Change Up Your Hair Game with Thinning Shears: Learn How to Use Them Today

Hair styling can be a tedious task, especially if you have thick or long hair. It takes time, patience, and skill to create the perfect hairdo. However, there’s one tool that can make this task easier: thinning shears. These shears come in handy when you want to reduce the bulk of hair without sacrificing its length. They are versatile and can be used for various hair types, from straight to curly.

If you’ve never used thinning shears before, don’t worry – this guide will teach you everything you need to know. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what thinning shears are, the benefits of using them, how to choose the right pair for you, and how to use them to achieve various haircuts and styles. So, let’s get started!

What Are Thinning Shears?

Thinning shears, also known as blending shears, are used to remove bulk from the hair without cutting its length. They have teeth on one blade that are specially designed to blend the hair by cutting some strands while leaving others intact. Thinning shears come in different types, sizes, and shapes. Some have straight teeth, while others have curved teeth. Some have wider spaces between teeth, while others are closely spaced.

Benefits of Using Thinning Shears

Thinning shears have several benefits, including:

1. Reducing bulk

Thinning shears make hair more manageable by removing bulk. They are particularly useful for people with thick hair because they help create volume and shape.

2. Softening layers

If you have layers in your hair, thinning shears can soften the transition between them and create a more natural look.

3. Creating texture

Thinning shears can also create texture in the hair, making it look more interesting and giving it movement.

4. Adding volume

Thinning shears can add volume to thin or limp hair by creating layers and reducing weight.

Choosing the Right Thinning Shears

Choosing the right thinning shears is essential to achieving the best results. Here are some things to consider when selecting a pair:

1. Type of thinning shears

Thinning shears come in different types, including straight, curved, double-sided, and offset. Straight thinning shears are best for straight hair, whereas curved ones are ideal for curly or wavy hair. Double-sided thinning shears are suitable for stylists who want versatility, while offset thinning shears are best for people with larger hands.

2. Teeth spacing

The spacing between the teeth on thinning shears varies. Wider spacing is best for removing more hair, while closer spacing is ideal for removing less hair and creating texture.

3. Blade size

Blade size is another important factor to consider. Longer blades are best for removing bulk from large sections of hair, while shorter blades are suitable for more detailed work.

4. Material and quality

Thinning shears can be made of different materials, such as stainless steel, titanium, or cobalt. The quality of the material affects the price, durability, and performance of the shears. High-quality shears are worth the investment because they last longer and perform better.

How to Use Thinning Shears

Using thinning shears requires some skill and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Start with clean and dry hair.

2. Section the hair into manageable pieces using clips.

3. Hold the thinning shears vertically and start at the ends of the hair, working your way up towards the roots.

4. Cut the hair at a 45-degree angle, taking small sections at a time.

5. Use the thinning shears to cut into the hair at the mid-length, softly closing and opening the shears while removing hair.

6. Comb through the hair to see if any further thinning is required. If so, repeat the process.

7. Blend the hair by using regular shears to cut the ends and neaten up any uneven spots.

Tips and Strategies for Using Thinning Shears

Here are some tips and strategies to help you get the best results when using thinning shears:

1. Don’t overdo it.

Thinning shears are powerful tools, but it’s essential not to remove too much hair at once. Start with a small amount and gradually work your way up to avoid having uneven haircuts.

2. Use the right technique.

Using thinning shears requires a different technique from regular shears. Cut into the hair instead of cutting across it. This technique creates a softer look and minimizes choppy edges.

3. Practice on a mannequin head.

If you’re new to using thinning shears, practice on a mannequin head first. This will help you develop the right technique and avoid making mistakes on your hair.

4. Use them on dry hair.

Thinning shears work best on dry hair because they give you more control over the hair. Wet hair can stretch and become difficult to work with, making it easier to cut too much.

5. Clean them regularly.

Thinning shears require regular cleaning to maintain their performance and prevent hair buildup. Use alcohol or a specialized cleaner to clean the blades after each use.