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A good hairstyle can boost a man’s confidence and self-esteem instantly. A bad one can lead to a sudden hat purchase. As a professional hairdresser, you have the unique ability to transform a person’s mood while doing something you love. Perhaps that's why you enjoy what you do so much.
Of course, there's a technical aspect to cutting hair. The type of shears to use, for example, can make or break the shape of a fade. But there are also opportunities to inject a bit of creativity when it comes to styling the perfect pompadour. It’s like being an artist, life coach, and magician all at once.
But as we mentioned, men's hairstyles can also go wrong. Very wrong. And it can get really, well . . . not so pretty.
So what are the common mistakes we see in men's hair, and how can you avoid them? Read on. This is a good one to keep in your back pocket.
Fortunately for men’s hair, there are just a handful of cardinal mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
When a client asks for a clean, short haircut, you may be tempted to just use the #2 clippers all over. It might look clean at first glance, but you might actually be missing small areas that require a shorter guard. Take a closer look and make sure your client walks away with an even cut.
Similarly, you’ll want to avoid leaving too much weight on parts of your client’s head. Maybe you used clippers, or maybe you went shears all the way. But, before you dust off your client, take a closer look to see if he requires additional trimming to avoid the dreaded “poofy” look.
Solving these two common issues requires both time and practice. Don’t be hasty in completing a haircut. As you cut more hair, you’ll be able to spot or prevent these hair problems.
When you have a new client, it’s essential to understand them and understand their overall lifestyle and personality. By doing so, you can help steer them away from a trending Instagram hairstyle that doesn’t fit their lifestyle. And stop them from going for David Beckham’s haircut if it doesn’t suit their face shape.Ask questions and give your input. You’re the trusted expert, so you’ll be able to take an unbiased look at his face shape, hair type, lifestyle, and personality and make an informed recommendation. Trust us – your clients will appreciate it.
Thinning shears are instruments used to take the weight off the hair while maintaining the natural volume and texture. Yeah, we know. . . Magic. However, thinning shears can leave your client with that spiky, “I took too much off the top” look if you use them improperly.
The solution? Instead of using thinning shears at the root (which will cause the hair to go flat), use the thinning shears to cut the mid-length of the hair.
Sideburns of the right length can frame and accentuate your client’s face. While there’s no optimal sideburns length, completely cutting or shaving them off can send your client to a weird period in the 1990s when that was all the rage.
When dealing with sideburns, trim, don't shave. Examine your client’s face to see what length works best. For shorter hair, it’s better to have shorter sideburns. While longer sideburns are acceptable on longer hair.
With a fade, the cut should be expertly blended, with no harsh lines that interfere with the smooth transition in hair length. The most common mistakes hairdressers make? Cutting the sides too high and not creating a shape that complements the client’s face.
Take your time and gradually cut hair with your clippers, using an “up and out” technique – start at the nape of your client’s neck and work upwards, alleviating the pressure on the clippers with each stroke. Remember to vary the length of your clipper guards. And pay close attention to the transition to ensure the style doesn’t resemble an undercut.
Let's face it. It's pretty much a toss-up on how your client's hair will look the day after you work your magic. Maybe they'll remember to blow dry the back . . . or perhaps they'll walk outside two seconds after washing their hair.
While you can't style their hair every day, you can give your clients some tips to keep their hair in tip-top shape until their next haircut.
The right amount of product accentuates hair. Remind your clients that piling on products will only leave their hair greasy or flaky. Help them find the right products for their hair type and explain the best way to use them.
Whether it's to save a few minutes or a few dollars, men love using shampoo and conditioner in one. If your client is one of them, let him know that these products don’t clean their hair as well as he thinks they do. They might have to dish out a few extra dollars, but high-quality shampoo and conditioner are worth the investment.
If your client is looking to maximize the volume of their hair, encourage them to find the right brush or comb to do the job.
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. If your client is regularly using hair products to style their hair, there’s a big chance their scalp is accumulating a build-up of hair products, sebum, and other stuff. Introduce your client to a gentle product they can incorporate as part of their personal care routine.
As natural as it is, some men deny hair loss. Helping your clients find the right hairstyle for thinning hair can help them feel more confident as they move into a new stage of life. Making your chair a safe space to talk about hair loss will make your job easier each time he visits you.
As a professional hairstylist, you wear many hats. You cut and style. You listen to stories. You consult on products. And your work can be the much-needed boost your clients need in their life. But, as much as you’re taking care of them, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
At Scissor Tech, we equip professionals like you with the top-rated shears in the industry. We’ll help you find scissors that are not only ergonomic but also fit your style and personality.
