Point Cutting Essentials
Create softness and movement without losing control of your outline using structured point cutting techniques.
Technique overview
Point cutting removes bulk and adds texture by inserting the tips of the shear into the hair at varying angles.
Key variables
- Angle: 45° for softening, 90° for internal removal, shallow (15°) for minimal texture.
- Depth: 0.5 cm for light detailing, up to 2 cm for more movement.
- Shear choice: Sharp convex shear (5.5”–6.0”) with fine tips.
Step-by-step
- Cut your base shape with blunt or layered technique.
- Hold subsections parallel to the finished fall.
- Open/close shears with small bites; keep thumb movement minimal.
- Vary depth based on desired softness.
- Comb through to assess weight release.
Drill: texture ladder (15 minutes)
- Section mannequin into four quadrants.
- Apply progressively deeper point cutting in each quadrant (0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm).
- Compare movement and note results in training log.
Safety precautions
- Keep blades perpendicular to fingers to avoid cutting skin.
- Maintain sharp tips—perform Sharpening Blueprint regularly.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Frayed ends | Shears dull; schedule sharpening |
| Uneven texture | Inconsistent depth; practice on mannequin before clients |
| Excessive weight removal | Reduce depth and spacing between cuts |
Combine with
- Slide Cutting for seamless movement.
- Texture on Curl Patterns to adapt for curls.