Using a texturizing blade, typically found on texturizing shears (also known as thinning shears), is an advanced hairdressing technique primarily aimed at removing excess bulk, adding dynamic movement, and creating a softer, more natural finish to a haircut without drastically altering the overall length.
Understanding Texturizing Shears
Texturizing shears are distinct from regular cutting shears. They feature one traditional straight blade and one blade with teeth or notches. The number and spacing of these teeth determine how much hair is removed with each cut, allowing for precise control over the texture and volume. They are indispensable tools for refining haircuts and achieving specific styles.
Key Techniques for Using Texturizing Shears
Mastering texturizing shears involves several techniques, each yielding a unique effect on the hair.
Reducing Bulk and Weight
This technique is ideal for thick, heavy hair that needs to be lightened without losing length.
- Method:
- Section the hair horizontally.
- Lift a section away from the head.
- Insert the texturizing shears into the middle of the hair section, not too close to the scalp or the ends.
- Make one or two cuts.
- To remove more hair, hold the shears at more of an angle (almost perpendicular) to the section that you're cutting.
- Repeat throughout the desired areas, ensuring even distribution to prevent "holes" or thin spots.
- Effect: Reduces the overall density, making hair feel lighter and more manageable.
Creating Texture and Movement
When you want to add a "shattered" or "piecey" look, or enhance natural waves and curls, texturizing at the ends or surface layers is effective.
- Method:
- For subtle texture, lightly snip into the very ends of the hair using a point-cutting motion with the texturizing shears.
- For more pronounced movement, lift sections and use the shears to cut into the surface layers or along the perimeter.
- Effect: Introduces varying lengths within a section, promoting natural movement and dimension.
Softening Lines and Blending
Texturizing shears excel at softening blunt lines, blending different hair lengths, and creating seamless transitions in layered cuts or bobs.
- Method:
- Identify the area where you want to soften a line or blend layers.
- Gently glide the texturizing shears along the transition point, making light, feathery cuts.
- Avoid harsh, deep cuts; the goal is diffusion, not removal of large amounts of hair.
- Effect: Eliminates harsh demarcation lines, resulting in a much softer and more natural-looking finish.
Slide Cutting
Slide cutting with texturizing shears is a gentle technique used to create very soft, diffused ends and natural layers, particularly in longer hair or to release weight in a flowing manner.
- Method:
- Take a section of hair.
- Hold the texturizing shears so that the straight side of the blade is leading the way and enters the hair first.
- With the shears slightly open, gently slide them down the length of the hair section from mid-shaft to ends.
- Maintain light pressure to avoid pulling or damaging the hair.
- Effect: Creates a feathery, wispy texture and graduated layers without defined lines.
Tips for Effective Texturizing
To achieve the best results and maintain hair health, keep these tips in mind:
- Dry Hair is Best: Always use texturizing shears on dry hair. Cutting wet hair can lead to over-texturizing and can damage the hair shaft, as it's difficult to gauge the final look.
- Start Small: Always begin with less texturizing, as you can always remove more hair but cannot put it back.
- Avoid the Roots: Unless specifically aiming for significant volume reduction directly at the scalp, avoid cutting too close to the roots. This can create short, spiky hairs that stand up.
- Even Distribution: Distribute your cuts evenly across the desired sections to prevent creating noticeable thin patches or uneven texture.
- Check Your Work: After each few cuts, use a wide-tooth comb to brush through the hair and assess the results.
- Consider Hair Type: Finer hair requires minimal texturizing, while thick, coarse hair can tolerate more aggressive techniques.
- Sectioning: Proper sectioning is crucial for control and precision, ensuring only the intended hair is texturized. Learn more about hair sectioning techniques.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-Texturizing: This is the most common mistake, leading to hair that looks sparse, stringy, or has visible "holes."
- Cutting Too Much at Once: Take small sections and make minimal cuts.
- Using on Wet Hair: As mentioned, this can cause breakage and lead to an unpredictable outcome.
- Cutting Too Close to the Scalp: Can result in flyaways and an unkempt appearance.
- Using Like Regular Shears: Texturizing shears are not designed for blunt cutting and should not be used to create sharp lines.
Choosing the Right Texturizing Shears
Texturizing shears come with varying tooth counts, which dictate their primary use and the amount of hair removed.
| Tooth Count Range | Common Name | Primary Use | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-15 | Chunkers | Significant bulk removal, dramatic texture | Bold, noticeable layers and texture |
| 20-30 | Thinning Shears | General thinning, moderate bulk reduction | Soft thinning, subtle volume reduction |
| 35-45+ | Blenders | Softening lines, seamless blending of layers | Subtle thinning, seamless transitions |
Understanding these differences can help you choose the right tool for your desired outcome. For more insights, explore professional hair shear types.
Maintenance and Care
Proper care ensures the longevity and performance of your texturizing shears:
- Clean Regularly: Remove hair debris after each use.
- Oil Blades: Apply a drop of shear oil to the pivot screw regularly.
- Store Properly: Keep them in a protective case to prevent damage to the blades.
- Professional Sharpening: Have them professionally sharpened as needed to maintain their cutting edge.
