Curved Scissors

Scissors-over-comb Technique

The scissors-over-comb technique, often used by barbers, is essential for many different cuts for men and women. This particular technique allows you to cut close to the head and follow the hairline. If you do it right, you end up with a softer look, but not a freshly shaved look like you get with clippers.

You will need to start with a head of freshly washed, damp hair. Cut the top ½ of the haircut, removing the bulk. Instructions for this can be found in The Beginner’s Guide to Cutting Hair in chapter 11. After that is completed, you can move onto the lower ½ of the haircut. Here are some guidelines to help you:

* Starting at the hairline, lift a section of hair with your comb in your holding hand (left hand).

* Cut off the hair that sticks past the comb with your scissors (in your cutting hand). The lower blade (the stationary blade) must be parallel to your comb.

*Keep the blade of your scissors moving as you cut a section (one comb’s worth) of hair. If you stop “mid cut”, you can get little nick marks.

*Open and close the blades all the way so that most of the cutting is done with the center part of the blades rather than the tips. Cutting with the tips can result in choppy, uneven cuts.

* Try to do all the cutting work with your thumb(upper) blade rather than your lower (finger) blade. Your lower blade should stay as still as possible – that’s why it’s called the stationary blade.

* Cut the hair close to your comb but don’t actually touch it (unless the style is very short). You could end up cutting into your comb and damaging your scissors.

* After you’ve cut the first section, lift some of the cut hair along with the next section you want to cut to act as your guide. Don’t cut any of the hairs from your previous cut – they are just there to guide you.

* You must keep your comb at a consistent distance and angle from the scalp to get a smooth cut. This is especially difficult in curved or rounded areas such as the nape of the neck.

* Work your way around the bottom ½ of the haircut, lifting either vertical or diagonal sections. Avoid horizontal.

* Stand to one side as you do this technique, not directly in front of what you are cutting. This allows you to more easily see the angle of the comb and the amount of hair you are cutting.

* It helps to have long scissor blades for this technique. Shorter scissors can result in more unevenness as well as horizontal “steps” because your hand will be in the way.

This technique takes a lot of practice, but once you get it right, you’ll be able to blend and cut very short hairstyles with a clean, even look.

About the Author

Nadine Visscher is the author of The Beginner’s Guide to Cutting Hair and Cutting Your Own Hair. She has been cutting hair for 20 years and has helped many people save a lot of money by teaching them the necessary basic techniques to give a great haircut at home.

How To Trim A Bichon Frise By Hand Scissoring Using Curved Shears Or Scissor

Progressive International Seafood Scissors $8.95 Tackle tough seafood and cut into the competition with Progressive’s seafood scissor. Perfect for crab, shrimp, and lobster, these scissors easily crack and cut their way through, ensuring you get the most out of your delicious seafood meal. The blades are slightly curved for easier access and are great for removing shrimp veins as well. These scissor feature stainless steel blades and red handles…

Chef’s Choice 500 ScissorPro Professional Diamond Hone Scissor Sharpener $88.24 Restore your scissors to their original sharpness easily with the ScissorPro professional diamond hone scissor sharpener from Chef’s Choice. This electric knife sharpener does not require the scissors to be disassembled and incorporates conical, 100% diamond coated disks in a 2 stage process. It uses the patented Magna-Flex technology to control angle, apply correct pressure and stabilization. The…

J.A. Henckels International Henckels Serrated Poultry Shears $34.95 Every dedicated chef needs a powerful, top-quality poultry shears for the efficient cutting and dividing of chicken, turkey, duck and geese. Upper blade is micro serrated and precisely ground to ensure secure, even cutting. A bone breaker feature helps easily and smoothly separate wings, joints and bines. For added safety, the reinforced break-proof handles include a secure locking device. Drop fo…

SE Forceps, Straight & Curved 5.5 (2 Pieces) $2.00 2 – 5.5 in. Stainless Steel Hemostats. (1) Straight and (1) Curved tip. Each has three tension/locking positions. Clamps tight and holds. Can be used from anything from sewing to fishing. Great for all you hobby needs where you want to hold on!…

Corona Clipper 21-Inch Razor Tooth Raker Saw RS 7160 $40.76 Corona Razor Tooth Saw The Corona Razor Tooth Saw is great for cutting large branches and limbs. The saw features 3-Sided razor teeth, on a 7″ or 21″ blade. The self-cleaning raker tooth pattern reduces maintenance, while the impulse-hardened teeth give you a long service life. The saw features tempered-steel alloy construction with a precision-milled, laminated wood D handle. . 27in. overall leng…

5.5 KELLY Hemostat FORCEPS (Straight) $0.01 Straight Forceps 5.5 in. Self-Locking.Forceps are a handheld, hinged instrument used for grasping and holding objects. Forceps are used when fingers are too large to grasp small objects or when many objects need to be held at one time while the hands are used to perform a task. These are utility grade and not for medical use….

ACE For Men Toenail Clipper $1.99 Man-sized stainless steel toenail clipper is one-of-a-kind. Well-designed 55 degree POWER CUT lever makes cutting thick nails easy. Straight blades help avoid ingrown toenails. Clipper includes catcher so nails don’t fly away….

Fold-Up Nail Clipper by Safety 1st Perfectly sized for little nails, this nail clipper features curved clipping edges and a sure-grip extension. Curved clipping edges Easy-grip handle for a sure hold…..

Slant Tip Stainless Steel Tweezers by ToiletTree Products – Lifetime Replacement Guarantee $15.95 Stainless Steel Slant Tip Tweezers by ToiletTree Products are perfect for shaping brows. Precision-aligned slant tips are best for all your tweezing needs. Designed to last a lifetime. Care and Cleaning: This tool is 100% stainless steel and is designed to last a lifetime. After each use, the product should be cleaned to extend the use and also to avoid germs. Place some rubbing alcohol onto a …

Integy Lexan Curved Scissor INTC23053 $3.10 This is the Team Integy Curved Tip Lexan Scissors.FEATURES: Curved tip specially designed to cut lexan/polycarbonate bodies used on radio controlled vehicles. These can also be used for airplane canopies, helicopter windshields and other plastics. Black plastic handle for comfort and control Stainless steel cutting bladesINCLUDES: One pair of Body ScissorsSPECS: Blade Cutting Area: 1″ (25mm) appr…