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Are you a hair stylist who is super confident with your hair cutting shears? Of course you are ! They have come to be your very helpful side kick. But how do you feel about your razor? When someone asks for a razor cut, do you hesitate? Fear not ! We promise after this article you will have more confidence in your razor cutting abilities!
The most popular razor used for razor cuts is the feather razor. This is a razor with a straight handle and a blade with grooves on it. This means you are not cutting with a straight razor blade but more with a blade with a guard on it. Many stylists prefer this type of razor as it is safer and the grooves help to add texture while cutting hair.
You may find that as you learn more about the razor cut and become a more experienced stylist a straight razor may be better for you. A straight razor does not have a guard and is one very sharp blade! Cutting hair with one of these is an advanced skill that takes time and practice. Due to how sharp the blade is you must make sure you are moving the blade enough to get the textured look, otherwise you will just be cutting through the hair. It also involves a certain amount of skill as to not cut yourself with the very sharp razor blade.
A razor haircut when done correctly can look so good ! Razor haircuts are done to add texture and remove bulk throughout an entire haircut. Razors can be used for different cutting techniques, they can be used for a full cut to give a very textured look, just for certain parts of the cut to soften them or even just the end touches to add movement to a neckline. Hairdressing shears give more blunt lines in a haircut while a razor will give a more shattered look. If your client is wanting a lot of texture and movement maybe its time to convince them to try a razor cut.
Just like learning to cut with your hair cutting shears, knowing how to use a razor and have proper control of it can make the biggest difference in your desired results.
As we mentioned you can use your razor for a full haircut. If your client is looking for a shag cut or a haircut with softer, wispier ends this may be the best option for them. In this case you can use the same parting and basics of a regular shear haircut. However, when you are razor cutting it is all about the motion of your arm. Creating the right texture will depend on how much you move the razor up and down the hair shaft. If you're wanting a very textured choppy look, cut hair with delicate movements and longer strokes. If you're just wanting softer edges, smaller strokes will suffice. A razor cuts finish will look different from scissor cuts. The hair's ends will seem to taper to a sharper edge, as opposed to a scissor which will leave the ends of the hair more blunt and solid.
You can also just use a razor to add texture at the end of a haircut. Doing a full scissor cut and then finishing it with a razor can give blunt, or solid but soft edges. You can use your razor as you would your scissors for certain techniques. You can lift sections and razor cut pieces in the interior, similar to point cutting or you can use a razor to create soft face framing layers, like you would if slide cutting. You can also lift hair in sections and just use the razor to "shatter" or add texture to the ends. You can even use your razor cutting to break up the neckline of a short hair cut, and leave it looking more natural.
If you know the right way to use it a razor can be incredibly versatile!
Unfortunately it is not uncommon to come across clients who are scared of the razor. Usually this is because they have had a negative experience in the past. Hopefully you will be able to show them that using a razor is not always bad, it all depends on their hair type.
It is most important to make sure you are using a razor on the right hair types and hair textures. Razor cutting is a great way to remove bulk from thick hair. Razor cutting on already frizzy hair or even very coarse hair can add to the frizz! This is especially important to remember for those with curls. A razor can be used to cut curls, however it depends on the hair texture.
Clients with finer hair can use a razor, but it is best to use sparingly. Fine hair can be overly thinned out, which no one wants.
One of the most important ways to guarantee a great razor cut, is to always use a fresh sharp blade. Using a dull blade can catch the hair causing damage and be uncomfortable for your client. It can also cause frizz!
Another very important thing to note about razor cuts, they should be done on wet hair. Doing a razor cut on dry hair can cause split ends and make for an uncomfortable and unhappy client.
You really can't go wrong ! Both the razor and a pair of scissors deserve to be part of your day to day hair cutting! Hopefully reading this article has given you some insight into the razor cut! Now get out there and get to razor cutting!
