International Technique Crosswalk
Compare Japanese, British, French, and Korean shear techniques with tool implications.
Technique comparison
| Region | Signature approach | Shear setup | Training focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan (dry cutting) | Sculpt on natural fall, micro slicing for airy texture | 6.0” convex, 5.5” detail shear, soft-texture blender | Body control, sound/feel cues, precision drying |
| UK (British precision) | One-length and graduated classics, discipline + geometry | 5.0” precision shear, flat comb, wrap-dry tools | Section discipline, tension, cross-checking, blow-dry finish |
| France (freeform) | Disconnected layering, contouring around bone structure | 6.5” slide-friendly shear, texturizer, razor | Visual mapping, weight release, movement-based cutting |
| Korea (trend cutting) | Ultra-light layers, K-pop inspired fringes, hybrid wet/dry | 5.5” detail shear, 6.0” slim blade, thinning shear | Speed, fringe architecture, product-led styling |
Use regional deep dives for more detail: Japanese Dry Cutting Masterclass, British Precision, and upcoming French/Korean technique guides once published.
Cross-training roadmap (8 weeks)
| Week | Objective | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Baseline assessment | Record current technique, log strengths/risks, update your precision practice tracker. |
| 3–4 | Japanese dry immersion | Complete Japanese guide drills, attend VR slide practice (if available), practice on dry mannequins. |
| 5 | Precision bootcamp | Run British bob + graduation drills, wrap-dry finishes, track speed. |
| 6 | French freeform experimentation | Mannequin mapping, contouring, razor blending; capture before/after for critique. |
| 7 | Korean trend sprint | Focus on fringe, layers, and product-driven finishes; integrate digital references. |
| 8 | Synthesis showcase | Build a hybrid look incorporating 2+ regional elements; present to mentors, log learnings. |
Toolkit alignment
| Tool | Region emphasis | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0” convex (polished) | Japan + France | Keep ride line pristine for dry slicing. |
| 5.0” precision shear | UK + Korea | Ideal for sharp outlines and fringe work. |
| 14-tooth blender | France + Korea | Lightweight debulking without lines. |
| Razor with guard | France | Maintain new blades; combine with hydration for slip. |
| Digital mood board app | All | Collect references from Tokyo, London, Paris, Seoul runway feeds. |
Salon implementation
- Create regional rotation days where stylists shadow each other using different methodologies.
- Update service menus with “Tokyo Dry Sculpt”, “London Precision Bob”, or “Seoul Fringe Refresh” packages.
- Log retention and add-on metrics in your analytics dashboard to prove ROI.
Educator notes
- Build a standing glossary row for regional terms inside your shared glossary.
- Capture mannequin progression photos and archive in the curriculum drive for future cohorts.
- Invite international brand educators for quarterly guest sessions. Record and summarize key differences on the Learning Hub.
Global mastery rewards stylists who stay curious. Rotate techniques, document findings, and keep the Learning Hub the compass that ties international inspiration back to measurable salon results.