Point Cut

Point Cut (ポイントカット)

Quick look

What it is: Using only the tips of the blades to cut into the ends of hair, removing weight selectively
Purpose: Creates texture, softens blunt lines, removes bulk at specific points
Key requirement: Sharp, precise blade tips with a narrow profile
Best scissors: Narrow straight blade, convex edge, 5.0 to 5.5 inch

Why it matters

Point cutting is where you shift from creating shapes to creating texture. Instead of closing the full blade through a section, you work with just the last centimeter or so of the tip, snipping into the hair at angles to break up density and weight.

This technique gives you surgical control over where bulk sits. You can target individual clumps of weight without disrupting the overall shape. That’s why it shows up constantly in modern layering, lived-in color work, and any style where you want the ends to look soft instead of blocky.

The scissors matter here more than in most techniques. You need sharp tips that converge to a fine point. Blunt or rounded tips won’t penetrate the section cleanly. Convex edges are the standard choice because they cut with minimal resistance at the tip, which lets you work fast without pushing hair sideways.

Recommended scissors

Feature	Recommendation
Blade type	Narrow straight
Edge type	Convex
Size	5.0 to 5.5 inch
Handle	Offset preferred for ergonomic tip control

Technique notes

Angle the blade tips into the section at roughly 45 degrees. Straight-in vertical cuts remove more weight. Shallow angles remove less. Adjust based on hair density and how much texture you want.

Keep the cutting action small. You’re only using the outer 1 to 1.5 cm of the blade. If you find yourself closing the blades more than halfway, you’re not point cutting anymore.

Work on dry hair when possible. Wet hair clumps together and hides the actual weight distribution. On dry hair you can see exactly where the bulk is and target it.

Japanese stylists often combine point cutting with dry cutting (ドライカット) as a finishing step to refine the shape after the initial wet cut.