart from the haircut shops offering cuts for $10? There are a few things to consider when it comes to hair cutting.
Try implementing these things the next time you do a cut to set yourself above the rest.
Keep The Hair Wet
Simple right? You would be surprised!
Many stylists forget to wet the hair once it starts to dry. When it comes to haircutting, this is one of the most common mistakes.
We get into deep conversation and forget to spray the hair with h2o—keeping moisture in the hair can prevent any mishaps when cutting. If you start in one spot where the hair is wet and your comb is keeping it straight, imagine how the other side will be if the hair has dried naturally and now has a wave? It will automatically become shorter on one side.
When it comes to precise haircuts, such as bobs, this is especially important. What’s worse than having one side shorter than the other? We all know what can happen if we just keep cutting to make it even—potential disaster and an unhappy client.
Make sure that the hair is wet enough but not dripping. Too much water can weigh the hair down and make it seem longer than it is. Keeping the hair evenly damp is key.
Use Leave-in Conditioner
Before you start cutting, make sure to use a leave-in conditioner or smoothing lotion in the hair to help your scissors slide through the hair like a knife through butter.
Precise lines are your best friend in cutting. By prepping the hair with a smoothing lotion or leave-in conditioner, a stylist can take more precise sections in one try. Not only will this help you get precise sectioning leading to a perfect cut, but it will also keep the hair moist and prevent it from drying out.
Keeping the hair moisturized can also protect your scissors, a bonus for any stylist. Hair with no moisture can dull your scissors quickly. Protect your clients hair and your scissors with a leave-in conditioner prior to cutting.
Refine The Cut
How do we prep the hair after it has already been cut and blown dry? The best way to make sure you have the perfect cut for your guest is to refine it at the end.
Many times we do a fabulous blow out with lots of volume and round brushed curls and forget the importance of finishing the cut prior to styling. Include prepping the hair for refinement by straightening it first in order to see the shape and ensure the proper cutting technique was used.
It is almost impossible to catch these details when the hair is already styled. Prepping the hair prior to additional styling can help expose any extra weight leftover that you might want to remove. Go the extra step to complete your cut when the hair is dry and style it as you wish.
Don’t let your guests go home and style their hair only to find surprises in their cut. Incorporate these steps to improve your cutting skills and keep your guests coming back.
