Q&A for How to Use Hair Thinning Shears

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  • Question
    What is thinning out hair for?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Thinning allows hair to lay close to the head, adds movement, and softens shapes. You can use thinning shears to remove bulk from thick hair or to simply soften the ends of a cut.
  • Question
    How do thinning scissors work?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A thinning shear has teeth along the blade that separate out some of the hair so that only intermittent pieces are cut. This creates a soft, diffused cut instead of a clean line.
  • Question
    What is the difference between blending and thinning shears?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Blending and thinning shears are different terms for the same thing. Some companies call shears different things based on the spacing of the teeth, but this isn't consistent across brands.
  • Question
    Why do you use thinning shears?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Thinning shears are used to remove bulk from the hair and give the ends a softer, more blended appearance. You can also use them to diffuse strong lines in a haircut.
  • Question
    Will using shears cause more frizziness if I have thick straight/wavy hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    It can. Any type of weight removal can cause curls to separate and frizz. If your hair is mostly straight you should be fine, but if in doubt you can always go to a salon for a consultation.
  • Question
    If you are holding a section on the side straight out, how is it possible to hold the tips of the scissors facing up and then later down?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Just change the angle of the hand holding the shear. First tilt up like you're holding a cup, then tilt down, like you're pouring it out.
  • Question
    Where should I cut the hair with the thinning shears?
    Bianca Cox
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Bianca Cox is a Hair Stylist, Licensed Cosmetologist, Owner of The Hair Throne, and Co-Owner of Bianchi Salon. Her salons pride themselves on their modernity, individuality, art, and professional services. You can check out The Hair Throne and more of Bianca's hairstyling on Instagram @hairthrone and on her personal Instagram @biancajcox.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Use the thinning shears towards the end of the hair and never in the center or along the roots. Cutting in the center creates texture and removes bulk without leaving shorter, frizzy hairs sticking out everywhere.
  • Question
    How long does it take for hair to grow back after a haircut?
    Community Answer
    It takes about six to eight weeks for the hair to grow back.
  • Question
    Can I thin my hair with pinking shears?
    Community Answer
    No, they are too sharp and designed for thick fabric such as fleece. Hair is not fleece.
  • Question
    Can I use real scissors?
    Community Answer
    It's not recommended unless you know what you're doing. You could make a mess of your hair pretty easily.
  • Question
    Which thinning shears should I use if I want to do an undercut?
    Community Answer
    When doing a undercut, it's almost universal for people to use an electric razor with a guard on it. If you choose to not use an electric razor, then it may end up uneven.
  • Question
    How do I add interior layers to fine hair?
    Blase Sylvester
    Community Answer
    You can add layers with weave. If your hair is thin, clip-on may be best.
  • Question
    How often should I use them?
    Community Answer
    You should never use hair thinning shears. You can go to a professional if you need help thinning your hair.
  • Question
    How can I tell if hair has been thinned out?
    Community Answer
    Hair that has been thinned properly should not be noticeable; it should all blend in when thinned.
  • Question
    Can I get the top of my hair thinned without cutting the bottom?
    Community Answer
    If the top is quite thick and uneven, you can thin the top without cutting the rest of the hair.
  • Question
    If someone has very thick hair on top, how do I part the hair to use the thinning shears?
    Community Answer
    Section it off in 3" sections and continue all around the head. Do not stay in one section or it will be over-cut.
  • Question
    Is using thinning shears permanent?
    Dio Sanford
    Community Answer
    It will cut only the hair that is outside of your head, meaning, that because it is not cutting your roots, the answer is that it is not permanent. Your hair will grow back.
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